Frank Stiebel
With much sadness, we recently learned of the death of Frank Stiebel, which happened on May 7 after an illness. He was known, loved and respected by people from all over.
Frank was born on November 8th, 1957 in Gottingen, Germany. He came to the United States in 1981 to study architecture and design at Hampshire College. With a growing family, he made Northampton, Massachusetts his permanent home in 1988. In 1990 he established the Stiebel Eltron, Inc., the U.S. division of Stiebel Eltron, the company his father founded in Germany in 1924. His goal was 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 Western Hemisphere.
While running Stiebel Eltron USA, Frank continued as co-owner of the family-owned Stiebel Eltron Group, which is based in Germany. 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 world-wide, as the more intelligent, more sustainable alternative. Frank was passionate about many things, including alternative energy, sci-fi, psychedelic music, and zeppelins,. 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 Mr. 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.
We at Green Energy Times are profoundly sad at Frank’s passing. Under his direction, Stiebel Eltron has provided goods and services in a way that has been more than outstanding, and in a way that seems unique. The connection of Stiebel Eltron with fresh engineering and patented products goes back to its beginning, a century ago.
As it made progress, however, the business never seemed to forget what it had done in the past, and it was often the best resource available for such things as solar thermal heaters, tankless water heaters, and heat pump water heaters. In fact, Stiebel Eltron is still a source for solar water heating, and quite possibly the best around. We can ascribe the continuation of its traditions in large part to Frank Stiebel, who had an important presence in the company’s international business.
It is significant that Mr. Jonathan Walsh was made president of Stiebel Eltron. He has held the position of vice-president for many years and is very familiar with the company’s operation. His appointment makes it clear that the owners and operators of Stiebel Eltron want to continue its operation as it has been.
Though we feel the loss of Frank Stiebel, we look forward to a continuation of his presence in the policies and practices of his company, it is very comforting to see that Stiebel Eltron can continue to operate in the manner he chose, continuing his presence in it future policies.
Green Energy Times has supported the company throughout the years, trusting that their products are in line with the standards our readers need to transition into our clean energy future together. Not only do members of our team use their products, but we often recommend them to others. It is comforting to know they will continue in the direction Frank took the company under the new leadership of Jonathan Walsh. We look forward to working together with this outstanding, local company.
Nancy Rae Mallery and the G.E.T. team.
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