We had the good fortune of connecting with Sadie Bronk and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sadie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was a pivotal decision deeply influenced by both personal and professional aspirations. After becoming a mother, I quickly realized that the traditional corporate environment could no longer accommodate the life I envisioned for myself, my son, and my husband. The rigid schedules meant dropping my son off early in the morning and picking him up long after the sun had set, which made me miss invaluable moments in his life—moments like being there for class parties and everyday milestones.
Together with my husband’s support, I yearned not only to be my own boss but also to forge a path where I could have both a fulfilling career and be a present parent. I saw the potential to create a space where I could operate at an executive level—making strategic decisions, driving creative initiatives, and setting the course of a company—while also setting my hours and salary. This dual focus on professional ambition and personal freedom was the driving force behind my decision.
Launching my own business was about crafting a life where I could excel at work without sacrificing the joys of motherhood. It was about breaking free from the conventional 9-to-5 constraints to embrace a lifestyle where my roles as a mother, a wife, and a business leader could not only coexist but thrive together.
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?
Energy Bees is deeply committed to supporting affordable housing developers nationwide in supporting energy-efficient and water-conserving housing solutions. Our primary tool for achieving these goals is the Energy Consumption Modeling (ECM) method which allows us to develop project-specific utility allowances for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Properties. This approach is crucial for solving split incentives between tenants and property owners and ensuring long-term sustainability and affordability of housing projects.
Through our ECM services, we directly enhance the financial viability of housing projects by providing more accurate utility allowances, which result in lower operational costs and increased availability of funds for further development. This leads to better cash flow, enabling easier repayment of financing and debts, and results in higher quality construction. Not only does this approach foster more sustainable buildings, but it also improves the living conditions for low-income tenants by creating quieter, more comfortable, and healthier living environments.
Our commitment extends beyond technical services to fostering a diverse workforce and leading change management within the energy efficiency industry. Our executive leadership and coaching services help professionals navigate changes in technology and workforce dynamics, ensuring that teams are effective and adaptable.
Additionally, Energy Bees is the founding sponsor of Best Earth Ever (BEE) Project, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which underlines our dedication to training the next generation’s green workforce and creating equitable pathways to green jobs. This partnership not only amplifies our impact on the environment but also supports our commitment to diversity and inclusion, by advocating for and nurturing a diverse community that upholds our ideals.
Energy Bees isn’t just about providing services; it’s about creating an ecosystem where sustainable and affordable housing thrives, supported by a workforce that is diverse, well-trained, and ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, I’d love to give a heartfelt shoutout to my husband, who has been an unwavering pillar of support throughout my journey of owning and operating an energy efficiency and sustainability consulting firm. His belief in my abilities has never wavered, even on the toughest days. His support and encouragement have been crucial to my success. He’s been there through all the ups and downs, offering not just emotional support but also practical advice and endless encouragement. He truly deserves a ton of credit and recognition for his role in my story and our shared success. Thank you for everything!
Allison and her dog Gloria, Kelsey and her dog Bella, Meg and her dog Westley. Oh and Jason and his dog Bear, while they’re no longer clients of mine, Jason and Bear are the reason I started my business. They were the very first full time clients I had when I started on Rover. Jason also encouraged me to go independent and helped me see myself in a leadership role. Each client and their pet I’ve mentioned here are reason my business is successful and their pets inspire me to put my best foot forward each and every day.
Website: www.energybees.com
Instagram: @energybeesatx
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energybees
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/energybeesatx/
Other: www.besteartheverproject.org