The OnForce Solar Team
Management
Charles Feit - CEO
In 2007, after researching solar energy for his own home and clearly recognizing the environmental and financial benefits, Charles had a vision for the expansion of the solar industry in the tri-state region and launched OnForce Solar. Within the 1st year of business, OnForce Solar became a leader in the solar thermal market and installed over 50 solar thermal systems. Charles expanded the company to include photovoltaics. The company is still growing rapidly and was ranked #42 in the country on the 2011 Inc. 500 list.
Previous to founding OnForce Solar, Charles has had ownership stakes in several successful entrepreneurial endeavors and a career investing in, structuring and operating several IT consulting firms focusing on deploying custom developed banking software for currency trading, reconciliation, portfolio tracking and managing large scale global software deployments. He is also regarded an expert in risk management and has advised many first tier financial organizations on risk avoidance strategies and best practices. Charles' consulting company was responsible from 2002 – 2007 for the daily reconciliation globally of billions of dollars in foreign currency trades for a Top 5 World bank as well as supporting an internal staff of 75 people in 4 countries.
Charles graduated with an MBA / Masters of Computer Science from Adelphi University in 1993.
After graduating from Adelphi, in 1994 Charles launched a cellular phone distribution company that grew from zero to $5M in sales within 2 years and was subsequently acquired in 1996.
Charles is also an avid runner and has completed several NYC marathons.
David Sandbank - President
With a deep knowledge in sales, advertising and marketing and having the experience of knowing how to take a business from concept to market. David joined with Charles Feit in 2007 to help successfully launch OnForce Solar, Inc. Prior to joining OnForce Solar, David was V.P of Sales for The Media Power Group introducing a new carrier-agnostic mobile application to advertisers. David formed strategic alliances with national advertising agencies, media outlets and content providers as well as kept abreast of the mobile marketing competitive landscape and trends. In 2005 David helped launch a new herb-infused vodka and opened over 150 accounts, carving the way for a new category in the spirit industry. David was an early adopter of mobile marketing and developed an SMS “happy hour” campaign driving vodka sales and garnering a feature on the Today Show’s “A Look at What’s Hot”. Collaborating with Hallmark Entertainment & Sprint, David conceptualized, directed and produced over 100 mobile interactive greeting cards, pioneering mobile content for 3G phones. David started his career working through the ranks in film production from camera assistant to director and owner of a commercial production company, Working directly with national advertising agencies David crafted TV commercials for many national brands such as McDonald’s, Wells Fargo, AT&T, South West Airlines and General Mills. David graduated from Adelphi University with a business degree.
Paul Chudnofsky - COO
Paul has over 30 years of diverse Financial, Operations, and Information Technology experience. He has built / re-engineered operations for COSO compliance, headed global software package implementations, managed line operations, directed M&A-related on-boarding / integration projects, constructed financial forecasting / operating models, and implemented continuous improvement / corrective action programs in fortune 100 companies.
Before joining OnForce Solar, Paul served for 14 years as president of CCAI, providing value added consulting services to the Financial Services industry. Previously, Paul managed engagements for Ernst & Young's Financial Services / IT consulting practice, and ran their risk management competency team. Prior to that, Paul held a number of progressively responsible positions at Phibro Energy / Salomon Brothers, Citibank's Investment Bank, J. Henry Schroeder, and the Department of Environmental Protection. Paul holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Lafayette College, and an MBA in Finance from Columbia University.
Jason Kuflik - Chief Strategy Officer
With over 15 years of Sales, Accounting, Financial and Operations experience, Jason joined OnForce Solar in 2010 bringing extensive experience in the Solar Industry with him. After leaving the accounting industry in 2009 he worked for a Solar Development conglomerate managing its due diligence operations. He has successfully closed over 30MW of Power Purchase Agreements and over 2000 acres of land designated for solar farms. During his tenure, Jason was responsible for all aspects of Operations from Utility and New Jersey Clean Energy applications, utility interconnection, vendor management and sourcing capital. From 2004 to 2008, Jason worked with Bernath & Rosenberg managing High Net Worth clients in all aspects of cash management and tax planning. Jason worked directly under the managing partner responsible for in excess of $100mm. He started his career in 2002 with Meridian capital group where he immediately closed in excess of 50mm in Commercial Loans. Jason graduated with an accounting and economics degree from Queens College.
