Meet James Kennedy | Solar Energy Broker

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Kennedy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started working right out of college as a financial advisor, working in New York City, building my book of business. Not long after the financial collapse of 2008 hit, and five years of hard work was literally wiped out. This experience taught me that in order for me to control my own destiny, I had to work for myself. So I started my own financial management practice, which floundered due to the global financial crisis. This was a tough time for me and I struggled until I found my calling in renewable energy (solar specifically). I immediately recognized the opportunity to be ahead of the adoption curve, and do something purposeful for a living: helping people save money and protecting the planet for future generations! In the beginning I worked for a couple of general contractors, which allowed me to learn the construction side of the business, but I didn’t understand or like the way our industry acquired customers (through cold calls and door knocking), so I ended up starting my own solar consulting company in 2017, with a focus on education and referrals. It was a great decision and even though there have been lots of ups and downs on the “solar coaster” I have continued to learn and grow through the process.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the Founder, and President of Beach Cities Solar Consulting LLC, with Global Corporate Headquarters based in Rincon, Puerto Rico! Beach Cities Solar Consulting LLC is an education based solar solutions consulting firm that works with buy side homeowners, business owners, corporations, and other institutions to provide them with turnkey energy solutions to go green, save money, and become energy resilient. I have consulted on hundreds of residential solar installations across the country and dozens of commercial and corporate solar installations for clients including Skechers and Remax. I also consult with other solar companies to help them scale their businesses in the rapidly changing renewable energy marketplace. I care deeply about protecting the environment for future generations and getting America off fossil fuels for good.

Two years ago I published Solar Energy Secrets For Homeowners, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Energy-Secrets-Homeowners-Kennedy-ebook/dp/B087D8TQ7Q/ref=sr_1_1crid=2X5JL5UZD33S6&keywords=solar+energy+secrets+for+homeowners&qid=1650313408&sprefix=solar+energy+secrets+for+homeowners%2Caps%2C757&sr=8-1

Our value proposition lies in my seven years of experience working on hundreds of projects around the country. I have yet to meet another solar energy consultant with that level of experience, in many different geographic markets, in all three segments of our industry (residential, commercial, and corporate). It has not been an easy road. Construction, and in particular the residential solar industry, are fraught with delays, headaches, mistakes, and an overall indifference for quality customer service. We have struggled to find the right installation partners, have overcome countless payment delays, survived the commercial solar market collapse of 2020 (due to Covid), and even managed a cross continent move from Southern California to Puerto Rico in 2019. The key to overcoming adversity is to always do your best. No one has ever done more than that, and no one ever will. As long as you learn from the situation it is still a WIN.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a big fan of Colorado, but my experiences have always been in the mountains, on the slopes! I have skied Breckenridge, Vail, and Steamboat. They are all unique and awesome in their own ways. I think Breck has the best nightlife, Vail has the best bowls and Apres skiing, and Steamboat’s town is as cool as they come. Some of my favorite restaurants from my most recent trip to Steamboat included Truffle Pig and The Laundry. Snowmobiling with Thunderstruck Adventures is a must, and so is taking a trip to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Just be sure to book in advance as it fills up quick!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Tom and Mary Rose Jeffry. They are dear friends and some of my first solar customers in Manhattan Beach, CA. They also introduced me to Rotary which was another platform for me to give back to the community and grow my business.

Website: www.beachcitiessolarconsulting.com

Instagram: @beachcitiessolarconsulting

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/JamesMatthewKennedy

Facebook: @beachcitiessolarconsulting