2026 Industry Award Winners
The HPBExpo26 Ultimate Awards Show held on Friday, March 20, 2026, was a standout, standing-room-only event that honored the individuals shaping the hearth, barbecue, and outdoor living industry. These awards recognize outstanding accomplishments by dedicated professionals. Congratulations to the 2026 winners!
🏆 Retailer of the Year – Melissa Womack
The Retailer of the Year Award honors an individual who has built a successful business while demonstrating leadership that strengthens the industry. Melissa Womack has built a strong business through expert fireplace service, a customer-first mindset, and a commitment to doing the job right. She is dedicated to developing skilled professionals, advancing training, and strengthening safety standards across the industry. A Master Hearth Professional, Womack is also an advocate for the industry, working to advance safety and certification standards.
🏆 Affiliate of the Year – Midwest HPBA
The Affiliate of the Year Award recognizes an affiliate that demonstrates excellence across outreach, member engagement, retention, education, and government affairs. Midwest HPBA (MWHPBA) has demonstrated strong performance across these areas. The MWHPBA achieved approximately 95% year-over-year member retention and mobilized 54% of its membership to attend HPBExpo, reflecting continuous engagement within its network. Through structured education programs and active involvement in advocacy, Midwest HPBA is strengthening its members’ businesses across its region.
🏆 Emerging Leader – John Forshaw
The Emerging Leader Award honors a professional with 8 years or fewer of industry experience who is already making an impact. John Forshaw grew up in a fifth-generation family business and has built his career in the hearth industry from the ground up, gaining hands-on experience across service, delivery, and installation. He serves on committees and on the MWHPBA board of directors. He is a graduate of the HPBA Government Affairs Leadership Academy and represented the industry on Capitol Hill during the Congressional Fly-In.
🏆 Advocate of the Year – Shannon Reyna
The Advocate of the Year Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates leadership in advancing industry advocacy and inspires others to take action. Shannon Reyna serves on the HPBA Pacific board of directors and chairs its Government Affairs Committee, where she actively shapes advocacy efforts and engages members. Reyna has helped turn advocacy into action by organizing outreach efforts, supporting communication with legislators, and encouraging broader participation across the industry. Through her leadership, Reyna has built stronger connections between members and policymakers, created momentum around industry priorities, and supported a more informed and engaged advocacy network.
🏆 Trainer of the Year Award – Chris Wolfe
The Trainer of the Year Award honors an instructor who taught at least 10 industry-related courses, encourages NFI Certification, and/or taught NFI Review courses. With decades of hands-on experience and a career dedicated to advancing technical training, Chris Wolfe has dedicated his career to advancing technical training, contributing to safer technicians, safer installations, and a stronger workforce. He remains active in committees, working groups, and industry initiatives that support ongoing education.
🏆 Excellence in Education Award – Jerry Isenhour
The Excellence in Education Award honors individuals who have spent over a decade elevating industry professionals through instruction, advocacy, and dedication to NFI Certification. Jerry Isenhour, with more than 40 years of industry experience, has dedicated his career to coaching, education, and strengthening business practices. As an author and educator, he has equipped professionals with tools to build stronger companies.
🏆 Attendees’ Choice Awards
These awards recognize the most innovative products showcased in the HPBExpo26 New Product Pavilion, as voted by attendees.
Outdoor Living: HPC Fire Inspired
Product: HPC Fire Inspired Crafted by Dekko Concrete Fire Pit
Barbecue: Monument Grills
Product: M200 Red Grill
Hearth: Stoll Industries
Product: Charnwood Haven
The Best Booth Experience Award recognizes the exhibitor who delivers the most engaging and memorable booth experience for attendees. The winning booth stood out with its dynamic, interactive displays that invited visitors to explore products in an immersive way, creating a lasting impression long after they left the show floor.
Best Booth Experience: Empire Comfort Systems
“Each of these award winners reflects the kind of leadership our industry depends on,” said HPBA President & CEO Jill McClure. “They invest in their people, stay committed to doing the work well, and contribute to something larger than themselves.”
Congratulations to the 2026 award winners! Your work continues to strengthen the industry and set a standard for excellence.