J. Hardy LeGwin, CEO.
Hardy is a premier designer of large-scale solar energy systems. After serving as a rescue pilot and commander in the US Coast Guard, he began his second career as a building designer, with a focus on energy efficiency. He created his first active solar energy system in 1983. In 2006, he designed one of the largest solar hot water projects in the nation on a LEED Certified Platinum hotel in North Carolina, and this project was featured in the New York Times. Hardy has published two volumes on construction specifications, which are still carried by the National Association of Home Builders. Hardy has earned certificates of completion from Solar Energy International in coursework on advanced photovoltaic design.

Michael Shore, MCE, MS, President.
Michael is an expert on the renewable energy certificate market, and he played a leading role in crafting the law to make North Carolina the first state in the Southeast to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard. He has worked for two decades on energy and environmental issues, and has written extensively on sustainability topics. He served on the US Department of Energy’s Efficiency Leadership Group and was a founding board member of NC GreenPower. Michael has also advised both Duke Energy and Progress Energy on efficiency and renewables, and he has been trained in ISO 14000 environmental management systems. He has a Masters in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University and a second Masters in Environmental Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dale Freudenberger, COO.
Dale manages installation of solar energy systems, and his work receives accolades from business owners, engineers and architects. As a general contractor for more than a dozen years, he has hands-on experience in everything from plumbing to electricity to managing large work crews. He is one of just a handful of nationally certified solar installers, and he has consulted on renewable energy issues with major energy and architectural firms, including William McDonough and Partners. Dale has hands-on experience in helping companies find energy efficiency savings in HVAC, lighting, motors, and air compression systems and extension training on energy systems. Dale has a degree in Business Administration and Accounting and holds an unlimited General Contractor’s License.

Frank Marshall, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Frank was born and raised in Western North Carolina. Prior to joining FLS Energy, he was the national sales manager for a leading Swiss computer manufacturer where he helped establish a 580-dealer sales network in North America and the Caribbean. He also co-founded Docusafe, a regional information security firm which was purchased by Iron Mountain, a national leader in information management. In addition to his sales and marketing experience, Frank also worked in property feasibility and appraisal in the Atlanta market. He earned his degree in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. When not at his FLS Energy office home, he and his wife spend their time chasing their one-year old daughter.

Brownie Newman, FLS Energy Finance.
Brownie has over a decade of experience working to promote clean, renewable energy in North Carolina. As the former Executive Director of the WNC Alliance and a two-term member of the Asheville City Council, he has been a leader for environmental and economic sustainability in the region. Brownie began working as a project consultant for FLS Energy in 2007. In 2008 he organized FLS Energy Finance to serve as the financing arm for FLS solar projects. FLS Energy Finance provides businesses and organizations with a range of financing options to help make solar energy user-friendly and affordable. Brownie grew up on a working farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains and holds a BA in Political Science from Warren Wilson College.

Grant Gosch, Director of Business Development, First Light Solar. 
Grant began his work with First Light Solar in 2008. He has brought to First Light Solar a clear focus: build a residential and light commercial solar installation company that provides professionalism, craftsmanship and service for each client. Hailing from Seattle, WA, Grant moved to Asheville in 2004 and began work with Mars Hill College, where he created their Outdoor Center and Cycling Team. Grant then utilized his passion for business development to help build Immersion Fitness and Platinum Payroll Solutions. Through his work at First Light Solar, Grant is applying his business know-how with his care for the environment to create a cleaner world. “I love working with First Light,” says Grant. “I spend every working day surrounded by people with passion, positive energy and motivation. I am committed to being part of the First Light team.” Grant is currently the president of Asheville Young Professionals and spends his free time cycling, hiking with his dog, and playing music with his wife Sarah.