Category: Clean Energy

Show us a recent success story.
We recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to reveal that we will be building a $30 million, entirely economical and completely sustainable advancement, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are developing 50 property units, a coffeehouse, a service center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered use in the city
.
What impact are you making?
I believe there is always a shock when individuals learn who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, people just cant think it.
The other thing that I think is important is we have an economic impact that resonates with people, and its a pretty powerful message. That amount of cash impacts the budget of daily families
.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and say that were developing sustainable housing in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, they look at me like Ive spoken the wrong language. These communities are still being red-lined. I believe the lesson is that union structure is crucial.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Picture courtesy of Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 3rd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets specialist with more than a years of experience in investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his proficiency and performance history of developing constant returns with an individual enthusiasm for assisting transform neighborhoods and their effect on the world. In 2019, Patton was called a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his effect on Americas transition to a tidy economy.
LEARNT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to start your business?
I had 2 turning points that made me jump. In 1999, my mother got a $400 gas bill, and she was only making 10 dollars an hour, so we could not manage the gas bill. And so, sadly, we had our gas and heat turned off. For around a year in my teens, we had to boil water and carry it approximately a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were uniquely difficult times, and experiences like that just stick to you. I dont care what happens the rest of your profession or what your lifestyle is progressing; those minutes are with you permanently. As I talk about that with different groups around the nation, it has become clear that my experience is not an anomaly. A lot of individuals have comparable anecdotes, whichs not an advantage
.
The second essential moment was probably 15 years back, as I was working for a company that was buying a host of things around the world. People were being available in to request a financial investment around renewable energy, and I postured a question to them: “What you are making with these solar firms is amazing, and the cost of solar is boiling down, however how does that aid daily individuals?” I asked, “Where are they in your equation? Where is their gain access to? They are paying an out of proportion quantity of their income on energy.” They looked puzzled that I would even attempt ask about the daily people. They said, “Well, you understand, low- and moderate-income families often reside in multi-family structures, and it is tough to get in contact with those building owners. If you can not get in contact with the building owners, you need to call specific households and the expense of getting those individuals informed and then subscribing to renewable resource is not a favorable company design.” So, I asked, “What if I owned the housing development and the solar?” And they stated, whoever does that is going to change the marketplace forever. So I stopped my job. I believe I kipped down my resignation within 6 months of that conversation, and I started my company. I called it 548 Capital since that is the system number in the general public real estate where I matured. So everything is I do is targeted to households in those scenarios and focused on improving their lifestyle
.

Inform us about your company? (objective, partners, regions you run in, primary clients, and so on).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies accessible for all: all neighborhoods, all households, everybody should have access. Somebody, some entity, has to work as the bridge so that those technologies reach everyone. Thats what my mission is, and luckily we are growing. We are presently headquartered in Chicago, but we will be revealing some new areas this fall
.

So what can companies like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting individuals in spaces together so everyone can share notes is constantly valuable. Normalizing exposure, standing next to us and saying “these neighborhoods are deserving of financial investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can potential partners work with you?
Right now, we are Chicago-focused. We are constantly searching for partners to invest, use financial obligation or purchase some tax credits, thats the first ask. We are also always going to host individuals if they wish to see a few of the sustainable technology we are putting in these neighborhoods. This is not proprietary; its an open book. We host people as soon as a week at our building so they can see the innovation that were applying in neighborhoods that historically have not had gain access to. We are likewise going to be expanding our board. Because I think that has real worth, Im always challenging leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts
.
How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been excellent simply to meet the other Accelerate member companies. I found out a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and learning more about people with completely different viewpoints. I enjoy the networking.
I think we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Feeling in ones bones that it exists, and that ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a huge difference.
###.

I think there is constantly a shock when people discover who is behind our company. Even in our own communities, people just cant believe it. Putting people in spaces together so everyone can share notes is always important. We are likewise constantly prepared to host individuals if they desire to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities. We host individuals as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were using in neighborhoods that traditionally have not had gain access to.

