Conner Ruggio, with over 15 years of diverse expertise, is demonstrating that integrity and innovation can coexist in the solar industry through Ambia Energy, emphasizing that doing things the right way can still lead to success. Before growing one of the fastest-growing solar companies in America, Ruggio navigated the challenges of a collapsing market to achieve growth. He recognized that, to scale effectively, he needed to embrace collaboration and build a strong team rather than trying to do everything himself.

This shift in approach—recognizing the importance of great teams in building successful businesses—has come to define Ruggio’s leadership philosophy. It’s why Ambia Energy is not just a business but a platform for fostering careers that have purpose.

Ruggio is not a typical CEO. He didn’t capitalize on the solar industry’s early boom, nor did he follow a predefined corporate model. Instead, his education primarily came from real-world experiences through leadership roles, team scaling, and learning the realities of building something from the ground up. Prior to Ambia, Ruggio had established himself as a top sales executive in the pest control industry, where he developed a knack for identifying talent and building high-performing teams—skills that would later form the foundation for Ambia Energy.

But it was only when he realized that personal ambition had to take a back seat to collective success that things truly began to fall into place. “Strong teams create strong outcomes,” he says, a principle that now defines Ambia’s culture.

Ruggio reshaped his entire approach to business, finding the right people, cultivating a positive culture, and leading with both resilience and empathy. Through this transition, he consistently pushed his boundaries—both mentally and physically—while encouraging his team to grow with him. This emphasis on growth has led to the integration of data-driven operations, propelling the business forward both in terms of revenue and geographical reach, expanding into 10 states.

This performance earned Ruggio the Gold Stevie® Award for Best Entrepreneur in Energy at the 23rd annual American Business Awards®. His team members also received the Silver Stevie® Award for Achievement in Management in Energy, highlighting a culture rooted in strategy, service, and collective success.

Perhaps one of the best examples of Ruggio’s leadership philosophy is his perspective on one of the most often overlooked roles in the sales ecosystem: the setter. In most industries, setters are often seen as entry-level workers who warm up leads. But at Ambia, they are much more—they represent the company, being the first point of contact for clients and often influencing whether a relationship begins.

Ruggio reimagined pay structures to provide setters with more recognition. Rather than viewing them as temporary stepping stones, he saw them as integral to the company’s success. The results are evident: higher retention rates, improved morale, and enhanced performance, demonstrating that valuing people is not only the right thing to do but also a sound business strategy.

Ruggio’s ethos and Ambia’s mission are centered on creating fulfilling careers. One notable example occurred last year when a lead came in from a man diagnosed with cancer. Concerned that his wife might struggle to cover future expenses, he sought solar energy to reduce costs. Upon hearing this story, Ruggio acted quickly, gifting the man a full solar system—no strings attached.

This moment sparked what is becoming a tradition at Ambia: gifting one solar system each year to someone in need. The gesture is not intended for press or profit but to serve as a reminder to the team (and the industry) of the real-world impact of their work. “Solar can sometimes feel abstract,” Ruggio explains. “But when you see someone break down in tears because they know their family will be taken care of, that’s fulfillment. That’s impact.”

What sets Ruggio apart as a leader isn’t just his business acumen; it’s his belief that pushing one’s limits makes them better in all areas of life, both professionally and personally. And he leads by example. He’s completed 100-mile ultramarathons, Ironman triathlons, and even participated in a 24-hour Navy SEAL-style boot camp. For Ruggio, these challenges aren’t just about physical toughness; they represent mental resilience, a mindset that he carries into his business dealings.

At Ambia, this philosophy is contagious. He initiated a company-wide book club, believing that learning should not stop once formal education ends. Ruggio also encourages employees to take on physical challenges and fosters a culture of continuous growth. He believes that by sharpening both the mind and body, individuals are equipped with the motivation and drive to succeed, both in the office and in life.

Ultimately, Ruggio’s vision for Ambia Energy is straightforward: connect people and their homes to a better future. This means continuing to challenge industry norms, leading with integrity, and investing in the people who help drive the mission. Ruggio envisions further innovation on the horizon, from cutting-edge technologies to expanded community impact initiatives.