Mark C. Robinson: Renewable Energy Leadership
Mark C. Robinson is a renewable energy consultant, entrepreneur, and publisher with more than four decades of experience in the energy and technology industries.
Mark C. Robinson is the founder of The Energy Grid and a respected renewable energy consultant.
As the founder of The Energy Grid, Mark has worked with solar manufacturers, renewable energy companies, and technology organizations across the United States. His expertise spans solar energy systems, strategic marketing, business development, product innovation, and industry education.
Through The Energy Grid, Mark continues to share insights and resources that support the growth of clean energy technologies worldwide.
Throughout his career, Mark C. Robinson has contributed to innovation in renewable energy and solar technologies.
Professional Experience
The Energy Grid. October 2000 to Present. Consultant and multi-dimensional resource to diverse segments of the renewable energy industry.
- Consolidator of energy technology and news through the website and newsletters.
- Web-based marketing support to hundreds of small and mid-sized energy companies, including website design and development, hosting, search engine optimization, and strategic marketing programs.
- Consulting support for product development.
- Service and support for PV dealers nationwide for Advanced Energy Products’ MultiMode and GC-1000 solar energy inverters.
- Consulted with companies interested in acquiring Advanced Energy’s assets in 2003.
HandicappedPets, Inc. (WalkinPets.com) 2001 – 2022. Manufacturing and global distribution of products for aging, injured, and disabled animals. The company was sold to Lintbells, Inc. in December 2022.
- Built the company from inception to $12m in sales with 50 employees in 2022.
- Designed and patented the Walkin’Walkin’ dog wheelchair and dozens of innovative products.
- Set up manufacturing bases in China, Vietnam, the US, and Canada.
Nextek Power Systems, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Develop the sales and marketing channel for this innovative renewable energy technology.
- Develop and manage distribution channels through Powerlight, Schott. Shell, BP Solar, Atlantis Energy, Altair, and others.
- Sell and manage the installation of the largest commercial solar system in San Diego (Target store, El Cajon)
- Create, technically train, and manage a Dealer Network.
- Work with major National accounts like Home Depot, Target, Republic, and regional supermarket chains.
- Coordinate approvals with LIPA, CEC, CPA, LADWP, and other state and local agencies. Work closely with California utilities.
- Create internal infrastructure for Sales Management.
- Design and maintain the company website, create brochures & spec sheets.
- Publicize the product by writing articles and creating presentations.
Beacon Power, Wilmington, MA. Contract consultant. Beacon Power purchased the intellectual property of Advanced Energy (the MultiMode Inverter).
- Support Beacon Power in performing its “due diligence.”
- Work with their engineers to gain a thorough understanding of the product.
- Investigate integration with the flywheel.
- Help design a test and validation plan for the product.
- Create a channel distribution and service plan so Beacon can “hit the ground running” if it is awarded the assets.
- Outline a field upgrade program to repair units already in the field.
- Investigate market opportunities for the flywheel storage system in the PV industry.
Advanced Energy, Inc., Wilton, NH. Director of Customer Service and Information Systems. August 2000 to Oct 2002.
Created and operated the customer service department—designed and implemented systems, policies, and strategies to develop and support our dealer network.
- Coordinated with service departments at Siemens, BP Solar, Schott Applied Power, Astropower, and other major energy system providers.
- Worked closely with hundreds of dealers and installers nationwide to provide support for AEI products. Created an Authorizing Servicing Dealer Program.
- Specified, tested, and validated new software releases.
- Trained and managed the customer service department staff.
- Sales Support: presented our service department plan to large customers and potential investors.
- Worked with Dr. Robert Wills, VP of Engineering, to develop new products and industry visions.
- Created and maintained the Advanced Energy website.
- Created and maintained the software and hardware systems at Advanced Energy.
- Licensed Master Electrician
Computer Empowerment. Amherst, NH. June 1999 to August 2001 – Corporate training, speaking, and technology consulting. Consultant.
- Held corporate and public training seminars and served as a keynote speaker.
- Designed and installed several NT/Windows 2000/Exchange 5.0 WAN systems
- Designed and created several mission-critical Access 2000 applications.
- Author: Dancing with computers – do you still scream when you see a mouse?
- Created and promoted a complete e-commerce site www.HandicappedPets.com
- Earned Microsoft Certified Professional status for Windows 2000
Computer & Network Services, Inc., Peterborough, NH – Business technology support services. Founder and President, 1989 to June 1999. Sold the business to an enthusiastic investor.
- Designed, installed, and supported over 1500 computer and network systems
- Installed and maintained Novell, NT, and legacy networks
- Trained and led a team of 8 highly motivated professionals.
- Conceived, produced, and marketed new products like the CNS GlobalNet™ Gateway.
- Trained and supported over 750 users in all Microsoft Office programs
- Specified and implemented over 50 websites and e-commerce sites for clients
- Designed the Bagelworks Regional Communication system
- Sold, managed, and supported WANS for national clients, including IDG, Byte, Yankee
- Project manager for Teleflex shop floor management system
- Project manager for Cheshire Oil fuel management system
- Created a non-technical marketing method called Computer Empowerment Seminars
Curtis Manufacturing, Jaffrey, NH – Import and manufacturing of computer accessories.
Director of Operations, 1985 – 1988
- Created and implemented the operations, purchasing, and MIS departments.
- Negotiated and purchased products from Taiwan
- Implemented a complete ACCPAC accounting and Excel-assisted MRP system.
Honeywell Protection Services, Manchester, NH – Commercial Burglar/Fire alarms.
Sales Representative, 1978 – 1983
Top sales representative in the region and nationally for Honeywell’s Services Division. Sold burglar and fire alarms to small and large businesses, as well as national accounts. Succeeded by combining sales skills with technical knowledge. Created several new national accounts for the branch, including Brookstone, EMS, Sanders, and more. Government Security Clearance awarded by the US Defense Security Clearance Office for work with Kollsman Instrument Corp.
Areas of Expertise
- Renewable Energy
- Solar Energy Systems
- Energy Storage Solutions
- Strategic Marketing
- Product Development
- Business Consulting
- Clean Technology
- Industry Publishing