February 28, 2019
Napoleon's Schroeters Recognized For Excellence
NAPOLEON’S SCHROETERS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE WITH DONNA H. MYERS AWARD
February 28, 2019 – The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) and Casual Living magazine announced today that the recipients of the Donna H. Myers Barbecue Leadership Award are Ingrid and Wolfgang Schroeter, co-founders of Napoleon Products. The award will be presented to the Schroeters during the Tailgate and Big Green Egg Cook-off on Thursday, March 14th at HPBExpo 2019.
The Schroeters built up a successful fireplace company in the 70s and 80s but sought another product line that would complement the seasonal nature of the fireplace industry. They opted to expand into the barbecue industry in 1995 when they launched their first high-end grills, the BC50 and the BC60 models. From there, Napoleon continued to develop new grills to meet customer needs and cultivated highly-successful retailer relationships.
“Ingrid and Wolfgang are a great story. With the success of their hearth business, they saw an opportunity to take care of seasonal employees and expand their product line by moving into the barbecue world,” commented Jack Goldman, President & CEO, HPBA. “Their approach to the manufacturer and retailer relationship has paid dividends as the company has grown into a leading manufacturer of grills. I’m so pleased that we can recognize their achievements with this award.”
Now in its eighth year, the Donna H. Myers Award is given out to recognize innovative leaders who have contributed to the growth of their companies and the industry as a whole. Myers was a leading barbecue industry advocate who died in January 2011.
“The Schroeters have dedicated their careers to the hearth and barbecue industry,” Goldman noted. “They recognized the importance of vibrant competition with other manufacturers, but also the need to come together to advance the industry as a whole. They stepped up to help everyone with their involvement with HPBA and its governance through the years.”
Previous winners include: Mark Nureddine, Bull Outdoor Products (2018); Dante Cantal, gas appliance innovator and founder of Twin Eagles, Inc., (2017); 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 Emily McGee: 703 522 0086, ext. 116, mcgee@hpba.org. Members of the media can register to attend HPBExpo for free at www.hpbexpo.com.
About the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, Va., is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of barbecue, patio and hearth appliances, fuels and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising and consumer education.
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Media Contact: Emily McGee, 703 522 0086, ext. 116, mcgee@hpba.org