337 | Be the SOLution: Building Community and Sharing Resources with Megan Bott
Megan Bott is the Community and Business Impact Manager at Positive Energy Solar, a Certified B Corp in New Mexico. Today, Positive Energy employs over 120 people including 75 employee owners and has completed over 5000 solar installations throughout New Mexico with very high customer satisfaction (at the time of this interview, they had 73 Google reviews with an average of 4.9/5 rating).
This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Building Community and Sharing Resources: Interview Transcript with Megan Bott
NOTE: While it’s not perfect, we offer a transcript and the below summaries by Castmagic for those who are hearing impaired or who don’t find listening to a podcast enjoyable or possible.
You can read the full transcript of this episode here.
Key Topics and Bullet Points on Building Community and Sharing Resources with Megan Bott
### Introduction
- Overview of Positive Energy Solar
- Introduction of Megan Bott and her role
### Finding Values-Aligned Companies
- Identifying like-minded businesses for career opportunities
- Importance of aligning with community-driven initiatives
### Positive Energy Solar's Future Plans
- Stronger presence in outreach, policy, and community involvement
- Goal to make New Mexico a clean energy leader
- Advocating for equitable energy transition
### Community Solar and Inclusive Access
- Excitement about community solar initiatives
- Importance of inclusive access to solar energy
### Supporting Values-Driven Businesses
- Encouragement to support businesses like Positive Energy
- Exploration of opportunities in benefit corporations and B Corps
### Positive Energy's Commitment to Community Building and Sustainability
- Continuous improvement for employees and community
- Balancing community initiatives with profitability
### Resource Investment in Community Building
- Investing time, education, and influence
- Empowering marginalized groups
- Supporting the clean energy transition
### Triple Bottom Line Approach
- Focus on people, planet, and profit
- Collaborative, community-centered business methods
### Infrastructure, Budget, and Partnerships
- Infrastructure and budgeting of Positive Energy
- Partnerships with educational institutions for workforce development
### Company Background and Business Model
- Serving New Mexico for 27 years
- Benefit corporation and employee-owned structure
- Sustainability as the foundation of operations
### Customer Base and Sales Approach
- Predominantly residential customer base
- Commercial department strength
- Environmental reasons for choosing solar energy
- Employee ownership and high-quality messaging
### Reputation and Service
- High-quality products and strong values
- Business from referrals
- Robust service department and customer care
### Employee Ownership and Equity
- Creating equity and investing in employees’ lives
- Education and training opportunities
### Collaborative Decision-Making
- Involving employees in important decisions
- Reflecting commitment to empowerment
### Amplifying Positive Energy's Message
- Encouragement to spread the word about Positive Energy and Amicus Co-op
- Supporting global sustainability efforts
### Investments in Nonprofits
- Significance of investments and resources for community-aligned nonprofits
- Forms of contributions: time, donations, policy support, education
### Entrepreneurial Mindset for Community Impact
- Opportunities within established companies
- Collaboration and sharing resources
### Employee Retention and Workforce Engagement
- High employee retention rate and full engagement
- Investment in employee well-being and education
- Resulting in zero job openings and strong performance during the pandemic
### Conclusion and Contact Information
- Positive Energy Solar's website: positiveenergysolar.com
- Megan Bott’s LinkedIn for further engagement
- Invitation to share episode ideas and take good care
### Final Thoughts
- Importance of collaboration and resource-sharing in community impact
- Encouragement for listeners with entrepreneurial mindsets to leverage their skills for community benefits