This month’s Employee Spotlight is…
Brendan Thomas
Senior Director of Business Development
1. Where did you grow up? Where do you reside now?
I grew up between Ithaca, NY, and Albuquerque, NM. I currently live in Fishkill, NY.
2. What did you want to be when you grew up (when you were a child)?
A Pilot and later to work in the US foreign service or intelligence services.
3. What guided you into the energy efficiency industry?
I had studied political science in college and wanted to make a difference both in people’s lives and the environment. EE was a way to leverage my degree path and make a difference.
4. What does a day in your life at PSD look like?
I work with a great team of people to support the growth and success of PSD as a business. My days vary and can range from developing program solutions for clients to RFP responses to client meetings, attending conferences, and doing informational presentations. One of the things that I love is getting to wear different hats and support across so many different streams. It keeps every day interesting.
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?
I think they all resonate with me and weave into the work we do every day and into how we relate to each other. I spoke above about my wanting to make an impact and how that has driven me to this industry. But to achieve that impact, we must operate with integrity in all we do, have a passion for the work, work together, and have the vision to understand where things are going and what is needed to get there. I try to embody this every day at work.
6. What do you do when you aren’t at work? Do you have any interesting hobbies?
Outside of work, I like to rock climb, play drums and guitar, and spend time with friends and family. I serve on the board of the Gunks Climbers Coalition and volunteer to support climbing education and learning opportunities in the Hudson Valley.
7. What is your favorite holiday?
I love any holiday that gives me time to get outside and spend time in the mountains.
8. Favorite travel destination? Or dream travel destination?
I love to travel to varied and different destinations both in the US and, when possible, abroad. I mostly travel to destinations with rock climbing, though I also love taking time away from everything on the beach. Some places I have visited in the last few years include: Red Rock Canyon National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, Tenerife, Spain, Mazama, Washington, and more.
9. Favorite musician/genre?
My musical tastes vary widely. Some of my favorite groups include: Tool, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Steely Dan, Lamb of God, Peter Gabriel, Coheed and Cambria, John Coltrane, Galactic, Iron Maiden, Karnivool, Dead Prez, to name a few.
10. What’s the top item on your bucket list? Have you checked anything cool or fun off?
I would like to climb in more places around the world, including Thailand, Suriana, Spain, Chamonix, France, the Dolomites in Italy, and more. I would also like to visit mainland Europe.
11. What is an interesting thing about yourself that people may not know?
I have recorded 3 original records with 2 different bands prior to working in the EE Field. I also have a love of modern history and minored in history in college.
