Executive Spotlight: 10 Questions for Drew Torbin
1. What’s the quick over/under on what Black Bear Energy does for its clients?
Black Bear accelerates the deployment of commercial scale renewable energy for the built environment. We work with leading institutional property owners to help them deploy solar, storage and other clean technologies throughout their portfolios. We’re kind of like an intermediary between the client and the renewable energy providers – helping our clients find target markets, match with a provider, negotiate contracts and even oversee the construction if needed. We are ruthless instigators of positive change.
2. What do you love most about your job?
This will sound cliché, but it’s all about the people that I get to spend time with. Honestly our clients, channel partners and my colleagues are amazing individuals that I want to spend time with, even outside of work. I get a lot of energy from just being around these inspiring people and feel blessed to work with them all.
3. How have you been able to drive and maintain the thriving culture that exists at Black Bear?
At Black Bear we believe that culture is the only sustainable competitive advantage. Our culture reflects our phenomenal team. It formed organically and continues to develop in that way. The time we spend together outdoors is a shared joy.
4. Knowing what you know now, what career advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
At that age I was in business school studying finance. I would tell my 25-year-old self to; take more accounting classes, study entrepreneurship and prioritize family.
5.What energy trends do you see that excite you for the future?
Scale and impact. Renewable energy is cost effective, locally produced and beneficial to the surrounding communities. These attributes continue to drive record deployments.
6. You’ve been in Boulder, Colorado (known as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes in training) now for at least 10 years. How does that environment play with renewable energy?
Boulder has an energetic buzz from entrepreneurs, athletes, students and free thinkers. This community is filled with ambitious people who share a passion for the outdoors. It is one of most underrated startup communities in the U.S.
7. What was your most fun starter job?
I worked at a ski and snowboard shop in high school. Good times.
8. Cat or dog?
Both! If you are going to work in renewable energy it is advisable to have at least one animal companion around at all times. My family is on our sixth rescue animal. Out of the current roster my favorite is my dog, Huck. He is a 90-pound super mutt with chinchilla soft fur, a junkyard dog attitude and greats me each day like it is Christmas morning.
9. Skis or snowboard?
There is no wrong way to have fun on a snow-covered mountain. Personally, I’ve been standing sideways for over 30 years and that works for me. I’ll throw on skis to get out with my daughter and that is also a great time.
10. Favorite vacation spot?
Despite all the talk about the snow and mountains, I love the beach. Hanalei Bay is my idea of heaven on earth.
