5 Questions With… Sean Andersen

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. Kicking off our “5 Questions With” series is Sean Andersen.

As the Director of Project Management, Sean works on our development team, managing the project development of utility-scale solar farms throughout the Southeast. Sean joined the company as its first employee in 2015 and is based out of our headquarters in Asheville, NC.

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

Day in and day out, our central goal is to install as much clean, renewable energy as we possibly can. The mission of getting solar done serves as a consistent reminder to not lose sight of this broader purpose. Despite the adversity that we will inevitably face in the road ahead, together, we will always find a way to make it happen.

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

The solar industry is just barely scratching the surface of its true potential. The energy landscape of our country is in the midst of a paradigm shift away from fossil fuels. In order to mitigate the permanent impacts of climate change, it will take independent power producers like Pine Gate to continue the proliferation of solar across the county. I’m extremely proud to be a part of an energy revolution that is far larger than myself, and one that will impact the future.

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

“Do not lose sight of the forest through the trees.” In solar development, the project life cycle is quite lengthy. It’s commonplace to work on a project for years at a time. Ultimately, it’s the incremental milestones that will allow us to execute on all of our audacious goals.

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

I feel I’m at my best when I’m trying new things that challenge me both physically and mentally. Last year I participated in the Asheville Chamber of Commerce 5K. It could just be my long legs, but even I was surprised by my finish time.

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

Maybe it’s a side effect of the strange year that is 2020, but I’ve been daydreaming lately of a full-blown road trip across North America in an off-grid camper van. Simply dropping everything, pulling my best Walter Mitty impression and exploring what this beautiful country has to offer is certainly at the top of the list.

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