SOLARKAL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Real Estate Account Executive
Adam is a Real Estate Account Executive at SolarKal with 18 years of experience in the industry. As an Advisor and Project Success Manager, he draws on his extensive commercial real estate expertise to drive solar adoption across U.S. properties.
Adam Simensky is a Real Estate Account Executive at SolarKal with 18 years of experience working for leading real estate companies. He serves as an Advisor and Project Success Manager, leveraging his vast commercial real estate knowledge to accelerate solar adoption among U.S. commercial properties.
Prior to SolarKal, Adam led real estate teams at CBRE, Hudson's Bay Company, WeWork, and Simon Property Group. Adam holds a B.A. in public policy from Hamilton College and an MBA in finance and real estate from Columbia Business School.
Adam is based out of SolarKal's New York office and spends his free time with his wife, chasing after their two young children.
Job Titles:
- Director of Project Delivery
Cole Petrillo brings six years of solar experience to the SolarKal team as Director of Project Delivery. Cole's main responsibility is taking projects from initial analysis to completion, with a focus on managing the RFP process and overseeing project development.
Prior to SolarKal, Cole worked in site acquisition, business development, and project management with both utility-scale and C&I solar companies, including Greenskies Clean Focus, SunEast Development, and BlueWave Solar. Cole holds a B.S. in environmental studies and economics from Northeastern University.
Cole works out of Kennett Square, PA, and enjoys playing guitar in his free time. He also volunteers as the Talent Coordinator at Anson B. Nixon Park, where he manages booking bands for the park's annual summer concert series.
Cole brings six years of solar experience to the team and is responsible for taking solar projects from initial analysis to completion. His work focuses on managing the RFP process and overseeing project development. Clients and solar providers alike appreciate his deep understanding of commercial solar project construction and energization.
Job Titles:
- Finance
- Vice President of Operations
David brings over 10 years of investment and operations experience to SolarKal, driving continuous improvement in the company's strategy and performance. He serves as a guest lecturer on ESG Investing at Columbia Business School and frequently speaks on the intersection of sustainability and finance.
David Wei brings over 10 years of investment and operations experience to his roles as SolarKal's VP of Finance and Operations and Secretary of the Board of Directors. At SolarKal, David is in charge of finance, operations, strategy, and corporate development. His goal is to drive continuous improvement in the company's strategy and performance by focusing on a range of initiatives from the micro to the macro.
David previously worked as an analyst at several investment management firms, including Neuberger Berman, HIMCO, and Durable Capital Partners. He holds a B.A. in physics and economics from Wesleyan University and an MBA from Columbia Business School, where he was a part of the renowned Value Investing Program. He is a guest lecturer for the ESG Investing class at Columbia Business School and is a frequent speaker on the intersection of sustainability and finance.
Based in Boston, David lives with his wife and college sweetheart, Leslie. Together, they share a love of many things, including their Shiba Inu, Peaches, and scotch, with David becoming a Certified Scotch Professional in 2023.
Don Van Rhyn has been part of SolarKal, serving as a Sales Advisor for the past five years, where he excels in simplifying the solar evaluation and procurement process for property owners and tenants. His expertise has contributed to the success of multiple megawatt-scale commercial and industrial solar projects.
With over 20 years of experience leading sales and finance teams at major corporations such as IBM, PepsiCo, and GE Real Estate, Don brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. He is a LEED Accredited Professional with deep expertise in sustainability, having served as the Executive Director and founder of a green building community for Fairfield and Westchester Counties.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director - Project Delivery
- Solar Energy Expert
Erik Bruner brings over 15 years of hands-on experience in solar energy to his role as Senior Director of Project Development at SolarKal. He specializes in crafting and overseeing comprehensive solar strategies for corporate and real estate clients, guiding them through every stage of the project development cycle to ensure seamless execution.
Before joining SolarKal, Erik held senior positions at leading national solar companies, including REC Solar, Sunrun, and Pivot Energy, where he played a key role in expanding solar adoption across various markets. This work helped him develop a deep technical understanding of the solar project development cycle and the intricacies involved in multiple approaches. Erik holds his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Beyond his work in renewable energy, Erik is an avid outdoor adventurer. He spends his free time whitewater rafting and snowboarding-including leading a 23-day expedition down the Grand Canyon.
Erik Bruner is a seasoned solar energy expert with 15+ years of experience leading project development and strategy for commercial and real estate clients nationwide.
Job Titles:
- Board Advisor
- Corporate Advisor
Jacob Susman, a clean economy business builder, has served as SolarKal's Board Advisor for the past three years.
Jacob has decades of experience as a finance professional and project developer with a global power sector network. As the founder and CEO of OwnEnergy, he built and led a wind energy company from inception to exit. He has also played key roles in renewable energy investments at Goldman Sachs and has served as an executive at EDF Renewables.
