Dave has over 27 years experience in environmental sciences and sustainable design – most notably in renewable energy systems design. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Biology from Fort Lewis College. Dave served as the National Action Coordinator for Greenpeace for 9 years and was instrumental in the development and execution of their Direct Action campaign strategy. He has served on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association and currently serves on the Advisory Board of Appalachian State University’s Appropriate Technology Program. Since 1995 Dave, along with his wife, Sierra, have been building Sundance Power into one of the most trusted renewable energy service companies in the southeastern United States. He is a renowned speaker at regional conferences and has been a prime mover in raising energy consciousness among policy makers and the general public.

Since 2007 Ray Quate has been an active partner with Sundance Power Systems, focusing on the design and installation of utility-scale power generating stations for the public and private sectors. Project developer, architectural designer, licensed general contractor, and commercial property owner, Ray Quate has a wide range of construction project experience ranging from Mixed-Use and Live/Work environments to medical facilities and historical restorations. Ray provides guidance, consultation and management for Energy Star, Healthy Built and LEED certified construction projects. He holds degrees from the United Electronics Institute and Laboratories in Kentucky and NC State’s Renewable Energy and Green Building Diploma Series.

After gaining invaluable experience working on submarines as an Electronics Technician for the US Navy and being employed by Kemet Electronics, Steve joined Sundance in 2005. Also equipped with an Associate degree in Electronic Engineering, his background enables him to get to the root of any problem and bring a system back into service, often with increased efficiency and performance. Steve and his wife have two young boys and spend their time gardening and playing games.

Allen originally joined Sundance in 2000. Then after nearly a decade of experience elsewhere with solar energy and radiant floor heating systems, he returned in 2013 to join our Service team. His trainings include CPR, OSHA, forklift, and aerial boom lift operator certifications. Originally from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Allen calls Asheville home and enjoys its live music scene.

Brian joined the Sundance crew in 2011 as a Field Technician.  As his last name implies, Brian grew up around solar. Prior to joining the family business, he worked on the snow-making crew at a ski resort and as a rafting guide.  As the Director of Business Development & Lead Design Engineer, Brian focuses on the evolution of Sundance by bringing on new technologies and processes to better serve our customers as well as it’s employees.  Brian attended Appalachian State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Appropriate Technology.  Born in Alexandria, VA, he moved to North Carolina in 2004 and now resides in West Asheville. Brian’s hobbies include rafting, DJ-ing, enjoying music, creating mad scientist devices, hiking, general shenanigans, and sound engineering.

Prior to joining Sundance, Chris spent 22 years working with nongame and endangered species conservation and leading the Wildlife Diversity Program with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. He holds a Bachelor degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Environmental management. Chris pursued a career change to renewable energy as he realized that energy choices are significantly impacting the future of wildlife. In 2012, he enrolled in the Sustainability Technology Program at AB Tech and was just shy of earning his degree when the opportunity arose to join our installation team. Chris lives in Leicester with his wife and two children and enjoys sharing the outdoors with them- hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and camping as much as possible.

Will joined Sundance in 2015 with the vital role of ensuring smooth operations for shipping, receiving, and inventory management.  Will’s background includes 22 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, training and certification in Search and Rescue, time as a Coxswain, Emergency Medical Technician, Maritime Law Enforcement Officer, Pollution Investigator, Federal  On-Scene Coordinator Representative, Hazardous Material Technician, and Marine Inspector. He has also worked in logistics and warehouse management for Shoreline Flooring Supplies, FLS Energy, and Rexel, Inc.

Will’s hobbies include hiking, cycling, and helping friends when and wherever he can.  He hiked a section of the Appalachian Trail and looks forward to more hikes in the future. Will is originally from Middleburg, FL. He currently lives in “Weaver- Vegas” and proudly enjoys spending time with his son.

Blake has been Sundance’s resident plumber since 2010, bringing with him 30 years of plumbing experience and a NC Class One Plumbing License. Originally from Connecticut, Blake, wife Donna and two children, Josh and Emma, call Swannanoa home. With a B.A. in English, Blake lists reading as one of his favorite hobbies. He also enjoys music, specifically bass guitar.

Originally from Greensboro, NC, Connor graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor degree in Sustainable Development. Since graduating, he spent a year working with the National Park and Forest Services doing a wide range of conservation work. From invasive species control, habitat restoration, and trail construction, he has done it all. Connor also has experience with organic agriculture and spent a season on a farm in Henderson County learning the ins, outs, and importance of sustainably sourced food production. He joined the Sundance team in late 2018 and has since taken over Permitting and Interconnection duties. Connor enjoys hiking, camping, reading, live music, and watching sports; especially the Mountaineers, Panthers, and Red Sox. He lives in East Asheville with his girlfriend and their cat.

Sarah acquired an Associate of applied Sciences in Human Services Technology with a focus on Substance Abuse Studies. While attending Western Carolina University in pursuit of her Bachelor of Social Work she landed a job working closely with special needs adults. Sarah decided to pursue a career in the solar industry to help educate people on renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change. Sarah and her husband hail from Wilmington, NC where they frequently visit but call the mountains home! Sarah and Matthew have two feisty dogs and a three-foot 700-gram beautiful ball python. They both enjoy seeing live music, traveling everywhere they can, and doing anything outdoors to further their connection with nature.

Travis was born and raised in Asheville.  He spent 12 years working as the head snow maker and lift maintenance at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort located right outside of Ashville in Mars Hill, NC. In his spare time, he enjoys flying RC planes and listening to 80’s music.  He holds a certification in fall protection and a certified Lull Operator.

Bio Coming Soon!

Ben was born in Utah and grew up all over Western United States before landing in NYC where he lived an artistic life for 10 years along with his wife before moving to Asheville.  With the birth of their son and a growing concern for climate change it inspired him to pivot his time and creativity to Solar energy.  Ben continues making art in different mediums, enjoys cooking and adores spending time spending time with his wife and son.  Matt holds a BFA and MFA in theater performance and is NABCEP certified. 

Bio Coming Soon!

Gretchen Oury grew up in Lancaster, PA. She holds a BA in German & Humanities and MA in Book Arts.  Before joining the Sundance family, she worked in the construction industry as administrative assistant in the accounting department. Gretchen’s house is powered by solar and it brings her joy knowing her loads of laundry are powered by the sun. She has a passion for making books, print art, gardening and is an avid reader. She considers herself a “big” geek who loves science fiction and fantasy and has an undying love for Star Trek. 

Matt is originally from Northwest Georgia and worked in different areas of sales before joining the Sundance family.  His desire to “get behind” the things he sold, lead him to seek out opportunities that he was passionate about. During his spare time, Matt enjoys being outdoors, reading, investing in his future and can be found watching the Sopranos, or listening to Sturgill Simpson.

Trey is originally from Raleigh, NC and attended Appalachian State University where he received a BS in Sustainable Technology. He worked as a zipline tour guide while studying in college.  While spending time in Europe, mostly in Germany, he was inspired by how advanced their renewable energy structure is.  During his free time, you can find him hiking, playing video games, snowboarding and cooking.

James has a background in advertising, sales, social media and team management for Asheville-based media companies including Mountain Xpress and the Asheville Citizen Times. He is experienced in digital marketing, traditional media, and website design. James earned his BA in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland and originally hails from Washington, DC. James has always had a passion for renewable energy and when the opportunity to work with Sundance arose, he was thrilled to join the team! He is a musician, songwriter, and performer with his favorite bands being Bob Dylan, The Clash, and The Grateful Dead. James also enjoys exploring our mountains on foot, by bike, and sometimes by kayak.