Kris Richardson, President & Founder of RPG Brands, steps into his new role as the incoming board chair of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA).
Succeeding Henry Hall, Immediate Past Chair and President of Skytech II, LLC, Richardson is poised to drive the association forward with a fresh and innovative perspective.
A Lifelong Connection to the Industry
For Richardson, the hearth industry is more than just a career—it’s a lifelong journey. His parents founded Arizona Fireplaces in 1980, laying the groundwork for what would become a family legacy in the industry.
Growing up in the industry, he witnessed firsthand the evolution of fireplace technology and market trends. After college, he joined the family business and quickly identified an opportunity in the electric fireplace market. This insight led to the founding of Modern Flames in 2009, a company focused on creating electric fireplace solutions.
Over the past 15 years, he has expanded his business ventures with Grand Canyon Gas Logs, Wildfire Outdoor Living, and Summit Open Luxury Fireplaces under the umbrella of RPG Brands (Richardson Products Group), These brands reflect his entrepreneurial drive and his ability to identify emerging trends within the industry.
Passion for Innovation and Industry Growth
Richardson is committed to innovation and the continuous improvement of products. He excels in designing and developing solutions that elevate both the aesthetics and functionality of fireplaces and outdoor living spaces.
In addition to his commitment to building great products, he is passionate about people.
“The people in this industry are amazing,” Richardson shared. “I love the relationships I’ve built and the community we’ve created. That’s what keeps me going.”
Leadership Style: Hands-On and Team-Oriented
At the core of his leadership philosophy is a belief in leading by example. He describes himself as a hands-on operator, someone who is willing to be in the trenches with his team to ensure success. However, he also recognizes the importance of trusting his team, allowing them to take ownership of their roles and contribute their unique skills.
His leadership style evolved organically over the years. When he first launched Modern Flames, it was just a small team of two — himself and one other employee, managing everything from sales to shipping. As the company grew, he had to learn how to delegate responsibilities effectively, hiring people whose strengths complemented his own.
“I realized that I needed to focus on what I do best and bring in great people to handle the rest,” Richardson explained.
Challenges and Triumphs
Like any entrepreneur, he has faced his share of challenges. From navigating product development missteps to dealing with the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, Richardson has learned to adapt and make strategic decisions in the face of adversity.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that mistakes are part of the process,” he said. “Some of our best decisions came from failures that forced us to pivot and rethink our approach.”
Among his proudest achievements are the 15-year anniversary of Modern Flames and the 10-year milestone of Grand Canyon Gas Logs. But above all, he is most proud of the culture he has built within his companies—a culture driven by hard work, innovation, and collaboration.
Priorities as HPBA Board Chair
As Richardson steps into the role of HPBA board chair, he plans to focus on several key priorities.
- Engaging the Next Generation of Leaders – Recognizing that the industry is evolving, he wants to encourage younger professionals to take on leadership roles and contribute to HPBA’s future.
- Encouraging Innovation – Just as he has prioritized innovation in his own companies, he believes that fostering creativity and technological advancement within the industry is crucial for growth.
- Strengthening HPBA’s Value to Its Members – He is committed to ensuring that members fully understand the value HPBA provides, from advocacy to industry support.
- Continuing the Momentum – After significant changes in recent years, including the hiring of President & CEO Jill McClure and recovering from pandemic challenges, Richardson will build on the strong work led by Immediate Past Chair Henry Hall.
Advocacy and Industry Challenges
Regulation has long been one of the biggest challenges facing our industry. Today, increasing regulatory pressure—including electrification policies, emissions standards, and tariffs—continues to pose serious risks. He emphasizes the importance of HPBA’s advocacy efforts in protecting the industry and ensuring a sustainable future for business owners.
“Our industry has been under attack for as long as I can remember, and it’s critical that we stand together,” he said. “HPBA plays a vital role in ensuring our industry remains strong, and that’s why I encourage every business owner to be involved and support our efforts.”
Life Outside of Work
When he’s not managing multiple companies or spearheading industry initiatives, he loves traveling and exploring the outdoors with his family—his wife, Brittany, and their two sons, Lincoln and Carter.
He also enjoys coaching his boys in sports and creating family adventures. What’s next for him? In October, he will lead a 16-day whitewater rafting trip through the Grand Canyon with his father and brother, where he will disconnect from technology and immerse himself in nature.
“It’s going to be an incredible experience,” he shared. “No phones, no computers, no hotels—just the river and the canyon. It’s the perfect reset.”
Looking Ahead
As he steps into his new role as HPBA board chair, he brings a wealth of experience, a passion for innovation, and a deep commitment to the industry’s future. His leadership will focus on fostering growth, strengthening industry advocacy, and ensuring that HPBA continues to be a valuable resource for its members.
His message to those in the industry is clear: get involved, stay engaged, and help shape the future of hearth, barbecue, and outdoor living.
“I’ve grown up in this industry, and I want to see it thrive for the next 20, 30 years and beyond,” he said. “Together, we can make that happen.”