Previously this year, we took a seat with Sascha Mayer, CEO and Co-Founder of Mamava, Inc., a fellow B Corporation and women-owned business committed to changing the culture of breastfeeding. Over the previous several years, Sascha and her co-founder Christine Dodson have actually built a successful, mission-driven company that promotes for and empowers females in society and in the work environment, and we are so honored to have had the chance to chat with Sascha as part of this interview series. Check out our discussion listed below:
KSV: Tell us a bit about your background, especially prior to co-founding Mamava. How do you feel that your pre-Mamava work experience prepared you for where you are now?
Sascha: Sure. I think theres a bit of a convergence in my background story in between excellent policy and style, because my really first task out of school was really working for Bernie Sanders in his congressional workplace. I was working for him really at the ground floor, responding to phones, doing some PR assistance, taking a trip the state. I discovered a lot from that experience around the significance of policy that really influences individualss lives..
After some time there, I got a task at JDK Design (now called Solidarity of Unbridled Labour), and type of worked my method into what was at that time an emerging field around brand method … So those two things kind of assembled to Mamava, because it was about using style to fix a real world issue. My co-founder Christine Dodson and I were lucky enough to be able to be entrepreneurs in the design studio, as we were thinking about Mamava and establishing the brand first and then gradually validating that we could produce an item that would solve a specific problem. When it came time for us to kind of head out on our own, we had such a strong running start with the background at the studio and the connections we made and much more so in that practice of brand technique..
KSV: At that minute when you and Christine decided to go out by yourself together, did you discover that you were navigating any kind of worry? Or existed outright conviction, like “this is the ideal thing for us to do and like now is the perfect time?”.
Sascha: We were really working on it for rather a very long time however when you breed these ideas while working within another organization that has client work, it sort of gets focused on when theres time. There might have been literally months and months that passed where we didnt do anything on Mamava and then, we d get a little bit of a break and put some energy behind it. At the time, there was legislation (The Fair Labor Standards Act) that was starting to appear that made business case for having spaces committed for lactation.
Whichs when this little idea sort of became, “Oh, we have an organization here that we believe that we could actually get funding for, and its not simply the best thing and an excellent idea to do, its really something that could fix an issue that individuals truly need and are going to be prepared to buy.”.
KSV: When Mamava first started, what services and products were you providing and how has that progressed?.
Sascha: It basically was a lactation pod prototype in the Burlington International Airport. And we put it in on a handshake due to the fact that we understood the director and we understood that there was a requirement there due to the fact that we were continuously taking a trip in and out of there for our organization with the style studio. That was it for a while, however we did realize pretty quickly that we wished to show scale for the idea and likewise allow mothers to find our units..
We came up with the Mamava App pretty not long after, and we understood that in order to show scale, we wanted to put other public lactation areas on it. There was sort of a double purpose of engaging the mom audience to participate in what we were doing and crowdsourcing other places..
What emerged extremely rapidly is that these rooms were needed anywhere mamas work or go, which is all over … We have systems in airplane hangers, and we have them in huge storage facility circulation. We required systems that were wheelchair available. We required units that had a smaller sized footprint that would really only be used for pumping and not a location where you d have a child and a stroller and you d really be breastfeeding.
And then we required to progress the app to kind of help us to manage gain access to. It became not just about mamas looking for, ranking their experience and finding lactation spaces, today we have innovation in the lactation systems that mothers can access by means of the app..
KSV: What was the greatest challenge that Mamava had to get rid of when developing the brand name and its worth to both moms and commercial consumers?.
Sascha: In the start there was a ton of education essential (especially for business clients). Because we had actually lived it ourselves, I think it worked to our advantage. And to be sincere with you, I believe Christine and I felt surprised that no one else had actually solved this problem prior to us..
There was likewise some education on our end around discussing the distinction between breastfeeding and pumping, and likewise not desiring anybody to seem like we were all about hiding this thing (lactation). It was about actually celebrating it and offering moms a choice. That was the biggest difficulty in the start..
KSV: Mamava has constantly been a strong supporter on the legal level for working mommies, but did you find that the pandemic has reinforced that level of advocacy? Do you discover that you are working with partners and stakeholders to help speed up a few of the (social or legislative) modifications to make life simpler for working mothers?
Sascha: Yeah. And its again, striking while the iron is hot and type of just turning that up. We have a collaborative collaboration with Medela, a breast pump company, and a program called New Moms Healthy Returns. And were being more front-footed about our outreach to policymakers because capacity and also in the business community. And then Christine is a board member of Lets Grow Kids and Im a board member of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. Once again, attempting to utilize the momentum we have, because – specifically in light of the pandemic – the requirement is so apparent.
KSV: Speaking of COVID-19, with all that has happened as an outcome, and with the manner in which running a service and simply service method in general has changed, what do you think success looks like in the next a number of years?
Sascha: I believe that success looks like more equity for all people and particularly females in the workplace, through both policies and just a rebalancing of what it indicates to work outside your house..
I think that success will be equity across the board, for whatever sort of parenting you do … and Im positive … I think that our business will continue to scale up as the economy recovers and ideally itll just be stabilized that you need to have adequate lactation accommodations because females are truly important. And without moms and dads, there is no economy and future.
Thank you so much, Sascha! You can find out more about Mamava, and the essential services and support theyre attending to mothers everywhere, here.

