Innovation

Dovetail Solar and Wind is part of an industry that is still maturing in terms of its services, technologies, and target markets. It attempts to provide and distribute the generation of power in a very clean, environmentally renewable way. It was a pioneer in this area and has been operating for over twenty years. Other companies are now supplying similar services across the country, however, they and Dovetail are still a microscopically thin wedge of the energy picture, as clean, renewable energy encompasses only 11% of all energy in the US as of 2016, according to the US Energy Information Administration. "We have been pioneers. We don’t manufacture anything, but rather we act as a system integration company".

Indeed, Dovetail, in order to differentiate itself from the competition, focuses now in commercial projects, trying to expand this concept of renewable energy to a higher level. Given Dovetail's senior management's prior background of working for big companies, it has been able to bring this experience and integrate it as part of its operations. In Mr. Frasz's own words, "I already knew how to deal at the business to business level. I jokingly say, doing adult business”.

Inspiration

Dovetail's inspiration is "doing good for the people," affirms Mr. Frasz. Before coming to Dovetail, Mr. Frasz had a very successful career at Progressive, but he was not "energized". He was working on "these big projects, which weren’t giving me any good feelings at the end of the day". Mr. Frasz then goes deeper, as if he is trying to find that very initial moment that inspired him to work while doing good to people." And I started thinking of all the things I learned at college, at Case Western Reserve University, during my undergrad." Mr. Frasz actually majored in Biology, and he was always fascinated by the outdoors. "Perhaps having that background and understanding of life and how delicate life balance is on our planet, and seeing all the wrong things everyone was doing that might be contributing to the climate changes we were experiencing, I wanted to do something more meaningful." With Dovetail, by making use of renewable energy as an effective and tangible means, he is able to do that.

Overall impact

Overall, the impact Dovetail makes goes directly toward reducing electric bills and carbon footprint. They do this through a customized renewable energy system. For example, they can accomplish this either through a solar electric, or photovoltaic, system, or to a much lesser extend a wind turbine or a solar thermal system. "We now have 21 years of experience in the design of high performing systems that will produce the maximum amount of energy using the best-proven technologies and components available," affirms Mr. Frasz. Also, Dovetail's overall impact in Ohio is definitely possible because, "after all and contrary to the public belief, our number of sunny days are not that very much less than in California."

Business benefit

The business operating activities of Dovetail for more than two decades have benefited the firm economically. Dovetail's revenues have mainly come from the sales department. They have also received some tax benefits and have been awarded some government grants. However, "I believe that governments can do much more, especially in the state of Ohio." Mr. Frasz explains his discontent about how the current Ohio's legislature has made it more difficult and challenging to access certain agency funds that would make growth more profitable and sustainable. In states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, renewable energy businesses seem to be receiving substantially more governmental support than Ohio. "This is something that involves everyone because it is the future," affirms Mr. Frasz.

Social and environmental benefit

"Perhaps, the major reason for which I came to work at Dovetail was for the benefits my skills and knowledge could bring to our society and our environment." Under Mr. Frasz's presidency, Dovetail has built over 413 renewable energy systems, totaling over 15.6 megawatts. That's actually over 58,500 solar panels. This is a huge benefit coming from a relatively very small company. With the extraordinary experience gained by Dovetail, it is very likely that this firm will continue moving forward in the path of safe, efficient, and sustainable energy from which we all can benefit. In addition, "we are also committed to educating our customers in what our products and services mean for the future of our planet", proudly affirms Mr. Frasz. At Dovetail, they accomplish this through technical assistance and advice.

Interview

Alan R Frasz, President