Hello friend,
It’s very nice to meet you.
Isn’t it amazing that we’re both alive during the same time?
That technology like this exists, that we can come from different worlds and still meet?
I’m existential - that’s the first thing about me.
The second thing is that I’m Russian—and proud to be.
I spent the first part of my life on an island known as Sakhalin (north of Japan - see map).
I’ve spent time in Moscow, the Black Sea, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, India, but now call Minnesota my home.
The third thing is that I’m obsessed with renewable energy.
My obsession began while studying physics and quantitative finance in North Carolina at Chapel Hill, when I touched my first solar panel and fell in love.
The idea of creating energy at my fingertips was pure magic to me.
I researched them (literally) and conducted Frankenstein-esque experiments combining servo motors, Raspberry Pi’s, Python code, and photoresistors to create dual-axis tracking systems.
I was hooked. I had to learn more.
I ended up finding a great solar company in Minnesota through pure luck.
I begged for an internship— and got multiple no’s.
Until finally, one day, they called me.
“Ilya, we made an internship program just for you - when can you start?”
The fourth thing is that I’m driven.
“Tomorrow”.
I packed my car and drove 1,000 miles to start my new life.
The fifth thing is that I love changing the world through my work.
I put in 10,000 hours (maybe 20,000+ now), installed hundreds of solar systems, and became the CFO of the Minnesota solar company.
My insatiable quest for betterment and learning has led me to Mortenson, where I currently serve as Director of Renewable Investments and lead the rooftop solar and tax equity businesses.