Bob co-founded the company in 2001 with his wife, Maria, and is currently the Operations Director. He has been involved with the sustainable energy industry for more than twenty years.  In addition, he has more than seventeen years experience in business development and operations with experience in manufacturing, design, consultation and planning.  He has been a solar technician, solar engineer, plant engineer, and director of manufacturing.  His extensive knowledge and working experience has focused on green building, energy efficiency and renewable energy consulting and implementation.

Prior to starting SEM, Bob was part of the founding team of Burt's Bees and helped grow the company from revenues of less than $1 million to over $60 million in sales. At Burt's Bees he was the Director of Manufacturing and managed all aspects of manufacturing, purchasing, distribution, and materials management for this personal care products manufacturer and distributor. 

Bob has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from NC State University.  He and Maria are the devoted parents of their 5-year old son, Zach, who aspires to be a solar-racecar driving farmer/scientist when he grows up.

Francis works with our commercial building science team as our senior engineer, providing pre-construction energy plan reviews for commercial buildings, LEED energy modeling, and high performance building audits for existing commercial buildings.

Francis comes to SEM with more than two decades of experience in environmental and mechanical engineering and consulting in the residential and commercial building industry. He has worked on countless high-profile projects locally and nationally, and his work has been recognized in national publications.

Prior to joining SEM, Francis worked as a senior engineer for a Wisconsin-based firm specializing in risk prevention, consulting and hands-on solutions to promote energy efficiency and building moisture management, including mold prevention strategies. Francis also has served as a senior project engineer and instructor for Advanced Energy. Additionally, he has developed and taught continuing education courses on moisture, mold and energy management for the NC Department of Insurance.

Francis holds an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in NC and AL.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his dog, and is a devoted stand-up bass player.

Dan is SEM's Director of Builder Services, assisting residential builders and developers in implementing sustainable building strategies to improve the performance of their homes and increase market penetration for "green" building. Dan is also experienced in developing building science training programs, and serves as a resource both for the SEM team and for those of the clients we serve.

Prior to joining SEM, Dan served as the Senior Project Coordinator and Training Manager at the North Carolina Solar Center, one of the nation's premier resource centers for renewable energy. He managed the development and implementation of training programs for builders in conjunction with the NC Healthy Built Homes program, a statewide green building program, and other Solar Center activities.

Prior to joining the Solar Center, Dan worked for 16 years with Advanced Energy, a nationally recognized research and consulting organization based in Raleigh, as a Senior Building Science Specialist. While there, he worked on numerous projects in the residential market involving builders and new construction as well as commercial new construction projects.

Dan joined SEM because he intends to leave the world a better place than he found it and, at SEM, he recognizes an opportunity to have a major impact by helping to move the residential building market toward more sustainable practices.

Dan and his wife, Mary Ann, have five children.

Shawn works with our solar team as our lead solar engineer and is the proud owner of a grid-tied PV system on his Raleigh home.

Shawn comes to us from the NC Solar Center at NC State University, where he led the professional PV training and system design assistance programs. He has a comprehensive understanding of the codes and standards applicable to solar thermal and PV systems for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Shawn designed and taught the Solar Center's PV for Electrical Contractors workshop, a NC Electrical Board approved continuing education course that has been offered to inspectors and electrical contractors across North Carolina since 1999.

Shawn has over nine years of research and design experience with renewable energy systems including photovoltaics, solar thermal, hybrid PV/Thermal and wind power. His experience with these technologies involves system engineering, installation, code compliance and acceptance testing. He also has extensive experience with the design and use of data acquisition systems and electrical, gas and thermal metering equipment used to measure energy consumption and renewable energy generation.

Shawn holds an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from NC State University and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University, and is also a North Carolina licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

Christian joined SEM in 2007 as our lead energy modeler. He brings two decades of experience in energy modeling and computer/information technology, and is now putting his expertise to work for our residential and commercial clients, primarily conducting computer simulations of building energy performance, and then determining modifications that can be made to building design, orientation and equipment to improve energy consumption and cost.

