The HMI Fireplace Shop Story

In 1973, after being in the medical electronics industry for several years, Norm Buechting moved his family to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, where he first became involved in the hearth industry. Norm opened a fireplace store in 1975, which catered to builders and retail customers with fireplaces and stucco stone veneer. In 1978, Norm incorporated the HMI Fireplace Shops name and eventually grew to four stores, two of which operate today.

Cheryl & Charlie Wormek have run HMI for over 20 years. Cheryl, being the daughter of founder Norm Buechting, has been in the day-to-day of the Hearth Industry since 1987. Cheryl worked for HMI & not only attended Drury University but also helped start the Nixa, MO location. Cheryl has held many accreditations in the Hearth Industry, as well as sat on the board of the Midwest Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association.

Charlie started with HMI in 1996, and brought years of sales & sales management with him. Charlie has also held numerous national, local and manufactures certificates in the specialty Hearth Industry.

Together Cheryl & Charlie have 2 children, Grace & Parker. Both are/were standouts in their highschool & universities in both academics and athletics. Grace & Parker both get great enjoyment from reminding their parents of the hardship they endured growing up, cutting, stacking & burning wood in the latest\ wood stove on the market in their home. The family has valued time spent together, whether it's on vacations, cutting wood, sitting around their wood stove, or just simple supper in the evenings. The Wormek’s have continued and maintained a legacy of family time.

Cheryl & Charlie stress family with all their employees and customers. After all there's not many memories cherished other than a family gathered together around the hearth of their home. From holidays, school dances, graduations, and even engagements, so many of us smile with thoughts of “the last time we were all together” around the fireplace.

Cheryl & Charlie take great pride in running into old customers, seeing & hearing their pride in their voice, sharing family photos from an HMI appliance. Cheryl& Charlie invite you to come to either store, talk with them or the other great employees, and start making memories with family around your fireplace today.

The Hearth is the Heart of the Home.

HMI Fireplace Shops carry a vast array of hearth products, as well as cultured stone and central vacuum systems. Developing relationships and educating our customers is our goal. We want every experience you have, to feel like you are calling a friend and working with a trusted professional. Our commitment to offer the highest quality products, exceptional customer service, safe installations and certified service on all our products, separates us from the other fireplace companies. Please email us or just stop by. We would very much like to hear from you.

---

Our Mission & 7 Guiding Principles

MISSION: To establish HMI Fireplace Shops as the premier fireplace company in the Ozarks, while maintaining the integrity of our principles.

Guiding Principles

1. Provide a safe and clean environment for our staff and customers.
2. Develop and retain enthusiastically satisfied customers.
3. Educate our customers on all products and services we offer through exceptional customer service.
4. Embrace continuing education and certification for all members of our staff.
5. Committed to have the most knowledgeable sales, service and installers in the hearth industry.
6. Contribute positively to our community and our environment.
7. Aware, that profitability is essential for our future success.

 

Meet the Team

 

Past & Present Projects

Coming Soon!