Get to know us! Each month, we sit down with one of our employees to get their perspective on the industry and share a little more about them with you. This week, we have “5 Questions With” Amy Smith.

As Tax Manager, Amy handles anything tax related and supports our internal team with accounting for funds and third parties to ensure compliance.

1. What does Pine Gate Renewable’s mission of “getting solar done” mean to you?

We are a society driven by energy. The question is: how do we produce that energy in a smarter, cleaner way for future generations? I continue to develop a greater appreciation for the impact that my activities have on future generations and on others. We all have a responsibility to do better. Before joining the company, I was using reusable grocery bags, recycling and walking instead of driving whenever possible. Pine Gate has upped my game!

2. What are you most optimistic/excited about in this industry?

I’m excited about the potential growth of this industry – we have the opportunity to contribute jobs and wealth to the American economy. It’s amazing to see how much this industry has grown in a short time. Not long ago Al Gore was sounding the alarm about climate change and the need to consider alternatives for energy production and consumption. And now, renewable energy is taking center stage as a major campaign issue for the 2020 presidential election. Better yet, many states are going beyond just lip service in encouraging renewables and offering up real economic incentives and plans for proliferation of clean energy. I’m thrilled to not only be part of this industry, but also of a movement.

3. What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Be patient with yourself and others. Hailing from New York and DC, my previous lives were in fast-paced environments where everyone is in a rush and the expectations are high. It is easy to get frustrated when things aren’t done as quickly or completely as you’d like. And, of course, anyone with high expectations of others typically has equally high expectations of themselves. After making one of many future mistakes, one of my former partners in public accounting reminded me how important it is to be patient. Processes don’t improve overnight, people have to have time to learn. Mistakes are just opportunities to get better. While we should always strive for perfection, there are many bumps along the road and getting frustrated just delays the arrival of greatness.

4. What is an unknown skill you possess outside of your day job?

I’m a great armchair travel agent. My mother passed away about 20 years ago and my Dad and I have taken an annual trip together ever since. I’ve become quite proficient at navigating and coordinating our adventures, which have taken us boating down the Amazon River, swimming at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, kissing the Blarney Stone (a must for those with Irish blood), bear and wolf sighting in Yellowstone and standing in the snow at the top of Mount Etna. In 2021, we are off to California for wine, trees and Lake Tahoe.

5. What’s one thing still on your bucket list that you hope to achieve in the next 5 years?

While I enjoy reading everything from James Patterson to biographies about Marilyn Monroe, I also love to write. I have four novels in the works and my goal is to be a published author in the next 5 years!

If you’re interested in working with us, check out our available positions here.