ENTREPRENEUR WATCH

Bill Poleatewich stands in front of some informational displays about the Dawn Solar Systems. Photo:  Michael McCord

Talk a few minutes with Bill Poleatewich Jr., the president and COO of Brentwood-based Dawn Solar Systems, and he can barely contain his enthusiasm for the future of his company. Founded in 2004, Dawn Solar Systems has begun to make a name for itself in the growing sector of solar thermal heating systems. Based on the inventive creations of Dawn Solar co-founder and veteran roofing installer Steve Leighton, the company has developed a technological advance that integrates the thermal systems into more than 20 varieties of roofing materials. The result transforms an entire roof into an active solar system. Poleatewich, a self-described “solar aficionado” who formerly served as marketing director for Rochester-based Brand Partners, thinks that the combination of evergrowing energy costs, increasing environmental awareness and rapid technological advances have made going green a smart and necessary alternative.

SV:  What do you think will be the key to successful growth?

BILL POLEATEWICH:  Our approach has been evolutionary. We are focusing on a niche market of architects, engineers and homeowners who want to have integrated renewable energy systems. The technologyis elegantly simple and aesthetically pleasing. It will also be cost-effective in the long run.

SV:  You installed solar panels on your own house long ago. Why has it taken so long for this technology to begin reaching a broader market?

BILL POLEATEWICH:  Our core technology wasn’t feasible in the 1970s or 1980s because of low energy costs. Though it’s beginning to happen, we don’t expect full mainstream market acceptance for our systems for another 12 to 18 months.

SV:  How fast are you growing?

BILL POLEATEWICH:  Last year we grew at a 400 percent rate and we expect it go even higher this year. We have installations in more than 30 states and will have our first overseas installation in Germany.

SV:  How many jobs might Dawn Solar create?

BILL POLEATEWICH:  We now have three full-time and eight part-times employees. We believe that within five years we will have 150 to 200 employees. We will be a job creator in New Hampshire.

SV:  What’s your biggest challenge?

BILL POLEATEWICH:  Capitalization. Our first business plan is already obsolete. We need between $2 million and $5 million for our next stage of growth. It’s the amount of funding sometimes difficult to find because it’s above the level of angel (early stage) investors and too small for venture capitalists. If we can’t find traditional investors then we will look to form strategic alliances with people in the industry (such as roofing material companies) who know what we are about.

SV:  What do you enjoy most about your job?

BILL POLEATEWICH:  It’s an adventure and with this particular adventure, it’s extremely exciting. More often than not, the reception we get (from customers) is “Where have you been all this time?”