Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Schenz
Hi Rob, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my journey in the fireplace and grill industry in 1988, providing service and installations for The Gas House under my company, Specialty Gas Services. In 2004, I had the opportunity to take over The Gas House, which had been a Cleveland-based company since 1984. I rebranded it as Specialty Gas House and have been proudly serving the Columbus community ever since.
Our focus has always been on providing exceptional products, expert installations, and a level of customer service that keeps people coming back. Over the years, we’ve grown to specialize in grills, fireplaces, and outdoor cooking equipment, ensuring our customers get only the best brands.
I also believe in fostering community connections and giving back as much as you can the best way we know how. We host various fundraising efforts throughout the year from our annual BBQ Competition, The Ohio Eggfest to, Grilling Classes, Friday Fundraiser Cookouts and through our 10 for 10 Food Drive Discount. Every event we host is a 100% proceeds event where the money raised goes toward cancer research at The James Cancer Hospital, the Veteran’s charity Honor Flight Columbus and the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. My goal has always been to bring people together over great food and great causes.
This year we celebrated 20 years as Specialty Gas House and I couldn’t be more proud of the company, the employees and the community we have helped grow.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but the challenges have shaped who we are as a company. One of the biggest challenges came during the 2008 economic downturn. Like many small businesses, we had to navigate tighter budgets and shifting priorities for our customers. It taught us the importance of adaptability and reinforced the need to focus on products and services that offer long-term value.
As for challenges in life and why I do what I do: Losing family members and friends over the years has profoundly shaped my outlook on life and business. These experiences remind me daily of the importance of making an impact while we can, both personally and as a business.
When you lose someone you love, especially to illnesses like cancer, it’s a stark reminder of how fragile life is. Those losses fueled a desire in me to not only honor their memories but also to do something meaningful for others who might be facing similar struggles. That’s why giving back to causes like cancer research and supporting organizations like Honor Flight Columbus and The Mid-Ohio Food Bank has become a cornerstone of what we do at Specialty Gas House.
It’s about more than running a business—it’s about making a difference. Whether we’re hosting fundraising events, donating raffle proceeds, or just bringing people together for a good cause, I’m driven by the idea that our work can have a ripple effect. If we can make even a small contribution to improving someone else’s life or supporting our community, it’s worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Specialty Gas House, we specialize in providing high-quality grills, fireplaces, gas lamps, fire pits and more, along with expert installation and service. Our goal has always been to help people create spaces where they can gather with family and friends, enjoy great food, and make lasting memories.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and customer service. We only carry products that meet our high standards for durability, exceptional warranties, and easy maintenance. If we won’t use the product we won’t sell it. We don’t just sell grills or fireplaces; we educate our customers on how to use them, maintain them, and get the most out of their investment.
What I’m most proud of, though, is the fundraising we’ve done through the Specialty Gas Foundation. Over the years, we’ve been able to raise significant funds to support cancer research and veterans’ organizations, causes that are deeply personal to me. Whether it’s through The Ohio Eggfest, Buckeye BBQ Battle, Grilling Classes, 10 for 10 Food Drive Discount or our Fundraiser Friday Cookouts, these efforts have allowed us to make a real difference while bringing people together for a good cause.
What truly sets us apart is the knowledge about the industry and products, our customer service and the high-quality products we sell.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice is simple: Give back as much as you can. For me, networking has always been about building genuine relationships. It’s not just about what someone can do for you but also about how you can support each other. I’ve found that being active in the community, through fundraising, charity events, and even just talking with customers, has naturally led to connections with people who share my passion for making a difference.
Giving back often creates the strongest bonds. Fundraising efforts have brought me together with like-minded people who are equally driven to make an impact. Fundraising efforts build trust and open doors and even though this is not the main goal, usually bring business your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://specialtygashouse.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialtygashouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/specialtygashouse
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialtygashouse
