When Jim and Sandy Buchan made the commitment to build a family business they could be proud of, they always envisioned offering a personal touch. Along the way, they discovered it was important to educate customers on the intricacies of fireplaces, stoves and the changing interests of energy conservation, which was in the world spotlight at the time. Sandy used to say, "Nine out of ten customers who buy a fireplace aren't aware of what they are getting, so it becomes an educational process in the store." If you spent any time with Jim and Sandy, you absolutely knew what you were getting!
In 1978, they opened the Rochester franchise, The Energy Shed, and signed their lease on July 1, just days before the big flood. The whole town participated in clean-up efforts of the affected areas, and after weeks of work, The Buchans were back on track to open their new business. In 1981, they converted the franchise to an independent business with a new name - Energy Products And Design.
The couple intentionally chose the name to suggest more than just fireplaces would be sold. In fact, in addition to a wide variety of fireplaces and stoves, Energy Products And Design began offering all the accompaniments to these products; including mantels, hearths, surrounds and so much more. The Buchans designed their showroom to give customers a sense of how the products could look and feel in their own home. The current showroom is still designed with that same intention to this day.
The business was initially located on First Avenue Southeast in Rochester. It was greatly affected by the flood but The Buchans prevailed, rebuilding the showroom with the help of family, friends and their church. In 1989, the city of Rochester "requested" that the business be moved in order to build the government center in that location. Jim and Sandy had always viewed the "glass half full," so they pivoted, bought a building in Northeast Rochester and proceeded to expand their business. The whole family participated in helping launch the store, and the move proved to be fortuitous as it allowed for continued growth.
