In a time defined by environmental issues and an increasing need to address climate change, the focus has shifted towards sustainable energy solutions. As we face the obstacles of lowering carbon emissions and moving away from fossil fuels, experts in the energy sector are leading the way in developing revolutionary solutions that offer a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future for everyone.

Among them is Deke Welling, a luminary in the energy industry with an impressive 16-year track record. As the Co-founder and CEO of CLS Sustainable, he's on a mission to revolutionize traditional methods and bring sustainable solutions to the forefront of the energy sector.

Deke's journey in the energy industry is a testament to the power of determination and entrepreneurship. His story began when he made the unconventional decision to drop out of school, setting him on a unique path. At the tender age of 16, Deke delved into the world of sales and management, embarking on a journey that would ultimately shape his future.

Reflecting on those early days, Deke shares, "Being in sales has allowed me to learn more about entrepreneurship than anything else because you only get paid if you perform. It also gave me the confidence to know that for whatever product or service I would want to offer, I wouldn't have to initially depend on anyone else to sell it for me. This is a great asset to have, especially as a start-up."

His tenure in the sales domain led him to work with a licensed financial broker, where he specialized in offering Private Placements in oil and gas wells—an experience that would later prove pivotal in his career.

Deke's transition into the energy sector was marked by a significant turning point. When energy prices were soaring, the owner of the company he worked for decided to divest his assets and retire. In a fateful conversation, he urged Deke to consider entrepreneurship and take control of his own destiny. Inspired by this advice, Deke took the bold step of starting his own oil and gas company at the age of 28.

His company primarily focused on drilling gas wells in unconventional shale fields across the country. It was during this phase that Deke witnessed firsthand the adverse environmental impact of drilling and fracking. This experience left an indelible mark on him, igniting a passion for finding better, more sustainable ways to extract vital resources.

The pivotal moment arrived in 2008, when the market took a downturn and oil prices plummeted. Deke recognized that it was time for a change. Fueled by a deep conviction to make a positive impact on the environment, he made the bold pivot from conventional energy to renewables.

 

Join us as we explore his mission to usher in sustainable energy solutions and his unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter, more environmentally friendly future!

 

Overcoming Setbacks and Building Efficiency

Deke understands the importance of treating setbacks as opportunities for growth and adapting strategies to fit changing circumstances. He acknowledges that in the early stages, they took on more projects than they could handle in an effort to please their partners. Unfortunately, this led to a backlog of projects in development and an inability to meet the expected timelines for their clients. To address this issue, they implemented more efficient internal processes that allowed them to handle a higher volume of projects while still completing them within the projected timeframes. Deke emphasizes the lesson they learned from this experience, stating that they should have been proactive in anticipating the increased volume and establishing proper processes and procedures beforehand. This approach has greatly benefited their business, as they now project their workload several months in advance to better prepare for future demands.

 

Evolution into a Comprehensive Energy Solution Provider

CLS Sustainable initially focused on providing engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for solar developers. As their reputation for being honest and fair grew, other professionals in energy management and brokerage approached them for assistance with their clients interested in solar energy. This led to their expansion into the early-stage development of renewable projects. Today, they take pride in being a comprehensive solution provider for business owners, offering a wide range of services to address all their energy needs. Deke, a representative from CLS Sustainable, explains, "What sets us apart from our competitors is our commitment to delivering a complete energy solution to our clients. We not only aim to reduce the cost of electricity supply rates but also help decrease demand costs and overall energy consumption. We firmly believe that this approach has the most positive impact on a business's energy expenses. It is a capability that many solar companies lack, which makes us unique."

 

Leadership Philosophy

As the Co-founder and CEO of CLS Sustainable, Deke is responsible for overseeing early-stage development, financing, business development, and daily operations. He takes pleasure in engaging with potential customers, sharing the company's services, and showcasing how they cater to their clients. Consequently, he frequently participates in sales presentations. Deke explains, "My partner and I share the same leadership approach, which is leading by example. We are both actively involved in the day-to-day activities of the business."

Driven by the impact they create, everyone at CLS Sustainable works tirelessly to find solutions for their customers and achieve success. Fostering a strong company culture, they prioritize creating a motivating environment. They also enjoy celebrating and engaging with their team members during various activities, all while striving to make a positive impact on people's lives.

With this mindset, no awards or accolades can truly measure the satisfaction of being able to teach, train, or develop others through personal experiences. Witnessing others grow and become better versions of themselves, both professionally and personally, is a significant triumph for Deke.

He adds, "The greatest moments for me are when I receive calls, texts, or emails from former employees or team members expressing gratitude for the advice, direction, or guidance I have provided in the past. It reminds me that I may have played a small role in their success, and that motivates me to continue doing the same."

 

Achieving Work-life Balance

Deke openly admits to being a workaholic, with an unyielding dedication to his work and no discernible off switch. Even his 11-year marriage to his wife, Ashley, and their four children didn't initially prompt a change in his work habits.

However, over time, his wife played a crucial role in guiding him towards establishing healthier work-life boundaries. She helped him strike a harmonious balance between his professional and personal lives.

Deke reflects on this transformation, saying, "Growing older and having a family I adore has given my life a new purpose. While I once equated success solely with business and finances, I've come to understand that time is more valuable than anything else in this world. As a result, I now prioritize spending the majority of my time outside of work with my family and friends, often enjoying a game of golf."

 

Vision for CLS Sustainable

Deke fervently expresses his company's vision, stating, "Our vision is to continuously serve businesses and organizations that share a common goal of improving our world, both now and for future generations. This involves a shared responsibility to preserve the resources we have been fortunate to receive." He stresses the significance of embracing change and striving to be the most influential and efficient in their field. Deke is dedicated to transforming into a leading figure in the renewable energy industry, with a strong emphasis on providing exceptional services to clients. Their objective is to significantly decrease clients' energy expenses and environmental impact, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.