when we started this business I was lucky enough to have parents start it up with us that had 30 years experience of starting and running there own business.
then 3 months into I met a great Woman that had a job and a car. LOL 3 years latter I married her and she supported us for the first 5 years because a new business never brings home Money to pay bills.
You want to check with some HEAVY hitter Manufactures. Like Travis, Enviro, Harmon, Lennox ect to see if your area is open to dealership for them big name brands.
because if not you will only be able to sell stoves that anyone can buy in the INTERNET or a local farm store.
You also want to find a good Distributor that can supply you with most of your install materials. For years I had to buy from several Wholesalers and it was a pain in the ass.
We are Lucky to have AES
www.aes4home.com that can supply us will all our install materials and they sell us ENVIRO, RSF and some other brands as well.
Would be good to check on getting a contractors license in Heating and Air so you are covered in all aspects of installation. Thats what I did.
A lot of dealers just get a limit specialty license for stoves. the problem is they could not do gas line plumbing or electrical work.
You want to find a OFF season product to sell because unless you find a lot of contractors that want to buy from you for new construction you will be sitting around on your thumbs and still paying overhead with no money coming in from Feb to Oct.
A lot of dealers sell Pools and or Spas.
I do high end Evaporative cooling.
www.aireze.com
there is not alot of money in pellets. $20 to 30 per ton profit. but in the summer I get my customers to buy and the little extra cash helps pay the light bill.
Show room
You need a large showroom Some distributors will help you build one. AES helped me for 4 days. but it will cost you about $40k plus the cost of product to have a decent showroom.
Office space
Warehouse space
THIS IS MONEY
Best to buy into a business. Because it is hard to find Contractors that will leave a dealer they had a relationship with.
Be ready to work 60 hours plus a week and the only vacation you will get will be the yearly trade show that to me is no vacation.