For the 10th anniversary of the Top Solar Contractors list, we’re sharing Q&A’s with the people who make the industry run every day. Read more interviews here.

How’d you get started in solar?

I grew up in war-torn Bosnia where I was raised in extremely challenging environments. As a young boy, I witnessed certain things that no one should ever see. After escaping the country, myself and my parents immigrated to America, where I went on as a young man to become a law enforcement officer, executive for a nutrition and supplements company, and eventually I got started in solar in 2017. I was approached by an old high school friend who owned his own solar company. He needed a business-minded and operations-driven person to help drive the business. The rest is history.

What’s your favorite part about being in the solar industry?

I have three parts that are my favorite:

• I get to help people become more energy independent
• I love being on the front lines as sustainability is the way of the future
• An investment into solar is a massive economic opportunity for homeowners to take control of their money over a 20-30 year period

What has surprised you the most about the solar industry in the last 10 years?

The biggest surprise has been the continuous innovation and improvement of new products and technology that have made solar more affordable. The lower cost of solar, coupled with certain tax incentives and/or state incentives, make it easier to go solar today.

What are your solar predictions for the next 10 years?

My prediction is that a record number of people are going to become more energy-independent and that solar will become the norm as we continuously strive to reduce the carbon footprint in society.

How’d you/your company stand out in the last year?

The company grew in two additional markets and had a record-setting year in sales and installs. We became the highest-rated local solar company in all of Illinois.

How are you helping to improve the industry?

I am working side-by-side with other leaders and sitting on various boards/panels to help identify trends and ways to continue reducing costs while increasing efficiency in all aspects of solar. The future is now – let’s continue working hand in hand to leave the world a better place than we found it.