Jim Ginocchi

When you think of luxury outdoor living, the first images that come to mind may be stainless steel grills, expansive countertops, and modern yet timeless kitchen layouts under the open sky. But behind that picturesque outdoor lifestyle lies the sharp vision and business acumen of Jim Ginocchi. As the President and CEO of Coyote Outdoor Living, Ginocchi has created not just a brand, but a movement—a new way of living that merges design, function, and affordability. With a background in law, sales, and construction, and a passion for delivering top-tier performance at accessible prices, Jim Ginocchi has redefined what it means to live—and cook—outdoors.

From Law to Leadership: An Unexpected Entrepreneurial Path
Jim Ginocchi didn’t start out in the world of grills and outdoor kitchens. He began his career practicing environmental and construction law, advising clients through complex regulatory frameworks. It was here that he developed a deep understanding of both the legal intricacies and the practical challenges of construction and real estate. Over time, however, Ginocchi’s professional journey shifted from the courtroom to the corporate boardroom. His next chapters included high-level roles at HD Supply, part of The Home Depot, and then at Barbeques Galore, where he served as Vice President of Sales. It was through these experiences that he noticed a glaring void in the outdoor living market—there were either ultra-high-end outdoor appliances priced out of reach for most consumers, or low-quality products that couldn’t stand the test of time. This insight sparked the idea that would become Coyote Outdoor Living.

Building Coyote Outdoor Living from the Ground Up
In 2010, with a strong sense of purpose and a clear market vision, Jim Ginocchi founded Coyote Outdoor Living. From the start, his mission was ambitious yet focused: to deliver premium outdoor kitchen equipment—grills, refrigerators, burners, cabinets, and islands—using top-quality materials, yet priced competitively enough for broader market access. He envisioned Coyote as a brand that could offer 304 stainless steel craftsmanship, intuitive design, and built-to-last durability without the elite pricing often associated with luxury brands. The market responded with enthusiasm. Contractors, designers, and homeowners alike were drawn to a product that balanced performance with price, and Ginocchi’s gamble paid off.

Premium Without the Premium Price
What sets Coyote Outdoor Living apart is its steadfast dedication to quality at an accessible price point. Jim’s insistence on using premium stainless steel and lifetime warranties meant that customers could trust their investment for the long haul. Every product in the Coyote line was designed not just to look good, but to function beautifully in demanding outdoor environments. From integrated lighting to ceramic briquette heat control grids, Ginocchi ensured that every detail was engineered for performance and aesthetics. He believed outdoor living shouldn’t just be a luxury for the few—it should be an experience available to all. That philosophy remains the core of Coyote’s identity today.

Strategic Expansion and Design Partnerships
Jim's leadership is defined by more than just product development. He is a strategic thinker, always looking to expand the brand’s offerings in ways that are authentic and forward-thinking. Recognizing the growing importance of design in outdoor spaces, he partnered with well-known interior designer Kerrie Kelly to launch signature furniture collections like Laguna, South Beach, and Catalina. These collections seamlessly integrate with Coyote’s grills and kitchen systems, offering customers a full-scope outdoor living experience from cooking to lounging. Ginocchi also collaborated with Cosentino to incorporate Dekton surfaces into Coyote kitchen islands, increasing durability and modern appeal. These partnerships helped elevate the brand’s perception in the design and architecture communities.

Innovation at the Core: Smart Technology and Performance
Under Jim’s direction, Coyote has emerged as a technological leader in the outdoor appliance space. A prime example is the brand’s next-generation pellet grill, launched in 2020. This product redefined expectations for outdoor cooking equipment by integrating Wi-Fi controls, touchscreen operation, and a temperature range of 175 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. It was more than a grill—it was a multifunctional outdoor oven that could smoke, sear, and bake with precision. With dual augers, a spring-assisted hood, and halogen interior lighting, this innovation represented the type of forward-thinking performance that Ginocchi championed from day one. The pellet grill was widely praised in media outlets like Forbes and Food & Wine, and helped solidify Coyote’s reputation as an industry innovator.

Going Global: International Distribution and Market Penetration
Jim Ginocchi’s vision has always extended far beyond the U.S. domestic market. Under his leadership, Coyote formed key partnerships with global distributors, expanding its reach into Brazil, Israel, Canada, and beyond. By joining groups like Nationwide Marketing Group, Coyote scaled its retail visibility and began to appear in luxury showrooms and retail outlets across North America. The brand’s growth wasn’t just measured in sales, but in influence—Coyote Outdoor Living became a recognized symbol of attainable excellence in outdoor kitchen design.

Recognized Excellence and Awards
Ginocchi’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Coyote Outdoor Living has received numerous accolades under his watch. The brand earned a Vesta Award for outdoor innovation, along with a Business Elite Award for Best Outdoor Kitchen Equipment Design. These recognitions underscore Jim’s commitment to pushing boundaries in an industry that often defaults to the conventional. His ability to blend function with form, and innovation with cost-effectiveness, has made Coyote one of the fastest-growing companies in its space.

A Leadership Style Built on Balance and Vision
Jim Ginocchi’s leadership style is equal parts disciplined and dynamic. He brings a lawyer’s precision to strategic planning, a builder’s instinct for functionality, and a designer’s eye for elegance. But perhaps what stands out most is his personal connection to the brand. He lives the lifestyle he promotes, often spending time with his family outdoors, grilling on Coyote products, and enjoying the very same experiences he aims to provide for customers. This authenticity fuels his drive to continually improve and innovate. He’s not just running a business—he’s leading a lifestyle revolution.

The Next Chapter: Smart Outdoor Living and Sustainable Design
Looking forward, Jim is investing in technologies that integrate smart home features into outdoor kitchens, from app-controlled cooking functions to solar-powered refrigeration units. Sustainability is becoming a greater priority, with Coyote exploring recycled materials and energy-efficient production processes. Ginocchi is also expanding the company’s online configurator tools, enabling customers and designers to virtually build their own kitchen layouts with real-time pricing and product availability. This tech-forward approach ensures that Coyote continues to meet the needs of modern homeowners while remaining a leader in the evolving outdoor living market.

Conclusion: A Legacy Built Outdoors
Jim Ginocchi’s legacy will be marked not only by business success, but by the cultural shift he inspired. Through Coyote Outdoor Living, he has made outdoor luxury more inclusive, functional, and attainable. He has empowered homeowners to transform their backyards into entertaining sanctuaries and given builders and designers a trusted partner in quality. More than anything, he’s helped redefine what it means to live well—outside. And in doing so, he’s built more than a company. He’s built a lifestyle.