Team Q&A: Juliann Major – Client Success Manager

For our new Client Success Manager, sustainability efforts take a community to realize. That’s everything from taking responsibility for your carbon footprint, to working with utilities to help them find the demand flexibility solutions they need to mitigate rising electric demand and defer customer and operational costs. Join us in welcoming Juliann to the Virtual Peaker team!

 

How did your previous life prepare you for Virtual Peaker?

I’ve spent the better part of the last 15 years focusing on energy efficiency and working with local, state, and federal entities in the west and southeast.  I’ve held a wide variety of roles that include residential energy and commercial lighting auditing, energy advising, project/program management, operations, research coordination, and education.  I’ve assisted with new and existing residential and commercial incentives programs, evaluated new commercial technologies, and worked on operations effectiveness.  Through these varied experiences, I’ve learned flexibility, resilience, and focus, and have built a strong foundation of knowledge to pull from when faced with challenges.

Prior to entering the energy industry, I was in the medical field as an athletic trainer and massage therapist.  I went back to school for Architecture after my hands got tired. Structures and systems are the parallels to my varied career fields, and, as a result, I bring a detailed yet holistic viewpoint to my work.  Generally, I like making things better. I think there is a lot that can be done to improve things that already exist.

 

Tell us about your role at Virtual Peaker.

I’m stepping into the role of Client Success Manager. My goal is to bring clarity, effectiveness, and support to our utility partners while they explore Virtual Peakers demand flexibility platform. There are many options for utilities as they manage increasing power demand and aging infrastructure.  My focus is on delivering relevant information and educational resources, providing clients with all the options available and enabling them to make the best decisions for their utility andcustomers.

 

How do you personally engage in sustainability efforts?

I believe that each little thing contributes to a larger impact, especially when taking personal responsibility for my actions and in choosing companies that align with sustainable practices.  My largest focus areas are in decreasing waste and building to last.  My trash bin is much smaller than my recycle bin, and I compost most of my food waste.  I’ve been decreasing my plastic use over the years and am obsessed with re-use in the realm of buildings and building materials.  I shop second-hand first before buying new, and if I do buy/build new, I focus on high quality and lasting materials.  I am constantly learning more in the realm of building science and do my best to follow best practices surrounding energy efficiency and decreasing environmental impacts.

 

What can you tell us about yourself?

I like working with my hands, getting outside, learning new things, and also relaxing with a good book.  Over the past 5 years, I’ve probably worked on my house more than I’ve gotten outside, but I figure it’s just a different kind of adventure.  I’m really proud of the fact that I’ve done most of the work myself, with the exception of some plumbing and HVAC work.  My attic and crawl space have been air sealed and insulated, the wiring has been updated, I poured a new front porch and back entrance to my crawl space, added a full bathroom, and revamped the kitchen and main bathroom.  Deck work is next.

When getting outside, I’m probably climbing, skiing, paddle boarding, or biking.  I like to get better because I’m having fun, not because I have some lofty goal in mind.  Aside from that, I can also be found messing around with pottery, carpentry, or drawing.  I might have too many hobbies.