Nick Sloane, managing director at Jøtul UK and one of the heating industry’s stalwart characters has passed away at the age of 63.
For the past two years, Mr Sloane had fought a brave battle with cancer with the typical upbeat manner and determination of spirit for which he was renowned within the industry.
Mr Sloane had been with the Jøtul Group for 17 years, having introduced the Norwegian heritage brand into the UK and started the Jøtul UK daughter company in 2000.
Using his established reputation as a heating and stove expert previously of Valour, he grew the business into the 150-dealer network and product leader it is today.
Many have paid tribute to Mr Sloane:
“Here in the head office in Norway we will never forget Nick. He came to meetings in his pink shirt, with his good humour and great knowledge about the business. I have never met anyone who could light up a serious meeting with a funny comment like Nick did. His way of being serious and funny at the same time was unique and so extremely important for a company. Companies are all about people and Nick knew how to spread his enthusiasm to not only his employees but also to the rest of the Jøtul group. Nick was not only a good colleague, but was also a very good friend. We'll never forget him and our thoughts go out to his family.” Rene Christensen, Konserndirektør Salg , senior vice president sales at Jøtul AS.
“Nick was 'our boss'; he was firm in his decision making, embraced new ideas, encouraged self-improvement and was there if you needed help either professionally or personally. But above all he loved the business he had created and dedicated himself to. This was infectious and rubbed off on all the team at Jøtul UK as well as the majority of dealers he came in contact with. Nick will be a hard act to follow.” Mark Ryan, marketing manager at Jøtul UK.
“To put it simply, Nick was a gentleman. He put a lot of time into helping our industry. Being one of the founder members of the SIA and a member of the marketing executive committee, he put a lot of effort in behind the scenes. Nick was extremely knowledgeable and through this became very respected. We were shocked to learn of Nick’s passing as throughout his illness, he battled so bravely and never allowed it to define him. He will be sorely missed.” Vicky Naylor at ACR Heat Products.
“I was first introduced to Nick by Joachim from Jøtul Norway, the day after his appointment. My first impression was that he was not a ‘stovie’, but his enthusiasm to get to know the dealers, the products and get Jøtul UK up and running was impressive. Over the years he became his own unique version of a ‘stovie’, always working tirelessly to promote the industry and Jøtul in particular. One of my staff nicknamed him Tigger for the way he bounced around when he was on a trade stand with his enthusiasm obvious to everyone. Towards the end of a month, if sales were a bit slow, he would get one of the girls to ring and convince me to put in a stock order, to make sure he was hitting targets; this was always very important to him. He was constantly a great host, looking after everyone socially, but also making sure there was enough business covered at some point in the proceedings. Nick will be much missed by me, his other dealers and the stove industry as a whole, and is a huge loss for Jøtul.” Henry Knight at R W Knight & Son.
Nick passed away surrounded by his family. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Debbie Sloane and sons James and Josh Sloane. He will be missed by a great many.