Kent Mitchell was a construction superintendent with Rockford Homes in Vancouver when the national recession hit in 2008. With the recession, Clark County’s real estate market crashed, taking with it the demand for new homes. As a result, Mitchell lost his job.
After more than a year of picking up small construction projects here and there, doing repairs and remodeling work, Mitchell decided to put his skills to use in the growing energy efficiency market. He is now a founder of SwiftSure Energy Services, a Vancouver company that performs home energy audits, weatherization work and green verifications for builders.
BIGGEST CHANGE, SO FAR: The level of bureaucracy that exists in the energy business compared to residential housing.
I LEFT BECAUSE: It seems there was a growing demand for people to improve their homes and make them more efficient. There are also a lot of government programs out there, so it’s good timing.
I WAS OUT OF WORK FOR: About 30 months. I’ve had small jobs but it’s like turning the clock back 20 years on my paycheck.
I RELIED ON: taking whatever jobs I could get.
Meeting with a lot of customers. A lot of this business is educating customers on what’s available out there and what kind of cash incentive programs are out there. A lot of people have misconceptions about what’s effective to improve their home. Most people think insulation and windows, but it’s much more than that.
ONE THING I MISS ABOUT THE OLD JOB IS: The people. We had a pretty good team.
ONE THING I DON’T MISS: The market crash, I guess.
ONE SURPRISE ABOUT MY NEW JOB IS: There are so many organizations that oversee this type of business and our company has to ally with a whole bunch of groups to move ahead with it. Normally, with residential housing, you only have your local governments. With this you have Energy Trust of Oregon, Energy Conservation Group, Energy Star, Washington State University, you name it.
I’M LUCKY THAT: The timing seems right. Things are coming together on it. Between the government programs and the desire for people to save more money and spend it efficiently.
THE HARDEST PART OF THE JOB TRANSITION WAS: During the laid-off periods, just making it through. Not working really drives me crazy.
I LEARNED THAT: I was shocked by the depth of the market crash between the housing and the economy. I never thought it would get that bad. I learned that I’m hopelessly optimistic, too. Even with the hard times, I’m still enjoying life.
MY ADVICE: Always have a good book or two to read. Take advantage of the programs that are out there for your situation. Keep in touch with friends.
