What does it take to build a 100-year business? How does one expand beyond integration of off-the-shelf products to branding power plants as a unique identifiable product? What does it take to secure an entire City’s rooftops…like Atlanta?

Michael Chanin, the CEO and founder of Cherry Street Energy, is bringing this ambitious vision to fruition. Chanin's team is embracing the power of renewables for transforming our infrastructure, and my meeting with him left me inspired. Chanin is not your typical investment-banker-turned-renewable-energy-entrepreneur. How this Macon, GA native found his way to banking is in itself an unlikely turn in his career. So, when he decided to leave Wall Street for Main Street, it was in many ways a return to his roots as a social anthropologist and activist at heart.

Chanin found his calling in the clean energy sector through his banking work with early financial pioneers like Vivint who were leveraging public markets to bring solar to neighborhoods around the country. But, he saw a gap (Opportunity) beyond the residential solar revolution in how these products (power plants) could benefit municipalities, universities, and communities writ large. What he built as a delivery mechanism, Cherry Street Energy, has quickly become Georgia’s foremost non-utility provider of renewable power! And, with over 1000 projects in the queue, Michael and the Cherry Street team are just getting started.

In this episode, discover:

• Cherry Street Energy’s unique approach to finance and deploy distributed energy resources.
• Culture, collaboration, kindness, and a long-term vision as essential ingredients to success.
• How Warren Buffett changed Michael’s career prospects
• Their Shine On program for workforce development “from blue collar to new collar”
• The operational fabric supporting Cherry Street Energy's progress.

Hit play to learn how Cherry Street Energy is paving the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

Every growth story has roots in finding scalable and duplicatable processes. From a Big Mac to the Macintosh, the capacity to create products people want and galvanize a team around delivering them is what sets true market leaders apart from their peers. However, in the more than 700 interviews we’ve done at SunCast, we know that the path to the top is not linear nor is it free from failure. So, when I see someone succeeding for multiple years in a leadership position, I want to know what made it work. Such is the case with CPS Americas.

Are you curious what frameworks & models contributed to their becoming the #1 Three-Phase String Inverter Supplier in the US?

What visionary leaders’ stories or tried-and-true methods did their leadership ‘borrow’ for application to the power electronics industry?

Bryan Wagner, GM and President of Chint Power Systems Americas (CPS), shares the strategies and insights that helped CPS reclaim their top position in the US Market. Through efficient management, teamwork, their “Lightspeed '' system and “triangle offense”, Bryan divulges for the first time the leadership and operational tactics that have cemented their market dominance and fostered an enviable team culture.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• How CPS navigated quality challenges to reclaim market leadership
• The importance of developing a customer-centric culture and welcoming feedback
• Why slow is smooth, and smooth is fast in an evolving market
• Insights into the future of string inverters and energy storage solutions
• The value of an approachable leadership style and empowering your team

Listen in to hear Bryan Wagner's expert advice on driving growth and innovation in the solar industry.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

Imagine a Roomba on a solar farm with a camera that can automatically inspect modules, wiring, even hot-spots, and report all that information back instantaneously to the asset manager. That level of computer vision and automation is finally possible, and it looks a Lot like a fun Disney character you’d recognize!

Derek Chase, founder and CEO of OnSight, is revolutionizing solar asset management through robotics and computer vision that uses a WALL-E-like advanced autonomous navigation robot to significantly enhance the accuracy of solar farm inspections with AI-powered detection. With more than 15 years in the industry, Derek has pioneered scalable operations and maintenance solutions, successfully building and selling one of the most successful O&M businesses in solar - SunSystem Technologies.

But Derek is not one to sit on his haunches and relax, nor are his co-founders (most from his previous venture), and his story of stumbling upon the idea for OnSight (at a Garage Sale, no less) is sure to inspire and inform your entrepreneurial tendencies.

Expect to learn:

• How OnSight's robots autonomously navigate and inspect solar farms, capturing high-resolution data beyond human capability
• The role of machine learning and computer vision in detecting subtle issues, like high-resistance connections that could cause fires
• Strategies for funding and assembling a world-class team
• The future of solar asset management with predictive maintenance and comprehensive data collection
• Lessons in entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and perseverance

Listen in to discover how Derek Chase and OnSight are solving the unseen risks of solar one robot at a time.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

Perhaps the best way to scale your company is by investing in your people!

If knowledge is wealth, then upskilling your workers (and indeed yourself) could be the best return on your investment. Brittany Heller, Director of Program Management at HeatSpring, explains how training programs are not just essential for attracting and developing new talent, they’re also how growing companies scale commercially. By offering comprehensive online training, HeatSpring helps professionals learn at their own pace and fit training into their busy schedules, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the industry.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• The role of online education in workforce development
• The benefits of upskilling and structured training programs
• How companies are scaling by upskilling their workers
• How HeatSpring collaborates with industry leaders to create tailored training solutions
• The importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning within companies

Check out Heatspring and level up your skills (or your team!).