Christian attended California State University at Sonoma, where he earned a degree in Environmental Studies and Planning with a concentration in Energy Management and Design. In the mid-80's, he founded Energetic Systems in the San Francisco Bay area, a firm dedicated to commercial and residential building energy design and analysis. With the demise of the federal energy tax credits in the 80's, Christian transitioned into computer networking as a profession and helped develop Econet, the world's first international computer network for the environmental community. But with the oil crisis and global warming, Christian has returned to his passion by joining us here at SEM, where his ultimate hope is to "help save the planet through saving energy."

Christian's other passions include backpacking with the Sierra Club and being a rabid gardener (and when we say rabid, we mean he is seriously infected with the gardening bug – he even practices French intensive bio-dynamic methods, whatever that means!).

David has been with SEM since 2005. He leads our residential solar services team, overseeing and conducting  solar sitings, solar system design and engineering, pricing, sales and installation - with the ultimate goal of delivering the right solar solutions for every residential client we have the opportunity to serve.

David comes to us from Michigan, where he graduated from Hamilton College with a BA in Physics. He then went on to earn his MS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Michigan and worked as a high school science teacher at private high schools around the country.  

David now lives in Pittsboro and drives a sweet biodiesel VW, and on any Friday you might bump into his wife Emily and his son Daniel meeting him for a lunch date. 

Blair is our Director of Business Development and Commercial Sales. He came to SEM in 2006 from a career in marketing consulting and international business, and is now putting his experience to good use as he helps SEM meet the needs of the expanding sustainable energy markets in our state and beyond. He also is working to clarify solar financing options and tax incentives to optimize our customers' return on investment.

Blair is passionate about growing the market for sustainable energy technologies and he enjoys the challenges our fast-growing company presents on a daily basis. Rumor has it he's been known to dance in the parking lot after an especially exciting day at SEM.

Blair graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Virginia and received his MBA from the University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Eric is SEM's Director of Business Development in our Charlotte office. He brings a wealth of start-up experience to our fast-growing company, and is currently working to further develop relationships and seek new growth opportunities for SEM in the greater Charlotte area.

Prior to joining SEM, Eric spent the last 28 years building businesses in the residential and commercial real estate arenas. During that time, he also worked for several years as a strategic business analyst and consultant in the solar industry. Among his accomplishments, Eric formed Kol-Dahl Construction, which focused on the preservation of historic properties in the Boston area. He successfully managed the growth of Kol-Dahl from a small start-up into successful company with 60 employees in just over two years.

Eric is an admitted technology and gadget junkie who is rarely seen without his Mac G4 laptop (although he secretly longs for a new Mac Book Pro!). Outside of work, Eric loves spending time with his family, road biking and vacationing near the ocean. Other passions include studying marine biology and scuba diving – two things he believes his work at SEM is playing a part in helping to preserve.

David works in a variety of roles with SEM's Charlotte team in support of the development and expansion of our solar sales and engineering services in both the residential and commercial markets. He also strengthens our operations in South Carolina, where he is a leading voice for solar policy. In recent years, he has intervened on the state's net metering docket, lobbied for solar at the state capitol, and served on a technical workgroup for Governor Sanford's Climate, Energy, and Commerce Advisory Committee.

David developed a strong interest in solar technology after working for two decades as a software developer, analyst and consultant. In early 2005, he made it his personal mission to learn all he could about solar technology and the renewable energy industry in the Southeast. It wasn't long before he worked his way up to president of a solar company in SC.

When not spending time with his wife and two daughters, he's most relaxed with a cup of coffee (a little sugar and lots of cream) and a nice, hard crossword puzzle.

As part of SEM's growing team, David's ultimate goal is to put solar on as many buildings in the Southeast as possible, and to inspire and influence lasting change that will ensure a better energy future for his children's generation and beyond.

John joined the SEM team in 2005 and works hard to meet our customers needs -- he does a great job of keeping our builder clients happy and on schedule. Like Bob and Maria, John is a Burt's Bees alumnus -- there he served as warehouse manager and security coordinator.  John is extremely dedicated to our company's mission and is proud of the work he does with SEM.

At home, John enjoyes working outdoors, and especially enjoys spreading that first layer of mulch on his gardens every spring. John and his wife, Liz, have two beautiful children, Emma, 7 and Chris 6.

Scott joined the SEM team in 2007 as a plan reviewer/energy modeller. He is involved with all stages of our Energy Star Certification procedures, from the first step - plan review - to final field inspections. 

