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www.wbjournal.com Worcester Business Journal Business Profiles 2014 25 i n 2009, three men huddled over a laptop in a tiny office, trying to figure out a way to gain a foothold in the emerging commercial solar business. By adopting a unique business model, launching an educational campaign and assembling a core staff of dedicated employees, the trio has moved out of those cramped quarters and into a much larger space, becoming the leading commercial solar company in Massachusetts. The combined experience, knowledge and dedication of Solect's three founding principals has helped propel the firm to its prestigious position in the solar industry. The nearly three decades Kenneth Driscoll spent at Fortune 500 companies instilled in him a solid foundation of opera- tional excellence, benchmark profit and loss performance, and an employee centric business model. James Dumas, a former networking executive for a Fortune 500 company, possesses a strong background in customer acquisition, marketing and state/federal regulatory policy. A 25-year veteran of the financial asset management industry, Craig Huntley brings in-depth financial knowledge he acquired in the banking and mutual fund industries. For the first two years, Solect spent considerable time as "evangelists", teaching banks, businesses and munici- palities about the way solar energy works and its many financial and environmental benefits. "Because of this educational process, we are now on the front end of the mainstream," says Kenneth Driscoll, Founder. As a value-added company, Solect works side-by-side with the client throughout the life of a project – and beyond. Its expert staff helps clients decide which system makes sense for their needs, decodes regulations and cuts through administrative bureaucracy, and project manag- es the installation to optimize the client's investment. The partnership does not end there. Once the system has been installed, Solect maintains an ongoing relationship with the client, monitoring the system post-installation. "We develop customer engagement early on to provide the optimal system for the needs of our client," Driscoll notes. "Our values are customer-oriented. Our response to any issues differentiates us from other solar companies." Solect's financial acumen means clients make wise decisions that fit within their budgets. The firm evaluates a client's typical usage to help determine if owning, leas- ing or purchasing solar energy suits them best. "We con- tinually look for ways to add value for the client through ongoing research," Driscoll reports. While Solect is pleased with its accomplishments in the solar industry (Solar Power World named Solect one of the Top 250 solar contractors in the country), the firm also prides itself on creating jobs and providing a creative work environment. The company employs 22 full-time staffers, as well as up to 30 others who install their prod- ucts. The three Founders work with employees, eliminat- ing a hierarchical structure. Staff is given the opportunity to participate in every aspect of the business from sales to installation, providing them with support throughout the entire process. Solect believes that employees contribute to the growth of the company and empowers them to deliver value to the company. Solect's client list comprises an impressive range of small to mid-size businesses, educational institutions and non-profit organizations, including C & R Tire, Parsons Commercial Group, Providence & Worcester Railroad, Herb Connolly Auto Group, Stonehill College, Bethany Church and many others. In appreciation for its success, Solect directs its efforts toward the community. Recently, the firm donated solar systems to the Michael Lisnow Respite Center and the Hopkinton Cultural Arts Alliance. Some staff spends time at local high schools educating students on every aspect of solar energy. Solect also partners with the Melanoma Foundation of America, serving as a major sponsor for the non-profit. The benefits of solar are obvious: solar energy saves money, makes money, puts people to work and helps the planet. Solect attributes its success in the industry to its business strategy, company culture, demand for high quality workmanship and products, and partnerships with key vendors. "Solar energy is a young industry and we are helping to create part of this innovative ride. People, Planet, Profit is our purpose," says Driscoll. n Solect: Smart Solar. Smart Business. H o P k I N t o N , m a solect energy Development Address: 89 Hayden Rowe Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 Phone: 508-598-3511 Fax: 774-759-3027 Website: www.solect.com Product or Service: Smart solar energy solutions for businesses municipalities and institutional organizations. Number of Employees: 22 in-house employees; 3 partners Head of Company: Kenneth J. Driscoll, Founder/CEO; James R. Dumas, Founder/ COO; Craig W. Huntley, Founder/CDO Year Founded: 2009 Left to right: Ken Driscoll, James Dumas, Craig Huntley Service Tire Truck Center — Millbury, MA Herlihy Insurance Group — Worcester, MA