Local Business: Ryan Vesely of Green Solar Systems

Patch caught up with Ryan Vesely, owner of Green Solar Systems to find out what it’s like to run a small energy business. And even though solar power may seem like a trend of the future, he assures us that right now the sun is shining brighter than it ever has.

1) What have you learned while starting and operating your own business?

To be patient. Any goal worth achieving does not happen overnight, it takes time to develop ideas into the final product. Opening a business takes a high-risk tolerance and you have to make financial sacrifices to achieve your goals.

2) What was the biggest thing that surprised you as a business owner?
The barriers you must break through to establish your business. Prior to having the idea of starting a solar energy business I worked in finance. So the first year or two I had to learn how to install Solar Energy. Another challenge is educating the general public so they understand the financial benefits of installing solar.

3) If you were starting a business today what would you do differently, if anything?
Have a clearer idea of what I was working to achieve. Execute my plan quicker. I definitely left some opportunities on the table.

4) What’s the best part of owning your own business?
The best part for me is the ability to be creative with my work. I can develop new ideas to improve the Solar Industry.

5) What have you learned through the challenges of owning your own business?
Perseverance has been integral to my businesses survival. Solar has been a journey, which started in 2009 when I started working for a local installer. That led to me starting my own business in January 2011. During this time I had to work multiple jobs to support my business and family. Not getting enough contracts signed to have to go back and work for another company can be tough, but I have managed to persevere several times since 2011.

The best year we had was 2013 when we had work from spring into fall. It was the last year for the PA Sunshine grant and everyone was expecting a drop in work the next year.

6) How important is it for people to support independent business owners in their community?
Small businesses are the future. We develop ideas prior to mainstream acceptance. We take the risk to test the new ideas viability long term.

7) What do you love about being an American business owner?
The best part is being a part of a giant economy that is well established. When looking around the globe I feel blessed to be an American business owner.

8) When did you decide to go into business for yourself? Was it a dream come true?
As a teen I always knew I wanted to start a business. As I got older I realized I had a passion for Energy. I asked myself what is the future of energy and it led me to solar. Safe reliable energy is integral to the success of our economy. I believe that the electrical grid we know today is going to change rapidly and Green Solar Systems wants to be part of it with new micro grids, solar farms, improved batteries for storage etc.

9) What is the most important thing that you’ve learned since going into business for yourself?
Trust yourself, wake up everyday and bring positive energy to your business. It’s also important to delegate, when I started I had to do everything for my business. You can get more done if you let others help you.

10) What inspires you to get up every morning?
My loving wife and two young children. Wanting to learn and grow in my business.

11) How do you ensure quality in your work?
Staying up to date on the latest technology and products. Taking pride in my work. We attend various continuing education conferences through our suppliers and multiple trade organizations. We also attend Industry trade shows such as Solar Power International. We attend seminars that match our core business, which are residential and commercial PV solar installations.

12) What makes for a good day at your business?
Busy, focused on the tasks at hand.

13) What makes the people who work for your business unique?
They are open to new ideas with positive attitudes eager to embrace alternative energy.