Scott attended Arkansas Tech University where he received his BS in Biology. He then studied renewable energy while in Thailand, where he taught English for six years, and fell in love with his wife. He is currently working on his Masters degree in renewable energy from Murdoch University in Perth Western Australia.
  
Although Scott has a broad interest in the renewable energy field, he is particularly passionate about building science and energy conservation, which he says are often overlooked as part of a home's overall energy performance. One of his favorite quotes sums it up: "There's nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which needn't be done at all."

In his spare time Scott enjoys hiking and juggling, and he LOVES Thai food.  (Lucky for him his wife is an expert in Thai cuisine!)  

Andrew has worked in the sustainable energy field with SEM for the last five years and is our most experienced field Energy Star Rater.  Andrew also trains Contractors and sub-contractors on Green Building practices.  

Carl Andrew Nicola, aka Andrew, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland.  His Mother, Theodora Marie Van Gennep Lurhs Nicola is Dutch, but she was born in Hong Kong.  Andrew's Father, Dr. Andraos N. Nicola is Palestinian and was born in Bethlehem..  Andrew and his family immigrated to the North Carolina from Saudi Arabia when he was 9.  He attended High School in Alamance County 1978 -1981 and attended NCSU 1981-1986. 

JR joined the SEM team in 2006 and is one of our hard working technicians.  JR installs solar water heaters, solar PV systems, and DENCOR energy management systems. 

JR graduated from ASU with an Appropriate Technology Degree which focused on Renewable Energy and Sustainable Building.  JR received hands on experience with Micro Hydro Electric Systems when he was in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

In his spare time, JR enjoys rock climbing, snow boarding, listening to music and catching a live show. 

Kevin joined the SEM team in 2007.  He is working as a Building Scientist at our Charlotte location.  He also assists the solar team with field installations. 

Kevin has a background in construction and restaurant management.

Kevin enjoys all sports and believes in saving the planet one house at a time.  He says that one his happiest moments at SEM was the day his Dad visited him on the job and told him how proud he was of the work he's doing.      

Laurie joined the SEM team in 2006 and is one of our Energy Star Field Inspectors.  Laurie is responsible for Energy Star Rating in production and custom homes.  This includes framing and insulation inspections and duct and house infiltration testing.  Laurie also trains builders on how they can implement energy efficient technologies into their homes.

Laurie worked for Habitat for Humanity of Wake County for 5 years, working construction 40 hrs a week as an Americorps member the first two, then hired on full time as Construction Superintendent for the next 3yrs (and yes, she did meet Jimmy Carter!).

Laurie attended Western Michigan University where she received her degree in Sociology.  She minored in religion, women's studies, and philosophy.  In her free time Laurie enjoys throwing pottery and renovating homes.   

Max joined SEM at the beginning of 2007.  Max installs solar water heaters, solar PV systems, DENCOR energy management systems, and is eagerly broadening his scope of expertise to include other Green Building technologies. 
Max also takes care of our recycling program here at SEM. 

Max received a BS in Psychology from Appalachian State and has renewable energy and natural building experience through work exchange and apprenticeships in Ireland, Spain, and the NC mountains.

Last year he married Bennett, who is an elementary school art teacher.  Max has played the drums since he was 14, and is working to master the hammered dulcimer.  Max is passionate about composting and just purchased a pitch fork to help make the magic happen.  

Phillip joined SEM in 2006 and is a member of our solar siting and system installation team.         

Phillip was born and raised in North Carolina and has experience in many fields, from computer engineering to brick masonry.  Computer development is one of Phillip's hobbies along with spending time with his children.  Phillip is a guy who likes to look good and is a self-admitted shop-aholic.   

Phillip's motto: I love trees!!

Heather joined SEM in August 2007 as our Communications Director. She coordinates and oversees internal & marketing communications, and also develops strategies to educate and inform the public about the inspiring work of SEM's dedicated team in North Carolina and beyond.

Before joining SEM, Heather traveled the U.S. interviewing cotton and soybean farmers while working on international agribusiness accounts for a public relations agency in Raleigh. She also researched breaking news for a 24-hour TV news station in Tampa Bay, and wrote freelance newspaper stories covering crime, business and the arts. Heather attended the University of South Florida, where she graduated cum laude with a degree in Journalism.

