Grand County’s longest-running fireplace, stove and insert business has a new owner.

Chris Hill of Granby, a longtime feature in the construction accessory and service scene in Grand County, took over operations of The Warm Store from Steve and Kim Jensen of Mountain Top Builders on Jan. 1.

The Warm Store sells, services and installs fireplaces, stoves and inserts in all of Grand County, continuing a tradition that started when A.J. and C.B. Jensen started the business in Fraser in the late 1980s.

“I believe it is my relationships with the building community in Grand County that will help me move this business forward,” Hill said from the office and showroom in downtown Tabernash. “As well, it is my knowledge of the trades and my responsiveness to contractors and homeowners that will surely help to make this the premier hearth store in the county.”

Hill, who has lived in Grand County for 22 years, has worked for Country Hardware and Lumber and Legacy Building Specialties, along with stints for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, during his work tenure in Grand County. He also has assisted with winter installs and service work with The Warm Store over the last seven years.

Chris is certified as Grand County’s only “Master Hearth Professional” by the National Fireplace Institute, which means he has reached the highest level of certification in the hearth industry for all the fuel types which include wood, gas and pellet. “I’m also always looking to learn about what’s new in this field, such as the trend toward linear fireplaces that many homeowners are asking about.”

The store’s focus is on sales and installation in new construction and retrofit applications. The fireplace industry typically recommends an annual service and maintenance of existing fireplaces and stoves, which is a service The Warm Store provides.

Hill likes to emphasize his belief in a strong work ethic. “The reliability of what we offer is key,” he says. “We call people back and respond to their needs. I like to stress dependability and knowledge for all of your hearth product needs.”

The Warm Store specializes in the hearth industry and products aligned with Travis Industries, which includes: Lopi, Fireplace X and DaVinci. The store is also aligned with Hearthstone, known for its soap stone products.

The Warm Store can be reached by calling 726-5546 or by e-mailing info@thewarmstore.net.