Commercial Sales
Scott Kerner - National Director of Sales - Commercial & Utility
Mr. Kerner worked for Ciena Capital, LLC (formally known as BLX, LLC) from 2001 through 2008. During his time there he was one of the top commercial loan originators for three straight years funding $64mm, $26mm and $13mm in 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively. Honored as Business Development Officer of the year and was the top factoring salesperson in 2006 and 2007. Mr. Kerner achieved Rookie Business Development Officer of the year in 2005.
Mr. Kerner opened up SJK Capital, Inc. in 2008 through 2010 where he developed the infrastructure of a 15 person sales team for a NYC Commercial Mortgage Brokerage Firm. Here the firm was able to complete over $45mm in commercial loans in investment properties, SBA owner occupied and asset based issues. Mr. Kerner graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wilmington University with a B.S. in business.
Telloyd Richards - VP of Commercial Business Development
Telloyd started as a Teller with HSBC/Marine Midland Bank in 1987. He quickly moved through the ranks and was selected to participate in the Executive Training Development Program at HSBC in London. Upon returning to the US, he has managed six branches and has worked in a number of Commercial Lending, Business Development and Operations capacities. After 18 years with HSBC, he left to start the first branch of Residential Home Funding as owner/manager. Telloyd has received numerous awards from community organizations such as SEBCO, Junior Achievements, Brooklyn YMCA and the Herring Bone Association. He is currently a member of National Black MBA Association and an avid contender for the past 15 years in the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Telloyd holds a B.Sc. in Marketing Management from Baruch College and MBA in Finance from Long Island University.
Rob Liflander - VP of Commercial Business Development
Rob has over 20 years experience in sales and marketing. His focus on client needs and ability to simplify technology has always helped him build strong relationships. In the early 1990’s, Rob was a pioneer in the Internet business, working for News Corporation on eCommerce models and corporate strategy. He then worked for California-based Online Focus in corporate web site development, advising clients on Internet business strategy. In 2002, he shifted gears into the automobile industry, working for Porsche, Audi and Land Rover, managing several car dealerships in Connecticut. He is an automobile enthusiast. For the last three years, he advised high-net worth clients at Merrill Lynch. Rob earned an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA in economics at Brandeis University.
Robert Bambery - Commercial Business Development
Bob has worked in the financial industry for 25 years on Wall Street managing over $100 million in personal financial portfolios that covered all areas of investment banking. He developed expertise working with most major investment metrics models and held most financial security licenses as a Registered Representative and Branch Manager of Retail Sales while working at Smith Barney Shearson, Advest and Blech & Company. Bob has worked independently for the past 12 years financing numerous projects in energy, healthcare and real estate. He raised over $50 million for start-up companies and real estate projects through a strong network of banking sources, private lenders and angel investors. Bob is the former CEO of Marx Toys & Entertainment, a publicly traded company, overseeing sales, marketing, planning and the overall management of the Company. He has served as a Board Member on numerous high-profile boards including; Guardian Tech (Medical technology); Trans World Lighting (Energy), Medi-Systems (Medical technology). Bob attended NYU.
Mark Sterancsak - Commercial Business Development
Mark is Xerox-trained salesman who has been working in corporate sales since 2004. He has a BS degree in Marketing from Fordham University (CBA 1991) and has handled national accounts such as Exxon-Mobil, ConocoPhillips, Lexus, BMW and American Airlines.His last position was working for a start-up company that sold fingerprint-scanning security software to hospitals and other health-related companies. When presented with the opportunity to work for OnForce Solar, Inc., he jumped at the chance. “I’ve always been interested in solar energy and protecting the environment,” he said. “It is by far the fastest way to reduce our dependence on coal-producing power plants and save business owners money to make them more competitive.” He has certificates of course completion from The Institute at Middlesex County College in NJ for its Introduction to Solar Electric Systems (PV) / Green Energy Sales & Service program. This 5-module course prepares students to enter the Renewable Energy Sales and Service field. His current goal is to become NABCEP certified.
