Who We Are
Mission: NFI promotes safety and performance through education, training and certification to industry professionals. Our services provide a competitive edge and a level of expertise that lead to better business practices and profitability.
Vision: We educate the people who safely bring you joy, comfort and warmth.
NFI’s objective is to increase public safety by establishing meaningful credentials for professionals involved in planning and installing residential hearth appliances and venting systems. NFI certifies planners and installers in four hearth product categories:
- NFI Gas Specialist
- NFI Woodburning Specialist
- NFI Pellet Specialist
- NFI Hearth Design Specialist
A fireplace or stove can add beauty, warmth and value to your home and set the mood for memorable gatherings of family and friends. But choosing and installing a hearth system without adequate expertise is like playing with fire. That is why our mission is making quality training and credentials its mission. Planning and installing fireplaces, stoves and their venting systems requires experience, technical knowledge and skills. Numerous decisions–from proper floor protection to appliance sizing and placement to venting systems compatibility and height-should all be made with the expertise of a specialist. One of the ways to identify a component specialist is to check their credentials. The National Fireplace Institute®, an independent, non-profit certification agency, has created the standard for certification in the hearth industry. Only those who pass a rigorous examination covering fundamentals of proper installation receive NFI Specialist Certification.
Since 2001, the National Fireplace Institute® (NFI) has served as the national certification agency for the hearth industry. A comprehensive review process was conducted with the help of industry installers, technical experts, and hearth business owners to determine the knowledge and skills industry professionals need to succeed. Based on this formal review process and certification industry standards, the manuals and examinations for gas, woodburning, and pellet certifications were revised and enhanced. These comprehensive certifications are designed to provide industry-recognized credentials that help build confidence among consumers, employers, and building officials.
NFI Specialists who have earned all three fuel specific certifications are recognized as Master Hearth Professionals® (MHP). This accomplishment is acknowledged with the MHP logo displayed on their company website and on their NFI identification card. The National Fireplace Institute certifications set a high standard for excellence in the industry.
The National Fireplace Institute is governed by a Board of Directors that includes representatives from the hearth, patio and barbecue industries, the public safety, and allied service community.
Executive Committee
President: Rob Cackowski, Ortal
Vice-President: Eugene LaFlamme, McCoy Leavitt Laksey LLC
Secretary: Joslyn Teng, Dexen Industries, Inc.
Treasurer: Dana Richens, Smith, Gambrell & Russell
Board Members
Heather Hussong-Reasoner, Kozy Heat
Jeff Kite, Johnson Gas/Mendota
Melissa Womack, CDR Fireplaces