Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Gold.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Daniel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
At one point, I was one of Great Britain’s top junior tennis players. I thought I was destined to play professionally and even left school at 15 to pursue my dream. By the age of 17, I had some exciting success, however, I realized I’d never actually win anything and would simply be making up the numbers. I retired and began working professionally. I joined my family and partners in acquiring a global toner cartridge/stationary company and helped transform it into one of Great Britain’s top privately held companies. In 2007, we sold the company and due to my father-in-law having a terminal illness, I moved to Miami Beach with my wife and young children.
Although terminally ill, my father-in-law, who had a forty-year history in lighting, asked me to be partners in creating an energy efficient lighting company. I declined the option to work in a field I knew nothing about, but agreed to finance him and Future Energy Solutions was born.
Knowing he would pass sooner rather than later, it was inevitable that I needed to learn the business and ultimately take it over if I were to recoup my capital outlay. Attending multiple meetings throughout the Americas, I quickly realized that virtually every business wanted energy-efficient lighting, but none of them were willing to pay for it. Why would they spend capital on replacing working lights with new ones…even if they were more energy efficient? After my father-in-law passed, I wanted to sell the company but quickly realized that, in lighting, there was no such thing as a client and no such thing as residual income. The business was essentially ruthless. I decided to challenge myself and come up with a new plan for the business.
Since I don’t have a lighting background, I looked at things differently and created a whole new business model. The Gold Initiative provides new, energy-efficient lighting and maintenance at no upfront cost to clients. How does Future Energy Solutions make money? Businesses pay us a fixed rate from their energy savings and, as utility rates and inflation increase, the business’ take-home portion grows. It’s better lighting at a cost savings that become a whole new revenue stream for businesses.
It’s a unique business model – something no one else offers and it has been highly successful, growing our revenue 400 percent or more over the past four-to-five years.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it’s never going to be a “smooth” road. You’d probably be surprised, but it can be quite hard to convince people that you are giving them something for “free,” such as upgraded lights and maintenance for the life of the agreement. The saying “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is” has been so thoroughly drummed into our heads that many businesses can’t believe the Gold Initiative is for real. Well, it is…and, like the proverbial snowball rolling down the hill, FES is gaining momentum. Once people understand our proposition and realize how good a deal they’re getting, they sign up. After all, what business turns its back on free money?
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Future Energy Solutions – what should we know?
We specialize in lighting solutions for businesses, and we do it better than anyone else. Future Energy Solutions is an award-winning, privately owned business offering energy-efficient infrastructure upgrades to businesses and other organizations. We’re known for delivering Lighting as a Service across the United States under a unique plan – our Gold Initiative Program – at no capital cost to our customers, then assume all maintenance responsibilities throughout the life of the Program. The Gold Initiative differentiates us from all other lighting companies you may come across. No one else does what we do.
As a company, we take pride in a number of things. First are the people who make up Future Energy Solutions. I’m a firm believer that people make businesses, businesses don’t make people. Nowhere is that truer than at FES. Our people are the best, and I’m proud to be their leader. We’re proud of the many awards we’ve won…such as Best Places to Work honors, being named the Fastest Growing Company in South Florida, Business of the year in South Florida, and winning a 2017 Good to Great Award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. This recognition is rewarding in that it shows others see the value in what we do…and how we’re doing it.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve had two very strong, supportive partners throughout my tenure at Future Energy Solutions – our Chairman, Anthony Lyons, and Chief Operating Officer, Simon Conway. Both are my oldest and closest friends in the world, who have helped me transform Future Energy Solutions into a successful business. They helped underwrite the company’s initial funding, allowing the Gold Initiative to be properly implemented and take root. Anthony provided strategic counsel and insight that helped our business model move forward. Simon brought years of successful business venture experience to our team and has been instrumental in overseeing and guiding our global operations. Future Energy Solutions’ success would never have been the success it is without their contributions.
I also owe much of our success to the people of Future Energy Solutions. As I noted earlier, businesses are made stronger and successful by their people. The staff at FES is undeniably our strongest component and a big part of the reason we are successful. What’s the point of hiring great people and then not letting them help you grow? They teach me every day even if I don’t always admit it :).
Contact Info:
- Address: Future Energy Solutions
Prospect Park
5400 NW 35th Avenue,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 - Website: www.feslighting.com
- Phone: 954-714-0300
- Email: info@feslighting.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/feslighting
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureEnergyUS
- Other: www.linkedin.com/company/future-energy-solutions
Image Credit:
Future Energy Solutions
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