Previously this year, we sat down with Sascha Mayer, CEO and Co-Founder of Mamava, Inc., a fellow B Corporation and women-owned business dedicated to changing the culture of breastfeeding. Over the previous numerous years, Sascha and her co-founder Christine Dodson have constructed an effective, mission-driven company that promotes for and empowers ladies in society and in the workplace, and we are so honored to have had the opportunity to chat with Sascha as part of this interview series. Sascha: Sure. Sascha: It generally was a lactation pod model in the Burlington International Airport. Sascha: In the start there was a heap of education necessary (specifically for industrial consumers).

Tell us about your business? (mission, partners, areas you run in, main customers, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies accessible for all: all neighborhoods, all households, everybody ought to have access. Someone, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those innovations reach everybody. Thats what my objective is, and fortunately we are growing. We are currently headquartered in Chicago, however we will be revealing some new areas this fall
.

Show us a current success story.
We recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to announce that we will be developing a $30 million, completely budget friendly and totally sustainable development, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are developing 50 domestic units, a coffee bar, a service center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered use in the city
.
What impact are you making?
When individuals learn who is behind our business, I believe there is always a shock. Even in our own communities, people simply cant believe it. To me, thats quite satisfying. Individuals seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I think is crucial is we have an economic impact that resonates with individuals, and its a quite effective message. That amount of cash impacts the spending plan of daily families
.
What challenges do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and say that were building sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income communities, they look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. I think the lesson is that union building is crucial.

I think there is always a shock when individuals discover who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, people simply cant believe it. Putting people in rooms together so everyone can share notes is always valuable. We are also constantly ready to host people if they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities. We host people once a week at our structure so they can see the innovation that were applying in communities that historically havent had gain access to.

