The EnergyLogic Team
Byron Burns, Director, Software Services
with EnergyLogic since July 2006
"I was born and raised in the Roaring Fork Valley (Carbondale) where I worked as a ranch hand and cowboy until I joined the Army in 1996. I served eight years in the U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment SOAR(A) working as an avionics/electrical technician and technical inspector, while stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. I am currently a sophomore attending CSU, majoring in Civil Engineering. My hobbies are studying, working, and sleeping by necessity more than choice. The best thing about EnergyLogic is that I am able to work, go to school, and still be a part of my family: wife Dara, and son Jackson."
Dara Burns, Accounting
with EnergyLogic since September 2007
Born in Carbondale Colorado; moved to Clarksville TN in 1997 where husband Byron was stationed in the US army for 6 years. There she attended Austin Peay State University majoring in Biology.
In 2003, she returned to Fort Collins, CO where she finally received her BAS at Colorado State University and currently lives in Loveland, CO with husband Byron and son Jackson.
Dara's interests include all things introverted and nerdy, such as reading, gardening, hiking, wildlife rescue and conservation, etc. Dara confesses to an obsession with the TV show Dancing with the Stars and when her whereabouts are in question, can usually be found at the Denver Zoo, where she has been known to disappear for weeks at a time.
Steve Byers, Principal
with EnergyLogic since the beginning
Steve was raised in a military family, so: Colorado, Georgia, Virginia, Germany to name a few spots. After graduating from the Air Force Academy, he flew C-130's for five years. Not knowing exactly what he wanted to do, he got out of the Air Force, married Wynne Maggi and moved to Atlanta where she was completing her PhD in Anthropology. This meant that Steve went to Pakistan with Wynne and performed important tasks like chopping wood and what not. After that, he got his start in energy at Southface Energy Institute, starting as an intern and working his way up to running field operations.
Returning to Colorado, Steve and Wynne started EnergySmiths which later merged with BuiltWright to form EnergyLogic. Steve and Wynne have two lovely daughters and live in Berthoud, Wynne's hometown and a great place to live. Having never truly had a hometown, Steve is dedicated to building sustainable community in his adoptive hometown. He and Wynne run the summer outdoor film festival in Berthoud as a small part of that commitment.
Steve has his Bachelor's degree in Asian history from the Air Force Academy and an MPA from Georgia State University. He is a RESNET certified Trainer and Quality Assurance Designee. Hiking, gardening, movies, reading and great beer are a few of his favorite things.
Where to start with what's great about working at EnergyLogic? Probably the greatest everyday thing is our tremendous staff of dedicated, frightfully curious people. I am perpetually honored by their efforts. On a larger scale, I am eternally thankful that I spend my days serving a larger mission. We're doing everything we can to work toward creating a more sustainable and just world. Even the odd bad day is made worthwhile by our deeper mission.
Scott Doyle, Director, Energy Professional Services
with EnergyLogic since January 2006
Scott was born in North Platte, NE and has lived in Colorado for the past 30+ years. He received his BA in Earth Science from the University of Northern Colorado. Scott's hobbies are Hiking, Backpacking, Card Games/Board Games, Watching/Playing Sports, Reading/Writing Fiction. He has also held a volunteer position as President of the Greeley Air Quality and Natural Resources Commission.
"I am a dangerous ice skater, roller-blader, snowboarder, skier, and skateboarder. I have learned the hard way that I should put nothing but shoes on these feet! I once played the trumpet (well) and currently play bass guitar (poorly). The best thing about EnergyLogic is working with a diverse collection of people dedicated to a common goal. And sometimes there's beer in the fridge."
Marnie Doyle, Energy Professional Services Division Coordinator
with EnergyLogic since August 2008
I was born in Florida and was brought up in a military family- spending most of my childhood in Michigan and Arizona. I visited Colorado when I was in High School and loved it so much that I moved out here almost immediately after graduating. I met my husband at King Soopers where we both worked trying to put ourselves through college. We now have three beautiful children- Andrew, Kayla and Emi. In the (very little) spare time that I get I enjoy playing softball, hiking or just being in the mountains, taking our two dogs for walks, and having coffee with friends.
I feel very fortunate to work with a company that is concerned with our environment and is doing what we can to help.
Phil Drotar, Energy Rater
with EnergyLogic since June 2009
I have had a few different paths that have led me to where I now find myself. I grew up here in Colorado, in several towns along the front range, ending up in Colorado Springs. I attended a number of schools before graduating from Metropolitan State College at Denver with a BA, emphasis in fine art and painting. I try to keep producing and showing my art work as much as is possible for a father with a young child and a never-ending list of things to do. I have also been involved in various areas of construction, from remodeling and refurbishing houses and apartments to building, superintending, and performing warranty work for several different builders. My wife Cindy is an LCSW with a growing private and clinical practice. We have a young daughter, Gaia, who keeps us running. I am also an avid gardener, hiker, backpacker, snowboarder and any other excuse to get me outdoors.
