Welcome!
I opened Charlotte Energy Solutions in the summer of '06. I had completely refurbished, on my own, an old convenience store that had sat empty for many years.
We opened with the intention to focus on supplying the community with as much alternatives to the current energy crisis as possible. We began offering corn burning stoves and vegetable oil car conversion kits. As the need for such items grew, we start to provide more.
Why did you decide to start a green business?
I�ve been driving a vegetable oil powered car for several years, and after two winters heating my own home with corn stoves, someone said, �hey, you should start your own green business.� And that�s what I did!
What is your mission?
I want to see the people in the Carolinas find ways to make the whole planet better. So when you come to Charlotte Energy Solutions, we find products that will help people get what they need, like hear their home, get hot water, plant a garden, or convert their car while at the same time leaving less of an impact on the planet. And, I hate to admit it; I want the business to be successful.
What specifically do you offer and how long have you been in business?
I opened the doors of Charlotte Energy Solutions in July of 06 after rehabbing the building. It was a �soft grand opening�, because I keep adding products. And if someone comes in with a need, we find a way to get them the product they want. Right now, we�re offering solar solutions, tankless hot water heaters, corn stoves, all kinds of gardening products like special seeds and rain barrels, diesel conversion kits, Segway scooters, those great fluorescent light bulbs that cut energy use, flashlights that work with just a shake, crank-up radios. Like I said, we keep adding products. I�m expecting to get a new wheel for most bicycles that will make them into little motor scooters that go 300 miles on a little water bottle full of gasoline. And a new toilet that saves a ton of water. It�s all important.
What benefits do customers receive from doing business with you?
It�s a personal business. Even the website is personal. I like to think that when you come to the store, you�re coming to learn as well as buy.
Why do customers choose to do business with you?
You should ask them. I have a long list of �thank you� notes and the people who have come by as customers keep coming by to see what else is new.
What has been the reaction over time to your business?
It�s young, but so far, so good.
What are your long-term goals for your business?
Wouldn�t it be great to make this green retail outlet a franchise? Yeah, seeing Charlotte Energy Solutions stores all over the country. Cool.