What can companies like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting individuals in rooms together so everyone can share notes is constantly valuable. Normalizing exposure, standing next to us and stating “these neighborhoods are deserving of financial investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can potential partners work with you?
Now, we are Chicago-focused. We are constantly trying to find partners to invest, offer debt or purchase some tax credits, thats the first ask. If they desire to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities, we are also always willing to host individuals. This is not proprietary; its an open book. We host individuals once a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were using in communities that historically havent had gain access to. We are also going to be broadening our board. Since I believe that has genuine worth, Im constantly difficult leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts
.
How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been terrific simply to satisfy the other Accelerate member companies. I learned a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and learning more about individuals with completely various viewpoints. I enjoy the networking.
I believe we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Feeling in ones bones that it exists, and that ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a big distinction.
###.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Picture thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 3rd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment features market leaders and subjects associated with accelerating an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the renewable resource sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets specialist with more than a years of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his know-how and track record of producing constant returns with a personal enthusiasm for assisting transform communities and their influence on the world. In 2019, Patton was named a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his impact on Americas shift to a clean economy.
FOUND OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to begin your business?
I had 2 essential moments that made me leap. In 1999, my mother received a $400 gas bill, and she was just making ten dollars an hour, so we couldnt manage the gas expense. And so, regrettably, we had our gas and heat shut off. For roughly a year in my teens, we had to boil water and bring it up to a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were distinctively tough times, and experiences like that simply stick to you. I do not care what happens the rest of your profession or what your lifestyle is moving forward; those moments are with you forever. As I discuss that with various groups around the nation, it has actually ended up being clear that my experience is not an anomaly. A great deal of individuals have similar anecdotes, and thats not an advantage
.
The 2nd essential moment was most likely 15 years ago, as I was working for a company that was buying a host of things all over the world. Individuals were being available in to ask for a financial investment around renewable energy, and I presented a concern to them: “What you are making with these solar companies is incredible, and the expense of solar is boiling down, but how does that help everyday individuals?” I asked, “Where are they in your equation? Where is their access? They are paying an out of proportion amount of their earnings on energy.” They looked puzzled that I would even dare inquire about the everyday individuals. They stated, “Well, you know, low- and moderate-income families typically live in multi-family buildings, and it is hard to get in contact with those constructing owners. If you can not get in contact with the building owners, you need to call private households and the expense of getting those people educated and after that registering for renewable resource is not a beneficial business design.” So, I asked, “What if I owned the real estate advancement and the solar?” And they said, whoever does that is going to change the market forever. I quit my job. I think I kipped down my resignation within six months of that discussion, and I began my business. I named it 548 Capital since that is the system number in the general public real estate where I matured. So whatever is I do is targeted to families in those situations and focused on enhancing their lifestyle
.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 2nd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment will include industry leaders and subjects connected to accelerating an equitable and simply shift to a renewable resource economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned renewable resource business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists federal governments, energies and co-ops incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to begin your business?
A drive to bring innovative innovations and advanced structure methods to the renewable resource market. I want to minimize the amount of green space used to support the development of sustainable energy all over the world and assistance bring our industry into the future. I established this business after working for a couple of big energies and recognizing that the old design will not get us to where we require to be as a country. We need vibrant, unencumbered thought that embraces the possibility of where we can go. Albert Einstein said, “Logic will get you from A to Z; creativity will get you everywhere.” This is the genesis of Sole Trader.
How are you making an effect through your business?
We are changing the method federal governments, energies and co-ops think of powering the future of this fantastic country. We purchase finding and utilizing tested, emerging innovations from all over the world that can be utilized to power today and the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to form the nation each and every day.
Tell us about your company?
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge renewable energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and maintenance. Our group of utility experts helps us reduce construction expenses and timelines for our clients. We can also provide consulting and tactical preparation services, website identification and preparation, building and construction, operations and upkeep, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, site startup or shutdown, therefore far more.
Exists anything else you wish to show ACORE members and partners?
We accept opportunities to bring our clients into the future, utilizing our comprehensive lessons learned and our proven new technologies. And we believe energy self-reliance is the key to green growth.
To learn more about Sole Trader, check out soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced structure techniques to the eco-friendly energy industry. I want to reduce the amount of green space utilized to support the development of eco-friendly energy around the world and help bring our industry into the future. Sole Trader offers our clients access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to shape the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge sustainable energy company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. And we believe energy independence is the key to green growth.

Inform us about your business? (objective, partners, regions you operate in, primary clients, and so on).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations available for all: all communities, all families, everyone should have access. Somebody, some entity, has to act as the bridge so that those innovations reach everybody. Thats what my objective is, and luckily we are growing. We are presently headquartered in Chicago, but we will be revealing some brand-new areas this fall
.

Share with us a current success story.
We recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to announce that we will be constructing a $30 million, totally sustainable and entirely budget friendly development, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 property systems, a cafe, an organization center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered use in the city
.
What impact are you making?
When people learn who is behind our company, I think there is constantly a shock. Even in our own communities, people simply cant believe it. To me, thats quite satisfying. Individuals seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I believe is essential is we have a financial impact that resonates with people, and its a quite effective message. That quantity of cash effects the budget plan of everyday households
.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and state that were constructing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income communities, they look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These communities are still being red-lined. I believe the lesson is that coalition structure is essential.

