I grew up in the Denver area. Because I loved the outdoors, I pursued a degree in petroleum engineering (people who work on drilling rigs spend time under the sun and stars, in the snow and wind).  After completing my studies at the Colorado School of Mines, I traveled the world and worked with many different people from a variety of cultures.  Something, however, changed my life’s direction.

While perusing my college library’s new book section in 1980, I found a paperback called Soft Energy Paths by Amory Lovins.  He argued that when renewable and conventional energy sources are compared, including the total cost of ownership — security, pollution costs, etc. — “renewables” win hands-down, most of the time.  My basic perception of energy changed to share Lovins’s post-petroleum vision of renewable resources, at which point my career took a new direction.  30 years later, the United States is finally steaming down the renewable path, and I am glad to have seen it coming.

After completing my MBA at the University of Colorado, I started and co-developed 2 successful businesses focused in action sports.  In 2000, I also launched a technology startup that was ahead of its time by performing like Facebook for businesses.  In these ventures, I learned what it takes to commercialize a product, manage a team, and create a successful corporate culture.  Later, I helped my brother start Lululemon Athletica, and launch its US operations from Santa Monica.  I advised the company on the Mezzanine financing of $100 million dollars with Highland Capital Partners and Advent International.

Lululemon is a yoga-inspired athletic apparel company with over one hundred stores and sales of nearly $400 million dollars to date.  This enterprise shows that, more than just looking at the numbers, I bring a sense of practical business know-how to my perspective on investing.

I founded Longboard Capital Advisors, LLC in 2006 when it became clear that one of the most effective ways to accelerate the move to “clean tech” and institute change would be to help capitalize clean tech companies.

I see the way I live — driving an electric car, riding a bike around town, and using solar panels — as a practical choice that makes sense economically and environmentally.  My wife and me, with our four kids, do our part every day in Santa Monica demonstrating how to take full advantage of today’s high tech wonders and infrastructure while limiting our carbon footprint.  This lifestyle also engages me with the very technologies that form part of Longboard Capital’s sustainable investment strategy.

Longboard Capital Advisors is the natural extension of my interest in environmentally sound business and in sustainable living.  And by the way, I do love to surf.