Robert Blake
Founder & CEO
Solar Bear
Roseville, MN USA
“If we could get all kinds of different people involved in [solar energy] so they feel like they’re part of the solution too, then we’re going to have a better world.”
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By Roadtrip NationRobert Blake
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
After college, I started my career in public safety.
After a few years, I moved on to work for the USDA, protecting agriculture and natural resources, and providing resource management and policy coordination.
A combination of things—Hurricane Katrina, Davis Guggenheim’s “An Inconvenient Truth,” and a climate change book I’d read—inspired me to want to make a difference in the climate change space.
I started learning about solar energy by watching YouTube videos, reading magazines, and attending the Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s solar training academy.
I started my career in solar energy as a senior solar ambassador and solar organizer.
When my tribe was looking to put a solar system on top of the government center, I saw it as a great opportunity to create Solar Bear, a solar development company.
In addition to my work with Solar Bear, I’m also the executive director for Native Sun Community Power Development a native-led nonprofit that promotes renewable energy.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Graduate
Advocacy and Political Leadership
Metro State University
Advocacy and Political Leadership
Metro State University
Career
Founder & CEO
I own a solar development company.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Entrepreneurship
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Day to Day
My day-to-day work primarily consists of meetings and managing a company and nonprofit. I also sometimes attend board meetings too.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Self-learning is a great way to get your feet wet in solar energy. I started educating myself on solar energy by watching YouTube videos. I also would read up on the industry, particularly through Solar Power World Magazine. I also recommend getting hands-on experience through a career training academy. I attended the Midwest Renewable Energy Association's solar training academy. Finding something similar locally to you would be very helpful.
Hurdles
Challenges I Overcame
Racial Discrimination
