South Sound Solar (No. 346 on the 2014 Top 400 Solar Contractors List) tells Solar Power World how it handles company growth.
Solar Power World: How has South Sound Solar grown throughout the years?
Business Development Manager Dever Kuni: When my dad started the company in 2008, it was just two people: a part-time installer and him, working in the living room. I remember people looking at my dad a little funny for starting a business in 2008, but business only improved. Today we have 14 employees, two installation crews and a waitlist of installs. Growth has been very natural. When we have a significant waitlist, we grow. When things slow down, we regroup, train and try to get ahead of the next season.
SPW: What’s the most difficult aspect of managing a growing company?
Kuni: Catching up. As soon as we’ve grown to accommodate demand, demand has grown again. We are very conservative when it comes to growth. We don’t want to get into a cycle of layoffs that is so common in the construction industry.
SPW: Looking back, did you think the solar industry would grow the way it has?
Kuni: I was really hopeful it would. It was only a matter of time until people saw the benefits. I’m just amazed at how far solar has come in such a “short” time, and I hope it continues to gain popularity.
SPW: Please tell us about a time you got in a little over your head.
Kuni: Last winter, a customer had a pergola custom-engineered and pre-manufactured. Because it was pre-manufactured, we agreed to install it as part of a solar installation. It was going to be beautiful. But the engineer had under-sold the scale of the structure. One cross beam took 4 people to lift, and we had to get it eight feet up. We had to regroup and plan how to safely assemble the structure. It’s beautiful now.
SPW: What’s the best management advice you can offer other growing companies?
Kuni: Use the resources available to you: your employees, community and other businesses. Dialog and sharing ideas always helps create the best plans and solutions.
SPW: How do you hire and retain a team that will work hard and support your growing company?
Kuni: As a family business, those related to my dad are always very involved and dedicated. We hire those who fit the culture, are passionate about solar and have the skills and knowledge needed. And when we find a good fit, even if we aren’t hiring, we find a place for them here.
SPW: What’s the best part about being in the solar industry?
Kuni: Solar touches almost every aspect of our lives in a positive way. And we get to help individuals and businesses take some ownership for the positive change. SPW