As a Colorado native with family going back several generations, we are fortunate to still have and maintain my great-grandparents' original homestead, which is just west of Limon, Colorado. I have spent time out in the country with a wide variety of people who have lived connected to the land, through many different challenges. This has given me a perspective of self-reliance and conservation which was taught to me from a young age. At one time what we now know as "alternative energy" was not that at all, but the only energy, as on our farm before any power lines were run. A lot of small farms relied on small wind turbines to power their homes. This made conservation not only practical, but essential. Water and soil conservation were also of the utmost concern, and, both then and now, are very important to life on a farm. Growing up surrounded by people who remembered and practiced these time-honored ideas has led me to believe in the necessity for us, individually and collectively, to become as energy-independent and responsible as we can be. This is why I am very grateful to be involved with an organization of like-minded people who also feel passionately about these important issues.
Steve Eagleburger, Energy Rater
with EnergyLogic since April 2010
I started out in life many years ago as a very small child, barely able to hold my head up, from that point there was nowhere to go but up. I spent the following years, as I grew, in notable trailer parks in such diverse locations as El Nido CA and Rice MN. Finally, after 16 years of wandering, I landed in Colorado. My parents (who accompanied me through the previous years) moved on after I finished my secondary education. I was left to establish a life of my own. The adult me took a page from the child me and continued exploring. I tried my hand as stagehand, set painter, fine artist, faux finisher, general contractor and solar installer until the fateful day I received a call from EnergyLogic. Now that I've found my true home I continue to explore new frontiers in energy efficiency -and I can hold my head up.
Sean Enright, Energy Rater
with EnergyLogic since November 2006
Sean attended his first year of college at Western State after graduating high school in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Wanting to do something "environmental," he became interested in buildings and reducing their energy use in an energy use. After transferring to the University of Minnesota, he enrolled in their Residential Building Science and Technology program. From Minneapolis, he moved to Atlanta, GA to join Southface as an EarthCraft House fellow. There he worked developing a green renovation program as well as performing technical services for homeowners. While in Atlanta, Sean started raft guiding on weekends on the Ocoee River. Sean ended up in Winter Park, CO rafting in the summers and working at a snowboard shop in the winter. Joining EnergyLogic, Inc. in the fall of 2006, Sean continued his career in energy efficiency. He enjoys the Denver office's afternoon basketball games at the park near the office.
John Fassler, Energy Rater
with EnergyLogic since September 2009
I'm a native of Colorado and grew up in the Southern part of the state before moving to Northern Colorado in 1980. In 1984 I went to work for a general contractor as a laborer. Over the next 23 years I worked as a framer, trim carpenter and general contractor. I even had the good fortune of working on some light commercial construction along the way. 1984 was an interesting time to experience residential construction. Gas shortages and tax credits for solar thermal created an environment where energy efficient construction was a high priority in the industry. Although the emphasis decreased drastically in 1986 with the end of tax credits for solar and all but disappeared with lower energy prices in the 90's I'd become infected and would always give efficiency as high a priority as possible throughout my career in construction. With the benefit of 20-20 hindsight I know many of the homes I thought I was building to high energy efficiency standards would not perform as well as I would hope in an audit today. However, each home was an improvement over the previous one and provided experience that I utilize daily whether performing an audit on an existing home or certifying that a new home meets efficiency requirements.
I currently live in Fort Collins with my wife Molly who provides me with much needed feedback on what "reasonable" people will do to save energy.
Paul Gelatt, Energy Rater
with EnergyLogic since August 2008
My life has been blessed with good fortune and good timing. Born in California in the 50's, I was raised by kind, educated parents, in a safe and supportive community. I was barely in time for free "Be-ins" in the park and just missed going to Vietnam.
I came to Colorado to attend C.U. and have lived here ever since. I ended up with a degree in Geography, a perfect fit for my broad, unfocused interests, but not so good for getting a job in Boulder. I worked as a furniture-maker, carpenter, and remodeling contractor.
Along the way I married Natalie who is responsible for a large part of the success and happiness in my life. She deserves most of the credit for our two wonderful (grown) children- Kai and Carly.
I was at the first Earth Day celebration and waited in lines for gas. I remember feeling encouraged when Carter put solar collectors on the White House, thinking our country would finally be making progress on energy efficiency. Years later, some of my remodeling jobs involved removing solar thermal panels and I wondered what happened to that progress. Later, clients began to show a lot of interest in energy efficient and sustainable building design. The need to increase my expertise in these areas led me to Energy Logic, where ,with a little good luck and good timing,( just before the "Great Recession") I was offered a job as an energy rater, inspecting homes for compliance with government programs such as Energy Star. I am hopeful that the time has finally come for us to create real solutions to our energy challenges, and I am happy to be doing my small part.
Keith Griess - Software Support and Programming
"Having been born in Holyoke, Colorado I am a true native of the state. I started out living on a farm just inside the Nebraska border but have spent most of my life in the Denver area working as a carpenter, warehouseman, and software engineer. I have a BS from the University of Colorado at Denver in Computer Science, a degree that took a long time to get while I worked full time. I worked in the high tech industry until 2009.
