Resilience and Innovation: Leading Renewable Energy's Future with Cagen Williams

Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy Podcast

Welcome to another insightful episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy. In this episode, host Wes Ashworth sits down with Cagen Williams, President and CEO of Panhandle Power Solutions (PPS), to discuss his remarkable journey in the renewable energy sector. From leading a small family-run business to overseeing significant growth after the acquisition by Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC), Cagen shares his insights on strategic leadership, workforce development, and the future of renewable energy.

Key Topics Discussed

• Cagen Williams' Leadership Journey: Cagen's progression from director of operations to President and CEO of PPS.
• Acquisition by Bristol Bay Native Corporation: The impact of BBNC's acquisition on PPS's growth and operations.
• Transition from Federal Contracts to Renewable Energy: How PPS adapted to changing market demands and pivoted towards renewable energy projects.
• Workforce Development during COVID-19: Innovative strategies employed by PPS to leverage skilled industrial electricians for renewable projects.
• Legislative Advocacy: Cagen's recent discussions with congressional members and the importance of legislative changes for advancing the renewable energy sector.
• DOE's Tribal Loan Program: Opportunities for tribal entities to leverage $20 billion set aside for renewable energy projects.

Key Takeaways

1. Strategic Growth through Acquisition: Learn how the acquisition by BBNC helped PPS expand its footprint in the renewable energy sector.
2. Workforce Innovation: Discover how PPS capitalized on the COVID-19 pandemic to recruit skilled industrial electricians, aiding their transition to renewable projects.
3. Legislative Insights: Understand the critical legislative changes needed to support the renewable energy transition.
4. Tribal Energy Opportunities: Explore the Department of Energy's Tribal Loan Program and how it can benefit tribal entities.

Resource Links

• Panhandle Power Solutions (PPS): Panhandle Power Solutions
• Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC): Bristol Bay Native Corporation
• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC): IEC
• Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Program Office: DOE Loan Program Office
• Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy: Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
• Cagen Williams: LinkedIn Profile

Transcript Highlights

Cagen Williams (01:54): "Yeah. So it was, it was a very small company and that's putting it lightly. Effectively, it was two families who worked together in the Northwest Florida area. Predominantly, we worked on Eglin Air Force Base..."

Cagen Williams (09:15): "Yeah, we, you know, COVID -19 obviously was tragic for a lot of folks. And we, at the time, it was 2020, right? Had an unbelievable need, specifically in Texas and in New York as well, for a lot of very qualified electricians..."

Cagen Williams (19:01): "I'll tell you, you know, when we went, there was, you know, all the big names you can think of, right? and the topic that keeps coming up is, is the interconnection queue and the uncertainty..."

Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/

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