With Jigar Shah, Jacob co-founded Cleantech Leaders Roundtable (CTLR), a private community of business leaders working to combat climate change and build a thriving clean economy. He currently serves as CTLR's Board President. Jacob is also a board member of REpowering Schools. He previously served on the boards of the American Clean Power Association's predecessor, AWEA, as well as the American Council on Renewable Energy. He was a founding board member of Clean Energy Buyers Association's predecessor, REBA.
In 2010, Jacob was named to Crain's New York Business's "40 Under 40," and in 2012, he was an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist. In 2013, Greentech Media named Jacob one of New York's Top 10 Cleantech Leaders.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President
- Senior Vice President of Project Delivery
Josh leads SolarKal's Project Delivery Team in providing advisory services and managing the company's 200+ solar partners. One of the solar industry's preeminent experts, Josh has extensive experience implementing on-site solar for Fortune 500s, universities, and commercial real estate firms.
As Senior Vice President, Josh Newell leads SolarKal's Project Delivery Team in providing analysis and advisory services, managing the company's network of 200+ solar partners, and ensuring successful project management. One of the solar industry's preeminent experts, Josh has helped design and implement on-site solar strategies for Fortune 500 companies, universities, and top real estate investment firms throughout the country.
Prior to SolarKal, Josh worked at the World Bank, where he focused on financing large infrastructure projects. He holds a B.A. in economics from Wake Forest University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Josh resides in Memphis, TN, with his wife and two children. In his free time, he enjoys the Memphis music scene, traveling, and coaching his son's soccer team.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Advisor
- Partner at the Barnabas Team
- Strategic Accounts Advisor
Kim Saylors-Laster has served as SolarKal's Strategic Accounts Advisor for the past six years. As a Solar Advisor, Kim provides strategic guidance related to key accounts, RFPs, contract negotiations, and project development.
Along with her responsibilities at SolarKal, Kim is a Partner at the Barnabas Team, providing businesses, leaders, and students with strategic and sustainable solutions for growth. She previously served as the Vice President of Energy at Walmart, where she developed and implemented the company's renewable procurement strategy, resulting in Walmart's recognition by the Solar Energy Industries Association as the largest on-site generator of solar energy in the nation. Kim holds a master's in counseling from John Brown University and a J.D. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law.
Kim is based in Missouri, where she enjoys spending time on the area lakes and trails with family and friends.
Maria Writesel brings deep energy communications experience to her role as SolarKal's Director of Marketing, heading up the company's marketing and public relations to ensure that its brand quality matches its world-class service and leading market position. Working with clients and project developers, the Marketing Team provides communications support and media relations to help promote our shared solar wins.
Maria comes to SolarKal with renewable energy marketing experience from Sungage Financial, ENGIE Services U.S., and her position as Vice President of the energy and environment practice for the world's largest public relations firm. She is happiest when directing and motivating teams that deliver campaigns with highly successful results. Maria received her B.A. in communications from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
A resident of a small beach town right outside of Boston, Maria enjoys all things that have to do with sun, surf, and her puppy.
Maria leads SolarKal's marketing and public relations, ensuring that the company's brand quality matches its world-class service. With deep energy communications expertise and a passion for the promise of solar, Maria helps clients promote project successes and significant sustainability achievements.
Job Titles:
- Project Delivery Manager
- Project Development Manager
Michael Conway, SolarKal's Project Development Manager, brings more than 10 years of experience in social entrepreneurship, financial analysis, and business development. At SolarKal, he oversees solar development projects, leads policy research, and manages sales requests to determine project feasibility.
Neil Sharma - Chief Commercial Officer, Founder
Job Titles:
- Chief Commercial Officer
- Co - Founder
Neil Sharma is the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of SolarKal, bringing over 25 years of experience spanning finance, corporate development, sales, and marketing. Neil's leadership and business acumen have been instrumental in driving SolarKal's growth and success since 2016. He has a proven track record of delivering high-quality solar advisory services to the company's largest clients.
Neil joined SolarKal after a successful career in the media industry. He held leadership roles in sales, business development, and diversity at Viacom/Paramount/MTV Networks, as well as two Series A media startups. Prior to his media career, Neil worked in banking at Bank of America and in media/telecom private equity. Neil holds a B.S. in biology from Duke University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Neil brings over 25 years of experience in finance, sales, and corporate development to SolarKal. Since 2016, his leadership has been key to the company's growth in delivering top-tier solar advisory and procurement services. Neil leads SolarKal's West Coast operations from San Diego.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Solar Energy Advisor
Paul Abramson has served as SolarKal's Commercial Solar Energy Advisor for over eight years, providing expert guidance to businesses implementing solar energy solutions.
Alongside his responsibilities at SolarKal, Paul runs his own energy procurement business, Casdale Associates, specializing in helping businesses implement cost-saving energy strategies. He previously held several senior roles in the marketing and advertising industries. Paul holds a B.A. in business from the University of Maryland and an MBA in marketing from Wagner College.
