How fast is Vision Solar, a recent startup in Blackwood, growing?
Consider this:
- It did $100 million in revenue in 2020 — and is on pace to exceed its goal of $150 million this year;
- It plans on adding 500 jobs to its workforce by the end of 2022, but realizes it may have to speed up the timetable because of its growth;
- It opened a new 30,000-square-foot headquarters last Saturday — but is keeping the 15,000-square-foot building across the street;
Not bad for a company that was founded in 2018.
“We’ve been blessed,” CEO Jonathan Seibert said. “We never could have imagined we’d grow to this size. It’s been an exciting ride.”
The company’s business model is simple.
“Through our digital marketing team, we reach out to customers and see if they want to make the switch to solar and save about 20%-30% on their electric bill,” he said. “We offer them finance models and we show them how making this switch not only is a good, sustainable way of creating power for your home, but they could save tens of thousands of dollars over the next 15-20 years.”
Seibert said Vision Soar sells only to residential consumers.
“That’s what we’re really good at,” he said. “That’s where we excel. We have a system that is strictly for residential consumers.”
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The company’s second building, which had a ribbon-cutting last weekend, will serve as the company’s national headquarters, housing its executive offices as well as sales and training divisions.
And, while the company keeps all of its processing and back-office duties in New Jersey, it is quickly expanding across the country. Seibert said it has warehouses and distribution sites — or will soon open sites — in Connecticut, Arizona, Texas and Florida.
“Everything that is done — all the processing of orders — is done internally at our headquarters,” he said. “We have sales and warehouse locations and in each of the states that we service, so that they are an extension of us, but everything is done internally here at headquarters.”
The company’s green energy feature seemingly would fall in line with key priorities for Gov. Phil Murphy, but Seibert said Vision Solar opened the new headquarters without the use of any incentives. He said none of the state programs worked for them.
“I know the administration is pushing renewable energy jobs, and, hopefully, they’ll roll something out in the near future,” he said. “But I don’t think there was anything currently active that we could have taken advantage of.”
No worries. Seibert — born and raised in Gloucester County — said there’s no way he’d consider going anywhere but Jersey.
“Our headquarters is based about two miles from where my parents reside,” he said. “We’re all New Jersey natives. I don’t think we’re going anywhere.”
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Seibert and Chief Revenue Officer Mike Eden said they are happy for what the company is doing to help the community.
Vision Solar has provided opportunities for energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint to New Jersey customers since 2018. Growing at a projected rate of 168%, the company expects to add more than 1,000 green jobs to the region by the end of 2022.
“Our dedication to the community is underscored by the hundreds of high-paying jobs that Vision Solar is set to create,” Seibert said. “Many of these jobs will be based out of our Blackwood headquarters and provide our employees with an exciting new career path.”
Eden agreed.
“We are proud to be able to give back to people in our community by providing good green jobs for workers, and by helping homeowners establish a smaller carbon footprint and lessen their impact on the environment,” he said.
Washington Township Mayor Joann Gattinelli said she was thrilled to help cut the ribbon of the company’s new headquarters.
“As the mayor of a town recognized at the Silver Level by Sustainable Jersey, I am proud to see former members of our community return to Washington Township and bring their green business and job opportunities with them,” she said.
“Opening a business here, during these challenging times, speaks to the drive of Vision Solar’s leadership. We are excited for them and look forward to supporting their journey.”
