Nicholas Kleinertz, a branch manager for Freedom Forever in Sarasota, Florida, exemplifies the transformative potential of the clean energy industry. With five years of experience, he has not only built a successful career but also become a passionate advocate for solar energy and workforce development.
Nicholas’s path to solar wasn’t traditional. Coming from a background in the automotive industry and with family roots in carpentry, he found solar to be uniquely welcoming. “You can come in with absolutely zero experience,” he explains. “If you’re with the right team, they can build you up, train you hands-on in the field, and you can move up pretty fast.”
His career trajectory reflects this philosophy. Starting as an installer in 2015, Nicholas quickly advanced through various roles. During COVID, he joined Freedom Forever in July 2020, seeing an opportunity for growth when many industries were shutting down.
One of his most memorable projects occurred in Fort Myers Beach, where a solar installation with battery backup proved crucial during a hurricane. “He was taking care of all of his neighbors,” Nicholas recalled, highlighting how solar can provide critical community support during emergencies.
Beyond installation, Nicholas is passionate about career development. “I really enjoy watching an employee come in with zero experience and then get promotions if they do well,” he said. “We’ve had crew leads that started with zero experience, and in a year, year and a half, they’re running a crew so it’s really a place you can grow quick.” He’s particularly proud that Freedom Forever has raised labor standards in Florida, forcing competitors to improve wages.
For Nicholas, clean energy is more than a job—it’s a mission. “Every project that we get to renewable and clean energy really does help to lower that carbon footprint across the board,” he emphasized, noting Florida’s increasing vulnerability to extreme weather.
His advice for those considering a solar career? Be ready to learn, grow, and make a difference.