Paul is a lifelong resident of New Jersey and an active member of the Material Handling Society of New Jersey, the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Real Estate Advisory Professionals (REAP). He is also a volunteer and Board of Advisors member of the Fighting Children's Cancer Foundation (FCCF), which provides financial assistance to families that are dealing with pediatric cancer.
Paul enjoys live music (especially the Grateful Dead), spending time on shoreside excursions with family and friends, and grabbing coffee with colleagues at Panera Bread locations everywhere!
Peter Veress, SolarKal's Sales Operations Manager, brings over seven years of direct sales experience to the company. Peter oversees SolarKal's entire sales tech stack and facilitates lead generation and account-based marketing strategies.
A leading sales development professional with a proven track record of success, Peter comes to SolarKal with experience from Staffbase and BMW of Brooklyn, and holds a New York State real estate license. Peter earned his BBA from Brooklyn College.
Peter resides with his wife in New York City but loves to hit the open road with his passion for motorcycles and collectible automobiles.
Peter is a leading sales development professional with over seven years of direct sales experience and a proven track record of success. At SolarKal, he oversees the company's entire sales tech stack and facilitates lead generation and account-based marketing strategies.
Job Titles:
- Project Delivery Associate
Sohaila Abdelhamid holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Engineering from the University of Chicago, with a specialization in chemical engineering. With a solid foundation in photovoltaic (PV) systems design and electrical engineering, Sohaila brings a strong technical background to SolarKal, providing commercial solar project analysis and management.
Previously, Sohaila worked as a PV systems designer at ENGIE North America in Chicago, developing robust solutions for solar energy systems. Her academic research includes designing electrodes with different transition metals to enhance lithium extraction from seawater-advancements that have significant potential for energy storage applications.
Originally from Cairo and now based in New York, Sohaila is passionate about renewable energy solutions and enjoys staying active outside of work with running, playing squash, and practicing yoga.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Advisor
- Sales Advisor
Stan Fischer has served as SolarKal's Sales Advisor for the past six years.
Stan is a serial entrepreneur and proven sales leader specializing in building revenue and sales teams for small-to-medium high-tech firms. He has also served as a NYSERDA Entrepreneur-in-Residence since 2011. Stan's extensive work with emerging companies has resulted in revenue growth exceeding $250M. Based in New York, he holds a B.A. in history and an M.A. in political science from Brooklyn College, and he completed the Cleantech Execs Program at New York University.
Job Titles:
- Director of Project Delivery
Travis O'Guin, SolarKal's Director of Project Delivery, has over 14 years of experience in the cleantech energy sector, with a focus on commercial analysis and business development for innovative technologies. At SolarKal, Travis helps commercial and industrial real estate clients achieve their financial and sustainability goals by developing high-value solar and storage projects.
Travis was previously the Energy Storage Solutions Manager for Centrica Business Solutions and has led business development at several other renewable energy firms. He holds a B.S. in environmental science from the University of North Carolina Asheville and an MBA from San Francisco State University.
Located in Nashville, TN, Travis is an avid musician, playing mandolin, guitar, tenor banjo, and upright bass in several bands.
Travis has over 14 years of experience in the cleantech energy sector, with a focus on commercial analysis and business development for innovative technologies. At SolarKal, Travis helps commercial and industrial real estate clients achieve their financial and sustainability goals by developing high-value solar and storage projects.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Founder
Yaniv Kalish, Founder and CEO of SolarKal, has been a pioneering leader in the commercial solar sector since 2007. Yaniv has successfully built SolarKal to be the leading solar advisory and marketplace for the real estate industry, facilitating over 100 solar energy transactions worth more than $500 million for prominent real estate companies. As an author of the Solar Energy Industries Association's commercial solar guide and a passionate advocate for the industry, Yaniv frequently speaks at events and on podcasts, sharing insights on increasing solar adoption in the U.S.
Prior to founding SolarKal, Yaniv amassed extensive experience in the solar energy sector, developing dozens of projects for private and publicly traded solar companies. Yaniv's background includes a tenure at the Boston Consulting Group, where he honed his strategic and analytical skills. He has a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Tel Aviv University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Yaniv is an avid soccer player and an enthusiastic traveler, having backpacked for a year in South America. He is based in New Jersey, where he lives with his wife and three children, and works out of SolarKal's New York City office.
Yaniv has led innovation in the commercial solar industry since 2007. Under his leadership, SolarKal has become the top solar advisory and marketplace firm, facilitating over $500 million in transactions. Yaniv is also an author and speaker, advocating for increased solar adoption in the U.S.
Zachary Vaughn is a National Account Manager at SolarKal with deep real estate expertise and a passion for sustainable energy. Zach provides our commercial real estate clients with expert advisory, procurement, and project management services, helping them increase their property values and achieve difficult sustainability goals.