Billy Christie, Director of Engineering
What do you enjoy most at Sustineo Solar?
I love working closely with the tight-knit team to keep solar project flowing towards PTO. It’s great playing a meaningful part in impacting our energy future in a positive way.
When not working, what would you be doing?
I’m a big fan of most outdoor activities. Surfing, skiing, biking, hiking, backpacking, and camping are the big ones. I also love following sports (mostly NFL and the Padres), reading, playing chess (poorly), and doing NYT crossword puzzles.
What is your dream vacation?
A trip to Australia is next on the list. I’d love to bounce around the gold coast and check out the great barrier reef.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I originally wanted to get into engineering to build bridges. Solar is way more fun, though!
If you had a time machine, would you go back in time or into the future?
I’d lean towards the future just to see how things progress. It’s interesting to think about where we’ll be in even just 50 years.
What’s the best piece of business-related advice you have ever received?
I think being kind and accountable will get you furthest in business, and this has worked well for me thus far. It’s important to do what you say you will and to stay positive when problems arise.
What is one important skill you think everyone should have?
I think strong communication is one of the most important skills in business and life. Especially in modern times with so many different ways to communicate (in person, video calls, phone, text, email, teams, etc.), it’s important to be capable and comfortable in a lot of different settings.
Best professional development book you’ve ever read?
I’m not huge on non-fiction, but I did read ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ back in the day. The title sounds almost manipulative, but the gist is to be a good person and things will go well.
How has your past career experience set you up for success with Sustineo Solar?
Prior to Sustineo I spent a good deal of time at Borrego as well as SolarCity back when it was around. Both were great places to learn a ton about the industry and make connections/friends for life. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned throughout my career and help Sustineo get as much solar installed as possible!
