Gary Ricke Gary Ricke

NAESCO Federal Market Update 2025

Jim provides an update of the NAESCO federal workshop, noting both optimism within the Department of Defense for continued energy efficiency projects and pessimism due to federal agency project cancellations and pauses.

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Gary Ricke Gary Ricke

From Farm to Energy: Energizing Arkansas with Lauren Waldrip

Lauren Waldrip, Executive Director of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association, discusses her journey from farm life to energy advocacy, the future of advanced energy in Arkansas, and her mission to support affordable, reliable power for all Arkansans.

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Gary Ricke Gary Ricke

Tomas van Stee, Founder - EnPowered

EP: 120
Tomas, CEO and Founder of EnPowered, launched the company in 2015, which now saves customers over $50M annually and offers integrated financing solutions through a network of 200+ funders for clean energy contractors.

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Gary Ricke Gary Ricke

Chris Nelson, Founding Partner | CEO - Helios Energy

EP 118
Chris, a former Marine Corps intelligence officer with degrees from The Citadel and Montana, founded Helios in 2014 after a 22-year military career and roles in Fortune 500 companies; Helios, now one of America's fastest-growing clean energy companies, aims to simplify energy efficiency and renewable solutions, driven by Chris' passion for helping people and the environment.

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Gary Ricke Gary Ricke

Joey Redmond, Electrical Team Leader - B2Q Associates

EP 117
Joey Redmond is an experienced electrical engineer specializing in energy and utility design, with a decade-long career spanning various roles in commercial, industrial, and institutional projects across multiple companies.

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Gary Ricke Gary Ricke

Frank Agraz, Director of Energy Efficiency - Facility Solutions Group

EP 114
Frank Agraz has worked in the energy efficient lighting retrofit community for 30 years and currently serves as Director of Energy Efficiency at Facility Solutions Group.  He and his team develop turnkey lighting projects and provide technical and educational support to the customer.  Prior to his current role, he co-founded Maneri-Agraz Enterprises, a national turnkey lighting retrofit provider.  He serves on the Board of Directors as Past President of the Illuminating Engineering Society.  Mr. Agraz is Lighting Certified by the NCQLP and is a former Exam Committee Chair, responsible for the group that develops and maintains the content of the annual LC exam.  He graduated from Texas A&M University with a BS in Industrial Distribution. 

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Gary Ricke Gary Ricke

Jason Denue, Vice President, Energy & Principal - WENDEL Companies

EP 113
As Vice President of Energy, Jay is responsible for leading and growing Wendel’s national energy efficiency services.

Jay has been with Wendel for over 14 years during which time he has been involved in the study, design, and construction of energy conservation, renewable energy and electrification projects. In his new role, Jay will be responsible for leading and growing Wendel’s national energy efficiency services.

Jay has worked on many of Wendel’s Energy Performance Contract (EPC) projects. He has worked closely with key clients including the New York Power Authority, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and Maricopa Community College. He has also collaborated with our business development team to grow Wendel’s presence across the country and bring in new and exciting opportunities.

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