Empower Energy Solutions is a residential solar system company that has a goal of helping customers save a substantial amount of money. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Empower Energy Solutions president Asim Hafeez to learn more about the company.
Asim Hafeez’s Background
Hafeez has a background in business development. And Hafeez said:
“I was born in Pakistan and moved to New York when I was about ten years old. I went to the University of Connecticut. Throughout my career — starting at a marketing company and working my way through different smart home companies, even ending up as a CRO at a solar company— I realized I have a knack for business development, and I wanted to do something more.”
Formation Of Empower Energy
How did the idea for Empower Energy come together? Hafeez shared:
“I found myself in a unique spot, contemplating my future career path. My aptitude for business was clear, but I yearned to make a meaningful impact in the world, which led me to reflect on my mission statement: to use my strengths to serve the world.”
“From this introspection emerged Empower Energy Solutions. Our core philosophy is to utilize business as a source of good. By focusing on solar energy, Empower not only offers financial savings to numerous individuals but also contributes positively to environmental sustainability, ensuring a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. Moreover, we’re committed to stimulating local employment opportunities.”
“A pivotal aspect of our ethos is the ‘Empower the World Promise.’ This initiative reflects our dedication to giving back. For every customer we serve, we contribute to one eye-sight restoring surgery and support our microloans fund. To date, we’ve proudly impacted approximately 2,500 lives through this program.”
“Ultimately, my mission to use my strengths for global service is mirrored in Empower’s commitment: to leverage our business as a catalyst for positive change in every endeavor we undertake.”
Favorite Memory
What has been Hafeez’s favorite memory so far? Hafeez reflected:
“Watching others progress in their lives brings me immense satisfaction. This includes our customers, who save significantly, and our employees, who are now purchasing homes, investing in properties, and paying off student loans.”
“Our company trips stand out as a top memory. They’re often bucket list destinations for many, and we take pride in fully sponsoring these adventures.”
“For me, seeing others fulfilled and knowing our company is adding significant value to their lives is crucial.”
Core Products
What are Empower’s core products and features? Hafeez explained:
“Our core product is residential solar systems, but ultimately, assisting our customers in saving a substantial amount of money is particularly crucial with the rising costs of utilities. Our solar products not only help customers cut costs but also contribute to environmental preservation. Simultaneously, we’re proud to create local job opportunities through this process.”
Evolution Of Empower Energy
How has the company’s systems evolved since launching? Hafeez noted:
“Each quarter, we see advancements in our systems, be it in areas related to customer service, installation, or safety. This evolution results from our unwavering commitment to seeking and embracing feedback.”
“Our company culture is distinct in the way we handle feedback. We consciously prevent it from affecting our egos. Instead, we put in a lot of effort to gather feedback, allowing it to guide us in making improvements within our company.”
“It’s essential for us to always respond with gratitude, acknowledging every piece of feedback with a ‘thank you.’”
Challenges Faced
What challenges has Hafeez faced in building the company? Hafeez acknowledged:
“We’ve faced a multitude of challenges, certainly more than anticipated. These range from supply chain disruptions and COVID-related setbacks to soaring financing costs, increased borrowing expenses, and even van shortages.”
“Obstacles seem ever-present, and it’s hard to recall a month or quarter without them. However, my core philosophy is that every challenge we encounter in life will be tougher than expected but never too tough to overcome. This mindset has been pivotal in keeping us moving forward.”
“Another fundamental belief is that by anticipating challenges, we avoid being taken aback or wallowing in self-pity, which in turn equips us to manage them more effectively. When people fail to anticipate challenges, they tend to shut down. We understand that these hurdles are part of our journey.”
Significant Milestones
What have been Empower’s most significant milestones? Hafeez cited:
“The biggest ones are how many people we continue to serve, how many employees we have, and how much we’re growing.”
Customer Success Stories
After asking Hafeez about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“We once had a customer who not only saved a significant sum but also shared a unique story about how they planned to use their savings. They chose to spend it on a vacation to Puerto Rico to reunite with family they hadn’t seen in a long time. Another customer mentioned using their savings to bolster their retirement fund.”
“This widespread sense of relief and financial empowerment is what profoundly impacts me. It’s how I measure our success in making a difference for our customers.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What sets Empower apart from the competition? Hafeez affirmed:
“Our commitment to genuinely caring for people sets us apart. While many companies claim to care, we ensure both our customers and employees truly feel it, which is evident in the glowing reviews and testimonials we receive.”
“For instance, we invest in our employees’ well-being by providing financial consultants, organizing trips, and more, all to enhance their lives. This approach fosters an incredible culture where everyone, customers and employees alike, feels valued and genuinely cared for.”
Future Company Goals
What are the company’s future goals? Hafeez pointed out:
“Many of our goals are intrinsically driven, focusing on questions like ‘How can we improve?’ and ‘How can we enhance the experiences of both our customers and employees?’ We firmly believe that by taking care of ‘us’ — our internal community — growth and customer attraction will naturally follow.”
“We don’t set aggressive, quantifiable targets. Our approach isn’t about relentlessly pursuing growth, which, paradoxically, is what has enabled us to expand. Our primary aim is simply to improve continuously.”
Additional Thoughts
When asked if there was anything he’d like to share, Hafeez concluded:
“We’re revolutionizing the industry with our approach from the top down. While we acknowledge we’re not perfect, our commitment is to try to improve and grow continuously. We understand that there’s no finality in our journey — no ‘finished product.’ Instead, there’s always a next iteration, each an improvement on the last.”
