Who We Are – Team Profile
Since 1950, Empire Power Systems teams have provided distributed power systems for hospitals, high tech manufacturers, commercial buildings, military facilities and municipal governments. Because of our stringent standards and the high regard of our customers and peers, we attract some of the best and brightest engineering and technical talent in the industry. Empire’s solar team has over 120 years of collective experience in all facets of distributed power generation: design and engineering, fabrication, installation, maintenance and technical support. Our lead engineer installed Arizona’s first utility scale solar project in 1982 and founded the solar test and research center for a major utility. Several hold MBAs, while others have extensive backgrounds in manufacturing and service. Together they make up one of the strongest solar teams in the industry.
Karl Schmitt - Manager, Renewable Energy Division
Karl earned a degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of Missouri and an MBA from Arizona State University. He created and oversaw power systems support programs as a regional manager for Caterpillar’s power division, where he also earned certification as a 6 Sigma Black Belt.
Don Herman - Solar Project Development
Don is a licensed commercial contractor and has been installing institutional and commercial solar power systems since 1995. He has over 30 years of experience in commercial construction, including hospital and school construction. Don is responsible for the development of new solar projects and installation of our solar power systems.
Tom Lepley - Solar Engineer
Tom is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), He started his career with Arizona Public Service, and during 20 years with the utility he served as project manager for the state’s first utility scale solar project and founded the APS solar test and research center. In 1994 Tom left APS to found his own company — Phasor Energy Company, Inc. — which is dedicated to promoting the wise use of energy.
James Kistner - Sales Operations Manager
James received his degree in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University, where he also earned an MBA. James has an extensive background in systems analysis and process improvement, and he is a 6 Sigma Black Belt. As a project manager, he has coordinated the design, assembly, testing, installation and start-up teams on numerous engine projects. His special focus is on process and quality control.
Jerry Soyland - Service Manager
Jerry has nearly 30 years’ experience in the service end of power generation. Prior to Empire Power Systems, he served as service manager for both Kirst/Power Plus and Gentech.
Jerry St. Hilaire - Technical Advisor
Jerry’s career in power generation spans more than 35 years and includes factory training from Caterpillar, Onan, Kohler, Detroit Diesel, Asco and Woodward; technical training in electrical, electronics and welding; and service as a training instructor and construction electrician for the US Navy. He holds a number of certifications and prior to joining Empire worked as service manager for two distributed power systems companies, where his team completed multiple large paralleling projects that included the installation of six 1600kW generators for the Stratosphere Towers in Las Vegas and the fabrication of a dual medium-voltage generator set used as a “motivator” in iron ore mines. Jerry also provides power systems and solar systems training for Empire and our customers.
Jim Dewoody - Senior Engineer
Jim has spent 35 years as power generation engineer within the Caterpillar dealer organization. Jim’s focus has been providing prime power from engine driven power systems, with special attention to renewable energy technologies, including biogas and hydrogen.
Tom Afshari - Project Engineer
Tom holds a Mechanical Engineering (ME) degree in solid design from the University of Science and Technology in Darmstadt, Germany. He is earning an MBA from the University of Arizona.