Jodi White
Co-Founder & CEO
BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC
A Message from Jodi White
I think we can all agree that with different seasons of life comes changes, and with the start of 2024, I have found myself in one such season.
For the last 20 years, I have worked tirelessly to bring about positive and impactful change to the solar industry, while also raising and building a family. In the last few years, as my children grew and forged their own paths, I began to ask myself, “What does this mean for me? Where is my path going?”
It was during this time of reflection that I realized that I wanted to begin the next stage of my life through world travel, exploration and quality time with my family.
Therefore, it is with great excitement that I announce my retirement from BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC as I take time to discover what my next career might be.
Immediately following my announcement, effective as of January 8, 2024, Ken Lima is stepping into my place as CEO of BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC.
An Introduction to Ken Lima
With over 11 years of experience in serving homeowners and businesses in the solar industry so far, Ken Lima is a proven leader and passionate advocate for renewable energy and the businesses who make up the industry.
As the CEO of BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC, Ken is responsible for motivating and inspiring a thriving company with clear direction, strong communication and positive decision making, while externally enhancing and strengthening customer and vendor relationships through strengthened security, an emphasis on inclusion, and enhanced productivity.
With Ken’s determination to build a sustainable future through renewable energy, customers of BayWa r.e. will experience unprecedented growth and potential in their own business models throughout the years to come. It will be under Ken’s direction that the organization will continue its responsibility of strengthening the renewable energy space to pave the way for all solar installers, contractors and EPC’s across the nation to find success, with focus on employee health, customer-centric decision making, operational excellence and financial achievements.
Ken Lima
CEO
BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC
Prior to his position at BayWa r.e., Ken served as the EVP of Sales & Operations for Soligent, where his efforts and leadership for the Sales, Marketing and Operations teams propelled the organization to new heights during his tenure. With the exceptional year-after-year growth and success of the company because of his work, Soligent was able to achieve a favorable market position that led to its acquisition by City Electric Supply in 2021. In addition, Ken’s passion for renewable energy led him and the executive team to develop a strategic partnership with GivePower, an organization that focuses on distribution of renewable energy sources for developing regions around the world.
Before Soligent, Ken held senior positions at Tesla and Solar City, where he focused the sales teams efforts on carrying out Tesla’s mission of accelerating the Pacific Northwest’s transition to sustainable energy. Previous to Tesla and Solar City, Ken spent 14 years at Best Buy developing strategic initiatives such as Best Buy for Education, a program designed to support the technology transition and and evolution in K-12 classrooms across the U.S. Ken’s passion for empowering healthy relationships, people and businesses has been a practice throughout his entire career.
Ken Lima is married with three children, and enjoys giving back to his local Bay Area community through youth sports coaching, as well as focusing on anti-bullying/drug awareness in youth and young adult classrooms.
An Introduction to Ken Lima
Ken Lima
CEO
BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC
With over 11 years of experience in serving homeowners and businesses in the solar industry so far, Ken Lima is a proven leader and passionate advocate for renewable energy and the businesses who make up the industry.
As the CEO of BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC, Ken is responsible for motivating and inspiring a thriving company with clear direction, strong communication and positive decision making, while externally enhancing and strengthening customer and vendor relationships through strengthened security, an emphasis on inclusion, and enhanced productivity.
With Ken’s determination to build a sustainable future through renewable energy, customers of BayWa r.e. will experience unprecedented growth and potential in their own business models throughout the years to come. It will be under Ken’s direction that the organization will continue its responsibility of strengthening the renewable energy space to pave the way for all solar installers, contractors and EPC’s across the nation to find success, with focus on employee health, customer-centric decision making, operational excellence and financial achievements.
Prior to his position at BayWa r.e., Ken served as the EVP of Sales & Operations for Soligent, where his efforts and leadership for the Sales, Marketing and Operations teams propelled the organization to new heights during his tenure. With the exceptional year-after-year growth and success of the company because of his work, Soligent was able to achieve a favorable market position that led to its acquisition by City Electric Supply in 2021. In addition, Ken’s passion for renewable energy led him and the executive team to develop a strategic partnership with GivePower, an organization that focuses on distribution of renewable energy sources for developing regions around the world.
Before Soligent, Ken held senior positions at Tesla and Solar City, where he focused the sales teams efforts on carrying out Tesla’s mission of accelerating the Pacific Northwest’s transition to sustainable energy. Previous to Tesla and Solar City, Ken spent 14 years at Best Buy developing strategic initiatives such as Best Buy for Education, a program designed to support the technology transition and and evolution in K-12 classrooms across the U.S. Ken’s passion for empowering healthy relationships, people and businesses has been a practice throughout his entire career.
Ken Lima is married with three children, and enjoys giving back to his local Bay Area community through youth sports coaching, as well as focusing on anti-bullying/drug awareness in youth and young adult classrooms.
With this change of leadership, you can expect to receive the same great care, support and customer service that you have grown to expect from us over the years. This change does not change how we conduct our day-to-day business.
You can find more information on the public transition by reading our press release. If you have any questions following this announcement, please use the inquiry form at the bottom of the linked webpage and we will answer them as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your years of continued support, resilience and hard work to make the industry better for all. I appreciate each one of you and am looking forward to seeing you down the road.
FAQ
Why is Jodi leaving?
After 20 years in the industry and a change in her family life, she was looking for a change in her own life. She’s retiring and plans to spend time traveling.
Is this transition related to company performance and industry challenges in 2023? Is this transition in any way related to the sale of Solar Trade?
No, Jodi has been planning this for some time and feels like now is a good time to make the transition. Our operations remain strong and we’re confident we will continue to grow in 2024. Our new CEO Ken Lima has strong industry experience and operational knowledge, and we’re invigorated for the coming year.
What does this mean for BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC customers and vendors?
With this change of leadership, you can expect to receive the same great care, support and customer service that you have grown to expect from us over the years. This change does not indicate any strategic shifts or changes to how we conduct our day-to-day business. It is business as usual while the new CEO gets integrated into the organization. We will continue to adapt and grow to meet market demands of the industry.
What does the new CEO have planned for 2024?
Ken’s first focus is getting to know the organization as it exists now, as well as our customers and vendors, and he is supportive of the organizations goals as it already exists. Our first and main focus has always been on customer service and experience, and Ken will continue that same emphasis as CEO.
How long will the transition between CEOs last?
Jodi currently expects to stay on through mid-March to assist Ken with the transition. With Ken’s seasoned experience with the solar industry and with solar distribution specifically, BayWa r.e. does not expect any hiccups to arise with this transition.
What can I, as a customer, expect during the transition?
Business as usual. BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC will continue to provide outstanding customer service during this transition.