When the economy turned in 2009 I decided it was time to find work where my life experiences as well as knowledge would make a difference. I attended many free home energy classes and took Resnet Rater Training with EnergyLogic. Much of what I learned in these classes I have applied to my own residence to make it a much more energy efficient home. I feel very lucky to be working at a job where I am using my knowledge of the construction industry and my education in software.
It is nice to work where everyone is so friendly and I can bring Buddy, my dog, to work with me."
Debbie Hand, Office Manager
with EnergyLogic since August 2010
Debbie was born and raised in rural, northeastern Fort Morgan Colorado and considers herself lucky to live in this beautiful state. Except for a stint in Amsterdam and a few other stops along the way, she always finds herself coming back and is now here to stay. Her Fort Morgan roots run deep and in 2004 she celebrated 50 years of friendship with 6 of her lifelong pals. She also finds herself heading East for R&R. The prairie sunsets, the horizon and the peace and quiet of the plains are all the draw she needs.
She and her husband have 2 grown sons, Cale who lives in New York City and Keegan who is going to school in Nebraska. She is passionate about soccer, reading, rock and roll and anything Beatles.
The remarkable people who are EnergyLogic make this an outstanding place to work. She loves the energy, enthusiasm and creativity of her co-workers and loves that fact that all dogs are welcome to come to work!
Justin Heldenbrand - Energy Rater
with EnergyLogic since April 2010
I was born and raised in Kingman, Kansas. I attended Kansas State University for three years but finally decided to pursue something that I had been interested in since playing with G.I. Joes as a little kid. I joined the Army one year and one day before the Sept. 11th attacks. I had just finished Basic, Airborne, and Air Assault schools when the attacks happened and spent the next couple of years in locations where not being good with a sand wedge could really hurt your game. I left the Army in early 2005 to finish my degree at Kansas State and meet my future wife. Nancy and I were married in 2009 and decided to move to the state that we both grew up knowing we would live in one day. As I looked for work, I stumbled across the Veterans Green Jobs website and pestered them until they accepted me for training. I still felt the same need to serve that led me to the Army and knew that this industry could provide that. At EnergyLogic I have found the perfect occupation. I am challenged on a daily basis and I get to work with a group of people that I really enjoy while helping our country become more efficient one house at a time.
Kathleen Henning, Scheduler
with EnergyLogic since April 2006
Back in the day, way, way back, when Computer-Aided Design degrees were nowhere to be had, the best I could do was a Computer Science degree and an Interior Design degree from Butler University in Indianapolis. I applied my makeshift CAD degree as a programmer and product developer at several architectural/interior design firms including HOK in St Louis and Knoll International in Pennsylvania, where I met my husband. In order to stay in Pennsylvania with him, I eventually changed my application focus to educational software, and then the insurance industry. I have had my lifetime's fill of student transcript and health insurance audit programming!
Fortunately, the arrival of three children in two years dictated an extended break from the workforce, and a quick relocation to Cincinnati for family help. We found our way to Colorado with my husband's job, and I fortunately found my way to EnergyLogic once we arrived.
I started at EnergyLogic as the only scheduler, and part time at that, and have been a part of this company's amazing growth. I love that I am firmly planted in the scheduling dept but able to renew my rusty computer skills in the iRate software environment.
With three busy teenagers, two dogs, an ever-travelling husband, and family and friends spread out over the Midwest, there's not much time for hobbies. I manage to get in some scrapbooking, volunteering, coaching, and on Christmas Day I read an entire book in my pajamas.
My favorite aspect of EnergyLogic is the culture-driven to lead and succeed, yet committed to the family of employees that gives EnergyLogic its success.
Dianna Heustis, Human Resources
with EnergyLogic since December 2008
Growing up in Rockford, IL, I learned at an early age that the most important part of life is finding a reliable ride to the city for a Cubs game. Thanks Dad! I spent much of my childhood trying to convince my older sister to play "office" instead of anything else. Thanks Sis!
After graduating from Northern Illinois University with a communications degree, I took a two week ski trip to Winter Park, CO. I never went home, not even to do laundry. Colorado has been my home for twenty years. I've been blessed with an incredibly giving and funny husband (Jason) and two beautiful daughters who are equally as funny (Anne and Elizabeth). My career has taken few roads, always on the administrative side. I spent 17 years with one company in the IT industry until recent cut-backs, delivering a long record of dedication and determination that I'm quite proud of.
Happy to remain the dreamer, I enthusiastically "play office" for EnergyLogic - but on much grander scale. The automated staplers are way cooler than the old steel models of the 1970's, and my co-workers are much nicer than my sister was.
Oh yeah - When I grow up I want to be a rock star.
Laurie Hindman, Scheduler
with EnergyLogic since November 2009
I was born in Virginia and grew up in what was the small farming town of Herndon, surrounded by woods, fields, and farms, but now is a sprawling suburb of Washington DC. My father's work took us to Montgomery, Alabama in 1972, a disturbing year of race riots and the shooting of George Wallace, and, much more exciting, to Canberra, Australia for the majority of high school.
