259 | From Oilfields to Solar Fields: Building Ridgeline Solar and the Future of Clean Energy

In this episode of the Art of Consulting Podcast, hosts Andy Fry and Cat Lam sit down with Drew Mair, President of Ridgeline Solar, to explore his inspiring journey from Alberta's oil and gas sector to building one of the most respected solar manpower companies in Western Canada.

Drew shares how his early career as an electrician shaped his transition into renewable energy, and the challenges of moving from "one guy in a truck" to running a full-fledged solar construction business. He talks candidly about balancing golden handcuffs with flexibility, the risks of entrepreneurship, and the mindset shift from being self-employed to leading a team.

The conversation dives into:

Starting Ridgeline Solar – why Drew left the oilfields to build something of his own

Golden Handcuffs vs. Flexibility – making the choice to prioritize freedom and family over security

Scaling a Business – moving from solopreneur to building teams, hiring operations managers, and creating systems

Pipeline Fears – how Drew manages the ever-present fear of "dry spells" in project work

Quality and Transparency – why Ridgeline Solar stands apart, with in-house electricians, rigorous QA, and complete transparency with customers

Future of Solar Energy – the growth of utility-scale projects, opportunities in Alberta and beyond, and why Drew welcomes any innovation that moves clean energy forward

Whether you're an entrepreneur, energy enthusiast, or someone curious about the future of renewables, this episode delivers real-world lessons on resilience, leadership, and innovation.

Where to Find our Guest What Guest is Promoting: Ridgeline Solar

LinkedIn: Drew Mair