February 06, 2017
Outdoor Kitchen and Gas Appliance Innovator Dante Cantal to Receive 2017 Donna H. Myers Award
ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) and Casual Living magazine are pleased to announce Dante Cantal as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Donna H. Myers Barbecue Leadership Award.
Since founding Twin Eagles, Inc., Dante has built his family-owned company from the ground up to a trend-setter in the premium outdoor kitchen equipment category. Dante has also received numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Gas Engineers.
“The level of success that Twin Eagles, Inc. has seen under Dante’s leadership in such a short time should be recognized," said Jack Goldman, President & CEO of HPBA. "He truly is an inspiration for anyone looking to start their own business or seeking to innovate a product––or entire category."
Dante started his career as a residential appliance engineer for White Westinghouse and General Electric. In 1982, he entered the cooking equipment industry as director of U.S. Range’s commercial design team. Dante has also applied his engineering expertise to many major brands, including Dynasty, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Cal Flame, Ducane Meridian, and Wolf. In 1996, he co-founded one of the first outdoor kitchen equipment companies––Lynx Professionals Grills. Visit Expo News for a complete bio on Dante.
The Donna H. Myers Barbecue Leadership Award will be presented March 2 in Atlanta, GA during the Big Green Egg Cook-off at HPBExpo 2017. Now in its sixth year, the award, sponsored by HPBA and Casual Living, recognizes innovative leaders who have contributed to the growth of their companies and the overall industry. Recipients combine distinguished professional achievement and community service with problem solving skills and an unwavering commitment to the barbecue industry. Donna H. Myers was a leading barbecue industry advocate who died in January 2011.
Previous winners include: Stan Hays, champion pitmaster and co-founder and CEO of Operation BBQ Relief (2016), Ron LaRocca, 30-year marketing and sales veteran instrumental in growing the barbecue industry (2015), Ed Fisher, Founder and Chairman of Big Green Egg (2014) and George A. Stephen, founder of Weber-Stephen Products and creator of the Weber Kettle Grill (2013). The first award, in 2012, was given posthumously to Myers.
For more information on the Donna H. Myers Barbecue Leadership Award and this year’s recipient, contact Carrie deGuzman at deguzman@hpba.org; 703-522-0086 x116. Press can register to attend HPBExpo for free at www.hpbexpo.com.
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