Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Robert “A.J.” Patton, CEO of 548 Capital, LLC.
Show us a recent success story.
We recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to announce that we will be constructing a $30 million, entirely budget friendly and completely sustainable advancement, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are constructing 50 property units, a coffee bar, a business center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered use in the city
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What effect are you making?
I think there is always a shock when people discover who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, people just cant think it.
The other thing that I believe is important is we have an economic effect that resonates with individuals, and its a pretty effective message. That quantity of cash effects the budget plan of everyday households
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What challenges do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and say that were constructing 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 think the lesson is that coalition building is essential.
What can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting individuals in spaces together so everybody can share notes is always important. Stabilizing direct exposure, standing next to us and stating “these communities are deserving of financial investment”– you cant put a value on that
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How can possible partners do company with you?
We are likewise always willing 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 structure so they can see the technology that were applying in communities that historically havent had gain access to. Im constantly difficult leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts since I believe that has real value
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How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been fantastic just to meet the other Accelerate member business. I learned a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and learning more about individuals with absolutely various perspectives. I love 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 deliberate about the program, makes a big difference.
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I believe there is always a shock when people learn who is behind our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals simply cant believe it. Putting people in rooms together so everybody can share notes is always valuable. We are likewise always ready to host people 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 building so they can see the technology that were applying in neighborhoods that traditionally have not had access.
By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Picture thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 3rd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes market 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 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the sustainable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets expert with more than a decade of experience in investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his expertise and track record of creating consistent returns with an individual passion for helping change 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 transition to a tidy economy.
FOUND 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 2 pivotal minutes that made me jump. In 1999, my mother received a $400 gas costs, and she was just making 10 dollars an hour, so we could not pay for the gas costs. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, and thats not an excellent thing
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They looked puzzled that I would even dare ask about the daily people. I believe I turned in my resignation within six months of that conversation, and I began my business. I named it 548 Capital because that is the unit number in the public real estate where I grew up.
Inform us about your company? (mission, partners, areas you operate in, main consumers, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies available for all: all communities, all households, everybody needs to have access. Somebody, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those technologies reach everyone.