Adam Austin – National Sales Manager, Distribution
In the newly established role of National Sales Manager, Distribution, Adam is charged with mapping out the distribution market, seeking partners to bring NIBE’s extensive product range to a wider audience in a rapidly changing and fast-growing renewable energy sector.
He explained: “We are actively looking for distribution partners that share our passion and want to be part of this unique journey. Since I joined NIBE in February 2024, I’ve been identifying potential distributors with a synergy to renewable energy in particular.”
Adam has had a number of roles in the HVAC sector over his 21-year career, including selling bathroom suites at an independent plumbers’ merchant; showroom manager and, later, branch manager at a national merchant; selling boilers; turning a plumbing supplies business branch into a renewable sustainability centre; and National Account Manager at a heavy-side business.
His first experience with heat pumps was in 2010 when he worked for a heating manufacturer. “It's incredible how the technology and market have evolved in the past 14 years. I’ve certainly had to spend time refreshing my knowledge since joining NIBE in February.”
Adam sees his main area of expertise as technical: “With sales you’ve got to have good interpersonal skills and be trustworthy when it comes to building relationships, but actually I think being credible technically is far more important because suppliers do lean on a trusted partner to give them the knowledge they need to make the right decisions.”
For Adam, his role really involves understanding the ins and outs of the products and the market sector. “When I take on a new job, it’s about learning everything that is around that sector - the customer base, who they’re working for, the consultancy and specification routes to market.
“I will absolutely throw myself into the whole industry and learn it inside out and back to front so that when I have meetings with senior merchant people, I’m as credible as I can be in terms of the whole package, rather than just saying: ‘I want to sell you a box that you can sell on’.
Adam is relishing the opportunity to work for NIBE: “I really like the sense of team progression at the company and the motivation to gain significant market share in a highly supportive and collaborative way. It also helps having such a great product range and reputation for quality, reliable heat pumps.”
His favourite NIBE product is the F2050 air source heat pump because it offers a low (6 or 8kW) output, so it suits the mass market. He adds: “But what I really admire is its whole set up; the build quality, the look and the fact that it has been updated with a new refrigerant that is much less damaging to the environment because of its lower Global Warming Potential (GWP).”
What helps you keep motivated?
Living and breathing my job! Seeking out notable business opportunities and landing sales wins while building lasting, trusted relationships with both customers and colleagues.
What qualifications do you have?
I have A-Levels and GCSEs, but my biggest qualification is my 21 years’ experience in light-side and heavy-side merchanting and distribution, across plumbing and heating, renewables, bathrooms, and construction materials - the whole lifecycle of the customer journey.
What’s your biggest achievement?
My family and four children. Everything I do is for them and our future.
What do you do in your spare time?
Spending time with family. We love the local beach, wood and park walks in Hastings, and love to travel to new and interesting places.
Are you a cat or dog person?
No! I'm massively allergic to them, but we do have a miniature lop bunny, called Pebble.
What’s your favourite food?
Any Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dish.
What’s your favourite drink?
I mainly just drink water, but on a rare night out or when on holiday, it’s got to be a ‘Dark and Stormy’!
What’s your favourite TV show or film?
My all-time classic movie favourites have to be the original Star Wars trilogy.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in life?
Never keep your vinyl record collection within reach of your children!
What advice would you give your younger self?
If you find yourself living in a bubble, do your best to seek the support needed to get out of it. Never underestimate your value.