Recycling Energy!

This week I was part of an exciting “round table” discussion on sustainability environmentally friendly business practices.  There was good information, but the most exciting part was that the host of this event was Energy Pioneer Solutions, a company that recently celebrated their second year in business.  They have grown, expanded and improved their company by surpassing milestones and raising awareness about what they do.  I won’t go into the details as I encourage that you visit their website, but what I want to share is the atmosphere of this company.

I have visited the EPS headquarters several times in the last few months.  When I am at EPS, I feel excited and I can sense the positive energy that is all around.  Scott, Jennifer, Kris, Ryan and the rest of the team are all so happy and open to new ideas and approaches.  Together, this team has created a new business model that results in a win-win-win situation for their company, their customers and their community.  I appreciate that they recognize how the collective effort is the best part of what they do.  Sure, I win, You win, but the best part is that together WE ALL WIN and that is where the power really exists.  They clearly profit on the concept of conservation, but the irony is that while saving energy for customers it is almost like this company is taking the wasted energy that they save consumers and recycling it into progressive energy in their community. 

As I left their offices that day, I asked myself…what are they doing that creates this perception of excitement.   How can other small businesses learn from what they are doing? 

·    Being Open-Minded - The first thing that comes to mind is that these people are open-minded.  The EPS team asks questions and invites the suggestions and ideas of others.  They realize that they can learn from what others do and think.  There is almost a sense of humbleness in the way that they consider the thoughts of others. 

·    They listen.  They truly consider the concerns that are being expressed and allow that information to be processed.  They don’t try to solve issues until they have learned more and really evaluated and considered all resources.

·     Distinct approach - They approach situations with the goal of being unique in their solutions and innovative in how they deliver the results.  They want everyone to understand what their stake is and how it will be addressed as the   

·    Consistent Systems - They use a systems strategy in order to create the consistency in a consumer base.  When figuring out how they can bring value to customers, they evaluate the systems that exist and how they can segway from that existing system to create their system and add value for consumers and communities.   

So, the lesson here is to focus on and balance the goals of the company, the desires of the consumer and bringing value to the community you serve.  When you do what is right by as many people as possible as often as you can, you will always be making progress…because it matters.


Are you doing things in your business or are you involved with a business that is socially responsible and makes that part of how they conduct business?  Have you had that experience of getting really inspired by what others do and how you feel when you are working with them?