I think there is always a shock when people learn who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, people just cant believe it. Putting individuals in rooms together so everyone can share notes is always valuable. We are likewise always prepared to host people if they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities. We host individuals as soon as a week at our building so they can see the technology that were using in communities that traditionally havent had gain access to.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Picture thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the third installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features market leaders and subjects connected to speeding up a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the renewable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets professional with more than a decade of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and real estate analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his knowledge and performance history of developing consistent returns with a personal passion for helping change communities and their impact on the planet. In 2019, Patton was called a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his effect on Americas transition to a tidy economy.
CHECKED OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to start your business?
I had two critical minutes that made me leap. In 1999, my mother received a $400 gas bill, and she was only making ten bucks an hour, so we could not pay for the gas expense. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, and thats not a good thing
.
The 2nd essential minute was most likely 15 years earlier, as I was working for a firm that was purchasing a host of things worldwide. Individuals were can be found in to ask for an investment around sustainable energy, and I postured a concern to them: “What you are doing with these solar firms is magnificent, and the cost of solar is coming down, however how does that help everyday individuals?” I asked, “Where are they in your equation? Where is their access? They are paying a disproportionate quantity of their income on energy.” They looked confused that I would even dare ask about the everyday individuals. They stated, “Well, you understand, low- and moderate-income families frequently live in multi-family buildings, and it is hard to get in contact with those building owners. If you can not get in contact with the building owners, you have to get in touch with private families and the expense of getting those people educated and then subscribing to sustainable energy is not a favorable company model.” I asked, “What if I owned the housing development and the solar?” And they stated, whoever does that is going to alter the market permanently. I stopped my job. I believe I turned in my resignation within six months of that discussion, and I started my company. I called it 548 Capital because that is the system number in the public real estate where I grew up. Everything is I do is targeted to families in those circumstances and focused on enhancing their quality of life
.

So what can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting people in rooms together so everyone can share notes is constantly valuable. Through the Accelerate program, weve had a possibility to speak straight with lenders and tax credit syndicators which is incredible. Then, if there are nationwide corporations that can support our work that can likewise be a big offer. Were presently dealing with a collaboration with Lowes, which is contributing about $1,000,000 worth of products to support our jobs. Stabilizing direct exposure, standing beside us and stating “these neighborhoods deserve investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can potential partners work with you?
Today, we are Chicago-focused. We are always looking for partners to invest, provide financial obligation or purchase some tax credits, thats the first ask. We are also always happy to host people if they wish to see a few of the sustainable technology we are putting in these neighborhoods. This is not exclusive; its an open book. We host individuals when a week at our structure so they can see the innovation that were using in communities that historically havent had gain access to. We are also going to be broadening our board. Im always difficult magnates to put their name and face on these efforts due to the fact that I think that has genuine value
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been fantastic simply to fulfill the other Accelerate member business. I found out a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and discovering individuals with completely different perspectives. I like the networking.
I believe we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Just knowing that it exists, which ACORE is so deliberate about the program, makes a huge distinction.
###.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 2nd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation will include industry leaders and topics connected to accelerating a fair and simply shift to a sustainable energy economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the renewable resource sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned renewable resource business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader helps federal governments, co-ops and utilities integrate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to begin your business?
A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced structure strategies to the renewable energy industry. I want to reduce the amount of green area utilized to support the growth of renewable energy around the world and help bring our market into the future. I established this business after working for a couple of big energies and recognizing that the old design will not get us to where we require to be as a nation.
How are you making an impact through your business?
We are changing the way federal governments, energies and co-ops consider powering the future of this terrific country. We purchase finding and utilizing proven, emerging innovations from all over the world that can be used to power the present and the future. Sole Trader offers our customers access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to shape the nation each and every day.
Inform us about your company?
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge renewable energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. Our group of energy specialists helps us reduce building and construction expenses and timelines for our clients. We can also provide consulting and tactical planning services, site recognition and preparation, building and construction, operations and upkeep, devices recycling, cybersecurity, site start-up or shutdown, and so far more.
Is there anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We embrace opportunities to bring our customers into the future, utilizing our comprehensive lessons discovered and our proven new technologies. And we believe energy independence is the key to green development.
To find out more about Sole Trader, visit soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced building techniques to the sustainable energy market. I want to decrease the amount of green space used to support the growth of eco-friendly energy around the world and help bring our market into the future. Sole Trader provides our clients access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to shape the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge renewable energy company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and upkeep. And we think energy self-reliance is the crucial to green growth.

