Aaron Siegel | VP Strategic Accounts As part of our recent 30^th Anniversary Open House, Al Siegel (at right), a co-founder of our company, was recognized for his career and many contributions to Eemax. In addition, we also celebrated Aaron Siegel (at left) and his 25 years at Eemax. Aaron has been instrumental in building and growing our wholesale business, and developing one of the strongest distribution networks in the industry. Aaron continues to make his mark as part of the leadership team, and in finding new revenue channels and growth opportunities. For this issue of Tankless Times, we asked Aaron to share some thoughts about his father: The path that leads someone to the electric tankless water heater business is in itself an interesting journey—and back in the 1980s, it took strong entrepreneurial spirit and a leap of faith. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, Al signed up with the Air Force and was honorably discharged as a Captain. After his service, Al first went to work for American National Bank as a marketing and advertising manager. He later joined Jackson Water Heaters based out of Chattanooga, TN. While at Jackson, Al made contact with an investor that was looking to launch tankless water heaters in the U.S. market. Al took the path less traveled and accepted an offer to be the sales director at Thermar, a start-up company in the gas (and eventually electric) tankless water heater business. When Thermar was sold in 1988, the rights to gas tankless products were acquired by another manufacturer and the electric tankless category became a new company… Eemax. Al oversaw all aspects of sales and put together the organization and model for distribution that still exists today. Al’s infectious enthusiasm and passion for tankless electric water heating captured the attention of the best plumbing spec reps in the industry. The foundation for Eemax success in the wholesale channel was set in place. I had the good fortune of joining Eemax 1993. My father and I spent twenty years together dynamically growing Eemax business through several ownership transitions that brought to Eemax the investments it needed to become the number one electric tankless water heater manufacturer in North America. Since retiring from Eemax in 2013, Al has spent his time traveling, going to Ole Miss Football games, and as a gentleman farmer at his home in north Georgia. Thanks, Al, for your contributions.