Dealer Spotlight – Pioneer Fireplace
Dealer Spotlight
Pioneer Fireplace
Location
Pioneer Fireplace is located in Nanaimo, B.C. with two more locations in Parksville, B.C. and Campbell River, B.C. – servicing all of Central Vancouver Island.
History
Launched by Tim Struch in 1978 as a masonry business specializing in fireplaces, Pioneer Fireplace soon became a one-stop shop for all hearth related matters. Right from its inception, Pioneer and Pacific Energy formed a close partnership that has been going strong for over 40 years. In 1990 Pioneer opened a satellite store in Parksville and in 2018 expanded into Campbell River now servicing all of Central Vancouver Island.
Staff
15 staff – full-time sales, part time sales throughout all locations, as well as installers, service, and warehouse personnel.Â
Business Mantra
We are the quintessential hearth store – a one stop shop for a $2 gasket or a $20,000 luxury fireplace.
Chris Struch, General Manager
What makes your business unique?
Pioneer Fireplace prides itself as a true hearth and fireplace expert. We invest in extensive training for all staff in product selection, installations and product maintenance. We take the time, so the customer fully understands the product, the challenges and our expert solutions.
How many years have you been selling Pacific Energy products?
Pioneer Fireplace has been selling Pacific Energy products right from the start. Not only do Pacific Energy and Pioneer share that same year of inception, but also the same passion for innovation, quality and customer service.
What is your favourite Pacific Energy product and what do you like about it?
Our favourite Pacific Energy product is the Super LE and Super Classic LE – a highly versatile stove that works in any installation. It’s extremely reliable and the customer feedback speaks for itself – the Super has been a staple on our showroom floor since it was first introduced in the early 80s.
What is your favourite Pacific Energy gas product?
The Tofino i30 Gas Insert. It really shines with its reliability and impressive heat output – with or without the optional blower.
We are also very excited to see the new Tofino z25 Zero-Clearance Gas Fireplace. The heat output is excellent and it has many great design features. Â
Does your sales staff have any favourite products?
The Super LE and with it the Super Insert LE, Super Classic LE and Alderlea T5 LE products. They are easy to sell, given the great value considering the outstanding features and sharply priced price point.
What is your best-seller? Why do you think that is?
Super LE and all its variations like the Alderlea T5 and the Super Insert. It’s hands down the best wood burning product available. It checks all the boxes when it comes to size, burn-time and installation.
Do you remember a particular customer story that you would like to share with us?
There are too many to remember – we are the biggest Pacific Energy retailer after all. We have had many long term customers who purchased Pacific Energy product for over 40 years and don’t think twice about replacing their outdated product with another Pacific Energy model. The reliability and longevity of all Pacific Energy products is legendary.
Have you noticed any changes in the industry or your customer base? Any trends you are noticing?
Sure there has been trends over the years – but they also come and go. We notice our ‘typical’ wood customers becoming more cognizant of efficiency and emissions in wood burning appliances. We are proud to offer one of the most efficient and clean-burning products with the Pacific Energy line of wood and gas stoves and inserts.
Pioneer Fireplace Nanaimo
419 Terminal Ave N, Nanaimo, BC V9S 4J8
Phone: 250-753-2353
Pioneer Fireplace Parksville
1499 Huntley Rd, Parksville, BC V9P 1W3
Phone:Â 250-954-0331
Pioneer Fireplace Campbell River
1702 N Petersen Rd, Campbell River, BC V9W 3J6
Phone:Â 250-286-0051