Photo: Graduates of the inaugural Tools of the Trade program, from left: Bill Chidsey (Solar Harvester of Hardwick), Eric Solsaa (Solsaa Building and Energy Solutions of Rutland), Hannah Bush (Han Hewn, LLC of Duxbury), Sarah Gilbert (Lode Stone of Pittsfield), Thomas Halpin (VT Exergy LLC of Bristol), David Bailey (Black Cat Builders, LLC of Plainfield), and Joe Maheux (Maheux Heating and Refrigeration Inc. of Jericho). Photo by Kelly Nottermann, VSJF."
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF), in collaboration with Efficiency Vermont and Vermont Gas Systems, announces the graduation of the inaugural cohort of Tools of the Trade– Business Fundamentals for Energy Pros, a business coaching program designed to support weatherization and clean energy contractors across the state. That cohort features Duxbury business owner Hannah Bush of Han Hewn LLC.
The program offered participants practical training in business fundamentals tailored to weatherization contractors, energy audit businesses, electrician firms, and builders who specialize in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Monthly in-person sessions, one-on-one coaching, and peer learning helped contractors strengthen skills in workforce recruitment and retention, financial management, operations, customer engagement, and leadership. The program was made possible through funding from the State of Vermont, Efficiency Vermont, and Vermont Gas Systems.
The inaugural cohort included seven businesses from across Vermont:
- Black Cat Builders, LLC – Plainfield
- Han Hewn, LLC – Duxbury
- Lode Stone – Pittsfield
- Maheux Heating and Refrigeration Inc. – Jericho
- Solar Harvester – Hardwick
- Solsaa Building and Energy Solutions – Rutland
- VT Exergy LLC – Bristol
