Claxton Fireplace Center

Where Faith, Fireplaces, and Service Meet

By Janette Calabro 

​

A fireplace is more than a beautiful addition to a home. It can be a gathering place, a source of comfort and warmth, and the backdrop for years of family memories. At Claxton Fireplace Center, that philosophy is intertwined with something even more foundational: Dan’s Christian faith. Dan has spent 40 years in the hearth industry, beginning in 1986. Over the decades, he built his business around fireplaces, design, and turnkey service—but also around an inner code rooted deeply in Scripture. 

 

“My faith in God and Jesus is really what drives me, and I view this business as more of a ministry,” says Dan Claxton, owner of Claxton Fireplace Center. “We’re here for such a short time. The Bible describes life as a vapor—like the steam rising from a pot. You can see it clearly for just a moment, but within a few inches, it disappears into the air. Our lives may feel long while we are living them, but in the span of eternity, they pass quickly.”

 

This perspective influences how he treats customers, employees, and the community. Dan doesn’t preach to customers, but he is happy to talk about his faith when people are interested. He is comfortable praying with customers who want prayer and is equally comfortable respecting those who don’t. 

 

His faith extends beyond the walls of his showroom. He supports international ministries and believes that his business gives him an opportunity to make an impact in places he may never personally visit. “What God has gifted me to do is relate to people through this business,” he says.

 

That same philosophy shows up in the way Claxton Fireplace Center approaches its work. Rather than simply selling a fireplace, the company offers a turnkey experience—that is, a fireplace project that is complete and ready to operate when your installers walk out the door. A project might involve framing a wall, installing the fireplace, adding stone, building a mantel and cabinetry, all coordinated through one company. Dan describes it as kind of like a general contractor who specializes in fireplaces. “We do the whole thing, 100 percent.”

 

For homeowners, that means fewer moving parts and one point of contact. Dan’s proposals spell out each component of a project, along with the expected timeline, so customers know what they are getting before the work begins. Before recommending a product, Dan and his team spend time learning what customers actually want. What is their vision? What do they want the fireplace to look like? How do they want it to function? What don’t they like about their existing fireplace? “Tell me what your dreams are,” Dan tells customers.

 

From there, the team works through options, budget, and priorities to determine what fits best. Computer drawings help homeowners visualize the finished project, and designs can be tweaked as the vision develops. “It’s a process,” says Dan, “and it begins by listening to the customer’s needs.”

 

The products themselves have also come a long way. Electric fireplaces now offer surprisingly realistic technology, including simulated flames, log and ember effects, remote controls, and built-in heat. Gas fireplaces, especially contemporary linear styles, also remain popular, giving homeowners plenty of options for both traditional and modern spaces.

 

“The physical hardware is the fireplace, but that’s not what we’re really providing,” Dan says. “The experience is about the way it makes you feel. We’re creating relaxation, warmth, and comfort—a sense of home, safety, security, and opportunities to make lasting memories with your family. At the end of the day, it’s about all those intangible benefits. How do you put a price on that?”

 

That focus on people may also help explain why so many of Claxton Fireplace Center’s customers find them through word of mouth rather than paid advertising. Dan believes doing the right thing—and doing it well—is ultimately the best business strategy. The Golden Rule, he says, is threaded throughout the company: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

 

His faith is visible in the details, from Scripture printed on proposals to Matthew 6:33 at the end of his email signature: “But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” One of Dan’s ministry friends once described him as an “ambassador for Jesus Christ” who is “neatly disguised as a fireplace salesman.” Whether helping a family choose a fireplace, guiding a new business owner, or supporting a ministry, Dan believes the opportunity is the same: serve people well, work with integrity, and use the gifts you have been given.

 

At Claxton Fireplace Center, the result is a business built around craftsmanship and connection—creating spaces where, long after the installation is complete, people can gather, relax, and make memories together. To learn more, call 402-491-0800, visit claxtonfireplace.com, or stop by 3125 Oak View Drive, #103, in Omaha. 

 

​

​