Adam Smith – Energy Codes Specialist

This month’s Employee Spotlight is…

Adam Smith – Energy Codes Specialist

1. Where did you grow up? Where do you reside now?

I I grew up in the Southern Tier of NY in a village named Horseheads. I lived there for 37 years and moved to East Greenbush, NY, just outside of Albany, NY, 16 years ago.

2. What did you want to be when you grew up (when you were child)?

I wanted to be a firefighter. The 1970’s TV show EMERGENCY inspired me.

3. What guided you into the energy efficiency industry?

I have always been interested in energy efficiency since I was very young. After the pandemic, I made the decision to investigate a change. I was a facilities director for 22 years in the commercial and residential sectors. I knew that I had made positive changes. I wanted more. I have always been drawn in a silent way to make a difference for our environment. The energy efficiency industry was a calling.

4. What does a day in the life of Adam at PSD look like?

My day is multifaceted; we could meet with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), NYSERDA, or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to discuss energy code changes and the training opportunities we offer. I could be instructing code officials, design professionals, or engineers on the latest code. My days are always good for a few meetings and brainstorming sessions with colleagues.

5. Our company has five core values (Integrity, Passion, Collaboration, Vision, and Making an Impact). Which of these values resonates most with you and the work you do at PSD?

These core values are all-encompassing, for sure. The value that resonates most with me is Integrity. Upholding honesty and ethical conduct, even in the absence of supervision, forms a strong foundation for employees to possess.

6. What is your favorite PSD-related memory?

I really enjoyed our retreat in Ithaca. It was wonderful getting to meet people and make new friends.

7. What do you do when you aren’t at work? Any interesting hobbies? 

After work, you can find me outside working in the yard or updating my landscaping. My hobbies include biking, swimming, or just going out for a walk. I really enjoy just being outside.

8. Do you have any pets?

I have two cats. An orange cat (slightly crazy) named Max and an older distinguished long hair tuxedo named Roger.

9. What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love to decorate and feel the magic the season brings.

10. Favorite travel destination? Or dream travel destination?

My favorite travel destination is Paradox Lake in the Adirondacks.  We rent a cabin there a few times per year and just relax in the woods and enjoy lake life.

11. Favorite musician/genre?

I’m an 80’s kid.  Love the 80’s music.  However, it’s not abnormal for me to be listening to light jazz, Frank Sinatra, Chicago, and the Beastie Boys all in the same sitting.

12. What’s the top item that is still on your bucket list? Have you checked anything cool or fun off?

My bucket list isn’t too long. I plan to visit Ireland with my wife to explore the roots of our ancestors. We are looking forward to making the trip in 2024-2025.

13. What is an interesting thing about yourself that not a lot of people know?

In January 2001, I had the chance to engage in mission work in Honduras. Our efforts focused on aiding local communities in rebuilding homes and libraries, establishing clean water supplies, and electrifying areas devastated by Hurricane Mitch, which had caused billions in destruction in the region.

Thank you, Adam! We appreciate you taking the time to do this, and are excited to have people get to know a little more about our employees here at PSD.