Sam Salamay - Commercial Business Development
Sam has been involved in the renewable energy industry for over 20 years. He began his solar career as the U.S. partner for Atlantis Energy of Bern, Switzerland. Through his company, Building Energy Systems & Technology (BEST), he introduced Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) as its premier vendor for the nations first Utility solar residential program. Next, he arranged the newly formed Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) into their first solar incentive program and debuted a PV project at The Jones Beach Environmental Center via major fanfare. This was followed-up by installing PV at the New Ferry Terminal in NYC through a premier NYSERDA grant and Con Edison participation. Sam has been a vocal proponent for solar from its inception and has been involved with projects for Whole Foods, A&P, Pathmark and many other projects, both large and small. He brings his expertise in marketing, relationships and new technologies to OnForce Solar as a veteran to further their bottom-line with value-added lighting, cogeneration and optimized solar solutions.
Bradley Feemster - Commercial Business Development
Bradley is a finance and marketing specialist who recently earned a degree in finance from Morehouse College. Before joining OnForce Solar in late 2012, Bradley was a marketing analyst with the American Express company. Before gaining his marketing experience, Bradley was a financial analyst within the Commercial Aircraft Services division with the Boeing Company. Since joining the company Bradley has initiated and managed several emerging partnerships with commercial properties for solar installation. Bradley is a strong supporter of alternative energy and has an excellent technical and financial knowledgebase of solar power.
Paul LaSalle - Commercial Business Development
Paul has over 15 years of small business experience helping owners and non-profits maximize opportunities and reduce costs. A graduate of Manhattan College in the Bronx with a degree in accounting, he recently joined OnForce to help foster appreciation and investment in renewable energy. He is a member of the operating committee of El Batey Dona Provi, a community garden in The Bronx, as well as a founding partner of a Bronx non-profit, H.O.P.E. at the Crib. Father of two and husband, he is committed to helping everyone appreciate the money saving potential of using solar power and solving modern business energy needs.
Mark Croke - Regional Director of Sales - New England
Mark joined OnForce Solar in October of 2012 and has well over 20 years of sales and business development experience. His role at the company is to create and develop the New England commercial solar market. For the past 12 years Mark has been working in the financial services industry, most recently with Wolters Kluwer Financial Services as an account executive selling software solutions and consulting services to financial institutions. Prior to Wolters Kluwer Mark was a producer and registered representative for the MassMutual Life Insurance Company. Mark is passionate about the solar industry, green technologies and the environment. Mark graduated from Utah State University located in Logan, Utah. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Landscape Architecture and Spanish. He is an avid skier, snowboarder, golfer and a road bike enthusiast. Mark lives in Lexington, MA with his wife Lisa and his two sons, Andrew and Nathan.
Lee Kravitz - Commercial Business Development - New England
Kravitz has over 20 years’ experience in real estate investment, development and finance. He is a board member of REIDeX Inc., having previously served as its Chief Operating Officer, a company formed to address the US mortgage default crisis. Because of his involvement with residential financing, he maintains first hand, in depth understanding of risk assessment and the US retail lending environment. His experience in raising private equity and thorough understanding of the fundamentals of the marketplace allow him to make accurate judgments on the risk, and ultimate success of any real estate based investment. Mr. Kravitz holds a degree from Boston University in Political Science and studied architecture at the Parsons School of Design in New York. He is a member and active participant in the Harvard Business School’s Real Estate Club and gives frequent talks on US residential lending.
Residential Sales
John Afordakos - National Director of Residential Sales
John is a graduate of the University of Delaware and has over ten years experience in marketing and sales. During that time, he has provided homeowners with various cost effective home improvement solutions for some of the largest companies in the Northeast. For three years, John implemented solar solutions for commercial and residential customers in New Jersey. In his current position with Onforce Solar, John is focusing his efforts to assist NY homeowners with simple and affordable solar solutions.
