I always find it provoking to meet a genuine entrepreneur, especially if they are a hard working regular guy - someone who has started at the grass roots of an industry and then risen to own their own business in that particular field.

Meet Mike Centanne, one such guy who is now owner and manager of Alpine Fireplace Design. Mike learned his trade as a teenager working for a contractor who could literally build a home from the ground up.

When an opportunity arose for Mike to help sell and install fireplaces with the contractor, he took it and became an expert in the supply and installation of fireplaces. Over time Mike realized that if he were free from the shackles of corporate ties then he could provide a much more efficient and quality service to clients, so in 2009 he conceived and boldly started Alpine Fireplace Design with his friend Mario Walker.

Having recently returned from his wedding in the Caribbean with his lovely Leah, I managed to catch up with Mike in his showroom.

The fireplace showroom bears testimony to Mike's depth of talent. He designed and constructed the layout and many of the features.

Mike explained, "We offer a full service for everything you will need for a new fire. We can offer expert advice on a wide range of quality products and then take full responsibility for the installation and even help redesign areas of your home to incorporate a new fireplace."

Their in-house installation service really does cut out the headache of a new fire, unlike when buying a new fireplace elsewhere and then having to source your own installer or trust a recommendation. Mike and Mario will do the detailed work from fitting a gas line to fixing new tile or stonework.

Mike's products are unique with many contemporary designs - many imported from countries such as Denmark and Italy. He is now setting the pace with his ranges of environmentally friendly fires, all of which benefit from a 30% tax rebate as they meet the new codes. Ask mike for details about this.

Along with getting ready for winter and upgrading your home with a new fireplace, you will also want to speak to Mike about his outdoor fires, fire pits and BBQ's. His wide range of products really are unique and of a high quality.