After more than 30 years’ service in the industry, VOW Dealer Group Director, Steve Blowers is retiring on the 31st of March.
Having joined the industry as a dealer salesman, Steve found his home in wholesaling, initially with Neville & Gladstone, which through a series of mergers with John Heath, Kingfield and ISA transformed into what is now VOW. Along the way he has held multiple roles including managing sites in London and the Midlands, joining the Senior Management Team and the Board.
As Dealer Group Director Steve has been responsible for more than £150m of sales. He has made a significant contribution to the direction of the business and has been involved in the planning and implementation of the strategy that has driven massive expansion.
Adrian Butler, Managing Director of VOW is sorry to see Blowers leave. “I have worked with Steve for more than 20 years and his professionalism, enthusiasm and tenacity have never once wavered. Nor has his integrity or authenticity in dealing with people, internally or externally, whatever the circumstances. His contribution to VOW has been immense and more than a colleague, Steve has been a great friend.”
Julie Hawley, MD of the Office Friendly Dealer Association added, “People always come first with Steve whatever the challenge, and this is apparent in the high regard in which he is held not only within the whole Office Friendly Team but also in the wider industry. On a final note and as we have said to Steve many times, you cannot retire from being great!”
Aidan McDonough, Integra’s CEO, comments “This is a sad day for the UK OP industry. Steve Blowers has been pivotal to the strength of Integra’s partnership with VOW. He is highly respected within the industry for his true professionalism and integrity. On a personal note I would like to say how much I have valued his friendship and his no-nonsense approach to business – it has been an absolute pleasure to work with Steve over the last 20 years. However, I have never known him to say yes to anything! I wish him well for the future and just sorry, due to the present challenges, that we aren’t able to join him to celebrate his retirement. On a final note, a big thank you to Steve on behalf of Integra and its members for the support he has given us over the years.”
Tim Beaumont, Managing Director of Nemo said “Mr B as he is affectionally known, really will be missed. Over the many years that he has worked with Nemo / Office Club he has always shown great integrity. He plays the game with a straight bat, is genuine, and has had the ability to find solutions to some difficult issues. We wish you the very best for a well-deserved retirement, oh and good luck with the list of jobs from Mrs B!”
A volunteer called on by the Trustees of the BOSS Business Supplies Charity, Steve was awarded an Unsung Hero award at the 2019 BOSS Industry Awards.
Butler concludes, “We will miss Steve greatly, and we all wish him the very best for a long and healthy retirement.”