Gratitude for a great decade

By Bill Johnson, founder and president of Brilliant Harvest

Ten years ago, I began my dream job. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics, a Master of Science in Physics, an MBA, and years of experience working in telecom, I knew I wanted to live my professional life on the cutting edge, to work with my hands, and to be involved in something that would have a positive benefit for my community and the planet. That’s why, 10 years ago, I founded Brilliant Harvest.

Over the past decade, I’ve been privileged to change the world, one rooftop at a time. My team and I have designed, installed and operated solar energy systems for residential, nonprofit and commercial clients as well as religious and civic institutions. We’ve donated equipment – and provided services at greatly reduced costs – to help nonprofits save money on their electric bills; those savings are then reinvested into programs and services that benefit the community. We’ve helped some of our area’s largest businesses go net-zero energy, strengthening their bottom line while reducing their carbon footprint. We’ve made it possible, for those who are passionate about the environment, to feel good about reducing their impact on the planet.

Along the way, we’ve learned so much: through collaboration with others who are knowledgeable about conservation; through professional training and continuing education, like my Solar PV Installation Professional certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP); and through extensive conversations with our clients. We are so fortunate to have so many amazing clients; their motivation to install solar ranges from a desire to save money, to an admiration for the technology, to the understanding that the fight against global warming is personal and starts with each of us.

For 10 years, I’ve been proud to serve this community where I grew up, where my wife grew up and, now, where our children have grown up. I will continue to dedicate myself to ensuring top-quality service and work on behalf of each and every Brilliant Harvest client, to fight for consumer choice in the Florida power market, to participate in organizations and educational programs that advocate for and educate about clean energy and environmental stewardship, and give back through volunteering and philanthropy.

We have a lot of work to do over the next 10 years – the next decade is when we have to make significant headway in converting our society from one that runs primarily on fossil fuels to one that runs primarily on renewable energy. I can’t wait to be a part of making that happen.

Thank you for your support and advocacy, and for inspiring me. Here’s to the next 10 years – and beyond – for all of us!