I attended college at Virginia Wesleyan in Virginia Beach and graduated with a great game of Ultimate Frisbee and an English degree. So armed, I waited tables, worked as a teacher's aide, sold hotdogs at baseball games, and did page layout at a publishers before landing in Human Resources, working for a government contracting firm. Eventually I went back to school, earning a master's in psychological counseling, and found work as a career counselor in a women's center while teaching yoga at night.
In Washington DC I met my husband, Jeff, a green builder and fellow Ultimate player, who was actively working to return to his home state of Colorado. We moved to Berthoud in 1995 and live in the first church of Berthoud, built in 1883. We have two active teenage boys who are alternately best friends or worst enemies, two Portuguese Water Dogs (we got ours before Obama), and a roly-poly cat. As a family, we love hiking, camping, and road trips. In my free time (ha, ha, ha) I practice yoga, dig in my garden, and read as often as I can.
What I love about Energy Logic, besides working alongside intelligent and compassionate people and commuting a mere two blocks to work, is talking with customers and helping them figure out what they need and how we can help.
Sarah Holloway, Customer Service Sales Assistant
with EnergyLogic since July 2011
I was born a 6th generation Texan and raised on the beautiful beaches of Cocoa Beach, Florida. I had a wonderful childhood in Florida then moved back to Texas after High School and Studied Business at San Jacinto Jr College and Stephen F. Austin State University.
My first time seeing snow was when I moved to Colorado in 1990. I will never tire of the beauty Colorado offers and have made it my home ever since. My family consists of my husband Paul and our three sons, Michael, Landon and Nick. We started out in the suburbs of Boulder and after ten years moved to "Little Creek Farm" a small farm in north Boulder County. Raising our three sons on the front range has been a unique experience - we have loved the Colorado lifestyle.
Our Farm has a large collection of critters: horses, chickens, cats and our tree climbing dog Boomer. See if you can find her on YouTube - she keeps us laughing each day.
We enjoy living the small town life that Berthoud offers - it has truly given us a sense of community. I am delighted to be working with the amazing, talented and energetic people at EnergyLogic (no pun intended). The company is compassionate about its people and also about the environment.
Janet Howard, Controller
with EnergyLogic since February 2010
After graduating from Northern Illinois University (music and finance), and attending two years of grad school, I took a couple of very interesting jobs before starting a more predictable career a few years later. First, I was a fur model for a salon on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, and then several months later became part of a small staff that ran the business side of a recording studio at the Playboy Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Four years later, when I got that out of my system, I moved back to Chicago and started the career path my parents would have liked to see me take earlier!
World Headquarters at Arthur Andersen in Chicago was like going back to college. They trained us for two more years after being hired, and then we ventured into the world as green beans. I was always attracted to more abstract concepts than straight accounting generally allowed, so I quickly veered toward the Consulting Division's Budget and Strategic Planning group that reported to the CFO of Andersen Consulting (which became Accenture, Inc. in the late 90's). I held various financial management positions over the next 18 years. I left at the end of 1999, but continued to work for Accenture on special projects until 2001, while I started my own business. That is when my husband was offered a job in Colorado and we decided to move.
As Finance Manager for a commercial project management firm in Boulder, my primary job was budget development and finance liaison for several high end Ritz Carlton resort developments in the US, Caribbean, and Hawaii. I was exposed to the high stakes world of speculative finance and the players involved, i.e. Goldman Sachs, Lehman Bros, and the various financial servicing companies that surrounded them. I also gained a lot of knowledge about design and purchasing in the hotel industry. When the economy crashed, many of the companies involved in this industry went with it. Thankfully, I came away with a broader and more diverse knowledge base than I had before, as well as my LEED AP in Commercial Interiors.
When I came across EnergyLogic's website, I contacted Steve Byers. He and Wynne and I sat down and had a good conversation about the future of their business. The rest, as they say, is history. I became EL's Controller at the beginning of 2010, and have never looked back.
Kam Jaspal, Director of Weatherization Operations
with EnergyLogic since April 2009
Kam has spearheaded our Weatherization Division since its inception during the 2009/2010 contract period. After completing a Mechanical Engineering degree and an engineering apprenticeship in London, Kam spent the better part of the next twenty years travelling throughout Europe and North America working on engineering and manufacturing plant projects, specializing in automation, production efficiency and quality management systems. In 2005 Kam followed his passion for energy efficient construction and joined an organization that built energy efficient single family residence in a large development that occupied the former Stapleton International airport site. During his time as a builder, Kam built relationships with a tier one vendor EnergyLogic. Through EnergyLogic Kam gained Resnet Home Energy Rater and BPI Building Analyst credentials and worked in their Builder Services and Existing homes divisions before moving into the Weatherization arena. Kam lives in the Stapleton development with his extended family.
Kam loves working for EnergyLogic because of the inclusive work environment and the chance to work with very sincere and intelligent people.
