Highlight Solar

Dean A.: Power Driven

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN JOSE — Considering that he has a master’s degree in electrical engineering, it wouldn’t be a stretch to describe Dean A. as “power driven.” “I’ve always been intrigued by power systems,” he affirms. “I used to be in engineering and did a lot of design, but when solar started to come into its own, I was intrigued and decided to get involved in the industry.” Dean began his solar career in 2008 by acquiring a franchise from a major solar company, but it wasn’t long before he decided to strike out on his own. “A couple of years after I started the franchise, the company announced it was going to cut its residential services and focus solely on the commercial market. However, I believed the residential market was going to be very lucrative, so I decided to break off and establish my own solar business.”

Today, as owner of Highlight Solar, Dean says his favorite part of his job (other than his ongoing fascination with the technical aspects) is making a positive impact. “Not only is solar power a great financial investment for consumers, it also has a significant ecological effect. We’re helping make the environment cleaner and better for the next generation, which is very rewarding.”

As a resident of San Jose (where he lives with wife and three children), Dean expresses his appreciation for life and work in the Bay Area. “We have amazing weather and amazing people,” he says. “The cultural diversity is fantastic, and I really like how open people are here. Plus, as far as running a business goes, there’s plenty of opportunity to strive and grow.”

Outside of work, Dean engages in a variety of personal hobbies and family activities. “I enjoy science, especially astronomy and technology, so I’m always reading about those subjects,” he says. “I also like to play volleyball, go hiking and camping, and relax on the beach.” In addition to enjoying the local surroundings, Dean likes traveling to foreign destinations. “Every year, we make it a point to visit a new country, which is a great way for us to expand the kids’ horizons.”

In regard to his professional career, Dean credits a good part of his success to an emphasis on customer satisfaction. “Our customers are the backbone of our business, which is why we do whatever it takes to make sure they’re satisfied,” he affirms. “We go to great lengths to bring them the latest products and technology, and we continue to educate customers and consumers in general about the entire concept behind solar.”

When asked what his life might look like if he were to retire tomorrow, Dean says he’d devote more of his time to volunteering. “I would probably get more involved in the local community. My wife and kids do a lot of volunteering for various community events and causes, so if I had more time, it’d be very rewarding to do more of that with them.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Coffee in the morning, tea at night.

Q: What’s your favorite style of music?
A: Jazz.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Dishdash in Sunnyvale.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Malaysia. The country has amazing tropical beauty, and I hear the people are very nice and down to earth.

Q: Have you ever read a book more than once?
A: “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson.