#142: Building the Future of Energy Efficiency One Hire at a Time
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kate Heidinger, CEO of Allumia. Kate and I dug into her career path from solar finance and water efficiency to leading a growing energy as a service company focused on small to mid-size commercial projects.
We talked about how Allumia partners with utilities leverages technology and data transparency and makes energy efficiency accessible without upfront capital. We also spent time on something that really matters right now. Hiring. Kate shared what she looks for in talent, why problem solvers and adaptable generalists thrive in this industry, and how company culture plays a huge role in scaling smart, resilient teams.
In this segment, we dive into the origin story of Allumia and the vision behind its founding in 2014.
Kate shares the personal history behind the company, noting that she and founder Aaron Block attended college together before working at the same solar financing firm where she began her career in the energy sector.
We explore the core mission of the business: taking the complex performance contracts and financing models typically used by large energy service companies (ESCOs) and scaling them down. The conversation highlights a commitment to making these sophisticated energy solutions accessible to a much broader spectrum of the commercial and industrial community, specifically focusing on the needs of smaller businesses.
In this clip, Kate explores the shift from broad ambitions to finding profound meaning in the day-to-day.
We discuss how her background in Political Science and Economics—and a move to D.C. for policy work—evolved into a passion for making a direct, tangible impact.
Beyond the initial morning latte that kickstarts the day, we talk about the drive that surfaces when faced with a full inbox: the genuine motivation found in solving a specific problem or helping a customer navigate a challenge.
It is an insightful look at how individual projects and problem-solving become the "little place in the world" where we can truly make a difference.
The Full Episode
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