Adam Jonash, Energy Rater
with EnergyLogic since August 2010
I can't point to any specific moment when I realized that I wanted to get into the residential energy/green building industry, but I can describe how my sentiments for the field grew over time. Growing up in Boston, MA I was never punished in the traditional sense. Instead I was given a form of alternative service which consisted of helping my father rebuild our 100 yr old home to accommodate my 5 brothers and sisters. Needless to say, with this amount of work I was "punished" even when I did nothing wrong. His one rule was to reuse all materials from previous demolition for new construction. A great example is how my old play structure became the framing for our new living room.
From Boston, I furthered my education at the University of Colorado-Boulder where I studied International Relations and French and spent every free moment I had climbing. They call climbers "conquers of the useless", a label with which I certainly agree. But I still believe that everyone should have some outlet where they can forget all the distractions in their life and truly clear their mind. For me this is climbing. It has taken me all over the world and I don't regret it for a minute. It's made me who I am today.
From Boulder I moved on to Jackson Hole, WY where I spent five years working my way up from laborer to project manager within multiple construction companies. After getting fed up with all of the waste in the building industry, I decided to get my LEED AP credential in Building Design and Construction. This led to my previous job as a LEED consultant before joining EnergyLogic as a Home Energy Rater. What I love most about EnergyLogic is how we as a company constantly look toward the future and continually strive to be the best in our field. It is a company that I am truly proud to be a part of.
Tracy Larson, Scheduler
with EnergyLogic since November 2008
Having been raised in an "out in the wild" type family, Tracy is a true native of Colorado. Growing up exposed to fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and hunting has instilled in her an appreciation for the outdoors. She loves everything warm including hot coffee, good food, roasted marshmallows over a campfire and the beach. Tracy is especially passionate about her husband, Ken and children, Justin, Jade, Kyle, Collin and Blake. Add to that some gardening and reading hobbies and her time is rich and full.
"Working at EnergyLogic is inspiring. Everyone has enthusiasm and a mission. They are true believers of a better way."
Darren Legge, Energy Rater
with EnergyLogic since March 2010
Darren was born and raised in Colorado with a love of camping and other adventures. After graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a self-designed degree in energy and sustainability, he worked as an installer for several Denver solar companies. He then left to serve in the Peace Corps as a Natural Resource Management Volunteer in West Africa, where he worked with farmers to develop small-scale sustainable farming practices.
Darren is interested in all the ways societies interact with their world including food systems, energy, social justice, and business. He enjoys cooking, writing, and talking shop. He hosts events as an alumni coordinator for the Udall Scholarship, a Congressional award for environmental and tribal leadership. He lives in downtown Denver with his wonderful girlfriend, Andra, and is soaking up all the learning he can from the dedicated folks at EnergyLogic and beyond.
Will Lorey, Chief Operations Officer
with EnergyLogic since February 2010
In 2003 while living in Cheyenne WY, our friend Steve (Byers) said, "Hey, I do these energy audits for a living, why don't you let me check out your house?" So I paid him in dinner while he attached a crazy red door to our house and sucked all the air out. We were living in Cheyenne because the Air Force had decided to station us there. I think it was penance for previously having been in San Antonio and Copenhagen (yes, Denmark) but apparently I paid my dues because they sent us on from there to England!
Along the way they paid for both a BS in engineering and a MBA and only "suggested" that I do what they said and go where they asked (like to beautiful mid-east desert locations) every now and again. Alas, I was missing a bit too much time with our young kids, Jared and Isabela, and with my wife Karen, and I realized it was time to move on.
Who would have thought my travels would bring me back to Steve and his blower door? Fortunately, the timing was right for both of us and I was able to bring my years of running small organizations in the Air Force to bear on the growing EnergyLogic family. What I love (besides being home for more dinners) is the potential to make for my kids a better and more sustainable life.
I grew up in rural Wisconsin where everything seems natural and sustainable, but having traveled the world a bit and seen the good and the not-so-good, I truly believe that for my kids to be able to enjoy what I have enjoyed will take some effort on my part to make it possible. EnergyLogic is a great place to make that happen.
Wynne Maggi, CFO
with EnergyLogic since January 2006
To prepare myself for my role as CFO of EnergyLogic, I spent two years living in Northern Pakistan with the Kalasha, a people who still practice their indigenous religion and speak an unwritten Indo-Aryan language. Like the people who work at EnergyLogic, they are warm and intelligent and resourceful. And they know how to celebrate. I will say that they seem to be better dancers than we are.
I have a Ph.D. in anthropology from Emory University. I wrote a book, Our Women are Free: Gender and Ethnicity in the Hindukush. Steve Byers and I have two wonderful daughters, Ariel and Emma. We have perfect pets as well. I like to cook. I like to write. I like to read about gardening.
I count my blessings everyday that we have such an authentic and vibrant and committed staff at EnergyLogic. They are far and away the best part of it all. But also, my job has allowed me to learn so many new things about money and energy, culture and power. I've learned how to give good people the space they need to do their work well. And I've learned how to put together a lovely chart of accounts. It’s all good.
