2019 Winner
Wise 50 Over 50 Award™
Brian Nash – Haliburton Solar and Wind
www.haliburtonsolarandwind.com
Prior to Haliburton Solar and Wind I developed a national signage management company called Signs of Change. In the early nineties the sign industry began a rapid transformation away from a centralized model into a niche oriented industry. In response I opened Signs of Change Incorporated in 1992 to offer the marketplace a single management point to fulfill complex and diverse retail sign programs that demand brand consistency across multiple vendors. The business was a signage management company that focused on developing program methodologies, unique internal online systems and an international supplier network. Signs of Change has opened over 4,000 retail locations on time and on budget; involving over $65,000,000.00 in signage assets.
I started Haliburton Solar and Wind in 2013 when I was 52 years old. It is my passion that drives my entrepreneurial spirit. It is about creating something that is strong, self-sufficient and enduring. In an effort to simplify my life, consolidate interests, and lessen my environmental impact, My family and I moved to Haliburton, Ontario where I designed and built my home entirely off-grid.
I believe in sustainable, self-reliant, and living. This led to the creation of Haliburton Solar and Wind in 2013.
Haliburton Solar and Wind was established as an Off Grid solutions provider. At the time, in 2013, all the solar talk was about grid tied solutions via tariff and rebate programs through the Provincial Government. No one was focusing on what was about to become a burgeoning industry segment – Off Grid. We set about to get in front quickly and created Canada’s first fully Off Grid Demonstration Center right here in Haliburton. We cultivated relationships with best of breed equipment providers and contractors Ontario wide and began a professionally managed on line brand awareness program targeted directly to the metrics of our “typical” customer. Today we are seen as the go to company for large robust off grid projects throughout Ontario.
I have a team focused, and collaborative approach, that helps establish sound partnerships and relationships within the communities Haliburton Solar and Wind works. I strongly believe in the benefits that increased community resilience can provide, and I enjoy serving the community by volunteering for several organizations that have a direct impact on the betterment of the local population. I most enjoy talking to people of all backgrounds and knowledge levels about their options to gain energy independence.
My personal dedication is in nurturing the values of the business. As a Rotarian I work to embed the Rotary four way test into the company’s culture: 1. Is it the truth? 2, Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? I do this by doing my best to living those values in my personal life, by leading by example and having my actions define me.
If you’re going to do something then commit to it with all of your force. I look to be the best in field and I stay focused on my designed objectives. I remain flexible towards improvement and change, and rigid to the financial forecasted metrics. I believe that the outcome, by adhering to these values, is a strong, self-sufficient and enduring business.