When Bob O’Donnell and Dave Waldman opened Hearth & Home in September 1971, it was originally named OWL Appliance and Heating. “OWL” stands for O’Donnell, Waldman, and they went out on a Limb. They sold, serviced, and installed gas fireplaces, gas logs, gas space heaters, and gas ovens and cooktops out of a store at 15 W. Busse Avenue. Bob and Dave worked together until Dave passed away in 1977.
In 1980 OWL Appliance and Heating moved to a larger space at 430 W. Northwest Highway, added patio furniture to their product line, and changed their name to Hearth & Home Shoppe.
Eight years later, in 1988, the O’Donnells bought the current building at 530 W. Northwest Hwy., renovated it and moved there that April. Today (2021) they boast a staff of 15, including five family members.
