Meet Ian Skor, Pe | Owner & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ian Skor, Pe and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ian, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The value that matters most to me is self-sufficiency. I believe strongly in being able to provide for oneself and live independently, whether in business or in nature. This belief extends beyond my professional life into my personal interest in survival skills and naturalism—learning how to live off the land and thrive with minimal resources. Our business of installing solar panels aligns perfectly with this mindset, as solar energy empowers people to take control of their energy needs, reducing reliance on external systems and enhancing their own resilience and independence.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started Sandbox Solar with nothing more than a Subaru, a toolbox, and a drive to share the benefits of solar energy. With an engineering background, I didn’t initially know everything about running a business, but bootstrapping it from the ground up taught me every aspect—from sales to operations. This hands-on experience helps me relate to and mentor each of our 30+ employees today.
What sets Sandbox Solar apart is our commitment to efficiency, communication, and passion for the quality of our work, all delivered in a team-oriented environment. We’ve cultivated a unique culture where values come first, creating a sustainable foundation that spreads throughout our team and our projects.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of building that culture—it becomes contagious and is critical to long-term success. I’m proud to say that Sandbox Solar is the best solar company in the world, not only because of the quality of our projects but also because of the unique innovations we bring to both the solar and construction industries. Our journey hasn’t always been easy, but our commitment to our values and teamwork is what has driven us to where we are today.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It really depends on what my friend likes to do because Colorado offers so many options—that’s why I moved here! But if I were to plan the perfect itinerary, we’d start with a brewery tour and bike around Fort Collins, enjoying the local craft beer scene. We’d spend a day paddleboarding and swimming at Horsetooth Reservoir for some sun and relaxation. Another day would be dedicated to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, with a stop in Estes Park.
No trip to Colorado would be complete without catching a concert at Red Rocks or Mishawaka—both venues offer an incredible music experience in stunning natural settings. If we had more time, or depending on the season, we’d also squeeze in some skiing, more hiking, camping, backpacking, or fly fishing. The great thing about Colorado is that there’s always something exciting to do outdoors, no matter the time of year.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to several key influences who have played a significant role in my journey. First, my father and grandfather, whose business backgrounds provided a strong foundation and inspiration for me. I also owe a lot to the incredible community of Fort Collins—so many people have offered advice and assistance along the way. Our current and previous employees deserve special recognition as well for their hard work and dedication, helping us navigate the various stages of the business. Two books, Construction Genius and Good to Great, have been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership and growth. And finally, the mountains—constant and grounding—have always been my sanctuary, keeping me level-headed through all the ups and downs.
Website: https://sandboxsolar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandboxsolar/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10049572
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sandboxsolar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandboxsolar
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sandboxsolar