Building Efficiency Podcast

This episode dives into AEE's mission, mentorship, and the importance of people in energy efficiency.

Jim provides an update of the NAESCO federal workshop, noting both optimism within the Department of Defense for continued energy efficiency projects and pessimism due to federal agency project cancellations and pauses.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jon Gasser, Partner at CMTA. We talked about his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a leader at CMTA, his passion for energy solutions, and how his parents’ work ethic shaped his approach to business. Jon shared insights on CMTA’s growth, their unique approach to performance contracting, and lessons learned from hiring over 100 people in recent years. If you’re interested in how culture and entrepreneurial spirit drive success—or want tips on building winning teams—this one’s for you.

Justin shared his diverse career path from consulting through entrepreneurship to renewable energy, offering valuable insights on team building and industry evolution.

Explore how holistic energy solutions and innovative financing are reshaping the energy landscape.

Download Episode IntroductionJim Schafer sits down with Jamey Biedenbaugh, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Opix Systems. Jamey shares his journey from growing up on a small farm in South Carolina to leading teams in the building automation and energy lighting industries. He talks about his experience launching a business during college and leading sales for companies like Osram and Hubble Lighting. Jamey reflects on leadership, emphasizing authenticity, trust, and staying true to core values as keys to long-term success. He now focuses on driving growth at Opix Systems, which specializes in building automation, lighting, and water conservation. Download Clip 2: Earned Trust Through AuthenticityIn this clip from the Building Efficiency Podcast, Jim and Jamie discuss the importance of trust and authenticity in building relationships. Jamie shares that earning trust is essential in sales and cannot be bought; it must be achieved through genuine engagement. He explains that what motivates him in his work is providing valuable solutions to customers and seeing deals come to fruition. He also finds fulfillment in helping others reach their career goals by offering feedback and asking meaningful questions. Download Clip 3: The Key to Supporting New Team MembersIn this clip from the Building Efficiency Podcast, Jim and Jamey discuss the importance of supporting new team members, particularly those new to the industry or early in their sales career. Jamey emphasizes the need to invest time and resources in their development. He also shares a valuable lesson: make decisions promptly when it's clear a team member isn't a good fit, while providing ample feedback throughout the process. This approach not only respects the individual but also allows them to pursue success elsewhere. Download Clip 4: Good and Bad Hiring StoriesJamey reflects on his experiences with both successful and challenging hires. He acknowledges the impact of key hiring decisions and expresses gratitude for some great hires made in collaboration with Nenni and Associates. Jamey shares a story of a standout hire that turned a challenging situation around, as well as insights on what he learned from less successful hiring choices. For a deeper dive into these stories and his leadership journey, tune in to the full episode! Full Episode Ep. 121 - Jamey Bedenbaugh Jamey Bedenbaugh & Jim Schafer Download