We Are Energy Security

Paul’s passion for energy security began shortly after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Living just 2 miles from the epicenter, his home and many neighbors’ homes were left without power indefinitely. He vowed never to be left in the dark again and set about designing and building his own custom micro-grid, based on a micro-cogeneration system. Energy independence for his property, pool, spa and home was his main goal. Paul has been an electronics system architect and integrator for the three decades since then, with extensive background in energy management systems. His passion is to provide others the same protective energy envelope that benefits his own home and family.

Celebrating being the third generation of his family owned and operated business, Danny has spent almost fifty years designing and building power distribution equipment, from both the hardware and software perspectives. His career has been accented by the introduction of multiple applications which have profoundly improved the art of building normally mundane power distribution equipment. From the introduction of programmable logic controllers into switchboards, to the integration of graphical HMI’s providing the user with visibility never previously available, his company has been consistently at the forefront of energy infrastructure technology. Benjamin Electric has consistently eclipsed their contemporaries because they develop systems and processes that have never been contemplated before. They have always focused on high quality and high reliability which has been a huge attraction to the mission-critical power users of the world.

Tom leads the ESI storage project engineering team, drawing from his experience in grid-attached and off-grid energy storage development for the largest utilities in the world. He previously led product development and system design for PV+Storage products for NRG and the Field and Systems engineering teams at Aquion Energy.

As owner of Vancouver, Canada based TTS Thermaltech Systems Inc., Robert has nearly 30 years of industrial automation experience developing custom electronics and real time control software for industrial heating, robotic material handling, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, fluid process and motion control systems. His wide range of knowledge, and hands on approach to systems development have helped make ESI’s Interactive Energy Grid™ systems truly unique in the industry.

As President of Hyde Engineering Services, Inc. Tripp has overseen the design, deployment, and operation of 250+ advanced energy projects, including behind-the-meter and utility-connected battery energy storage and MW-scale solar PV, and now focuses on electrical engineering design for all ESI IEG solutions. Previously Director of Engineering Services at Stem, Inc., Tripp holds bachelor’s degrees in electrical and computer systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and two master’s degrees from Duke University in engineering management and environmental management. Tripp is also a certified LEED Accredited Professional and Model Law Engineer, and holds professional engineering licenses in ten US states.

Mark Urfer, PE is a 40 year veteran of the power industry with roots in energy conservation, automation system application, energy management and energy system design, including as Project Manager for a multi-billion US dollar gigawatt level grid expansion overseas. Mark designs and engineers the integration of mechanical systems associated with the ESI IEG. Mark has a passion for alternative energy applications and formerly was a NABCEP Certified Solar Installation Contractor in Northern California.

Russ Berger is President of Russ Berger Designs (www.rbdg.com) with over 2,500 designs to his credit. System noise control is a major concern in every project, and Russ adds his talent and skill set to ensure ESI systems are seen and not heard. His work includes National Public Radio headquarters, Whitney Houston’s personal studio, Sweetwater, NFL Films headquarters, Kirk Franklin, Belmont University, Sony Music, MasterMix, Paragon Studios, BiCoastal Music and Lakewood Church. In recognition of his work, the industry has presented him with eight TEC Awards for technical excellence and creativity in acoustics and studio design. Russ is one of the original licensees for performing TEF measurements, and is the 2007 recipient of the prestigious. He is a recognized Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America (FASA).

Mark’s passion for energy efficiency started during the late 1970’s “gas crisis”. Leaving Intel to join a small team that invented and brought to market the world’s first microprocessor-based Energy Management System. That system is the basis for modern building controls. He subsequently spent many years in the semiconductor industry before returning to his passion to make the world a little better, one micro-grid at a time.

Over his 25 years in control system programming, Tom created many User Interfaces that allow clients to control the various systems in their home or offices. His focus on the ESI IEG’s AI control system is key to its t adept and efficient client-friendly operation. Tom provides clients simple interfaces and takes the “complicated” metric out of the conversation.

Leading the system design, drafting and documentation of ESI’s projects, Andrew is the communication between field intelligence, conceptual design, system manufacturing, and final installation. After graduating from Oregon State University in 2019 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, Andrew’s passion for the lands and waters of the west coast, as well as an affinity toward drafting, only grew. Having 4 years of experience designing and drafting for industrial food manufacturing, Andrew joined the ESI team in 2021, excited about bringing smart renewable energy options to our neighbors.