Les's work includes overseeing all of the technical staff, reviewing works-in progress and final analyses. He also works with major trade allies and our investor-owned utility clients. Les has 25 years experience in the energy efficiency field. First, by working as a sales engineer for a major temperature control company for 5 years and then for 20 years as President of The Energy Group. Les has a Bachelor of Science degree from Drake University and is a Certified Energy Manager and energy auditor by the Association of Energy Engineers.

Kelly Needles, Executive Vice President, has been working in the field of project development and energy services field for roughly 15 years. During his tenure, TEG has administered energy efficiency project work in the institutional sector (over 325 projects in schools, hospitals, local governments, private colleges, and non-profit organizations) as well as nearly 300 projects for private sector businesses (Main street/retail, industry, etc.) throughout Iowa and the Midwest. The Energy Group and Kelly are committed to the ideals of "Economic Development Through Energy Efficiency".

Eric has been involved in energy efficiency since 2003. As the Energy Services Manager he will provide technical guidance and make energy efficiency recommendations to our commercial and industrial customers. Eric is a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Energy Auditor by the Association of Energy Engineers. Eric also serves on the board of directors for the Iowa Association of Energy Efficiency. 

Erin Soderblom assists the technical team in daily operations and is responsible for administrative tasks including tracking and managing files in support of all programs.

Amber Wilson, Utility Relationship Manager, is a 2004 graduate of Drake University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, emphasizing creative advertising, and a concentration in Spanish. Amber joined The Energy Group in the spring of 2008 as a program manager for the small commercial New construction program. Amber works with the small commercial new construction program and also supports our BusinessCheck energy auditing efforts as an auditor. In her role with the small commercial new construction program, Amber performs all of the client contact, report generation, and oversees or performs the energy analyses.

Chad Kloberdanz, Agricultural Division Manager , holds a bachelor’s degree in HVAC Engineering Technology. Chad has prior experience as a project manager and application engineer in the mechanical systems/temperature control industries. As a Project Manager and Energy Analyst for The Energy Group, Chad provides comprehensive technical assessments to building owners and agricultural operators, identifying and analyzing energy conservation opportunities. The Farm Energy Audit Program provides analyses of potential energy management improvements to agricultural operators, often resulting in a grant applications for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

Mike Willis, Technical Services Manager , joined The Energy Group in January of 2006 after working for nearly a decade as a union electrician. Mike was trained extensively by Les Wilson to perform energy efficiency consulting. Mike is currently the program manager of the MidAmerican Energy Nonresidential Custom Systems Program and the Multi-Family, Low Income IFA Program. Mike is trained by the Snell Foundation to perform infrared thermography analysis. Following training from the Energy Center of Wisconsin, Mike uses a whole building computer software program to model energy usage called eQUEST. Rounding out the list of consultation services provided by Mike Willis, he also provides technical analysis for USDA grants.

Stefan Ganev, Senior Energy Analyst, graduated from The Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria in 1978 with Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with minor in Instrumentation Engineering. He has over 25 years experience in mechanical design. Stefan joined The Energy Group in May of 2007 as an Energy Analyst of building energy efficiency. He is the main modeling engineer and has extensive knowledge of the DOE-2 based modeling software, eQuest. Stefan completes most of the modeling for custom and small commercial new construction projects.

Emily Rice graduated from the University of Iowa in 2009 receiving her B.S. in Chemical Engineering with an affinity for sustainable practices and technology and reducing environmental impacts. She has worked with the Iowa DNR as a Pollution Prevention Intern and as a Product Management Coop for Emerson Process Management; developing project management, marketing, and technical skills. As the Business Development Manager, Emily provides support to each division of TEG in areas of growth, sales, and marketing.

Jesse Dick, Marketing and Sales Coordinator, graduated from the University of Iowa in 2008 with a B.A. in International Studies and History with an emphasis in European Studies. Jesse joined The Energy Group in May of 2011 as a Marketing Intern to assist with our auditing tools and online calculator projects. He is now a Marketing and Sales Coordinator assisting the Business Development Manager in marketing and sales efforts; including social media & website, campaigns, tradeshows, and product & services literature.