Rich Moore: Renewable Enthusiasm
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter
CAMPBELL — Rich Moore began his career in the high-tech industry, but he’s always been interested in renewable energy, so when an opportunity arose to get professionally involved, he didn’t hesitate. “I was working with semiconductors and microchips for Texas Instruments, but I found myself looking into renewable energy more and more, especially solar,” he recounts. “When a friend introduced me to one of the first solar integrators in the Bay Area, I was immediately interested. In 2005, I started doing solar full-time, and in 2009, I founded Freedom Solar, Inc.”
A decade after making his seminal transition, Rich says he continues to find gratification in his renewed livelihood. “I enjoy dealing directly with customers and seeing the end results of our work. It’s very satisfying when your job consists of installing products that save your customers money and benefit the environment at the same time.”
Originally from Chicago, Rich came to the Bay Area in the mid-1980s and today resides in San Carlos, where he appreciates the area’s many favorable attributes. “I like the pace, the diversity and the fact that we have a well-educated population,” he says. “Also, since I grew up in the Midwest flatlands, I really appreciate the climate and terrain.”
Outside of work, Rich engages in a number of active pastimes. “I’m a bit of a sports nut, so I enjoy both watching and participating in team sports,” he says. “I’ve coached youth sports for 25 years and served on several boards, so it’s been a real passion of mine.” Rich also likes traveling with wife, Susan, tracing his family’s genealogy and relaxing at the beach. Additionally, he takes time to keep in touch with his daughters, Aryn and Hannah, who are pursuing respective careers in the biotech and electrical engineering fields. “Between Susan, who’s a mechanical engineer, and myself, it’s no surprise that our daughters have an inclination toward math and science.”
As a professional in the solar industry, Rich says providing long-term value for his customers is of the utmost importance. “When I meet with a new customer, I look at them as someone I’m going to have a relationship with for the next 35 years, because that’s how long my product will last on their roof. That’s why I make sure every system we install provides a long-term solution. Not many products come with a 25-year warranty, so it really ups the ante when it comes to customer satisfaction.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Rich says he’d take a trip around the world. “I think it would be fun to circle the globe over the course of a year. My wife would be with me, of course, but if our daughters were able to get away and join us for part of it, that would make it even better.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What are your favorite sports teams?
A: Even though I haven’t lived there in more than 30 years, I’m still a fan of Chicago teams like the White Sox, Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks. Of course, being a long-time Bay Area resident, I also follow the local teams.
Q: Did you play any sports in high school?
A: Yes, I played basketball.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Blue Line Pizza in San Carlos.
Q: What’s your favorite comic strip?
A: “In the Bleachers.”
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: “The Sting.”
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