Hearth and Home specializes in all things fireplaces; their passion and dedication to their customers shows. This exquisite specialty store has been a staple in the community for 18 years. This small business is owned by LaMara and Mark Martin, a couple who is dedicated to helping customers bring warmth into their homes with premier sources for fireplaces.
Entrepreneurship runs deep in LaMara’s family. Her grandparents, Lake and Audrey Edwards, opened Kountry Kastle in 1939. LaMara’s father, Max Edwards, took over the restaurant in 1964 after her grandfather unexpectedly passed away in a tragic car accident. “My parents always inspired me,” says LaMara. “They worked hard, but they always made family a priority; that’s what I always strive to do.”
Today, LaMara and Mark Martin are carrying on their family’s entrepreneurial spirit through their own business, Hearth, and Home. They hope to instill entrepreneurship into their own children and have proudly watched their son, Miles Martin, begin his own business.
LaMara and Mark’s entrepreneurial venture began in 1997 when they purchased Ken’s Insulation, an established business in our community. They made a few changes to the business, including changing the name to Air-Tite Insulation and introducing new products to their customers. In 2000, Mark recognized a demand for fireplaces and log sets and decided to start selling quality products through Ait-Tite Insulation. LarMara and Mark initially sourced fireplaces and log sets from a local distributor. They created a great partnership with the distributor, New Energy Supply, and then an opportunity arose to purchase the business. LaMara and Mark decided to purchase the business as an extension to their efforts and opened Hearth and Home in the same location as the former New Energy Supply. Hearth and Home originally sold wholesale fireplaces and fireplace accessories across the nation, but they decided to close the distribution side of the business and focus on being a retail store in the local community.
The team at Hearth and Home installs and services every product they carry within their retail store. Their team is extensively trained on hearth products, and they conduct annual inspections as well as clean and check all fireplace products sold. Hearth and Home strives to ensure that each fireplace project goes smoothly and this entails working with architects, contractors, and homeowners to design an enjoyable experience from the very beginning with strategic planning. There is something for everyone at Hearth and Home. This local specialty business carries a wide range of fireplace choices, including their best-sellers and ventless options.
“Our motto has always been to offer honest sales and service. We would never sell a product that we did not have experience or confidence with,” says LaMara.
Hearth and Home understands what their customers value, and because of this, LaMara and Mark prefer to sell American-made products. They’re dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, and their showroom is designed to cater to the customer experience. Because of their dedication to their customers, the team at Hearth and Home has developed long-standing relationships with their customers and contractors who keep coming back, time and time again.
For nearly two decades, the community has supported LaMara and Mark’s business ventures as it has developed into their primary entrepreneurial focus, Hearth, and Home. Because of this, they enjoy giving back to the community that has given so much to them. “We give back every chance we get. Whether it’s high school sports or a community fundraiser, we want to be part of it. We started donating a fireplace to St. Jude Dream Home in 2006, and we have not missed a dream home since,” says LaMara.
Hearth and Home provides all of your fireplace needs to keep your home cozy, warm, and, most importantly, safe. You can visit their website at https://hearthandhomeofky.com/ or visit their store located at 6001 Benton Rd, Paducah, KY.
