1. Please tell our readers a little bit about Nuheat. (How/when it started; background/history/what you do, etc.)
Nuheat is the leading radiant electric floor heating system manufacturer. The company was founded in 1989 and originally manufactured “plug in” carpets (3ft x 2ft) that were designed as a heating source for cold work environments. The idea was that secretaries could take off their shoes and have warmth beneath their feet. This initial idea never took off, but what transpired would completely revolutionize the way we heat our floors today.
My partner, John Ames, had a wholesale tile company with offices across Western Canada and took the idea of an electric radiant heating mat to another level. Over the years, John received many comments from his customers that tile and stone flooring was too cold for their feet. John found the perfect solution, Nuheat- an electric radiant heating system which warms any kind of cool surface.
2. What is your professional background and what is your current role at the organization?
I spent the first part of my career working in the food services industry. I worked for Kirkland & Rose, a large wholesaler and manufacturer of food products, as the VP of Sales and Marketing. In 1991, I was asked to join the Nuheat Board of Directors. I came on as the President of Nuheat in 1997, and a year later joined John Ames as his partner.
3. How many people does Nuheat employ?
Nuheat currently employs 109 people, representing 23 different countries from around the world. We are extremely proud of the diverse background of our team, and make a point of celebrating this throughout the year. We celebrate each country's Independence or National Day with a ceremony that raises their flag in front of our building. This has been an extremely unifying program where we’ve grown closer as a company and learned about all the unique cultures our people represent.
4. Do you integrate HR considerations in your business decisions?
We have a strong belief in our people and are currently recruiting an HR leader to further our award winning practices. I believe a company that invests upfront in its employees will always be successful. It is extremely important to create a culture that people want to be a part of. We believe in a set of guiding principles that inspire and motivate one another.
5. What role does Human Resources play in the success of Nuheat?
Human Resources play a critical role in our ability to attract and retain top talent. Nuheat receives numerous applications based on positive word of mouth and employee referrals. We have also earned a reputation as a top employer through a variety of workplace programs and benefits we offer.
6. How does leadership tie into HR’s strategic role?
I believe leadership starts at the top. Leaders have the ability to set the tone for the culture and ethics of an organization. One of the keys to creating a winning HR strategy is to engage your employees on all levels. We believe in communication and transparency when we introduce new strategic initiatives. It is part of our belief that if people are kept in the loop through open communication, change will be embraced.
7. What approach does Nuheat take with regards to HR and employees?
Nuheat invests in its employees from the day they start. We have an incredible training program that provides new staff with a comprehensive look at our operation. We ensure everyone has spent time training in each department so they have a clear understanding of how our company functions as a team. I also personally take the opportunity to get to know each employee with an informal lunch and learn. I walk them through the company culture and history and then ask them about their interests and what they are passionate about. This provides a great opportunity to build a closer relationship with each individual right from the start.
8. What do you see in the future for Nuheat? What are some of your short-term, long-term goals?
We are in an exciting and new phase of growth and opportunity. We have recently relocated Kevin McElroy, our VP of Sales, to New Jersey to lead our Eastern Sales initiatives. Nuheat is currently recruiting a Human Resources Leader to further support and expand our team. We strive to lead the electric radiant floor heating industry with new innovative products and market development.
9. Is there anything else you would like to add?
I believe that a company can be very successful if they spend the time and effort celebrating the diversity of their employees. Diversity is what sets us apart as individuals and is the root of a healthy and supportive culture. At the end of the day, if you provide the right culture and atmosphere, your employees will be happy, work hard and have fun at the same time.