The era of mismatched tables, grills and lawn chairs is over. The Outdoor GreatRoom Company was founded in 2003 by industry veteran Dan Shimek to enhance the comfort, beauty and value of outdoor living spaces through innovative technology and design. It develops unique, customizable products including gas and electric grills, grill islands, fire pits, fireplaces, outdoor furniture, pergolas and more; and helps customers design personalized outdoor rooms and kitchens for a fraction of the cost of indoor construction. Outdoor GreatRoom Company is passionate about the art of outdoor living, and is committed to creating elegant outdoor spaces for the activities you love most – entertaining, grilling, reading, resting, and simply relaxing with friends and family in the privacy of your own backyard. For more information, call 866-303-4028 or visit www.outdoorrooms.com.
About Outdoor Greatroom President Dan Shimek
Dan Shimek started his career as a research chemist at 3M Co., in St. Paul, Minn. While working his day job, he and his brother Ron began tinkering with the idea of a button-activated fireplace, and, in 1976, they launched Heat-N-Glo out of RonÂ’s garage.
Shortly thereafter, Heat-N-Glo transformed the industry by introducing the worldÂ’s first direct vent fireplace. It took 10 years to reach $5 million in sales; then between 1986 and 1996, Heat-N-Glo grew to become a $100 million company. In 1996, the Shimek brothers merged with Heatilator to form Hearth & Home Technologies, the largest hearth products manufacturer in North America. When Shimek retired in 2002, he knew he had another big idea yet to pursue. By drawing on his experience in the fire products industry and identifying a need for refined outdoor living products and furniture, he launched the Outdoor GreatRoom Company.
Shimek grew up in Little Falls, Minn., and now lives in Apple Valley with his wife, Kay. They have four grown children. When heÂ’s not working, he loves golfing and, of course, spending time outdoors.