Independent Energy Solutions
About IES
IES has over 40 years of combined experience in photovoltaics, construction and renewable energy systems.Executive Management
Linda Strand - CEO / President
Ms. Strand, Founder and CEO of Independent Energy Solutions, has over 25 years experience in environmental and natural resource management, plus a strong background in business relationships and development. Ms. Strand's work experience includes General Dynamics and California State Parks and Recreation, plus she ran a successful business in the 1990’s. She has been highly involved in numerous environmental and business organizations and has co-chaired many women’s business leadership programs. At IES, Ms. Strand has led the company to achieve high standards and sustained growth. She earned her BS in Natural Resource Management at California State University, Sacramento with post-graduate work at California State University, Fullerton.
Troy Strand - Executive Vice President
Mr. Strand has over 17 years experience in system design, engineering, project management, field service, sales and installation of photovoltaic power systems. He enjoys a great deal of respect and recognition among his colleagues in the industry and is a published author of numerous technical and white papers. At IES, Troy has designed and installed over 200 photovoltaic power systems in the U.S., Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, and Canada. His ability to manage and direct his staff has enabled IES to become the premier integration firm that it is today. He holds a BSEE from California State University, Fullerton.
George Gisel - Vice President, Business Development
Mr. Gisel brings more than 20 years of sales, marketing and executive-level business development experience to Independent Energy Solutions (IES). Prior to joining IES, George held an impressive range of sales, marketing and general management / leadership positions with companies such as Ingersoll-Rand, CBRE (CB Richard Ellis), 1-800-Dentist, and McBride Electric (one of the nation’s largest specialized national electrical contractors). During George’s tenure with McBride (where he served as the National Director of Sales and Marketing), the company successfully developed several notable solar projects ranging from 250kW to 1.3 MW. He holds a B.S. in Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University and is a member of the American Solar Energy Society.
Donovan Jones - Director of Construction
Mr. Jones is a licensed electrical contractor in California and Arizona with certifications in photovoltaics (PV), on-site power generation and data/telecommunications. In 2001, he founded his own company, E² Electrical Contractors and began working with IES in 2003. In 2008, E² merged into IES and Jones was named Director of Construction for the combined organizations. He has installed more than 100 PV systems worldwide.
Fred Lipscomb - Director of Engineering
Mr. Lipscomb designs photovoltaic systems, electrical interconnections and related facilities and supervises IES’ internal and contract engineering and design staff. He has over 35 years experience in solar, lighting, power facilities, data acquisition, multimedia, telecommunications and security systems. Prior to joining IES, Fred was project manager for ILA / Zammit Engineering where he designed electrical and photovoltaic systems including the Kyocera “Solar Grove” and four major PV systems for QUALCOMM. He is an instructor for the San Diego Electrical Training Center; has received numerous industry awards for his efforts in lighting and solar design; and twice served as president of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (San Diego Section).
Tom Geldner - Director of Marketing
Mr. Geldner is responsible for IES’ marketing and external communications. He has over 25 years experience in marketing and sales management including senior executive positions with two public technology companies and two national sporting goods firms. Prior to joining IES, Geldner was director of marketing for the nonprofit Center for Sustainable Energy in California where he was instrumental in developing the markets for solar energy, self-generation, energy efficiency and demand response as well as obtaining over $60 million in new funding for the organization through various public and private grants. Geldner also founded and operated two successful small businesses including an award-winning software development company. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from California State University, Fullerton.
Brent Stafford - Engineering Manager
Mr. Stafford joined IES in 2004 and has served as a field technician, field engineer and now project engineer. Brent is responsible for project development and design along with data monitoring and product procurement. His background includes a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Colorado State University in 2000. Brent is passionate about IES, photovoltaics and renewable energy.
Additional Info
Click here to download our latest Statement of Qualifications (PDF format).