Robert “Bob” Snyder Tribute
Bob was an immense contributor to the growth and success of our business (Equity/EDN, Equity Plumbing, IMARK Plumbing) but, most importantly, a dear and valued friend. I started working with Bob after the merger of Equity (his former employer) and EDN (my former employer) some 20 years ago which continued until his passing.
Bob was “THE STATESMAN” and a huge asset in collaborating with our supplier partners, with whom he had forged deep friendships during his years at Carol Cable. Beyond his work ethic, Bob was a great teller of stories and possessed a wealth of knowledge and industry experience. I learned much from him over the years; his straightforward approach was a personality trait I greatly admired, even when directed at me. “You’re wrong!” he would say whether or not that was the case; after his affirmative tone, even I believed I was wrong.
The camaraderie we shared as a team between Ted Havel, Bob, and myself will be terribly missed. Bob loved a good meal, especially lobster, on our business ventures. I remember one hotel stay where Ted had replaced Bob’s door-hung breakfast order with one that had every item checked off and a 5:30 am delivery. Bob laughed as he recollected the story saying he was awakened by a knock at the door and before he could object to the time, three waiters entered the room with 12 trays of food. Never at a loss for words, Bob immediately insisted that a mistake was made, and the food needed to be returned. He always put our company's interests ahead of his own personal interests. That was Bob.
I spoke with him a week ago Tuesday; he was in the hospital and explained he had had a heart attack. I tried to ask how he was feeling, but he just wanted to assure me that his priority was contacting our most recent sales lead. Beyond his sometimes-gruff exterior was a man who cared for me and the business we built more than he did himself… that is his legacy. He will be truly missed.
Stiebel Eltron Announces Passing Of Founder And President
With profound sadness, Stiebel Eltron USA announces the passing of its founder and president, Frank Stiebel.
Born on Nov. 8, 1957 in Gottingen, Germany, Frank came to Massachusetts in 1981 to study architecture and design at Hampshire College. In 1988, Frank had a daughter, Ellie, and made Northampton, Massachusetts his permanent home. In 1990, he established Stiebel Eltron Inc., the U.S. division of Stiebel Eltron, the company his father founded in Germany in 1924, to bring the brand’s world-renowned products and unrelenting focus on quality, innovation and customer service to the western hemisphere. Over the years, Frank grew Stiebel Eltron USA to 46 employees, establishing a strong category presence, including category leadership, throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
While running Stiebel Eltron USA, Frank continued as co-owner of the family-owned Stiebel Eltron Group. He was a member of the Supervisory Board of the Stiebel Eltron Group, constantly working on the strategic orientation of the company worldwide to create renewable energy products.
Frank was quirky, thoughtful and philanthropic, with a dry but hilarious sense of humor. He embodied an interesting mix of business professionalism and down to earth practicality—attributes that served him well while he championed Stiebel Eltron USA in particular, and Stiebel Eltron worldwide, as the more intelligent, more sustainable alternative.
Frank was passionate about many things, including zeppelins, alternative energy, sci-fi and psychedelic music. Frank will be profoundly missed by his loving family, friends and staff—many of whom with long-standing, decades-long relationships.
The Board of Directors of the worldwide Stiebel Eltron Group, in concert with Frank’s wishes, have appointed Jonathan Walsh, previously vice president, to the role of president. Having worked closely with Frank for many years, Jonathan is committed to advancing the goals and continuing the values established under Frank’s leadership.