Susan Mathes, Existing Home Scheduler
with EnergyLogic since March 2007
I was born and raised in Ohio. At a young age, I acquired a strong appreciation for nature, animals and the outdoors during the numerous camping trips I took with my family along the east coast.
I studied photography at the Ohio Institute of Photography. After graduation, I began working as a photographer for a commercial studio in Cincinnati, where I stayed for more than 12 years. One summer hiatus, I packed my camera gear and headed to Maine to teach photography at a boy's camp. My extended education includes incredible photo studies at both the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops and the Ansel Adams' gallery in Yosemite National Park.
In 1994, I headed west landing in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Since arriving here, I have operated my own photography business. Among other trades explored, was fabric covering of experimental aircraft and I have collaborated in the creation of large mosaic tile murals.
Currently my leisure time is spent in the mountains hiking and camping with my dogs. At home, it's gardening, reading and house projects.
A wonderful part of my experience at EnergyLogic is working with interesting people who care about the world we live in and are eager to help make it better.
Michelle Meyers, Software Support Coordinator
with EnergyLogic since April 2010
Michelle Meyers is a Colorado native and received a Business degree from Colorado State University. She brings a background in software support, testing and training to Energy Logic's software division. Since joining EL, she has attended rater training (working on certification) and BPI training to become familiar with the industry (and help with the energy-saving updates to the 1922 home she owns with husband Tom).
In her spare time, Michelle enjoys quilting, yoga, ballroom dancing and working on cars. She still has her first car, a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro which she restored herself. She recently raced against her husband at Denver's quarter mile racetrack and brought home a trophy. She has had to be extra-nice to her husband since then.
Michelle enjoys the "always learning" environment at EnergyLogic and the variety of skills and experience that the rest of the staff brings to the company.
Meredeth Neitenbach, Editor
with EnergyLogic since September 2008
Born at the New Jersey shore and raised in a military family, Meredeth appreciates Colorado and any water. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado, and then taught in the Deaf Department of the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and at a small school in the hills of Kentucky for a number of years. Returning to the Boulder area of Colorado, she spent time working in a bookstore and at a botanic garden/greenhouse/garden center before marrying Mark, her fellow volunteer firefighter sweetheart. They are blessed to have twin daughters Jamie and Cate.
Meredeth is happy to work for a company that searches for and finds new ways to make our homes and our planet safer.
Peter Oberhammer, Plan Specialist/Energy Rater
with EnergyLogic since May 2007
"I grew up in Connecticut and was fortunate enough to make my way West to go to college. After graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in History, I decided to make Colorado my home. Now that home has grown to include my wife Kristy and our three children Macie (7), Alec (5), and Julia(2). In my very limited spare time I enjoy fly fishing, boating, and reading."
"I became interested in home performance while working with a HVAC company in Fort Collins for five years. I started with installing the HVAC systems and grew into a position where I designed the HVAC systems, did estimating and manual J reports as well as working with builders on how to improve their homes performance. All the while hearing about this company called EnergyLogic. After coming aboard as a plan review specialist I have found that building science is an ever evolving science and that the team which makes up EnergyLogic is an incredibly curious bunch. It makes for a great and inspiring workplace."
Eve Owen, Training Coordinator
with EnergyLogic since July 2011
I was born from Dutch & German parents and raised in Europe. Acquired an Engineering Degree in Architecture and joined as the first female civilian the International Management Program in the German Armed Forces. That took me to GWU and falling in love with the American lifestyle so much, I packed up 2 suit cases, sold my belongings and moved to the US. Not having a car, I started my life here with a $50 bicycle from the Salvation Army. Adventurous times, not exactly being a great English speaker. In the last 4 years I worked as a PE and QA Inspector for a Design Builder on military installations building LEED projects.
My husband recently finished his 4 year tour in the USMC and convinced me and our son "Sir William Stinky Socks" to move to beautiful Colorado. Finding too many new hobbies, we are barely home, but usually found somewhere in the mountains or exploring new wilderness areas. I am a remarkably untalented cook and writer, but I greatly enjoy the consumption of ethnic food and the works of writers and philosophers like Hume, Humboldt and Chomsky. I should also mention that I have a soft spot for environmental groups…and speed metal.
Glenn Pease, Technical Lead, Energy Professional Services
with EnergyLogic since February 2008
Glenn was born in Casper, WY and moved to Hutchinson, KS his sophomore year of high school. He attended the University of Kansas and earned a degree in Anthropology. In searching for a field to practically apply his analytical skills toward a more sustainable future, Glenn was introduced to Southface in Atlanta, GA. During his service at Southface, Glenn worked his way up to being a certified HERS Rater, BPI Analyst, and answered and managed the technical services hotline, amongst other things. After spending three years in Atlanta, Glenn crossed paths with EnergyLogic, which provided a great opportunity to move closer to home and bring his passion for energy efficiency and sustainability to Colorado. Glenn now resides in Gunbarrel, where he enjoys hiking, camping, watching football and basketball and exploring the many microbrews the area has to offer. He especially enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Meagan and dog, Helen. Spending time in Rocky Mountain National Park is a family favorite.
