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Sad News

Robert O'Brien
Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,562
in THE MAIN WALL
Mel Dubin, the founder of Slant/Fin passed away yesterday at the age of 92
To learn more about this professional, click here to visit their ad in Find A Contractor.

Comments

  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,600
    A great man. A few years ago, I suggested to Adam, Mel's son, and now president of Slant/Fin, that he record Mel's stories. Adam took me up on it and asked me to interview Mel on camera. It was easy for me because all I had to say was, "So, Mel, tell me how all of this got started," and then shut up.

    I saw Adam last Wednesday when I gave a talk at the Hydronics Institute 100-year celebration. He told me Mel was not doing well and we had a chance to reminisce.

    I will miss him and I'm so glad we made those videos.

    Rest in peace, Sir.
    Retired and loving it.
    Robert O'BrienkcoppTinman4Johnpipe
  • RobG
    RobG Member Posts: 1,850
    Can you post the videos? We would love to hear the words of an old school entrepreneur and industry pioneer.
    Robert O'Brien
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,600
    I don't have them. Slant/Fin does. It would be their call. Thanks.
    Retired and loving it.
    Robert O'Brien
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,379
    A fine company he started.

    Imagine the evolution he witnessed from the iron age of boilers to a heat load app on a smart phone.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    Robert O'BrienRobGnjtommyTinman
  • Robert O'Brien
    Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,562
    I met him at the 2008 NAOHSM show in Hartford, a complete gentleman.
    To learn more about this professional, click here to visit their ad in Find A Contractor.
    RobGZman
  • Robert O'Brien
    Robert O'Brien Member Posts: 3,562
    DanHolohan said:

    I don't have them. Slant/Fin does. It would be their call. Thanks.

    They are on the Slant Fin YouTube page


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nukw7_qh_28
    To learn more about this professional, click here to visit their ad in Find A Contractor.
    RobGTinman4JohnpipeZman
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,600
    Thanks, Bob.
    Retired and loving it.
    Robert O'Brien
  • RobG
    RobG Member Posts: 1,850
    A great life, I really enjoyed the interview.

    I wish You Tube would make it easier to watch the segments in order. It seems like they just miss mash stuff together to confuse you.
    Robert O'Brien
  • D107
    D107 Member Posts: 1,906
    edited September 2015
    Even for a homeowner like myself this is a great interview. If you go onto YouTube and search for 'Slantfin Mel Dubin' you will get the whole series and can select them in order. At the time these were uploaded in 2010, YouTube had time limits which are no longer in effect. So when Mel's family has time they might consider editing them back down into one video--less than an hour.
    Robert O'Brien
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,380
    We just installed an Intrepid/EZ-Gas, and I thought I heard someone cheering from the Great Beyond.... had to have been Mel. Rest in peace.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    Robert O'BrienSWEIRobG
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,600
    Perfect, Steamhead. I remember a bunch of years ago, when NAOHSM awarded Slant/Fin its Manufacturer of the Year award. Accepting the award, Mel's first words were, "So, what took you so long?"

    What a guy. Always made me smile.
    Retired and loving it.
    Robert O'BrienRobGvaporvac
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,600
    The funeral service will be:

    Monday September 21, 2015
    Reception: 12:00PM
    Funeral Service: 1:00PM

    Gutterman's
    8000 Jericho Turnpike,
    Woodbury N.Y. 11797
    516-921-5757

    Shiva will be observed at:

    Monday September 21 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM
    Tuesday September 22 from 10:00AM to 2:00PM

    Slant Fin Corporation
    100 Forest Drive,
    Greenvale N.Y 11548
    516-484-2600

    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to United Jewish Appeal
    Retired and loving it.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,380
    Wish I could be there- who's going?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,600
    Me.
    Retired and loving it.
    Robert O'Brien
  • vaporvac
    vaporvac Member Posts: 1,520
    I'm just a HO with two TR50s, but if the company he built is any indication of the man behind it, Mel Dubin was a stellar human being.
    I've rarely been as impressed with any customer service and tech support; it was a conversation in which they really listened and freely shared their results. Without any of the the condescension so frequently encountered as a homeowner, they approached my project as a challenge and clearly every aspect of their product testing pushed the boundaries of their equipment. It's the rare person that inspires that sort of creativity, attention to detail and customer support. I felt as if everyone I spoke to over quite a long period loved what they did and strove for excellence even under the intense pressure of Hurricane Sandy.
    Thank you for posting this.
    Two-pipe Trane vaporvacuum system; 1466 edr
    Twinned, staged Slantfin TR50s piped into 4" header with Riello G400 burners; 240K lead, 200K lag Btus. Controlled by Taco Relay and Honeywell RTH6580WF
    Robert O'Brien

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