Who We Are
Owner Operated. Expert Driven.
Fire Starters Fireplace is a family-owned business built on one simple idea — customers deserve experienced service, clear communication, and a technician who takes pride in getting the job done right.
Meet the Team
Rick Sawyer
Owner & Gas Fireplace Specialist
Rick Sawyer
Rick Sawyer is the lead technician behind Fire Starters Fireplace. With years of hands-on experience in the field, Rick has built a reputation as one of West Michigan's most trusted gas fireplace specialists.
Rick has extensive experience with many types of vented gas fireplaces, stoves, gas logs, and inserts. When you call Fire Starters, Rick is the one who shows up — no subcontractors, no surprises. Just one highly skilled professional who takes pride in every repair.
Rick founded Fire Starters Fireplace with a mission to raise the bar for fireplace service in the area. That means arriving prepared, communicating clearly, and seeing every job through until it's done right.
Kathleen Sawyer
Client Manager
Kathleen is the friendly voice you’ll hear when you first call Fire Starters. As the client manager, she handles scheduling, customer coordination, and everything in between that keeps the business running smoothly. She’s been beside Rick from the beginning, helping build Fire Starters from the ground up, and her attention to detail and genuine care for every customer are a huge part of what makes the company what it is today.
What Sets Us Apart
Owner at Every Job
Rick personally handles every service call. You'll never deal with an unfamiliar face or an undertrained subcontractor — just the owner, every time.
Specialized Experience
With over a decade of in-field experience, Rick brings high-level knowledge to every diagnosis and repair, covering most types of vented gas fireplaces, stoves, gas logs, and inserts.
Licensed & Insured
Fire Starters Fireplace is properly licensed and insured for the work we perform. We take safety, workmanship, and accountability seriously on every job.
Honest & Transparent
Rick explains every detail in plain language — no jargon, no upselling. You'll always know exactly what's being done and why.
Ready to Work with Us?
Call or email today to schedule your gas fireplace repair.
What Our Customers Say
5.0 ★★★★★ · Google
Karen S.
July 5, 2026
Rick diagnosed and fixed my gas fireplace at a very reasonable price and the entire interaction with him and his company was a pleasant experience. I was given a reasonable time range when he would arrive, a call when he was enroute, and he was meticulous about not only not leaving any mess but of polishing up my old fireplace! He even located the make and model that I could not find and gave me tips on proper use. I have nothing but praise for his workmanship and services.
Stacy Graham
June 24, 2026
Rick was fantastic! Flexible with a last minute time change of our appointment & then once he arrived he did an amazing job. Very professional and detail oriented. Would highly recommend!
Ron Larmore
May 13, 2026
We have a closing on my wife's mother's condo in 3 days. The fireplace failed the inspection. Kathleen moved Rick's schedule around and did the service call and got it working. They went out of their way to help us. I definitely recommend them for any fireplace problems. We close tomorrow!!!
Sandie Leech
April 4, 2026
Rick is always able to fix our gas fireplace insert. Great business to work with, including Rick's wife for scheduling, etc.
Tom R
March 16, 2026
Great job and fair price.
Marc Silverstein
February 27, 2026
Rick & Fire Starters are the best! My wife and I have used him for 2 different repairs for our Mendota Gas Log fireplace twice since purchase & install by our luxury home builder. Rick is professional, does excellent, timely work, and cleans up completely. The Mendota unit is excellent, but requires maintenance and service. We will only call Rick & Fire Starters.