Outside of work, Heather can usually be found in a yoga class, hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, playing with her two Labs or enjoying live music. Heather also loves sports, and gives back to the community as an assistant coach for the girls' basketball team at Carolina Friends School in Durham.

Rachel joined SEM in August 2007 as part of our home energy rating team. She inspects framing and insulation, and verifies the energy performance of production and custom homes in and around the Triangle. Each day in the field, she appreciates the opportunity to see and help others see the connections between humans and the world around us. "There are so many small things everybody can do to make a difference and reduce the impact we're having on our environment."

Prior to joining SEM, Rachel earned a BS in Environmental Studies from Elon University, and served as outreach and education coordinator for the Western NC Green Building Council in Asheville, where she helped plan the Green Building 101 training series, and also taught the water conservation portion of the HealthyBuilt Homes Orientation course.  

Rachel grew up playing in the woods outside of Boston, and dreamed of growing up to work for the EPA or the FBI (we're glad she landed at SEM instead!). Now Rachel lives in a historic neighborhood in Durham. She spends her free time working out, playing soccer, playing the piano, camping and reading non-fiction.

Michael joined SEM in August 2007. As part of our building science team, he inspects and verifies the energy performance of new homes built in and around the Triangle.

A native of Wilson, North Carolina, Michael grew up with an interest in meteorology, economics and the environment. After earning his BA in Business from North Carolina State University, he built houses with Chatham Habitat for Humanity. His proudest moments with Habitat were participating in three build-a-thons on the Gulf Coast, where he helped build dozens of new homes for residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Michael also worked as a quality assurance technician for Advanced Energy, where he learned principles of applied building science to round-out his hands-on experience in the building industry.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys traveling, live music and working on cars.

Paul became a member of the SEM solar team in 2007, and has earned a reputation for being funny, resourceful and dependable. Prior to joining SEM, Paul operated his own home repair company, which led to the birth of his expansive tool collection. If there is a tool you need for a job, Paul most likely has it!

A self-described "family man," Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He also loves nature and Japanese anime.

Graham's first encounter with SEM in the fall of 2007 made a big impression on him. "I decided then that I wanted to be a part of the potential and dedication I saw in everyone on the SEM team," he said. Now Graham is a valued member of our solar sales and installation team, contributing to sales, performing solar sitings, coordinating scheduling, and assisting with solar system installations.

Graham graduated from The Miami University of Ohio, receiving a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in International Business. After earning his degree, Graham spent seven months in Ethiopia, where he researched the economics of sustainable development, and was inspired by the people there, who were so generous in sharing their material possessions as well as their faith. He was able to discover the needs of a much larger world, and hopes to be able to have a positive impact on this world through his work with SEM. 

Graham is a traveling man, with a particular love of international travel. He also enjoys ultimate Frisbee, deep sea fishing and spending time with his family.

Justin joined SEM in 2007 as a valued part of our solar installation team. Previously, he has worked on renewable energy projects at Appalachian State University, where he received a B.A. in Fine Arts and Applied Arts.

A native North Carolinian, Justin is a sort of "jack of all trades." His main interests (other than renewable energy) include automotives, farming, art and music. Justin is a superb banjo player and furthers his love of music as a member of a band. But his love of sustainable energy led Justin on his search for "the best company for the job." His search led him right to SEM's doorstep!

Susan joined SEM in December 2007 as our accountant, bringing more than 20 years experience in bookkeeping and financial management to our expanding company. She is one busy woman who handles the fast pace of our growing team with a saint's patience and an ever present sense of calm.

Susan enjoys learning, and is always up for trying new things. A few things on her list include: catching spores out of the air to make her own bread yeast, canning applesauce, and going to the Netherlands to visit her daughter who's studying abroad there.

Susan works at SEM because she believes in the mission and wants to help others take a stand. "I believe we should live as if we're leaving the earth to our children's children."

In her time away from SEM Susan enjoys hanging out with her family, yoga, swimming, reading and playing Rock Band on Play Station – (we hear she can play a mean guitar.)

Sterling joined SEM in January 2008 as a member of our commercial solar services team, where he assists our corporate clients understand and choose the best options available for improving energy efficiency, reducing energy costs and integrating solar power to meet their broader sustainability goals.

