What inspires you to support a cause?
For Scott Smith, it was the change he saw taking place in individuals and communities after working with GRID. A longtime solar installer and owner of Highpoint Solar, Scott has been a subcontractor partner to GRID, installing for our clients where our volunteer crews can’t go and hiring trainees from the local community. In working with our clients, especially on tribal land near his office in Bishop, CA, he’s seen firsthand just how important solar energy is for the communities we serve.
“Having a look inside reservations, I’ve been able to really juxtapose their reality to my own life. It’s very enlightening. It makes me have more compassion,” Scott reflected. “GRID gives the opportunity to do something positive. It’s the most amazing nonprofit I’ve ever seen."
Originally from Portland, he wound his way down the Sierras and ended in a small California mountain town, Mammoth. For years he was a self proclaimed ski-bum, “shredding powder with no crowds” while building a family and a career as a woodcarver. It’s here that he saw a budding opportunity for solar, and met others in the community interested in solar, electric vehicles, and sustainable living.
“Solar is embedded in me - I’m captivated with it. It’s important to try to be mindful what our footprint is on the world,” Scott said. “I wanted to do something that was positive and also felt natural. Working with my hands, being creative, and making things.”
He sees how GRID provides a channel for this same passion in so many others, and wanted to support our programs so more families and job seekers can benefit. By making a gift to GRID, Scott is creating a world where everyone has access to clean solar energy, and the jobs that come with it.
“I’ve seen it up front and personal. I hired a GRID trainee, Joseph, who stayed on with me as lead installer for over 2 years. Now he’s got a job with his tribe. My current team lead I met indirectly through GRID. It feels amazing to give back, I’m so thankful for everything that’s happened in my own life thanks to GRID.”
Whatever your reason is, we hope you’ll support GRID Alternatives this giving season along with Scott and the countless others advocating for an inclusive energy economy.