The FLS Energy Team includes:
Engineers                               System Designers                               ISO 14000 Auditors
Energy Planners                      Master Electricians                            General Contractors
Solar Specialists                      Waste Management Experts             Wind Specialists

With over 100 years of combined clean energy and corporate sustainability experience, the First Light Solar team provides creative solutions to meet our customers’ needs:

Hardy LeGwin, CEO.
Hardy is a premier designer of large-scale solar energy systems. After serving as a rescue pilot and commander in the US Coast Guard, he began his second career as a building designer, with a focus on energy efficiency. He created his first active solar energy system in 1983. In 2006, he designed one of the largest solar hot water projects in the nation on an upscale hotel in North Carolina, and this project was featured in the New York Times. Hardy has published two volumes on construction specifications, which are still carried by the National Association of Home Buildings. Hardy has earned certificates of completion from Solar Energy International in coursework on advanced photovoltaic design.

Michael Shore, MCE, MS, President. Michael is an expert on the renewable energy certificate market, and he played a leading role in crafting the law to make North Carolina the first state in the Southeast to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard. He has worked for two decades on energy and environmental issues, and has written extensively on sustainability topics. He served on the US Department of Energy’s Efficiency Leadership Group and was a founding board member of NC GreenPower. Michael has also advised both Duke Energy and Progress Energy on efficiency and renewables, and he has been trained in ISO 14000 environmental management systems. He has a Masters in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University and a second Masters in Environmental Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dale Freudenberger, COO. Dale manages installation of solar energy systems, and his work receives accolades from business owners, engineers and architects. As a general contractor for more than a dozen years, he has hands-on experience in everything from plumbing to electricity to managing large work crews. He is one of just a handful of nationally certified solar installers, and he has consulted on renewable energy issues with major energy and architectural firms, including William McDonough and Partners. Dale is has hands-on experience in helping companies find energy efficiency savings in HVAC, lighting, motors, and air compression systems and extension training on energy systems. Dale has a degree in Business Administration and Accounting.

Frank Marshall, Director of Sales and Marketing. Frank was born and raised in Western North Carolina. Prior to joining FLS Energy, he was the national sales manager for a leading Swiss computer manufacturer where he helped establish a 580-dealer sales network in North America and the Caribbean. He also co-founded Docusafe, a regional information security firm which was purchased by Iron Mountain, a national leader in information management. In addition to his sales and marketing experience, Frank also worked in property feasibility and appraisal in the Atlanta market. He earned his degree in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Grant Gosch, Director of Business Development. Grant began his work with First Light Solar in 2008. He has brought to First Light Solar a clear focus: build a residential and light commercial solar installation company that provides professionalism, craftsmanship and service for each client. Hailing from Seattle, WA, Grant moved to Asheville in 2004 and began work with Mars Hill College, where he created their Outdoor Center and Cycling Team. Grant then utilized his passion for business development to help build Immersion Fitness and Platinum Payroll Solutions. Through his work at First Light Solar, Grant is applying his business know-how with his care for the environment to create a cleaner world. “I love working with First Light,” says Grant. “I spend every working day surrounded by people with passion, positive energy and motivation. I am committed to being part of the First Light team.” Grant is currently the president of Asheville Young Professionals and spends his free time cycling, hiking with his dog, and playing music with his wife Sarah.

Jess Ingram. Jess Ingram is the Business Manager at First Light Solar. She has a background in strategic business unit management. Jess’ work experience includes time in the experiential education sector with both Outward Bound and Project Adventure. She graduated from William Smith College with a degree in Architectural Studies and from Babson College with an MBA. When she is not working Jess can be found racing her mountain bike throughout the South East and trail running at Bent Creek with her dog, Cooper.

Nate Pembleton, Lead Residential Installer. Prior to joining the FLS team in 2008, Nate served as Crew Leader for Appalachian Energy Solutions in Boone, NC, performing weatherization services and installing solar systems. He also helped create, organize and implement the Stewardship Program for the High Country Conservancy. Nate is an avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast and has a degree in Recreation Management from Appalachian State University.

