By: Liz Hollis
Volta Group stands at the intersection of precision and possibility. Founded by serial entrepreneur Steven J. Schulke and guided alongside operations expert Derek Fabbro, this boutique, best-in-class firm has redefined what it means to steward land, communities, and the future of energy.
What began as a mission to bring more transparency and efficiency to mineral and land rights has evolved into something far larger: a vertically integrated powerhouse that manages everything from site selection and GIS mapping to title abstracting, permitting, stakeholder engagement, and now renewable energy development. With more than 50 years of combined expertise in land acquisition, mineral rights, and complex project delivery, Schulke and Fabbro have built Volta to be more than just a service provider; it’s a trusted partner that strives to transform intricate processes into seamless progress.
A Partnership Rooted in Balance
Schulke, now President and CEO, leads with vision. He’s the strategist, always looking ahead to where the industry is going and how to forge the relationships that make it possible—whether in boardrooms, across kitchen tables, or out in the field. Working in perfect tandem is Derek Fabbro, Vice President and COO, whose operational mastery ensures that once the deals are in place, every effort is made to keep commitments and meet milestones.
“Our success comes down to balance,” Schulke says. “I’m always focused on innovation and being a trusted neighbor in any community we work with. Derek ensures the nuts and bolts are locked down, from compliance to budget to timeline.”
Fabbro puts it simply: “It’s one thing to have vision. It’s another to deliver on it, on time and on spec. We’ve built systems and teams that help ensure we do both.”
This rare blend of big-picture thinking and meticulous execution has resulted in a company that feels personal, precise, and unwavering in its dedication to doing things right. Volta’s boutique scale is intentional, and clients know exactly who they’re working with, while communities feel confident in the faces they see on their land.
A Boutique Approach with a Bold Reach
Volta’s all-in-one offering spans the full lifecycle of a project. From the first site walk and GIS mapping to title abstracting, regulatory permitting, and even landowner payroll, everything is handled under one roof. Their proprietary platform, Volta Vault, ties it all together, ensuring that projects move forward with transparency and efficiency.
What truly sets Volta apart, however, is how they’ve leveraged their rigorous expertise in land and mineral rights as a stepping stone into renewable energy. Today, the firm is actively developing wind, solar, battery storage, transmission, hydrogen, and more projects that respect the land’s history while advancing toward a cleaner, more resilient future.
By bridging developers and landowners through transparent negotiation and deep local knowledge, Volta is well-positioned to advance projects that align with global sustainability goals while still respecting individual property legacies and community needs.
A Culture of Ownership and Trust
For Schulke and Fabbro, Volta’s success is just as much about internal culture as it is about external execution. Step inside the company and you’ll find a team empowered to innovate. Initiative isn’t just welcomed, it’s actively encouraged. If someone sees a new way to navigate a permitting hurdle or a better approach to engaging stakeholders, they have the trust and backing to make it happen.
“We give our people ownership,” says Schulke. “That means when they find a smarter way to handle a regulatory challenge or strengthen a community relationship, they have the freedom and support to do it.”
It’s this philosophy that’s earned Volta a reputation not only as a skilled developer but also as a welcomed neighbor. That culture of trust has paid off in repeat partnerships, long-term community relationships, and a growing reputation as the team you want on your land deal, whether it’s a complex title analysis or a solar installation designed to power thousands of homes.
Progress That’s Built to Last
As Volta Group continues to grow, Schulke and Fabbro remain focused on scaling responsibly. They see every new project not just as acreage on a map, but as a chance to strengthen local economies, advance critical infrastructure, and further the company’s standing as a partner that communities can depend on.
“Energy projects only work if everyone—from landowners to regulators to neighbors—feels heard and respected,” says Fabbro. “That’s how we’ve always operated, and it’s how we’ll keep growing.”
For Schulke and Fabbro, success isn’t measured solely in acres acquired or megawatts installed. It’s measured in trust earned, partnerships honored, and clean energy projects that may serve generations to come. In a landscape often crowded with shortcuts and short-term thinking, Volta Group stands out as a boutique powerhouse where high-touch expertise, rigorous stewardship, and forward-looking vision all move forward together.
