Amber Mann, before she grew up to be a Brightergy kid.
1. What’s your position with Brightergy? How long have you been working here?
Sales Administration Manager. I started on February 12th of this year, so a little over 5 months.
2. Where are you from/where did you grow up? What’s your background (educational/work)?
I was born and grew up in Springfield, Illinois where I attended a Catholic grade school and high school. I graduated cum laude from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Criminal Justice. After graduating, I took two years off and went back to school to work on my master’s degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Development, which I received in December of 2012.
3. Why solar? What first got you interested in renewable energy?
Solar energy just makes sense: environmentally and economically. When I first started my master’s program, I learned that the sun produces enough energy in one hour to power the world for a whole year (pretty incredible if you ask me)! After learning about the environmental aspects of solar energy, I’m enjoying learning more about the economic side here at Brightergy.
4. What is something people might not know about your job and/or what you do?
I think most people know that I’m supposed to be the “Salesforce Police”, and have probably thought that after being @mentioned by me one too many times. What you might not realize are the reasons that we have protocol, workflow and naming conventions (other than making your life a living hell). Following these procedures, and enforcing them, actually fits well with my personality (I really like consistency). I guess if you think I’m annoying, then I’m doing my job. I’m also in charge of processing all of the contracts to make sure that we have a complete package (who doesn’t like those?) before they can be executed.
5. How do you define sustainability?
After being in the Environmental Studies program for over 2 years, I can pretty much recite the most commonly referenced definition of sustainability laid out by the Brundtland Commission. But since you asked how I define it, I would say (simply) a responsible use of resources. Being mindful of how our consumption patterns affect not only us and those around us, but future generations as well, is key to living sustainably. The focus of my masters program and capstone project was on sustainable food systems and local food production.
6. When you’re not working for Brightergy, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My husband I recently purchased our first house, so the majority of our free time has been spent tackling home improvement projects. We’ve painted (this includes a lime green front door), installed cork flooring in our bathrooms (still have the laundry room and the basement to do), planted and removed a couple trees, and other random little things around the house. The fun never ends!
When we’re not working on the house, we like to go camping/backpacking, check out music festivals, drink craft beer (my husband homebrews), eat local food, and hang out with our dachshund, Rudy.
Amber on her wedding day
7. What’s something your coworkers don’t know about you?
This was a tough one because I tend to overshare (so maybe you feel like you already know enough). One thing might be that I have this weird ability to remember dates like birthdays and anniversaries. I don’t know why or how, but I’ve been able to do it since I was little; I’ve always been able to remember my entire family’s birthdays. It’s starting to get a little harder because there are more and more to remember, but I’ve still got it!
8. Which living person do you most admire?
Cue the cheesy music…this one would have to be my aunt JoAnn. I spent my weekends with her when I was little, and lived with her from 5th grade until college. She’s easily the most selfless and generous person I’ve ever met. She spends her time taking care of everyone else, and never expects anything in return. I have learned a lot from her over the years, and still continue to do so. She’s always there for me if I need advice or just need to call and chat. She’s the best!
Did you miss last week’s BrighterFaces post? Meet Tyler Staebell.