The History of Burning Desires

In 1975 Denny and Jan opened their doors in Dickinson, North Dakota as Denny’s RV Center. They sold, installed, and serviced RVs, heating & A/C, wood stoves, and pellet stoves. In 1990, Denny and Jan moved their store from Dickinson, ND, to Mandan, ND. Many changes were made. First the business name was changed to Burning Desires. They then sold the RV, heating and A/C portion of their business. They kept the wood stoves and pellet stoves and added gas fireplaces and stoves. Later on, electric hearth products and barbeque grills were also added. 

Originally the business was located in a stone castle on the strip between Bismarck and Mandan. In 1997, Denny and Jan built a new building at 301 24th Ave SE in Mandan, ND. The building is located just one block off of "the strip" on the way to the race track and Prairie West Golf Course. The new building gave them much needed additional square footage for their showroom, shop, and warehouse spaces. In 2006, an additional 1500-sq-ft warehouse space was added. 


Denny has always been a big believer in National Certifications and Education. Over the years Denny has belonged to the Wood Energy Institute West (WEIW),Wood Heating Alliance (WHA), Hearth Products Association (HPA), Wood Heating Education Research Foundation (WHERF), and currently the Hearth Patio Barbeque Association (HPBA). All of the Associations that Denny has belonged to offered certification. Denny has carried certifications with all of these associations. Currently Denny is the ND State Codes Coordinator for the North Central Hearth Patio Barbeque Association (NCHPBA). Denny has given instructional classes on wood and gas products to the North Dakota Building Officials Association and at the National HPBA Expo. Denny is currently certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) in wood and gas installation and service. To find out more about the National Fireplace Institute Click Here to Enter NFI Web Site.


After 35 years of business, Burning Desires is still family owned by Denny and Jan Hildebrand. Michelle Sidor is their office manager, and helps with sales, parts and scheduling. Troy Teske has been working for Burning Desires for 13 years and is the chief installer. Chad Teske has been with Burning Desires for 3 years and helps Troy with installations and service. Over the years Troy has been to many Hearth Installation and Safety Seminars and is currently working at getting NFI Certified in gas, wood, and pellet.

Adherence to current codes and safety in all installations and service is a priority at Burning Desires. Our mission is: Complete Customer Satisfaction with the installation along with the product. Denny, Jan, Michelle, Troy, and Chad cordially invite you to visit our store for all your hearth and barbeque needs.