Navigating the Challenges of the Solar Industry | The Spartan Way Podcast Episode 7

Join us for an insightful chat with Crissy Coonrod, a driving force in the solar industry who remarkably transitioned from a career in retail to shaping solar operations across the country. Learn about her journey from being a sales coordinator to becoming a linchpin in a start-up that bloomed into a colossal installation company and her profound understanding of harmonizing sales and operations in an emerging industry.
In the episode, we discuss Crissy's path in the solar industry, the trials and triumphs, her role as a consultant, and her unique vantage point on the operational aspect. Hear how Crissy, despite her early struggles as a single mother, leveraged her past experiences to anticipate potential pitfalls and bring operational excellence to the industry. Get a behind-the-scenes view as we dissect the importance of proactive alignment and managing systems over people, revealing how Crissy's insights have brought about a more productive and successful team dynamic.
We also touch on critical industry topics, such as the need for a quality sales process, the negative impact of high volumes on smaller companies, and the importance of planning operations to avoid firefighting. Crissy shares her strategies for bridging the gap between sales and operations, creating scalable and efficient systems, and fostering a culture of problem-solving rather than finger-pointing. Don't miss out on this riveting conversation that illuminates the solar industry from the inside out through the eyes of an industry expert. (0:00:00) - Crissy Coonrod's Solar Industry Background

(0:09:24) - Growth and Operational Alignment at Spartan

(0:15:17) - Improving Sales Quality and Operations Efficiency

(0:25:58) - Impact on Small and Large Companies

(0:33:15) - Managing Systems, Not People

(0:38:45) - Creating a Scalable and Efficient System