Behind the battery energy storage solutions that Convergent provides to our customers, there is a team of talented and passionate people who want to make the world a greener place. We connected with our inside sales team to learn what drew them to the energy storage and renewable energy industries, how they like to spend their time outside of the office, and what they wish everyone knew about energy storage!
Why did you decide to work in the energy storage sector and what is your favorite part of inside sales?
GianPaula: In high school, I became interested in sustainability and the multifaceted puzzle of how to ensure our planet remains habitable for generations to come. I studied urban planning and green development in graduate school but didn’t know exactly what I wanted to focus on until I worked as an energy and infrastructure recruitment consultant, which allowed me to explore several different market approaches. The rapidly evolving area of grid modernization and decarbonization attracted me to the energy storage sector, particularly because of its integration with digitalization and technology.
My favorite part about working on the inside sales team is getting to hear firsthand how some of the most prominent companies in the world think about sustainability and their role in it.
How do you like to spend your time outside the office?
GianPaula: My favorite thing to do on the weekend is to get outside – whether it’s skiing in Mammoth, swimming in Malibu, or hiking new trails in Los Angeles. Recently, I’ve also been spending much of my time training my new puppy, Topher (pictured above).
What do you wish more people knew about energy storage?
GianPaula: I wish more people knew about how seamless integration and utilization can be. There’s a perception that batteries will impact a facility’s operations and power supply, which is simply not true!
Michael Khorosh works with commercial and industrial customers in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Why did you decide to work in the energy storage sector and what is your favorite part of inside sales?
Michael: Energy storage, whether battery-based or another type of technology, is a key component in the world’s transition toward clean energy. The industry is developing at such a fast pace that it’s exciting and motivating. Working with the inside sales team presents a myriad of opportunities to interact with great people at the forefront of their respective industries who are open to exploring modern solutions to rising energy bills. The cohesion between the parties striving to complete a mission that will both reduce costs and improve sustainability is something to see.
How do you like to spend your time outside the office?
Michael: Keeping busy is always good and I do so by spending time with friends & family, enjoying some watersports and any other hobby that comes to mind. Now that summer is approaching, there’ll be plenty of activities to take part in.
What do you wish more people knew about energy storage?
Michael: How much the technology can help offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (especially when coupled with solar or wind) and the amount it can help the electric grid. The development within each application of energy storage is vast and progressing quickly. It’s difficult to keep up with the rapid development, but it keeps me humble and provides a continuous education.
Alan Luna is currently working with commercial and industrial customers in California and Illinois.
Why did you decide to work in the energy storage sector and what is your favorite part of inside sales?
Alan: I decided to work in renewable energy because I saw a tremendous opportunity to play a role in the continuous growth of the sustainable energy industry. Having the chance to inform and potentially help commercial and industrial facilities take advantage of Convergent’s energy storage solutions is both rewarding and motivating.
My favorite part about working on the inside sales team is having the chance to talk to customers from different industries and get their feedback on how an energy storage or solar-plus-storage solution would improve their sustainability and financial performance. Every customer has a unique situation, and our team works together to present the best solution.
How do you like to spend your time outside the office?
Alan: I like spending my time away from the office traveling with friends and family. Although I have always enjoyed the camaraderie of team sports, I recently took on a new personal challenge by doing long-distance running. My goal is to eventually run a marathon (might take a couple of years).
What do you wish more people knew about energy storage?
Alan: Energy storage is a solution that will positively impact your sustainability goals, reliability, and cost of operation. If you allow your facility to work smarter rather than harder through energy storage, it will allow you to focus on your processes and what you do best. Now is the time to put your facility in the best position to be competitive in the future.
Steven Rakhmanskiy works in the commercial and industrial and utility markets in California, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Illinois, and Maine.
Why did you decide to work in the energy storage sector and what is your favorite part of inside sales?
Steven: I decided to work in the energy storage and renewables space because, without a doubt, it is going to be a major part of the future. We simply can’t continue to grow at the rate we have been without phasing in renewables, and I find it exciting to be at the forefront of it all at a company like Convergent, which is leading the market.
My favorite part of working on the inside sales team is that our efforts trickle down to so many people. For example, when we work with an electric cooperative to provide a battery energy storage system or solar-plus-storage system, it not only affects the cooperative but also affects every single person who is purchasing power from them and keeping more money in their pockets as a result.
How do you like to spend your time outside the office?
Steven: I love experiencing different foods from different cultures. Living in New York City, I can go to a new spot every weekend and never double dip. I also love to play billiards and watch UFC.
What do you wish more people knew about energy storage?
Steven: With energy storage, it’s not a matter of if, but when. We are trending in the right direction of renewables and to utilize renewables optimally you have to have a way to store the energy that is created. It makes sense to start saving money with energy storage now because that change that some people may be scared to make is inevitable.
Grace Reyes works with businesses in Puerto Rico.
Why did you decide to work in the energy storage sector and what is your favorite part of inside sales?
Grace: Living in Puerto Rico, I’ve seen the issues and uncertainty surrounding our grid. I am excited to be part of a team and work at Convergent, which can help solve some of these issues with energy storage and solar-plus-storage.
My favorite part about working on the insides sales team would have to be getting the opportunity to work alongside some of the most knowledgeable and helpful people.
How do you like to spend your time outside the office?
Grace: As a mother of a 3-year-old boy, my time outside of work is fully dedicated to the little one. In our free time, we love going to the beach and swimming (lucky for us we live near some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico), getting our hands dirty and crafting, and thanks to him, I’ve recently become a dinosaur expert.
Danielle Zurek works in New Jersey, Ontario, California, Illinois and PJM.
Why did you decide to work in the energy storage sector and what is your favorite part of inside sales?
Danielle: I decided to work in the energy storage and the renewable energy market because I am extremely passionate about utilizing my sales experience to assist in making the world a greener, safer place. There is no greater reward than originating a project that will improve our customers’ costs and sustainability performance and seeing it come online. I was attracted to the fast-paced environment of the rapidly evolving renewable energy industry and the growing opportunities that the industry can provide to a sales professional like me.
My favorite part about working on the inside sales team is meeting the needs of each unique customer and organization. This has allowed me and the team to adapt and create a plan to exceed their expectations.
How do you like to spend your time outside the office?
Danielle: Outside of the office, I enjoy spending my time with my friends and family who share a similar passion of mine: food. I love how New York City has a large diversity of the best restaurants in the world, all a subway ride away. Additionally, to make up for all the food I devour, I love going to the gym and doing strength training workouts. I recently joined F45 and it is by far the best workout class I have participated in.
What do you wish more people knew about energy storage?
Danielle: I wish more customers knew that every energy storage project is different—but the results are the same: lower energy costs, smaller carbon footprint, and greater reliability. We work hard to establish rapport with customers, understand their needs, observe market trends and work together to ensure we are providing the highest level of quality across the industry.
Learn More About Energy Storage With Convergent
If your utility or business is interested in reducing electricity costs, increasing sustainability, or improving reliability, Convergent can help.
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