Meet Uprise Solar’s Team

Chris started Uprise to provide solar for residents in all four quadrants of the District. After 10 years in the industry, he saw an opportunity to deliver the highest quality work that still fits any customer’s budget. He is building an all-star team that covers solar, EV chargers, and other modern energy solutions. He’s the father of one very energetic five-year-old and has been proud to call DC home for 16 years.

Phil began introducing solar to communities in the developing world in the 1980s and has experience in finance, sales, technical training, and project management. Phil is an energy nerd working to achieve a near zero-carbon, low waste, high fun lifestyle, and can geek out on a finance spreadsheet with the best of them. When not helping people go solar, Phil enjoys hiking, pickleball, and gardening.

Zeko got his start in the solar industry in 2015 as an installer after moving to the United States from Albania. Before solar, he was an environmental activist and worked in multimedia, but was spending all his time in front of a screen and realized he needed to be outside and build things. He worked his way up to senior crew lead and a trainer for new hires before becoming Uprise’s Director of Construction. Zeko is a Solar PV Operations Qualified Electrical Worker, and loves having a career that makes an impact in many ways — not just environmental, but social as well, since solar helps people save money. At Uprise, he’s building a culture of growth. He believes leadership isn’t just about doing more, but about helping others grow. Outside of work, Zeko enjoys socializing with friends, camping, and spending time at the beach.

Bobby got into solar in 2019, after spending years in marketing in the snow sports industry (and she’s still a ski instructor today!). She likes working in solar because it’s a solution to climate change, and loves working in DC since it has the most progressive climate and solar policies in the country. Bobby is originally from New Jersey and has also lived in Vermont, but has lived in Vienna, Virginia for 23 years now. She has a husband, two children, and two dogs, and her home, with its fenced-in backyard, functions as a dog park for her dogs and their furry friends.

Bryan’s journey in the solar industry began over a decade ago as an installer, following his service as a civil engineer in the U.S. Air Force. With a deep commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service, he thrives on tackling complex challenges with creative solutions. Bryan values strong relationships built on trust and collaboration, believing that supporting each other’s growth unlocks collective greatness. A lifelong learner, he strives to inspire others through leadership and mentorship, continually growing both personally and professionally while making a lasting impact in his career and community. In his free time, Bryan treasures moments with his wife and two children, and maintains an active lifestyle centered around fitness, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being as the foundations of his life.

Maris has helped hundreds of families switch over to renewable energy since she began working in the solar industry in 2019. She is a graduate of George Washington University, where she studied political science. Maris is passionate about combating climate change by educating homeowners on the environmental and financial reasons to go solar in DC. She spends much of her free time painting portraits of her friends and trying to achieve her lofty annual reading goal. 

Driven by a passion to combat climate change, Patrick is a results-oriented solar energy professional with 12+ years of experience building and leading successful sales teams, driving revenue growth, and fostering community engagement. His mission is to inspire others to join the renewable energy movement, leveraging his technical expertise in project management, system design, installation, and maintenance to deliver high-quality, customer-focused solutions. When Patrick’s not working to create a brighter, more sustainable future, you’ll find him hosting lively dinner parties for friends and family, rollerblading through the city, hitting the slopes for some skiing, or being bossed around by his adorable (but demanding) small dog, Pickle. 

TJ has been roofing since 1997. He got into the business through a family member, and because he likes to spend time outdoors. He’s lived in the DC area his whole life, and outside of work, his interests are God, family, and football.

Jesus Lucas entered the solar industry in 2021, after years in the hospitality industry, when Uprise’s founder Chris opened a door for him to start a new career path in solar permitting. Jesus was drawn to working in an industry where he felt like he could make a change and do his part for the world. His family moved to Virginia when he was in 7th grade, and he moved to DC five years ago. He loves that DC is its own unique melting pot. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling with his partner Matt, a schoolteacher for DCPS, playing bocce, trying out new restaurants, spending time with his family in Virginia, and thrifting.

Kyle comes to Uprise Solar after many cycles of managing electoral canvassing campaigns. He’s also worked in operations for DMV small businesses and is a FEMA logistics reservist. He is excited to bring his passion for organizing in service of progressive causes to champion the renewable energy future. While not at work, he can often be found at Towers Park dog park with his pup Brisket. He’s an avid Nats and West Ham fan, a lifelong history nerd, and a trivia enthusiast. 

Lacy began her solar journey in 2018, and got to know DC from the rooftops installing solar panels. By the end of her first year, she was leading roof crews. She’s also worked as a renewable energy journalist, and is thrilled to bring her blend of solar and storytelling experience to Uprise. Outside of work, Lacy loves spending time with her husband and cat, reading, practicing yoga, and writing sci-fi novels.

Leandro has worked in solar for nearly five years. He was drawn to working in a growing, tech-driven field, and started out as a project manager, after working for an electrical distributor and a general contractor while attending college. As the oldest of four, he found he was good at the delegating and managing required of a project manager! Leandro was born in Portugal, and came to the United States as a kid. He grew up in Maryland on the outskirts of DC. When he’s not working, Leandro enjoys spending time with his partner and daughter and remodeling the fixer upper home they recently bought. He’s also very into cars and anything motorized, and owns a racecar.

Rigobert started working with Uprise in July 2023. Before that, he had 10 years of experience as a domestic electrician in Cameroon. Being in the United States has offered him a great opportunity to upgrade his knowledge on renewable energy. He likes to learn new things and tackle new challenges, and doesn’t give up easily. He’s found Uprise to be a place everyone would wish to work because he has wonderful colleagues. When he’s not installing solar, he loves to play soccer and spend time with his family. 

Enthusiastic about making a difference, Semi joined the solar industry this year. Having worked in the construction and customer service industries, he understands the emotional importance of building our living spaces. He’s a firm believer in the power of solar energy to combat climate change and is fully committed to absorbing all the knowledge and expertise Uprise Solar has to offer.

Semi loves hiking and being in connection with nature. When he’s not adventuring, he’s usually seeking out cozy coffee spots or playing chess. 

Shannon graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, Sustainability. She’s always been interested in the ever-changing technology of the renewable field. Shannon started her career in solar in 2014 as an inspection/permit coordinator. She really enjoys operations and grew into a role overseeing design, permitting, inspection, SRECs, and project management. She’s thrilled to be working with Uprise. In her free time, Shannon is a Reiki practitioner and mom of three wild boys, and enjoys spending time with her family pets.