Eric Alefeld - Residential Sales
Eric is a veteran consultant with 10 plus years of experience with providing homeowners and businesses custom designed solutions to meet their needs. In January 2012, Eric relocated to New York from Washington DC, where he was responsible for helping hundreds of clients lower their electricity costs with solar solutions. Eric has been providing SunRun Solar Power Service to homeowners since May 2011 and also has extensive knowledge of current technologies, available incentives, and different financing options available.
Jason Schermer - Residential Sales
Jason has over the years, worked in internet and on-site marketing, as well as film and TV development. While living in California he became interested in the solar movement. The reasons he works in solar are twofold, to help people save money on their electricity and to make the world a little greener, one household at a time. From understanding what it takes for someone to go solar, to designing individual systems specific to each homeowners needs and opportunities. Jason has quickly risen through the ranks. Before working with OnForce, Jason specialized in online marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies.
Michael Meyer - Residential Sales
Prior to working for On Force Michael was and still is a professional actor in Broadway musicals. During his time touring the US, he became interested in renewable energy as the way of the future. His passion for and understanding of solar electric stems from the use of solar on his own home, which gives him a unique perspective on the benefits of green energy.
Brendan Heyck - Residential Sales
Brendan Heyck joined OnForce Solar after successfully directing Solarize Newburyport, a community solar adoption and education program for the city of Newburyport, MA. Under his leadership, residents and small businesses bought and installed over 6.5 times the city’s previous Solar PV capacity in under six months! Brendan's career in the energy sector began when he worked for O’Brien Energy Resources, Inc., an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company based in NH. In this position, he was selected for an executive training program and a Vice President position, where he offered commodity investment opportunities to high-net worth individuals. Prior to his work in the solar industry, Brendan used his organizational, analytical, and communication skills in the Massachusetts State House, where he worked for State Representative Michael Costello as the Legislative Analyst for the Chairman of Financial Services. Before that, he attended the University of Rhode Island, worked in Congressional fundraising on Capitol Hill, and advocated for national non-profit programs like Relay for Life and the ALS Association.
Operations
Bobby Naimool - Lead Engineer
Bobby is a Solar Designer and Engineer with substantial experience in the successful documentation and support of large-scale solar PV and thermal projects, the implementation of effective monitoring/design solutions and project management.
In May 2010, Bobby earned a Master of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering. In addition, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Bobby has over five years of experience with in photovoltaic design and engineering. Some of Mr. Naimool’s strengths and accomplishments include: Experienced in the development of architectural drawings, design plans for feasibility studies, financial comparisons, design recommendations, shading analyses, landscape and HVAC alignment.
Bobby also assisted to obtain funding for more than 50 commercial PV projects within very short deadlines, total size amassed to over 7 megawatts in photovoltaic systems. Funding totaled over $20M from NYSERDA in January 2008 alone.
Bobby played a significant role in the design and installation of over 15 megawatts of photovoltaic systems in 2008, ensuring 100% approvals and permits from building inspections, electrical utilities and architectural review boards. Bobby has a strong knowledge of building, NEC and NFPA codes and standards, as applied to rooftop and ground-mounted photovoltaic systems.
Heriberto "Eddy" Jimenez – Senior Project Manager
Eddy has over 14 years of progressively responsible construction and electrical experience, the last 8 of which have been in the solar industry. He has an excellent grasp of new technology, and has extensive experience with 3-line diagrams, varied panel types, racking systems, inverters, monitoring systems, as well as other peripheral PV components. Eddy joined OnForce Solar in 2010 and manages the installation teams. His installations have ranged from 3 kW to 1+ mW, inclusive of site assessment, design, installation, quality assurance, and DOB / utility inspections. Prior to OnForce, Eddy worked with Mercury Solar Systems as one of their original installers, where he personally installed over 200 systems. Before that, Eddy held positions in ECNY Electric, L.U. Electric, and Capelli Enterprises.
