A Little Bit About Me

I’m Joel Kauffman

20+ years of innovation and sales results — helping businesses grow, adapt, and succeed in a constantly changing world. Together, we can increase your profitability and accelerate growth.

Learn more about my business background via LinkedIn.

Some fun facts about me and my own journey as a self-starter:

• My first sales job was at 15 selling sippers on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and I’ve been selling things ever since.

• At 18, I started North Coast Mushrooms by foraging wild chanterelles and selling them to restaurants like Berkeley’s Michelin-starred Chez Panisse. 

• At 24, I closed my first Fortune 500 deal with IBM. Turns out, I’m really good at sales — especially with high-net-worth clients and execs.

• At 25, I bought and remodeled my first house. It was profitable and fun, so I kept going — buying, renovating, and renting ever since.

• At 28, I co-founded Independent Energy Systems and helped grow it into one of California’s largest solar companies, which was eventually acquired by Real Goods Solar in 2008. 

• VP of Marketing and Business Development at Real Goods Solar - helped expand the company across the country.

• VP of Sales and Energy Consulting at Ecology Action - responsible for $30M a year in sales & launching new business unit.

• I’ve spent 20 years as an executive in solar and energy efficiency, leading large teams in sales, marketing, and business development. I launched new offerings, built brands, and even helped create Central Coast Community Energy — now delivering clean power to over 400,000 customers.

• I have been directly involved in over $500M in solar and energy efficiency projects being deployed

• I now see the world in kilowatt-hours (kind of like The Matrix), and it drives my wife crazy.

• Thanks to smart real estate investing, hard work, and long-term thinking, I’ve been able to take a lot of time off throughout my career to travel, be with my family, and recharge. To me, success also means building a life you enjoy.

• I find real fulfillment in giving back to my community. I’ve served on two nonprofit boards — including two years as VP — and I’ve been a volunteer with Ride a Wave since 2009.

• If I have a superpower, it’s this: I never stop innovating and I am not afraid to take risks. That mindset has helped me learn faster and grow further than playing it safe ever could.