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Matt LeDucq, has one of those “root for this guy, he’s the underdog that made it” kinda feel good stories.
Most of my readers have probably heard of PowerLight. A fair number of you worked for Dinwoodie and Shug. But when Matt first heard of this Berkeley-based startup, from his father no less, he had no clue how hard he’d have to work to get a job there nor that it would completely change his life. Today, you get to hear that life changing story (which is by no means over). Along the way, he has great industry mentors in his life like Joe Benga, Andrew Beebe, Matt Handel and more who each influenced his journey in measurable ways.
Matt has 15+ Years of experience in renewables, specifically in developing solar for some of the biggest names in the industry like Nextera. He’s overseen more than $5Billion in transactions in EPC, OEM and long term investments, and has deep experience leading transactions for utility scale solar, community solar, stand alone storage, electric vehicle, fuel cell & microgrids. If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering “what would this guy who’s had such a macro view on the rise of renewable energy think is the next big thing?”
Mobility.
Specifically, Matt says that Electrification is the next big thing, and mobility is the pathway to get there. It’s an interesting way to think about the problem, right? Not necessarily the destination or outcome (Electrification) but the vectors or pathways to get us there (Mobility).
If you’d like to hear more about his journey, then you’ll DEF want to queue up today’s SunCast episode.
Timestamps
(5:51) Matt's introduction to the renewables industry
(8:12) Working hard to get the dream job
(12:52) Dream of being a professional baseball player
(14:44) What was left out of LinkedIn
(16:59) Conversation with a mentor
(21:58) Renewables industry evolves into the next phase of growth
(27:21) Lessons learned from EI Solutions & Suntec
(29:05) Advice on fighting for resources
(34:33) Marketing community solar
(36:44) Meeting Topher Wood
(40:03) Leaving Nextera
(43:35) Transitioning from solar to mobility
(46:14) Becoming CEO of Forum Mobility
(50:05) What is Drayage
(54:24) Other forms of fuel like green hydrogen
(56:12) Talent for the electrification & mobility sector
(1:00:03) What impact Matt's mentors had on him
(1:01:29) People challenging the status quo in solar
(1:05:05) Advice for entrepreneurs starting out
(1:07:04) Matt's recommended book
(1:08:26) Connecting with Matt
(1:09:47) Matt's bold prediction
(1:10:35) Wrap up
BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:
“The act of building something from the ground up, allows you to see whether or not you’re about to waste your time on something in a much better way.”
“I’ve always been a big believer that where you spend your time and why is pretty important.”
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SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow
Intersect Power is at the intersection of transformative energy technology and the changing needs of our society. Intersect is a clean infrastructure company bringing efficient, innovative, and scalable low-carbon solutions to its customers in energy and commodity markets.
ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:
Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.
Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 15-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.
You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.
If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.