Having founded Alpha Energy as recently as August 2021, Bryan Jimenez, Founder and CEO, has grown the business to become the leading solar panels provider in the Carolina states. Starting with a small sales team of 4, they are now a company of 25 employees with ever-growing revenue and office expansion plans. Scaling up at a sustainable level is a key part of Jimenez’s strategy. We sat down with him to discuss what else matters when growing a business.
Stick to your goals
“Once you decide what you want, go for it,” Jimenez says. “The people that care for you the most are sometimes the ones that want to hold you back because they don’t want to see you fail. And that’s what it was for me. But I just stopped listening to everybody. I only listened to my gut instinct that was telling me to focus and just work towards it. If I failed, at least I would know that it was me—I gave it a try.”
“I truly believe in solar and sustainable energy solutions so I had faith I was doing the right thing, even when it was hard. Utilities are a monopoly. People are paying their provider with zero control over it and without realizing they have a choice. Reducing your carbon footprint is a powerful step and we facilitate that. Instead of paying rising costs to utility providers, we give people the control back to pay for their own solar system, eliminating inflation and allowing a fixed price peace of mind.”
Don’t choose the easy route
Most solar panel companies flock to areas with extreme temperatures, where the cost of air conditioning in summer and heating in winter is high, increasing the cost of utility bills. The Carolinas are relatively temperate states so it is technically a challenging market for this industry.
“Lots of companies try their hand here then leave for Florida or California,” says Jimenez. “The utilities are so high in those places that solar panels are an easy sell because the price comparison is clear. Our message in the Carolinas is that utility prices are only going up, so even if the savings are not clear immediately, it is an investment in your future.”
“I know that I can’t build something powerful and strong if I go to the easiest market. I’m open to being challenged because I know that if I can overcome challenges, I can become the best.”
Focus on the little things
“In an industry where a lot of companies have been going out of business, we’ve been able to sustain and grow. I believe it’s because we focus on the small things that allow us to get bigger. If we focus too much on the big picture, we lose sight of the small daily things that keep us going, so that would lead to our downfall.”
“Our customer service is a vital part of our offering,” Jimenez says. “We get to know our customers, get a sense of their family needs, and provide the best solutions for them. We are focusing on serving others in the here and now instead of getting lost in dreams of the future. The future will build itself through the bricks you lay down in the present.”
Build a strong foundation
“It was hard at first,” says Jimenez. “Rebuilding a sales pipeline from scratch made the team doubt themselves but I was the one determined to make this succeed and keep going. We have been able to build and scale up ever since despite various challenges. Crazy things happen in business and as a salesperson, I didn’t know business could be this dangerous!”
“Building a strong foundation of belief in your mission and keeping a strong spirit is essential, otherwise certain aspects of business can destroy you. I was able to overcome those challenges because I was in it for more than making money. I’m in business to help others change their entire life.”
Find your core motivation
“Solar and sales have changed my life. I want to share this growth with others and make sure everyone is looked after. This journey is about developing, not only myself but those around me, which is the most powerful thing. You really are building something meaningful when you’re seeing those around you grow. That’s how I measure value in my business: Is everyone growing?”
“We are all on earth for a reason and I feel I have found mine. When you find it, double down and help others as much as you can. I have a sense of urgency in my life now where I want to make sure everyone around me is making money quickly so they can support themselves in so many important ways. Having money means you can find solutions and you have the mental and emotional space to focus on your health and family and community because you’re not worrying about paying the bills.”
To learn more about the inspiring company Alpha Energy, visit their website.
