This is the latest installment in our Energy Executive Insight Series that gives executives at major energy companies an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences about the energy industry, their careers and their organizations. 

What has been the biggest positive energy industry change since the start of your career?  

Most notably the expansion and awareness of retail energy choice across the country. Historically, retail energy companies have gained customers via acquisition channels like door-to-door, telemarketing and multi-level marketing networks. More recently, the greater volume of customers embracing retail energy choice has come from online and digital channels—creating a more competitive landscape and a more informed customer.

What is the greatest satisfaction of working in an energy-related field?  

Making a difference in people’s lives. We help people every day reduce their expenses by lowering their highest bills each and every month. In fact, the very first energy-related deal I was a part of in this industry helped a small business owner save enough on their energy costs to put his daughter through college.  That made an honest impact on me and made me want to do more in this industry.

What is your firm’s greatest strength?   

Our experienced and diverse team. We have been able to bring together an experienced energy team in Texas along with marketing and engineering industry leaders from Silicon Valley to create a unique company. This team has allowed us to create a seamless and efficient experience for our informed customers and our energy supplier partners.

What do you think the future holds for energy technology?  

The energy industry has created digital efficiencies in how power is bought and sold from the generation side – I believe those efficiencies are now being brought to the consumer and small business owner. Just as digital efficiencies were created from the highly fragmented and competitive world of travel – I see that taking place in retail energy. Choose Energy is at the forefront of this change, and that is very exciting.

What is your favorite energy-themed film or television show?

“Back to the Future”—who wouldn’t want to travel back in time?

What is your favorite energy-themed book (fiction or non-fiction)?  

I don’t typically read energy-related books. I tend to gravitate toward books based on or from influential thought and business leaders. The book I’m reading now is “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel.

What would you have been if you didn’t work in energy?  

I love this work, and I certainly enjoy helping build a business, so I do know that I would want to stay in a field and in an environment where I feel like I’m playing a meaningful role. One of the reasons my current role excites me is because I think we are helping foster a change in our industry – and that is fun.

Jerry Dyess is the founder of Choose Energy, the nation’s leading energy marketplace. For more information, visit www.ChooseEnergy.com.