MISSION
Our goal is to empower building owners to produce their own energy using the sun. Through educating homeowners, businesses, and non-profit groups, Sun Directed designs and installs solar energy systems that will last for generations. With our environmentally minded team, we provide our customers with upfront, transparent solutions; fast service, and precision installations that make them proud to be a part of the solar revolution.
CORE VALUES
Our core values are what set us apart from all other companies. All Sun Directed team members live and breathe by these values, our values define us. We are: Environmentally Minded, Transparent through communication, Precision driven, Efficient, Change Embracers, Passionate, and we have fun.
MANAGEMENT
Michael Shadow – Founder, President
Michael Shadow is the founder and president of Sun Directed. Michael is a consultant, designer, and installer of solar energy systems for businesses, farms and homes.
Sun Directed is the natural outgrowth of Michael’s business background and personal interest in renewable energy. After five years of hands-on experience installing geothermal heat pumps, Michael moved into the IT field and spent 14 years as a computer technician/systems administrator; 2.5 with Raytheon Systems and 11+ at the PSU College of Education.
In 2006 Michael began studying business management. His vision was to create a business related to alternative energy/energy efficiency. In 2008 he launched Green Building Solutions, LLC to provide geothermal installations, energy audits and weatherization services. The plan was to segue into solar and wind power.
Things accelerated in February 2009, when Michael attended a training course offered by Solar Energy International. Michael’s gravitation to solar power was immediate. Two months later he took their advanced PV design course and tested for a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Entry Level Certificate.
This coincided with the opening of the PA Sunshine Grant Program.
After designing a solar PV system for his home, Michael started installing systems for customers. By the Fall of 2009 Michael had enough systems installed (and third-party inspected) to qualify to sit for the NABCEP Solar PV Installer Certification Exam. Thus he became one of only 31 certified solar installers in Pennsylvania.
As Solar PV continued to grow and demand full-time concentration, he shelved the other sectors of the business and re-branded the company as Sun Directed in January 2010.
When not tapping the sun’s energy, Michael is active in Toastmasters International and enjoys spending time with his family and running.
David Force – VP Operations
David joined Sun Directed in early 2010, bringing decades of construction and business management experience to his VP of Opperations role. Working closely with Michael Shadow, David is charged with overseeing and developing the region’s most integrated solar energy company.
David’s background includes 16 years in heavy highway construction. He served in various capacities at Lycoming Construction Co. in Williamsport, PA. He then spent 30 years in bridge construction working on multi-million-dollar projects for such Pennsylvania companies as Susquehanna Valley Construction in New Cumberland and HRI Incorporated in State College.
He has also taught architecture at Penn State University.
David is a true entrepreneur who remains active in other innovative ventures, as well. In addition to his work at Sun Directed he is the president of three other companies: Design & Build LLC, which operates in the State College area; Market Place Unlimited, a development company, and Nittany Valley Business Consulting Inc.
In fact, one of David’s passions is helping young entrepreneurs start businesses from the ground up. He has taught business and finance models for the last 25 years and has been involved with the startup of 21 businesses.