"One of the many perks of working with EnergyLogic is the company culture of being on the cutting edge. Having a company culture that embraces new and improved ways of doing things keeps it fresh and exciting. It is especially important that we add this value to our clients who share a common goal of putting efficiency on the forefront of our everyday lives. Anything we can do to make efficiency more tangible, marketable, and visually appealing strengthens our energy future."
Nathan Pepper, Energy Rater
with Energy Logic since April 2011
Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Nathan finally found his way out west to enjoy the plethora of outdoor activities that many Midwesterners do not get to enjoy. With an interest in architecture and the outdoors, Nathan received a Master's Degree that focused around Building Science; a perfect fit for his two passions.
Before moving to Colorado, Nathan worked in Chicago for an Energy Efficiency firm as a Buildings Associate, helping to develop and promote adoption of Energy Codes throughout the Midwest, providing technical assistance to states, and developing Energy Efficiency programs.
When he is not doing his part to improve buildings and making them more efficient, you can find him in the mountains biking and hiking, or on the roads training for triathlons. He also enjoys watching the Cardinals beat the Cubs year in and year out.
Mike Rodriguez, Auditor
with EnergyLogic since February 2008
Born and raised in Northern Colorado, I graduated from Loveland High School and studied Construction Management at Northeastern Junior College before joining the United States Marine Corps Reserve...UH RAH! After leaving the Marines I owned and operated a fence company from 1998 until 2005. I then moved onto building houses for Sequel Homes in Fort Collins where I worked very hard to finish the necessary requirements to hold a contractor licenses. During my stint as a general contractor, I developed a relationship with EnergyLogic as they provided me with third party code compliance and efficiency testing. When Sequel Homes closed their doors, I began my career with EnergyLogic. Since then I have been learning as much as I can about building science and energy efficiency through training provided by EnergyLogic. I have earned the title of building analyst from BPI, and am very close to completing the necessary requirements to become a RESNET certified rater/auditor.
My biggest joy is being a father and a husband, and I spend all of my free time trying to be the best at both of those jobs!
Carissa Sawyer, Program Specialist/Energy Rater
with EnergyLogic since July 2006
Carissa has a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's of Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in the Environment and Sustainable Design from Colorado State University and she holds a LEED© AP designation. Carissa completed her Masters in Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Denver in July 2008. She is a Colorado native and loves to ski, read, watch movies and hang out with family and friends. She has four pet birds (three cockatiels and a bronze-winged pionus) and could tell you just about everything you would need to know about owning and caring for a pet bird. Carissa loves working for EnergyLogic because of the friendly atmosphere, great clients,
and its diverse employees.
Carissa's beautiful daughter Aanica is a valuable staff member, able to crawl through even the smallest ducts. Also well versed in moisture management!
Robby Schwarz, Principal
with EnergyLogic since January 2006
"What a long and strange trip it's been" Grateful Dead"
When I graduated from high school I chose a lofty and philosophical quote to go with my year book picture that I don't remember, and which really had no bearing except that I know it had an environmental theme; so I thought I would try a better one now. Looking back, I wish I had chosen "Should I stay or should I go now" from the Clash. I went to a K-12 school which I started in 2nd grade and the school was my family and home. During those school days I was exposed to so much and had wonderful experiences, which began to shape my adventurous curiosity and love of learning.
That being said, it is no surprise that I attended Colorado College a liberal arts school. I graduated with a degree in history and political philosophy and a minor in maritime studies. Diversification is the rule is it not? Really what I graduated with was an ability to think critically, research, and communicate although my wife may argue that point. Speaking of my wife, I met her in high school and she truly has been my greatest teacher and friend and a wonderful mother for our two children. Anyway, looking back, since high school two themes became apparent. 1st an environmental ethic which back in the 80's was not as clearly defined as it is today; 2nd, a love of learning and being flexible enough to embrace change.
When I was a boy I remember waking up one morning with a magpie in my room. The next morning I woke up with a bumble bee on my nose. I liked the magpie better because the bee actually stung me. I had these experiences because my bedroom was open to the outdoors and because my family lived in a house while it was going through a major gut rehab and addition. My first introduction to construction; I learned how to swing a hammer and fall through a floor system that was being framed. So from then on construction was always my fall back job in high school, college and afterward. I just did not know at that time that it would be my career as well.
My adventurous side took over and luckily for me, my girl friend now wife had one too. We worked in Alaska's fishing industry (I later when back and worked on a fishing boat for five seasons) in the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah in oil exploration, and overseas teaching. When we made it back to Colorado the only thing I knew was I wanted to marry my girlfriend and I wanted to work in an environmental arena. So I found my way back to construction, however this time in the office of a progressive production builder who was trying to figure out which new green building materials could be brought into a production building environment. You could say I went full circle.
