By: Maria Williams
When it comes to climate change, global warming, and other environmental crises, they’re no longer a matter of if, but when. Though the situation is dire, greener solutions and conscious decisions hold tremendous potential to combat the planet’s devastation. For Chris Gersch, the founder of Verde Solutions, a full-service energy service company, that potential has been the driving force since the organization’s establishment in 2012. Throughout 12 years of service, Verde Solutions completed over 2,800 projects for more than 300 clients across 48 states.
Dedicated to assisting organizations of all sizes throughout their sustainability journeys, Verde Solutions offers affordable, reliable, and turnkey eco-friendly services, such as project and design engineering and management. It is the company’s value-based approach that gained the trust of hundreds of clients and helped Verde Solutions make a tangible mark in the industry.
Currently at the forefront of sustainable solutions, Chris’ journey began in the blue-collar terrain when, soon after college, he began working a minimum-wage pilot job. Determined to create a financially successful life, he accepted an offer to trade within open outcry markets in the oil and gas sector. The infamous 2010 Flash Crash was the wake-up call he needed. After making what he describes as a ‘deal with the higher powers,’ Chris recovered his financial losses and, as he promised, embarked on a path leading him to leave a positive impact and a rewarding legacy for his four children.
“I decided it was the right time to turn my passion – renewable energy – into a company,” he adds.
Though Verde Solutions offers diverse services that address all client needs, solar installation, battery storage, and EV (electric vehicle) charging are the three pillars. Regardless of the project, Verde Solutions maintains an elite quality level, uses the best materials, and over-delivers on its promises.
Recognized for its commitment to excellence, Verde Solutions worked with renowned clients from global auto brands, prestigious universities, delivery service companies, and some of the biggest US airports. Throughout the years, Chris has noticed an evident rise in demand. While the cost-saving potential might have been the primary reason for seeking sustainability in the past, Chris believes that companies these days implement eco-friendly strategies because of an authentic desire to improve the planet and encourage clients to join their green mission.
When implementing services, Verde Solutions’ team always begins with a thorough analysis of the existing systems within the company. “We look at how the new design will interact with the building and with the staff and determine if any special expansions are necessary,” adds Chris. To celebrate each client who took a step toward sustainability, Verde Solutions hosts SOLARbrations—a green ribbon cutting involving city representatives and business owners, where Verde Solutions expresses its gratitude for the firm’s dedication to eco-friendliness.
Education and evidence-based decisions are paramount in Chris’ life. For that reason, he relentlessly fulfills his mission of informing business owners and future generations of the benefits of renewable energy, whether when speaking to clients or lecturing young adults at the University of Chicago. Clients’ feedback, brimming with positive reviews about the team’s expertise and Verde Solutions’ educational value, stands as a testament to Chris’ commitment to illuminating this complex problem.
“Solar and renewable energy sell themselves. All we have to do is lay out the facts and deliver what we promise, which is high-quality solutions that help the planet while lowering the costs,” shares Chris. “When I used to work in trading, I felt I was part of the problem, propagating and benefiting from it. Now, I get to be part of the solution every day, and it’s one of the most rewarding journeys of my life.”
Published by: Khy Talara