Tong Xia – Solar System Engineer
With a background in Civil Engineering, focusing in Structural Engineering, Tong received an MS degree from the University of New Mexico. Tong joined OnForce as a solar System engineer and CAD designer. His main responsibilities include engineering design/construction, code compliance, calculation of structural loads, conducting architectural surveys, and the preparation of plan-sets for residential and commercial solar projects. Before joining OnForce, Tong served as a solar System designer and structural designer in Blue Sky Technologies, designing residential, commercial and utility scale solar systems up to 20 MW.
Derric Meister - Assistant to Mr. Xia
Since graduating from University of Washington's undergraduate architecture program, Derric has become deeply involved with sustainable urban living systems, buildings, and the environment at large. He received his LEED AP after working at a green building consultancy and becoming an expert with LEED credits and rating systems, as well as furthering his knowledge of sustainable infrastructure and building strategies. At Onforce, Derric focuses on residential retrofit projects, responsible for solar access and shading analysis, structural surveys, layout and design of solar systems, and the compilation of construction drawings and 3-line diagrams.
Sherlyn Lopez – Operations Director
Sherlyn has over 8 years of Operations and Customer service experience. Since joining OnForce, Sherlyn has managed the permitting process in NYC and NJ. She is responsible for utility applications, NYSERDA / NJ Clean Energy submissions, customer service, and liaising with our engineers / expeditor. Before joining OnForce Solar, she served as a legal assistant and case manager for Aguila Inc.. Prior to that, Sherlyn held positions at Bank of America as a Financial Associate, and US Automobile Association, handling Member Services. Sherlyn is technology-savvy and proficient with numerous software programs including AutoCAD. She is also a skilled people-handler and a creative problem solver. Sherlyn is currently cumulating credits toward a BS in Business Administration from Mercy College.
Illona Agapova - Residential Operations Associate
Before joining OnForce, Illona served as the administrative director and project manager for a legal exhibit company where, in addition to her administrative duties, she oversaw 3 design departments, worked closely with attorney clients on their cases, and eventually took over the animation department as the lead project coordinator and producer. Prior to that, Illona was the office manager for an environmental laboratory where she oversaw the accreditation of the laboratory under NELAP and the Environmental Protection Agency. Illona has over 8 years of customer-service and management experience and is skilled in software such as Quickbooks, Adobe Create Suite, and various CRM and project management platforms. Illona attended the University of North Florida where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.
Fayeann Lawrence - Residential Operations Associate
Faye joined the OnForce team in 2013 as our Residential Project Manager for Orange, Rockland & Westchester counties. She is responsible for identifying and implementing next/best practices and processes for driving efficiencies across residential projects. She brings with her 15 years of experience in finance and operations acquired in the Caribbean, the UK and the US, most recently as a Research Analyst at JPMorgan Chase. Faye holds a BA from the University of New Brunswick (Hons) and is pursuing graduate certification in Project Management. She also has a fantastic accent and is working on her forehand in ping pong.
Sophia Jiang - Commercial Project Manager
Sophia joined OnForce Solar in 2013. Her primary responsibilities include in overseeing contracting, engineering planning and designing, policies and incentives, procurement, construction and due diligence. Ms. Jiang previously worked as a structural engineer at Burns & McDonnell, a full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting solutions firm. At Burns & McDonnell, Ms Jiang focused on structural supports designs, constructions and due diligence for power plants. Ms. Jiang graduated magna cum laude with a BS in Civil Engineering from University of Missouri, and she holds a Master’s degree in Energy and Sustainability Management from Columbia University.
Latoya Wray - Customer Support
With over eight years of professional experience in public relations Latoya joined OnForce Solar in 2013 to head our customer service department. Prior to Joining OnForce Latoya worked at Montefiore Medical Center. Latoya is a fan of poetry and believes that "poetry is truth".
George - Company Mascot / Solar Ambassador
George works full time at OnForce Solar. George enjoys climbing ladders, preparing solar ROI analysis and playing fetch.
