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Entrepreneur Andrew Chester has some simple advice for anyone trying to navigate the challenges of startup life. "Surround yourself with a good team," he said.
He said he learned the value of the right team through the rapid growth of his first company and integrated it into the framework of his second. "You can say all the cliche things — you need people who are driven and smart and all that. But honestly, when we meet with people, it's more about their energy and how passionate they are about the space," he said.
Andrew spent nine years growing Greenskies Renewable Energy into one of the country's largest commercial and industrial solar companies, taking it from a team of two to more than 100 before bringing it to a very successful nine-figure exit in 2017.
After a brief hiatus from the renewable space, Andrew set out to repeat his success by partnering with a Greenskies alum and a global bank to create another solar energy development company.
Telyon — the brand name for Telos Clean Energy — is a clean energy solutions provider supporting project management and ongoing community, industrial, and commercial solar operations. It owns and operates solar energy assets and assists companies worldwide with their clean energy initiatives through developing solar, battery storage, EV charging and energy efficiency measures.
It's already an industry-leading platform, and Andrew is still young enough to earn 40 under 40 accolades. He, did, afterall start his first company at 23.
Telyon is a joint venture partnership between Andrew, his former Greenskies colleague, Michael Daly, and the alternative energy investing group at Goldman Sachs.
The partnership enables Goldman Sachs to invest up to $275 million to finance the joint venture's activities and own assets, combining financing provided by several parties via tax equity, debt and sponsor investments into a single capital source. Telyon provides the joint venture and portfolio development, execution and management.
Telyon is a play on the Greek term telos, which refers to what we might call a purpose, goal, end or actual final function of an object. "What we're doing here is trying to reach the end goal of a clean energy future," he said.
Unlike the days at Greenskies where Andrew spent most of his time in origination & business development, today Andrew wears the CEO hat, and it fits him well. Andrew touches all corners of the business, including finance, business development, construction execution, and asset management. Michael, EVP of Business Development, is responsible for deal origination, strategic corporate partnerships and brand development initiatives nationwide.
Andrew is not only an accomplished solar industry veteran. He's a longtime friend who impresses me with his passion, perseverance, and tenacity to build the perfect portfolio of clients — ones that the business can best serve and reciprocally serve the business's best interests.
In today's podcast, we also reflect on his experiences at Greenskies. (You can get some add’l perspective of Greenskies from co-founder and CEO Mike Silvestrini in Episode 85 & Episode 400).
We'll also explore Andrew's backstory to learn how he's accomplished so much so soon and consider his predictions for both Telyon and the broader renewables arena.
Andrew has long-been on my podcast bucket list, so I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to bring this one to life here today.
BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:
“You can say all the cliche things — you need people who are driven and smart and all that. But honestly, when we meet with people, it’s more about their energy and how passionate they are about the space”
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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 16-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.