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27 · Friday, May 7, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Spring Home and Garden Hearth Manor has a burning desire to succeed When Jacqueline Glass needs a fireplace for her interior design clients, there is only one place she will go to buy it -- small Mississauga-based Hearth Manor. "If there is an emergency or a pressing deadline, I can just pick up the phone ­ whatever time it is ­ and they'll just come and get the job done," Glass said. That quality of customer service, in addition to knowledge and experience, is why Glass, an interior designer who has made TV appearances on CityLine, recommends Hearth Manor. "When I recommend a company, I don't want to get a complaint from a client. I want to recommend a place that establishes credibility," she said. "It's hardly surprising but they always make the sale." Liz and Hans Martin, who started Hearth Manor in 1978, accept the praise modestly. And they credit their success on being specialists in their line of work, which includes gas, wood and electric fireplaces, as well as interior decor. "We have loyal customers, repeat customers, because they know we serve them well. We have the research to deliver everything they want and more," said Liz Martin. The Martin's daughter, Jessica Jean, has also joined the 32-year-old company, which was founded around the time of her birth. Jessica Jean literally grew into the business and the family has seen Hearth Manor through a lot of economic downturns, including the one we now appear to be emerging from. The key to the Martins' longtime RENE JOHNSTON/TORONTO STAR success is repeat business ­ many of their clients have been coming into Jessica Jean Martin, left, and Mom Liz relax with the family dog in their homey Mississauga their tidy shop in the Mississauga store. The family has run Hearth Manor for over 30 years and because of their loyal, return Home and Design Centre, on the customers have been able to weather a lot of economic storms. north side of Dundas St. W. just east of Winston Churchill Blvd., for are very cautious and careful with family-based company, we can make the money, and so are we, because a quick change without having to decades. "In some cases, it's families who we are part of that team reinvesting deal with a huge bureaucratic process like bigger companies would move into new homes. Other times, in their homes." The Martins believe because they have to contend with," said Liz it's their kids. We have generations are a small business, Hearth Manor Martin. of customers," said Jessica Jean. The Martins' theory for the suc"In tough economic times like has the capacity to adapt quickly to these, people do their homework. So economic change, while not com- cess appears to be corroborated by a small business report released by when they come to us, they expect promising customer service. "Business has always been up and CIBC in October 2009. The report informed decision," said the youngest of the Martin clan. "People down, but because we are a small, titled "Bruised but not battered," suggested that small businesses are more recession-proof than larger firms. "Against all odds, Canadian smalland medium-sized enterprises were not only able to endure the recent recession with less damage than in any other postwar recessions, but also to outperform their larger, more established, peers," the report stated. The report also said that small businesses are needed by society for employment and as an alternative career. "Home renovation can be really stressful, but (the Martins) never lose their cool," Glass said. "They just get the job done." The Martins were one of the original tenants of the Mississauga Home and Design Centre which is how Glass met them in her then capacity of general manager at the centre. "We've seen so many of the original tenants at the centre come-andgo," said Liz Martin. "So I think us staying here really says something about our longevity... it's something to be proud of." SPRING SAVINGS EVENT ethanol bio fuel Chimo Fireplaces For ethanol fuel, no chimney required, stainless steel. r Our t m. $ Reg. $1,999 One Only! 995* n egg Cooker, charcoal, smoker and grill. All accessories available. 45" Gas Electric Elmira Cook Stove 4 gas burners, 2 electric burners. True convection full size oven, trivet, nickel door frames, nickel antiquing and warming drawer. Reg. $7,389 SAVE $1004 SAVE $1,400 $ 2575 Dundas St., W., Mississauga 905.828.8880 Hearth Manor One Only! ECIALIZING IN FIREPLACE MAKE OVERS. NOT JUST A FIREPLACE STORE, WE CARRY HOME DECOR, FURNITURE, IGHTS, ACCESSORIES & MORE! 5,989*