I think there is always a shock when people discover who is behind our company. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals just cant think it. Putting people in rooms together so everyone can share notes is always valuable. We are likewise constantly ready to host people if they want to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host individuals when a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were using in communities that traditionally havent had gain access to.

Share with us a current success story.
We just recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to reveal that we will be building a $30 million, entirely cost effective and completely sustainable advancement, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 property systems, a coffee store, an organization center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered use in the city
.
What impact are you making?
I believe there is always a shock when individuals discover who is behind our company. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals just cant think it.
The other thing that I think is crucial is we have an economic impact that resonates with individuals, and its a pretty powerful message. That quantity of money effects the budget of daily households
.
What challenges do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and say that were building sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income communities, they look at me like Ive spoken the wrong language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. I believe the lesson is that union building is essential.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Photo courtesy of Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 3rd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features market leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and just shift to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the sustainable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets professional with more than a decade of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his competence and performance history of developing constant returns with an individual passion for assisting transform neighborhoods and their effect on the planet. In 2019, Patton was named a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his influence on Americas shift to a clean economy.
LEARNT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to begin your company?
I had 2 pivotal minutes that made me leap. In 1999, my mom got a $400 gas expense, and she was just making ten bucks an hour, so we could not manage the gas expense. A lot of individuals have similar anecdotes, and thats not a great thing
.
They looked confused that I would even attempt ask about the everyday people. I think I turned in my resignation within 6 months of that discussion, and I began my company. I called it 548 Capital since that is the system number in the public real estate where I grew up.

What can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting individuals in rooms together so everybody can share notes is constantly valuable. Normalizing direct exposure, standing next to us and stating “these communities are worthy of financial investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can prospective partners do company with you?
We are likewise constantly ready to host individuals if they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities. We host people when a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were using in communities that traditionally have not had access. Im constantly difficult top executives to put their name and face on these efforts since I believe that has genuine value
.
How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been fantastic just to fulfill the other Accelerate member business. I found out a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and learning more about individuals with totally various point of views. I like the networking.
I think we are doing the best we can do in the COVID environment. Feeling in ones bones that it exists, and that ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a huge distinction.
###.

Tell us about your company? (mission, partners, regions you operate in, main clients, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies available for all: all neighborhoods, all families, everybody should have access. Somebody, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those technologies reach everybody.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 2nd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment will feature market leaders and subjects associated with accelerating an equitable and simply transition to a renewable resource economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the sustainable energy sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned sustainable energy business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists co-ops, utilities and governments incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to begin your company?
A drive to bring innovative innovations and advanced structure methods to the renewable energy industry. I wish to decrease the quantity of green space used to support the development of renewable resource around the world and assistance bring our industry into the future. I founded this business after working for a couple of big energies and understanding that the old model will not get us to where we need to be as a nation. We require dynamic, unencumbered idea that embraces the possibility of where we can go. Albert Einstein stated, “Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you all over.” This is the genesis of Sole Trader.
How are you making an impact through your company?
We are changing the way co-ops, governments and utilities think of powering the future of this great country. We invest in finding and utilizing tested, emerging technologies from around the globe that can be used to power today and the future. Sole Trader gives our customers access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to form the nation each and every day.
Inform us about your business?
Sole Trader is a diverse, professional, leading-edge renewable resource business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. Our group of utility specialists helps us decrease construction expenses and timelines for our clients. We can likewise offer consulting and strategic preparation services, site identification and preparation, building and construction, operations and upkeep, devices recycling, cybersecurity, website startup or shutdown, and so much more.
Exists anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We accept opportunities to bring our clients into the future, utilizing our comprehensive lessons discovered and our proven new innovations. And we think energy self-reliance is the crucial to green growth.
To get more information about Sole Trader, check out soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced building strategies to the renewable energy market. I want to reduce the amount of green area utilized to support the development of renewable energy around the world and aid bring our market into the future. Sole Trader gives our customers access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to form the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge sustainable energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. And we believe energy self-reliance is the essential to green growth.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Photo thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the third installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and subjects connected to speeding up a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the renewable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets specialist with more than a years of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and genuine estate analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his expertise and track record of producing consistent returns with a personal passion for assisting change neighborhoods and their impact on the world. In 2019, Patton was named a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his influence on Americas shift to a tidy economy.
CHECKED OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to start your company?
I had two essential minutes that made me leap. In 1999, my mother got a $400 gas expense, and she was only making ten dollars an hour, so we couldnt manage the gas bill. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, and thats not a good thing
.
They looked confused that I would even dare ask about the everyday people. I think I turned in my resignation within 6 months of that discussion, and I started my business. I called it 548 Capital because that is the unit number in the public real estate where I grew up.

