For the last four years, Luke Phelps has been working on new technology to disrupt the solar and power management industries as the co-founder and CEO of Vroom Solar. “We’ve got the first-of-a-kind technology in the solar market that makes solar easier to access and lowers costs for everyone across the board,” Phelps says. Before launching Vroom Solar, Phelps owned and operated a solar installation company in northern Missouri, helped run a farm and installed agricultural solar systems. He saw the need for remote solar and a lack of good solutions on the market. “Everything was burdened by a massive battery cost or by the regulations,” he says. “I wanted to make a solar solution that was completely independent of all those hurdles.” 

Ten years from now, Phelps hopes Vroom Solar has a presence in multiple countries, making energy available to everyone. He’s especially excited about the company’s recent partnership with Convoy of Hope, which will launch a pilot project at their headquarters to test how new technology performs. “We know it’s going to change the power dynamics, allowing people to truly own their own power without the high costs and regulations of the utility grid,” he says. 

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“A farmer. I never really saw myself as a business owner as a kid.”

What is your go-to coffee shop order? 
“A mocha latte.”

Which 417-lander do you turn to for inspiration and advice?
“Jason Hynson, and I also follow Jack Stack and his business ethics.”