Houston-based Alternative Power Solutions (APS) has been building a reputation of reliability, quality and customer service excellence since its inception in 2007. APS is fast becoming the “primary industry source of solar electric and solar thermal products” for Texas and Louisiana, but strategic growth beyond these markets is likely.
“Our mission is to provide the highest
quality alternative energy system design and installation to the communities we serve,” says Ralph Parrott, APS founder and president, and each of us is fully committed to this mission. Our systems enable facility managers and homeowners alike to reduce energy costs, cut their dependence on fossil fuels and shrink their carbon footprints.”
But the APS commitment to excellence
extends beyond customer satisfaction and system design to include its philosophy toward its employees and partners. “We work hard to keep customers satisfied, but we also work hard to make sure employees and partners work productively in an enjoyable workplace,” Parrott added. Chris Lofton, operations manager with APS, can vouch for that. “APS has a family atmosphere,” says Lofton. “It’s an entrepreneurial company, so we work hard and put in long hours, but we all love what we do. Like Ralph says, every job we do is our signature. We identify each customer’s needs and goals, and offer a big picture perspective of the overall system.”
Lofton is a self-described technology junkie who learned much of what he knows about renewable energy from reading, technical training and hands-on experience he gained in the Peace Corps.
APS sales manager, Jeff Redwine, also spent time in the Peace Corps before joining the company about 10 months ago. My wife and I wanted to gain a broader understanding of other cultures and volunteer to help others,” Redwine says. “So, we headed to Panama as economic development volunteers. We built aqueducts for water distribution and composting septic systems, and installed a solar project that enabled the children to study and the adults to create art to sell to tourists, providing funds for a school laptop and for tourism.” “When customers talk to us, I believe they can tell fairly quickly we have the expertise they need,” he says. “We want them to understand the technology and how a system will perform.” Pat McLeod, engineering manager, brings several decades of experience to the APS team, and at age 60, mentors just about
everyone. McLeod’s home sports two solar systems that he loves to show off to neighbors. With 5 children and 13 grandkids, you may wonder thinking about retirement.“Customers get so excited when their solar projects are complete and they see that electric meter go backwards,” McLeod says. “There is just nothing like the magic of solar power.” |
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| Prior to working with APS, Chris Lofton served as a Peace Corps Volunteer for Community Development, Health and Water Sanitation in Jamaica. He is pictured on the opposite page, top, with his beloved Mercedes, which he converted to run on biodiesel. |
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Jeff Redwine served as a Community Economic Development Volunteer in the Peace Corps in Panama. During his two years of service, living with an indigenous village in the rainforest, Jeff worked on sustainable projects such as integrating solar technology and training community members to maintain these battery backup systems. He is pictured on the opposite page, middle, ready to plug
in to solar power! |
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