Adventure, curiosity, a love of learning, environmental ethic, dedication and flexibility are what define Energylogic to me. I had my own company (for 13 years?) which offered much adventure. In 2006, I merged my company with Steve and Wynne's to create EnergyLogic, which continues the adventure but adds the new wonderful dynamic of dedication to others. One of the best things about our company and profession is that we literally learn something new every day and we have the opportunity to share that knowledge and love of learning with our clients and colleagues. Flexibility also means the ability to adapt and be open to change. The world, the economic climate, and our small company test our ability to live this way every day. Lastly, that ill defined environmental ethic of yesterday has become clear today . We see it defined in our role of helping the people we work with build a sustainable built environment that can blend seamlessly with our modern lifestyles and meet our expectations of comfort, durability, safety, efficiency, and environmental soundness for the homes that we live and invest in.
Charlie Stevens, Division Lead
with EnergyLogic since January 2006
After growing up on the South Georgia coast, I attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA where I received a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. After college I worked for the Environmental Protection Agency in Atlanta, first in the group that was charged with putting hazardous waste sites on the National Priority List (NPL) for Federal cleanup, and then as an On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) in the Emergency Response group which had the responsibility of responding to oil and hazardous waste spills and instituting and coordinating cleanups of the spills.
After five years at EPA I decided along with a friend of mine to go traveling and see as much of the country and the world as I could. We drove to Alaska with our kayaks, bikes, tents and other outdoor gear and saw as much of the western US, Canada, and Alaska as we could. From there we returned to Georgia where I continued on my journey visiting Europe and Central America. I then joined the Peace Corps and spent almost two years in Kenya as a Water and Sanitation advisor.
After returning to the US, I decided to move to Colorado and took a class at E-Star Colorado to become a residential energy rater. After working at the tail end of American industry, I thought it best to focus on the front side and prevent the pollution that seemed inherent in the production of large quantities of products that are produced for the US market. Energy seemed the best fit for me to focus on and for the last 5 years I've been rating homes and teaching builders how to build more efficient, comfortable and safe homes.
Matt Thornberry, Energy Professional Services, Deputy Director
with EnergyLogic since March 2010
Matt Thornberry was born and raised in Colorado and will consider himself fortunate to never leave. He graduated with a bachelor's of science from the College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. In 2001 he started his career in the residential energy field with E-Star Colorado where he played a utility role doing almost anything that was asked of him. He later became the Deputy Director for the Smart Energy Living Alliance. In 2010 he joined EnergyLogic to assist with the Energy Professional Services Division. Throughout his career Matt has been involved with all levels of training and project management in the residential energy efficiency field. He is passionate about sustainable building, energy independence, and anything Colorado.
Barb Ver Steeg, Scheduler
with EnergyLogic since December 2009
I was born and raised in Denver, went to an all-girls high school, then on to CSU where I got a degree in, of all things, wildlife biology.
And the fun began - I did lots of cool field biology work in exotic and non-exotic places like the Red Desert of Wyoming, Gunnison Basin in Colorado, Mohave Desert in Arizona, corn and bean fields of Illinois, and Northern Territory in Australia. I studied/trapped/handled animals such as pronghorn antelope, mule deer, bighorn sheep, river otters, sage-grouse, marshbirds, songbirds, bats, rodents, and badgers. I'm happy to say I contracted no zoonotic diseases, sustained no lasting injuries, got a master's degree, cherish fond memories, and have many photos to prove to my kids that I actually had a life before they arrived.
Biology isn't my only interest - I took a year to study art and liberal arts in Florence, Italy. Now I am lucky to work at a fabulous company with very interesting people who are life-long, passionate learners who respect our planet - the perfect place for me.
I am married to Jeff, also a biologist who works for the Division of Wildlife, and have 2 sons, Nathaniel and Andrew, who dwarf me and keep us endlessly entertained. I love living in Colorado and being with my family, and especially enjoy reading, swimming, hiking, yoga, jigsaw and word puzzles, piano, running, and bicycling (in that order, and never together).
Kim Vittitoe, Scheduler
with EnergyLogic since February 2011
I was born in Frankfort, Germany. My father was in the military and we lived all over the United States. Most of my time was spent in Pennsylvania were I completed high school and recieved a BA degree in sociology/social work. I worked in the social work field for about 8 years prior to going into pharmaceutical sales. I spent nearly 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry-and with the same company! The San Juan mountains brought me to Colorado, I fell in love with Colorado after attending a Telluride Bluegrass Festival in 1990. I came to Colorado every year for vacation and eventually moved to Denver in 1996. I met my husband, Joe, at the 1992 Telluride Bluegrass Festival and after moving to Colorado our friendship grew. We were engaged and married in Telluride. When we were expecting our third child, we decided that we wanted to move to a small town. Berthoud became just the place! We have lived in Berthoud since 2001 and love raising our family here. Along with music and being outdoors, we also enjoy antiques, good food (Joe is a great cook!) and being together as a family. It is inspiring to work for a company that is committed and passionate about our environment. I feel very fortunate to work with such wonderful people who make up the dynamic team at EnergyLogic.
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