Share with us a current success story.
We just recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to announce that we will be building a $30 million, completely sustainable and completely inexpensive development, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 property systems, a coffeehouse, a service center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered use in the city
.
What effect are you making?
I believe there is always a shock when people learn who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, people simply cant think it.
The other thing that I believe is essential is we have an economic effect that resonates with individuals, and its a pretty effective message. That quantity of cash impacts the budget plan of daily families
.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
When I go to banks and say that were building sustainable housing in low- and moderate-income communities, they look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These communities are still being red-lined. I believe the lesson is that union building is essential.

I believe there is always a shock when individuals discover who is behind our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals just cant think it. Putting people in rooms together so everyone can share notes is always important. We are also constantly willing to host individuals if they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host individuals once a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were applying in communities that traditionally have not had gain access to.

Inform us about your business? (objective, partners, areas you run in, primary customers, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations accessible for all: all communities, all households, everybody should have gain access to. Someone, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those innovations reach everyone.

So what can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting individuals in rooms together so everybody can share notes is always valuable. Normalizing direct exposure, standing next to us and saying “these communities are deserving of investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can potential partners do organization with you?
We are also constantly willing to host individuals if they desire to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host individuals when a week at our building so they can see the innovation that were using in neighborhoods that traditionally have not had access. Im always tough leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts since I think that has real worth
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been terrific simply to meet the other Accelerate member companies. I found out a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and learning more about individuals with totally various viewpoints. I enjoy the networking.
I believe we are doing the best we can do in the COVID environment. Simply knowing that it exists, and that ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a huge distinction.
###.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced building strategies to the renewable energy industry. I want to decrease the quantity of green area utilized to support the growth of eco-friendly energy around the world and aid bring our market into the future. Sole Trader gives our clients access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to shape the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge sustainable energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and upkeep. And we think energy independence is the crucial to green growth.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the second installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment will feature industry leaders and topics associated with accelerating an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned renewable resource company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader helps federal governments, energies and co-ops integrate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your business?
A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced building methods to the eco-friendly energy market. I wish to reduce the quantity of green area utilized to support the growth of renewable resource around the world and aid bring our industry into the future. I founded this business after working for a couple of large utilities and realizing that the old design will not get us to where we need to be as a country. We require vibrant, unencumbered thought that embraces the possibility of where we can go. Albert Einstein stated, “Logic will get you from A to Z; creativity will get you everywhere.” This is the genesis of Sole Trader.
How are you making an effect through your company?
We are changing the method co-ops, energies and governments believe about powering the future of this great country. We invest in finding and making use of tested, emerging innovations from all over the world that can be used to power today and the future. Sole Trader offers our customers access to tidy energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to form the country each and every day.
Inform us about your company?
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge sustainable energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and maintenance. Our team of utility specialists helps us lower construction costs and timelines for our customers. We can also offer consulting and strategic preparation services, site identification and preparation, building, operations and maintenance, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, website start-up or shutdown, therefore much more.
Exists anything else you wish to show ACORE members and partners?
We embrace chances to bring our customers into the future, utilizing our extensive lessons found out and our tested brand-new technologies. And we believe energy independence is the crucial to green growth.
To read more about Sole Trader, visit soletraderenergy.org.
###.