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

I’m going to argue that procurement (buyer OR seller) negotiations are just like hostage negotiations. Hear me out.

Effective negotiations are crucial for uncovering hidden opportunities, maintaining control without aggression, and closing better deals. Mastering these skills can significantly impact business outcomes, ensuring more favorable terms and stronger relationships. And in procurement, there is often a lot at stake on both sides - and the hostage? Well, the project itself becomes the hostage.

And, in a world where we are SPRINTING to install as many GW As possible, we need more savvy negotiators who are helping set our projects free!

Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator and author of "Never Split the Difference," is a veritable expert with over 20 years of high-stakes negotiation experience. Voss now applies his hard-won insights to the business world.

We’re going back in the vault to the time he agreed to come on and answer all my questions about negotiation.

Get a pen & paper.

Expect to learn:

• How to leverage FBI negotiation tactics in business
• The power dynamics of procurement and sales
• Techniques for effective communication and labeling
• The importance of slowing down negotiations

Play this valuable snippet from episode 101 and apply practical negotiation skills to your business.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Electrify Everything!

Ok, we’ve heard that “Electrification” is coming, but beyond our Automobiles what else can be electrified?

Did you know that cleaning up our built environment is one of the biggest clean energy opportunities today? In the U.S., buildings are the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, representing 35% of total energy-related emissions. There are meaningful steps we can take to reduce the overall impact our buildings have on the environment while also improving how we use and enjoy being inside of them. For example, Today’s guest finally convinced me that the replacement of my gas stove with an induction stove not only makes ecological but also economical sense. But I learned so much more than appliance economics.

Our communities need safer, healthier, and more affordable energy. Most listeners of this show agree with that. The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) is harnessing the power of coalition to forge paths for effective upgrades that power homes and buildings with clean electricity. Panama Bartholomy, the Founder and Executive Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition, has 25 years of experience in the building sector, and he’s committed to helping pave the way for electrification of buildings. Bartholomy and his team are working to mainstream electric technology alternatives like heat pumps and induction stoves while also addressing the economic and equity implications of this transition.

Expect to learn:

• How neighborhood scale actions are the future of building decarbonization
• Market actors, including manufacturers and installers driving the transition
• The health and environmental benefits of eliminating gas appliances in homes
• Managing economic impacts of the gas-to-electric transition

Curious whether the move away from gas infrastructure can really happen?

We can all play a role in creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable built environment - Tune-in to learn how.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

Energy isn't a battle of fossil fuels vs renewables; it's about figuring out the energy transition together.

As a North Carolina State Representative (GOP), John Szoka was once dismissive of renewables, as many might expect. Yet, after serving five terms in the legislature, Szoka transitioned from a renewable energy skeptic to a champion, thanks in large part to his open-mindedness when presented with data from a lobbyist which conflicted with his own understanding of the value of Renewables. Rep. Szoka carried the Republican torch on clean energy by championing key bills, including House Bill 589: Competitive Energy Solutions for NC and House Bill 951: Energy Solutions for NC, two bipartisan pieces of legislation that each altered the trajectory of energy within the state. Now, as the CEO of the Conservative Energy Network (CEN), he works to educate and engage conservatives in rural communities about the benefits and opportunities of clean energy. Szoka is a true believer and his work is converting hearts and minds in the heartland of America.

Expect to learn:

• Why John Szoka shifted his stance on clean energy.
• The role of CEN in educating rural communities about clean energy benefits.
• The impact of property rights and energy costs on conservative views.

Listen in to discover how bipartisan cooperation and conservative advocacy can deliver results for the clean energy transition.

Finally, a feel-good story of independence and triumph! There’s little more patriotic and American than the dream of starting out on your own and building a business that supports your family, serves your neighbors and builds a durable legacy. And we even have a “He left med school for this?” to pull your heart strings too.

The true-life story of the rise of Summit Energy as one of the Inc 5000 fastest growing companies, now 2 years running, is a heartfelt look at how Culture truly does eat Strategy for lunch.

In this episode, Summit Energy's co-founders, Eric Israelsen and Dallin Maw, share their journey from door-to-door sales to building a thriving solar business. Armed with a philosophy of continuous improvement and a desire to empower their customers and staff to be community leaders, they’re giving people reasons to trust the solar industry again. Tune-in as Summit’s Chief Empowerment Officer discloses how building their company helped both find fulfillment in work and life.

Hope you’ll take a break from ice cream and apple pie to feast on this homegrown success story. It’s sure to inspire and guide any would-be solar company leader to reach new heights.

Expect to learn:

• How Summit Energy empowers their customers and staff
• The leadership philosophies that have made Summit Energy a success
• Dallin's emotional story of what he overcomes every day to be successful as an entrapreneur
• How Eric and Dallin foster continuous learning and growth in their business
• Real-life stories of how Summit Energy's culture has impacted employees and customers

Ready for a solar industry story where the good guys are winning? Hit play!

And, even if you’re listening to this months or years from it’s publishing date, Happy Independence day, #SolarWarrior!

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus