Solar Direct

A 37 year veteran of the Solar and Renewable Energy Industry Dale Gulden holds a bachelors degree in Business Marketing and Economics from Indiana State University and was the former President of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA). Gulden has served as a keynote speaker to environmental and business groups on the economic and ecological “green benefits” of solar and renewable energy technologies. In 1986, Gulden partnered with Kirk Maust, a leading solar engineer, establishing Solar Direct as a premier solar contracting firm offering installations statewide in Florida. Solar Direct holds state licensing for solar and electrical, and has its own Professional Engineer on staff. Solar Direct also offers consulting and engineering services for large custom residential and commercial projects. As the leader of Solar Direct, Dale has directed the company into one of the highest ranking e-commerce destinations for renewable technology. Gulden then expanded this unique model nationwide by establishing Solar Direct’s internet presence in 1995 with TheEnergySuperMarket.com, becoming the first website to offer renewable product information and consumer eco-education along with the ability to purchase products on the internet.

Kirk Maust earned one of the nation’s first degrees in solar and renewable technology in 1981. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University’s Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department, recognized as having the largest and most prestigious engineering degree program in North America. Moving to Florida, Maust managed and later acquired the solar contracting division of an air conditioning firm. Kirk Maust now represents the new breed of entrepreneurial executive; his defining characteristics encompass 35-years of “real world” solar and renewable engineering experience, Internet technology and digital communication skills, as well as having the spirit and aspirations of an e-commerce visionary. In the early 2000’s, building on the success of offering alternative energy information to consumers via the Internet in the mid 90’s, Maust developed Solar Direct’s first electronic shopping cart – the Energy SuperMarket. This investment in an e-commerce platform dramatically increased revenues, and distribution expanded first nationally, and then globally. His goal now is to further expand the years of knowledge and experience exponentially through the Solar Buyers Club platform, to bring the [solar] power to the people (everywhere). In addition, in 2016 he co-founded Solar Buyers Club LLC (SBC) as Manager. SBC provides customer acquisition services for Solar Direct.

Sheila Gulden joined Solar Direct in 1996 as the Assistant to the General Manager. In 2000, Sheila was promoted to Administrative Manager and in 2005 to COO. Sheila has a comprehensive knowledge of the operations of the company, including back office logistics, warehouse and fulfillment, and finance. She provides daily oversight of the Operation, Warehouse and Finance Departments. While working for the company, she obtained her Business Administration Degree from Keiser University. Sheila's love of brewing Craft Beers led her in 2016 to help with community outreach at a local business, Three Keys Brewing & Eatery, where is an Assistant Manager.

With nearly 12 years field & management experience in solar, Jason brings a wealth of skill to the table. Organization and planning are his forte' and his attention to detail and natural drive to serve each customer with impeccability ensures a satisfying transaction, start to finish. He has managed the installation of thousands of solar systems, both residential and commercial, and is a certified installer of Vortex Solar Panels. Jason has provided consulting services for Solar Direct for over 10 years, and serves as its Chief Business Development Officer. In addition, in 2016 he co-founded Solar Buyers Club LLC (SBC). He is the CEO / Manager and oversees all daily operations remotely from his office in Zürich. SBC provides customer acquisition services for Solar Direct.

Prior to joining Solar Direct, Oliver worked for Mercedes Benz Financial Services in Munich, Germany. He also worked as a consultant at Bundeswehr Fuhrpark during his time in Munich. His credentials include a Bachelor’s Degree from VWA Stuttgart in Germany, an EnergyGauge Rater Certificate from Florida Solar Energy Center, Balance Sheet Analysis & Financing/Leasing Certificates from Mercedes Benz Financial Services. Oliver joined Solar Direct in 2011, and is the CSO & Sales Manager. He's responsible for in-home and internet sales, along with marketing programs and brand management. Oliver's greatest strengths are his creativity, drive, and leadership. He thrives on challenges, particularly those that expand the company's reach.