Joanna Malcolm. Joanna is the Office Assistant at First Light Solar. She brings with her a background in providing quality customer service and giving close attention to detail. Joanna’s varied work experience includes supervisory positions at natural foods stores and several years working for a national promotional staffing agency based in Asheville. Joanna has a degree in Music from the University of South Carolina. When not in the office, you can find Joanna performing with the event band, Orange Krush.

Brownie Newman, FLS Energy Finance. Brownie has over a decade of experience working to promote clean, renewable energy in North Carolina. As the former Executive Director of the WNC Alliance and a two-term member of the Asheville City Council, he has been a leader for environmental and economic sustainability in the region. Brownie began working as a project consultant for FLS Energy in 2007. In 2008 he organized FLS Energy Finance to serve as the financing arm for FLS solar projects. FLS Energy Finance provides businesses and organizations with a range of financing options to help make solar energy user-friendly and affordable. Brownie grew up on a working farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains and holds a BA in Political Science from Warren Wilson College.

Bill Bondurant, Sales Representative. Bill joined FLS Energy in 2008 as Business and Project Developer in Commercial/Industrial Services. Bill’s objectives include identifying opportunities to integrate solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies in commercial and industrial applications, to include hotels, hospitals, food service and manufacturing. Bill’s background, which includes construction, land development, business development and renewable energy sales, uniquely positions Bill to develop cost effective energy efficiency solutions designed to reduce operating costs. Bill is a native of Atlanta, Georgia and attended the University of Tennessee.

Talbott Ingram, Project Manager. Tal graduated with an honors degree from Hobart College as well as being named a three-time college All-American in sailing. Tal went on to pursue Olympic goals as part of the US Sailing team. He graduated from the New England Fuel Institute and went on to work for the largest propane company in the Northeast as a lead installer. His experience is in designing, installing and servicing high efficiency equipment with the goal of making existing systems more efficient. Installations range from small water heaters to multiple heating systems of commercial grade.

Adam Sacora, Lead Installer. Adam leads FLS Energy’s installation crews. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University’s Appropriate Technologies program. He is also a nationally certified (NABCEP) solar energy installer and experienced small wind designer/installer. Adam has extensive OHSA safety training in addition to large project management experience. Prior to joining FLS Energy, Adam worked for a national renewable energy company installing both solar and wind energy systems.

Joe Hallock, MA, Operations. Joe coordinates the installation of FLS Energy systems. He is a graduate of the Appalachian State University Appropriate Technology Masters Degree program. He has extensive experience designing, installing and repairing solar water heating systems, as well as knowledge of energy efficiency and solar electric, hydro and wind energy technologies. He also has experience as a leader of educational projects related to renewable energy and sustainable living. Previously, Joe has served as facilities manager at North Carolina Outward Bound School and has provided warehouse, vehicle fleet and operations management at Home Energy Partners in Asheville, NC.

Jonathan Gross, CPA, Principal, The Reznick Group
The Reznick Group provides accounting services and business counsel for the FLS Energy’s solar tax credit developments. Reznick Group is the 16th largest accounting firm in the United States and has extensive experience and expertise with tax credits, renewable energy developments, project planning and transaction structuring. Jon leads the Charlotte Real Estate Advisory Group and has over 14 years experience of public accounting and private sector experience, which encompasses transaction advisory consulting, financial modeling, audit, cost certification, and other accounting services.

Zoë Gamble Hanes, Esq. Blanco Tackabery
Legal counsel for FLS Energy tax credit projects is provided by Zoë Gamble Hanes, an attorney with Blanco Tackabery in Winston-Salem, NC. Zoe has expertise with legal transactions including creation of project entities, due diligence, use of tax credits and contract matters. Her practice area includes business law, affordable housing, and environmental law. Ms. Hanes is Ms. Hanes received her Juris Doctor and Master of Studies, both magna cum laude, from Vermont Law School. Zoe can be reached at 336-293-9078 or zgh@blancolaw.com.