SJM_PROFILE_Rettinger_0221_profile 2 / 10 / 21 1 : 08 PM Page 2 ADVERTISEMENT they were raising the bar as an industry Leading With Heart leader , there had never been an ounce of In 1998 , our family business was cele - arrogance or assumption from their shared brating its third anniversary and was success . Their focus simply remained building a showroom to host a broader on their mantra : “ Where Details Make audience of customers . My mom had just The Difference . ” joined the effort to make sure that the name Rettinger would become synony - mous with fireplaces , just as my dad had always envisioned . From the beginning , their focus was always the same : highest - quality everything . My dad sought out the best products and assembled a team to install them ; my mom told the story . As new displays were added to the showroom , my mom would make it feel known as the Heifer Project to raise like home . Seasonal decorations were money for a community in El Salvador . carefully placed on each mantel , family Each year she employed the business as photos were hung on each wall , and every a vehicle for giving to local charities and display was made to feel like a living unsuspecting individuals along her path . room . Many would say , “ Dave is the hard - But you’d never hear it from her . Even after her passing , we still hear the untold sto - are , Lexi is the software , ” and together w ries of Bear’s generosity . Her innate ability they built a thriving family business based to recognize and empathize with a group on strong values and integrity . or individual in need showed in the way As the years went by , Rettinger Fire - she gave not just financially , but also place became known to the hearth emotionally with her time and connec - industry as a company to be modeled after . The story of my parents is one of love tion . Bear would say , “ If you’re given I remember when I was a college student , and faith both in family and business . It is much , you must give much , ” and she my parents sent me to a regional training a testimony for small businesses every - walked the walk . hosted by Heatilator , which remains our where that if you put your heart into what As a continuation of Bear’s legacy , Ret - largest manufacturer . While the seminar you are doing and remain tinger Fireplace will select a charity that dis - host was presenting on best practices , I grateful , what plays fierce love to be the recipient of the noticed a photo of our showroom dis - you attract is a gift more important than Lexi Award . Recipients will be announced played on the screen . “ Here’s an example success — a gift that Lexi has surely left to each year on Lexi’s favorite holiday . Visit our family and staff — a legacy of love . our website on Feb . 14 to find out who the n 2021 winner will be . Giving With Love Remembering A Message To our family , Alexis was known as “ Bear ” From Lexi’s Notebook and to her grandchildren “ G - Bear ” because About Rettinger Fireplace of her fierce love and nurturing nature . But Look back and thank God . you didn’t have to be bloodline to receive Rettinger Fireplace remains the area’s Bear’s distinctive love . Bear kept it personal preferred resource for all aspects of Look forward and trust God . for all she encountered in business and in fireplace design and installation . life , and her generosity was widespread . Look around and serve God . With an expert team of professionals , In 2000 , she led a mission at our church Rettinger brings over 100 years of Look within and find God ! combined experience to serve its customers with highest - level service . Our consultative sales experience from one of our top dealers , Rettinger Fire - makes sure customers receive the place , of how to take your showroom to the right product while our National next level . ” Later in the presentation , they Fireplace Institute - certified installation showed screen shots of best practices for using your website . “ This is how Dave & leaders ensure a safe installation . Alexis Rettinger use customer reviews to ttract new customers . ” I watched as other a VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN THE dealers from all over the Northeast took Voorhees Design Center : notes with inspiration in their eyes . 476 Centennial Blvd . , Voorhees . Humbled , and quite inspired myself , I returned home and shared the story with my parents . I remember them both smiling , but I could tell that they too had attended presentations where our com - pany had been featured . Even though SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 17 issue 11 SouthJerseyMagazine.com | 23