10 Questions: Pat Maloney Of Aquila Weatherization Solutions

What makes your business so unique?

With over 30 years in the building industry and a childhood fascination with the structure of things I have accumulated a tremendous amount of experience in this area. There's an immense amount of data out there on building practice and energy efficiency. A lot of this data, maybe most, was compiled by people using theory, computer generated programs and such. Often when it's applied to the real world it doesn't work as expected. I am very adept at knowing what works and what could work based on real life experience.

Do you enjoy your career?

It's more than a career. When driving down the road I'm always looking at homes and recognizing how they could be better. It's something that I live.

What made you choose this line of work?

At about age 7 I had a strong desire to build something. I came up with a plan to build a fort in my backyard. I started collecting nails wherever I could find them. Next I needed the wood. I didn't have any tools at my disposal and in my plan I needed a lot of wood sized equally. Without a saw this was a problem. Then I saw the solution! Large portions of local picket fences were sacrificed for my vision. I proceeded to build my fort using a rock as a hammer. The resulting continuous banging had given neighbors a clue to where their fences went. The rest of my summer went to fence repair.

In this the seed was sown. I never lost that desire and also appreciated the cost of what it takes to build something.

Do you have kids?

I have 2 daughters.

Do you have pets?

I have 2 cats that were gotten as kittens for my daughters that I have inherited.

What inspires you?

Buckminster Fuller is a person that inspires me. He was a scientist, inventor, philosopher and architect amongst other things. His belief was there's plenty to go around on this planet for everyone to live comfortably. All we have to do is use our resources wisely. In my small way I want to do this. Make the world a better place a little bit at a time.

What is the best part of your job?

Hearing from customers that the work I did made a positive difference in their life.

Where do you go to relax?

In nature. Hiking, camping or motorcycling.

How do you ensure happy customers?

Working with them throughout the entire process. Letting them know what to expect each step of the way and listening to their concerns. In the weatherization aspect we test our results to insure we got the targeted outcome. This is ALWAYS reflected in lower energy bills.

Who is your ideal client?

I like a client that's informed, curious, excited and interactive. Not to the point that they're looking over my shoulder the entire project though. So, someone who trusts me to provide them with what they want or more.