Our Family Legacy
Since our first opening over 50 years ago, Alaska Stove and Spa has operated under three fundamental principles: Offer the highest quality product available, superior service, and assure product value with competitive pricing. By following these core ideas, we have been able to supply Alaskans with precisely what they need to keep warm, whether it’s a fireplace, stove, hot tub, sauna, shower, or something else.
When Robert Carlson Sr. opened the Alaska Fireplace Company in 1967, he established these principles. Since then, his son and grandson under the same name have carried the business, changing with the needs of Alaskans but never failing to serve the community quality service and product.
Our store, located on east Dowling Road, features two spacious showrooms that allow you to see, touch, and experience our quality products as they would be in your home. Our knowledgeable and dedicated staff can help whether you know exactly what you want or don’t know where to start. We carry products from trusted brands like Flare Fireplaces, Finlandia, Harman, Heatilator, HeatnGlo, Helo, Jacuzzi, Kozy Heat, MasterSpa, Quadra-Fire, and SimpliFire.
1967
Robert Carlson Sr. opened the first ever stove and fireplace store in the state. In his building on 13th and Gambell he ran the Alaska Fireplace Co. and lived on the top floor. From here, Bob sold Franklin Fireplaces on a consignment basis, usually selling a few units each month.
1977
A new division was founded to meet the particular needs of contractors and dealers. From a new Post Road location, Wholesale Distributors of Alaska Inc. became established. Soon after WDA built its own 1,500 square foot showroom and became one of the few wholesalers to display their entire product line for customer viewing.
1991
The original Gambell Street store was remodeled, enlarging the showroom to 4,500 square feet. Alaska Fireplace Co. was no more, and instead became Alaska Spa & Bath Company. WDA still offered products to heat the home, while the Gambell location offered hot tubs, baths, showers, and saunas.
2002
As conflicted as they were to see the building go, the family agreed that it was time to close Alaska Spa & Bath Co. All business was concentrated to WDA. With a large showroom displaying all product, the company set a model for what it would look like in the future.
2018
It was once again time to change locations, doing what the business had always done: evolve to stay in touch with Alaska’s needs. The company moved to a big, red building on E Dowling Road where they operate today, with two showrooms totaling 10,000 square feet. The company’s name changed to Alaska Stove & Spa, and the focus was turned back to selling directly to homeowners.
Today
If you stop by today, you’ll find Bobby, the grandson of Robert Sr, working in his office or remodeling a beautiful showroom to display the company’s most recent product lines. His wife Christy will be in her office as well, helping customers and making sure that the business is running smoothly, both inside and out. You might find their daughter there, who helps out from time to time, or their son, Jayden, who comes by after school to stack wood or, just like his father and grandfather, sweep the warehouse.
Meet the CEO
Bobby Carlson III works hard every day to provide Alaskans with the warmth and comfort they need to enjoy Alaska’s wonderful winters. As a third generation owner, Robert grew up around the business. He has a vast knowledge and expertise in construction, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the technical and installation side of the industry. When he is not working hard for our customers, he can be found fishing for salmon, skiing down Alyeska, and grabbing pizza with his family.
