In this episode of SoCal Edge, we're joined by Gareth Evans, CEO of VECKTA, an enterprise tech platform focused on simplifying on-site energy deployment. Gareth shares his transformative experiences from working in intense energy environments, such as oil fields in Iraq and discusses the mission and innovative approach of VECKTA in providing reliable, affordable, and clean energy for businesses by deploying on-site systems like solar and batteries. Gareth explains the challenges of traditional energy consulting, the importance of controlling energy at the facility level, and the benefits of diversification. He also highlights the need for market education on energy options and the proactive measures businesses should take to mitigate risk from aging infrastructure and climate instability.
Welcome to the SoCal Edge Podcast, where we dive deep into the business world with inspiring leaders and changemakers of Southern California. Today, we are thrilled to welcome Gareth Evans, CEO of VECKTA—a pioneering enterprise tech platform revolutionizing the energy sector by facilitating on-site energy deployment at scale.
With a background steeped in challenging energy environments, from Iraq's oil fields to Chile's blackout zones, Gareth Evans has a profound understanding of the energy landscape. His journey from traditional energy consulting to founding VECKTA underscores his mission to simplify energy access for businesses globally.
VECKTA's platform uniquely empowers users to generate, store, and purchase energy through on-site systems, such as solar, batteries, and turbines. It plays a pivotal role in converting passive consumers of energy into proactive controllers of their energy destinies.
The transformative moment for Gareth came during his tenure as an environmental consultant in Iraq post-Gulf War. Witnessing firsthand the fragile energy supply chains and the dire consequences of energy scarcity, he was inspired to create solutions that would enable reliable, affordable, and clean energy access.
VECKTA was born out of a vision to address these challenges. The name, a play on "vector," symbolizes bringing magnitude, direction, and scale to the energy industry, reflecting Gareth's tech-forward approach to solving energy issues.
VECKTA differentiates itself by transforming the traditional consultancy model through technology. By automating the consultative process, VECKTA offers businesses the data, insights, and market leverage needed to make informed energy decisions without the hefty price tags associated with traditional consultancy.
The VECKTA platform supports businesses in creating customized energy systems tailored to reduce costs, enhance resilience against outages, and improve sustainability metrics—shaping buildings not just as places of work but as power-generating resources.
In San Diego, VECKTA transformed Compass Dermatology’s energy strategy, reducing costs and emissions, while enhancing energy reliability—a crucial need due to their sensitive medical equipment. Similarly, in Texas, VECKTA helped a storage company secure energy rates at nearly half of the initial offer through their competitive procurement process.
These examples highlight how VECKTA partners with clients to deliver remarkable savings and efficiencies, leveraging their vast network of vetted suppliers to bring the best solutions to market.
As global energy demands rise amid geopolitical and environmental uncertainties, VECKTA is at the forefront of navigating this evolving landscape. Gareth emphasizes the importance of proactive energy management, urging businesses to seize this moment to secure long-term resilience and profitability through innovative energy solutions.
By educating business leaders on their energy options, VECKTA is fostering a more stable and sustainable future energy model, breaking the ties to aging grid systems in favor of locally generated and controlled energy solutions.
For those eager to explore how VECKTA can revolutionize your business’s energy management strategy, Gareth Evans can be most actively followed on LinkedIn. VECKTA's website offers extensive resources, including podcasts and articles that dive deeper into the energy transformation narrative.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:26 Gareth Evans' Journey to Founding VECKTA
02:33 Understanding VECKTA's Mission and Name
05:21 Challenges in the Energy Market
08:29 VECKTA's Unique Approach and Success Stories
15:45 The Importance of Energy Resilience
19:02 Navigating Corporate Decision-Making
23:37 Renewable Rides Podcast and Personal Insights
26:55 Conclusion and Contact Information