Solar Experts

Robert Schmidt

Robert Schmidt co-founded Joule and oversees commercial and residential sales. His day-to-day responsibilities range from coordinating current projects to developing new business opportunities.

Robert graduated from Louisiana State University with a BS in Biochemistry. He is also a licensed Electrical and Mechanical Contractor in the state of Louisiana.

Julian Thomas, Jr.

In addition to co-founding Joule, Julian oversees the internal operations and development of the company. He is the primary point of contact for the service providers with whom Joule collaborates, and is responsible for the company’s marketing strategy.

Julian has a BA in Economics from Rhodes College, an MSc in Finance from Barcelona Graduate School of Economics and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Ross Reilly

Ross is a co-founder of Joule and is primarily responsible for project management and commercial sales. Ross learned the construction and electrical trade by working summers as a detention contractor, wiring electric locks and security cameras in Louisiana’s prisons. Ross also spent time in Cambodia developing sustainable ways to provide potable drinking water to rural communities.

Ross graduated from Vanderbilt University with a BA in History.

Corey Shalanski

As Lead Solar Engineer, Corey is responsible for overseeing the design and installation of each of Joule’s solar PV and solar hot water systems. Corey’s extensive experience with both PV and solar thermal technologies comes from working with some of the country’s most renowned solar companies such as Solar Energy International and Sunsense, Inc. In addition to his work in the field, Corey heads up Joule’s education outreach efforts.

Corey graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and holds a Masters in Science Education from Columbia University. Prior to working in the renewable energy industry Corey spent two years as a Community and Environmental Health Advisor with the United States Peace Corps. Corey is both a NABCEP Certified PV Installer and a NABCEP Certified Solar Thermal Installer.

Hamilton Hutchinson, P.E.

Hamilton is Joule’s lead structural engineer, and leverages his structural engineering experience to offer turnkey PV systems for Joule’s commercial clients. Over the past three years he has worked as a structural designer with Paragon Structural Design in Phoenix, AZ, where he worked on LEED certified/inspired designs that utilized a variety building systems.

Hamilton is a certified structural engineer, and has a BS in Physics from Rhodes College as well as a BS/MS in Civil Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional.

Stephen O’Connell

Stephen leads Joule’s capital budgeting and financial risk management efforts, as well as our internal operations development.

Prior to Joule, Stephen worked for Brentwood Capital Advisors, a Nashville-based investment bank, where he focused on
sell- and buy-side mergers and acquisitions, and debt and equity capital raising.

Stephen graduated from Vanderbilt University with a BA in Communication of Science and Technology and a minor in Economics.

Andrew Serio

Andrew is Joule’s warehouse manager, and oversees all warehouse operations. Andrew organizes, orders, and tracks all inventory needed for each of Joule’s projects, and develops relationships with solar equipment providers.

Andrew has a BS in Construction Management from Louisiana State University.

Travis Black

Travis is Joule’s NABCEP-certified PV System Designer, and works with the engineering department to design customized solar systems for homes and businesses. He is also responsible for many of Joule’s non-traditional solar system designs, and works with the sales department to estimate the size and scope of residential and commercial projects. In addition to his work with Joule, Travis is currently pursuing his AIA license.

Travis has a Bachelor of Architecture from Louisiana State University, and has previously worked with Beau Clowney Design in Charleston and Door 13 Architects in Chicago.

Stokley Gray

Stokley is one of Joule’s lead solar installers, and also performs energy audits and duct blaster diagnostic tests. He has previously worked as an electrician and is a graduate of Delgado’s Energy Rater Program and Boots on the Roof’s PV Installer Program.

Stokely graduated from Columbia College with a degree in Business Administration.

Steven Furze

Steven is a NABCEP-certified Solar PV installer. Steven also installs solar hot water systems, performs site audits, and assists in system design.

Steven received a A.A.S in Photovoltaic System Design and Installation from San Juan College in Farmington, NM. Additionally, he completed a residential electrical training program with the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation.

Marcus LeBlanc

Marcus serves as Joule’s Business Development Associate, with a focus on sales, system designs, and new business opportunities. In addition to his work with Joule, Marcus is currently pursuing his PV Technical Sales certification. Before joining Joule, Marcus learned creative business and sales strategies while serving as the Director of Development on a multimillion dollar fund-raising campaign for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.

Marcus graduated from Louisiana State University with a BS in Business Administration and Marketing.

David Denny

David is a Solar Account Manager for Joule, specializing in residential photovoltaic system designs and sales. David is currently pursuing his PV Technical Sales certification, and leads many of Joule’s public outreach efforts. David honed his interpersonal skills while driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile around the country for a year.

David graduated with a BA in Psychology from Penn State University, with minors in Spanish and International Studies.