Before joining SEM, Sterling worked for the North Carolina State Energy Office, where he specialized in informing the public, businesses, government agencies and universities about state energy programs and services.

An art major in college, Sterling's passion for painting has helped beautify our office, where you can see a few of his masterpieces displayed. Sterling also enjoys spending time with his family (fishing and biking with his kids), and reading science fiction. What Sterling loves most about SEM is the team, because "everyone here is committed heart and soul to making this work."

Julia joined SEM in January 2008 and serves as administrative support for our fast-growing team. In addition to assisting with the countless administrative duties across our office, she is also our IT troubleshooter, events coordinator, and "the voice of SEM" greeting clients who call our Raleigh office. She likes to think of herself as "the hub."

With her degree in chemistry from NC State, Julia has worked as a field researcher, on projects such as analyzing how much pesticide workers took away from the field on their clothing. Escaping the monotony of the research field, she loves the 'randomness' of her role at SEM, never knowing what her day will entail. Not only does she do it all, but she does it with an upbeat, positivity that makes us smile.

Dressed in Harley attire Julia hopes to one day own a Harley Davidson, because they get 60 miles to the gallon! She also loves sushi and can clap with one hand. Fun fact: Her dad is a rocket scientist (no, for real, we kid you not). Julia is a part of SEM because she wants to do her part, and feel good about her job, not just enjoy it. 

Justin joined SEM as our unlimited licensed electrician after working for almost a decade in the new construction electrical field. A typical day for Justin involves leading residential and commercial solar electric (PV) installations, working to streamline installation processes and overseeing quality control.

Prior to electrical work, Justin traveled abroad with the Marines for 4 years before returning to the US and settling down with his wife and their cats and dogs. Justin then started with an entry-level electrician position and eventually worked his way up to running the company. It was at this point he decided he wanted to start his own business, but then he found SEM. He says he couldn't replicate this company, so he joined us instead.

Justin has always been mechanical by nature - fixing dirt bikes and motorcycles were his hobbies as a teenager. He is also an adrenaline junkie who enjoys anything that pushes the limits of what he thinks possible. Justin's mechanical mind loves the technology behind solar, and he is optimistic that it could save the world because it is sensible, creating no waste.

Narayan joined SEM in February 2008 as a member of our solar team. He enjoys his time at SEM because there is freedom for creativity and room for innovation. He says the best thing about his career is teaming with his coworkers to ensure a better future for our planet.

Narayan has previously worked installing & maintaining pools, making molds for a decorative fireplace company, and as a server. He graduated with a BFA in Design from UNC-Greensboro.

Making stuff is what he does in his spare time. Recent projects include: building his own computer, working on a hydrogen generator for his car, building a greenhouse and an arbor. He also plays the Mrdanga (Indian drum). Narayan can be soft spoken, as long as you don't stand between him and his blue-freeze pops at the end of a hot day.

Todd jumped on board in April 2008 as a member of our building science team, inspecting new homes for energy efficiency compliance and helping builders and subcontractors understand and make modifications necessary to meet Energy Star standards.

Bringing over a decade's experience in running his own home improvement company, there isn't much Todd can't do.  Todd loves repairing homes, but more than that loves to share his knowledge with others, teaching them how to fix it themselves.

In his spare time, Todd is an avid globe trotter and a PADI divemaster. He also plays soccer and likes hanging out with his family (pets included- 2 dogs and a cat.)  He loves the team at SEM and says that everyone has fun doing their job here because we take our jobs seriously but try not to take ourselves too seriously. 

Jimmy joined SEM as a member of the solar team in June 2008, although not entirely new to us. He previously worked as a summer intern at SEM and decided to join our team because of the great people and the desire for a career that had a greater purpose.

Jimmy graduated with an Honors degree from ASU in Appropriate Technology, focusing on renewable energy and sustainable building. Prior to SEM, Jimmy worked in construction, managed a vegetarian restaurant, and worked in a flavor factory (which, in case you didn't know is where powdered flavors for Ramen noodles and similar food products are produced.)

In his time away from SEM, Jimmy enjoys building solar ovens, playing the electric bass, traveling, and anything motorcycles – "the only thing I've been doing longer than motorcycles is breathing." Jimmy dislikes condiments: ketchup, mustard and mayo; but would live off watermelon if it were possible.