Staff

Jason Edens – Founding Director

With the help of a small group of dedicated volunteers, Jason started RREAL in his basement and garage back in 2000. Under his leadership, RREAL has grown out of the basement and has performed over one hundred Solar Assistance installations and over fifty Solar Electric and Solar Hot Water installations. Jason holds his Masters in Environmental Studies from Bemidji State University. jason@rreal.org

Tim Ollhoff – Outreach and Development Coordinator

Tim holds an Masters in Social Work from the University of Minnesota Duluth and worked as a Program Manager for Lutheran Social Services for ten years before bringing his talents to RREAL. Tim served on the RREAL Board of Directors from 2005 to 2007 and as a VISTA from 2007 to 2009. These days, Tim is your go-to guy for anything dealer related. tim@rreal.org

Becky Grosskreutz – Operations Assistant

Before bringing her talents to RREAL, Becky worked for Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead, MN as an Administrative Assistant Specialist to the Facilities Director. Becky will work on customer relations, information management, bookkeeping, and helping to streamline our daily business operations. becky@rreal.org

Roger Garton – Engineer

Roger is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota where he studied Mechanical Engineering. He started volunteering with RREAL at the beginning of 2010 and became a full time VISTA in April. While at RREAL, Roger will generate technical specifications on SPF panels and research alternative panel uses. roger@rreal.org

Sean Muller – AmeriCorps VISTA, Development Assistant

After graduating with a degree in Biology and Chemistry in 2008, Sean moved to Portland, OR to study renewable energy technologies and work with sustainable community development initiatives. While at RREAL, Sean will be using his experience and skills to assist with organizational streamlining and improving RREAL’s capacity to deliver solar power to more homes, both domestically and abroad. sean@rreal.org

Sean Wickhem – Conservation Corps of Minnesota, Installation Intern

Sean spent the last two years doing environmental education and restoration in St. Paul for the Conservation Corps of Minnesota. He came to RREAL because of his interest in creating resilient and sustainable communities. Sean is looking forward to establishing a partnership with the Conservation Corps and RREAL in order to increase the number of solar assistance installations of SPFs. He will be educating and training crews throughout the state on how to install solar systems. seanw@rreal.org

Adam Kutrich – AmeriCorps VISTA, Engineer

Adam graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2010 with an MS in Solar Energy Engineering. While there he worked on the design of a passive solar house for use in the mountains of Peru. As a VISTA, he is researching alternative SPF applications and helping to improve the design and deployment of RREAL’s solar energy systems. adam@rreal.org

Jeremiah Bestgen – SPF Manufacturing Shop Manager

Jeremiah has a background in cabinetmaking and construction. He has been with RREAL since 2008 and is now a proud papa! jeremiah@rreal.org

Heather Butcher – Production Manager

Heather’s background is in cabinet making and hanging, and when not working with RREAL, Heather is busy with a family of six. heather@rreal.org

Sheyenne Jacob – SPF Manufacturer

Sheyenne brings a diverse background of skills and experiences to RREAL. He has worked in machining and variety of construction positions and sales roles over the years. Sheyenne is excited to be doing work with RREAL that makes a positive difference in the lives of low-income families.

Jim Kestner – Construction Manager

Jim most recently worked as an energy auditor for Otter Tail-Wadena Community Action Council. There he was introduced to the benefits of the Solar Powered Furnace through joint-projects between OTWCAC’s Energy Assistance program and RREAL’s Solar Assistance program. He has experience as a high school math teacher and a carpenter. He has a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Joel Lindstrom – Master Electrician

Joel Lindstrom is the person behind JoelT Electric, with whom RREAL contracts its electrical work. Joel is a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certified Master Electrician, and an all around swell guy!