NESEA - A Source of Inspiration

John Abrams, South Mountain Company, Inc.


01/31/2009

John Abrams--large cropName: John Abrams
Business: South Mountain Company, Inc.
Position: President and CEO
NESEA member since: Late 1970's
Website: http://somoco.com/index.html


Business description: A 34-year old employee owned design/build and renewable energy company with 32 employees and $8-9 million in annual revenues.


How do you define sustainability?
I like Carol Venolia's definition: "Sustainability is when if you keep doing what you're doing, you'll be able to keep doing what you're doing."


What project are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the long-term building of our company; over time it has become a truly values-driven business owned and operated by a close-knit group of dedicated practitioners and decision-makers.


What energy advice do you have for the new president?
Read Peter Barnes superb little book, Climate Solutions, and follow his instructions precisely.


What promising technology would you like to know more about?
For me, it's not about a particular technology. Here's what I wish to know: How will this country, which has allowed its manufacturing sector to deeply decline, re-build for re-industrialization so we can make the stuff we truly need; a great passenger rail system, widespread sensible vehicles, massive renewable energy production, and effective energy distribution? And how will we, in communities throughout the country, fix our buildings and create a localized sustainable agriculture system? It's a lot to want to know, isn't it?


What's the public's biggest misunderstanding regarding sustainable energy systems?
That it's not about payback, but rather it's about investment in two things; stabilization of personal energy costs and stabilization of our planet's climate and resources.


What prompted you to join NESEA?
It was a place where I could learn about the issues and technologies that I was passionately committed to from others who were sharing the same journey. NESEA means many things to many people. For me it has been a source of inspiration and an ever-expanding group of colleagues and friends, and a great ride. I hope it can continue to lead the way in these tumultuous times.