Company Name: Radiance Solar
Location: Marietta, Georgia
Year Founded: 2007
Website: radiancesolar.com
Radiance Solar, a solar energy company based in Marietta, Georgia, has been named a 2024 CO—100 Honoree in the Culture Champion category.
Since its founding in 2007, Radiance Solar has completed over 350 solar projects, including installations for high-profile clients like IKEA, Anheuser-Busch, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Owned and operated by Bravo Infrastructure Group (BIG), Radiance Solar has been driven by a focus on delivering unparalleled service and value while cultivating a workplace culture that further drives its success.
Building a culture of connection and engagement
Radiance Solar prides itself on its workplace culture, which is considered the company's "cornerstone of success."
"We've cultivated a workplace environment that not only attracts top talent but also retains employees who are deeply committed to our business and its goals," explained Steve Newby, CEO and Owner of BIG. "This rich and rewarding culture is built on a foundation of open communication, shared values, and a sense of community."
One standout practice is using internal company newsletters, which go beyond sharing typical company news.
"By highlighting employee achievements, sharing stories about ongoing projects, and providing updates on company goals, we ensure that every team member feels informed and valued," said Newby.
Radiance Solar also introduced a unique feature to its workplace: office dogs. These furry companions contribute to a positive atmosphere, reducing stress and encouraging camaraderie among employees.
"Employees look forward to coming to work, knowing they'll be greeted by wagging tails and friendly faces," said Newby. "This practice has been particularly beneficial in attracting potential recruits who value a work environment that prioritizes well-being and work-life balance."
In addition to these initiatives, Radiance Solar goes out of its way to create opportunities for connection and community-building through things like interdepartmental lunches and friendly "competitions."
"There are trophies floating around the office for things like Fantasy Football Winner, March Madness Champion, and the annual chili cook-off," said Newby. "We try to hang … pictures up around the office … to show people who work there now and who worked there in the past, [which] gives a sense of community."
By creating a family-like atmosphere, the company has seen a significant improvement in teamwork and collaboration across the board
Strengthening bonds through collaboration
Radiance Solar recognizes that social interactions outside of work tasks are crucial for building strong relationships among team members.
"We organize regular company get-togethers, including team-building activities, social outings, and celebratory events," explained Newby. "These gatherings provide opportunities for employees to connect on a personal level, break down departmental silos, and develop a stronger sense of camaraderie. We're looking to curate shared experiences; that's what makes people form bonds."
By creating a family-like atmosphere, the company has seen a significant improvement in teamwork and collaboration across the board. Employees who feel personally connected to their colleagues are more likely to stay with the company and contribute to a positive work environment — and that's something that can't be forced.
"Sometimes you just have to set the scene and let things play out how they will," Newby told CO—. "People want to create their own memories. No one really remembers the run-of-the-mill greenfield solar project that they did last year, but they do remember the time we all went to paintball and Ryan hit Naweed six times coming around the corner."
Driving innovation through employee investment
Radiance Solar's culture also emphasizes professional growth and innovation.
"This year, we hired a new team member with an MBA to spearhead our big data initiatives," said Newby. "We have dubbed her the 'Data Czar,' and she has the authority to add new metrics to our daily job reports generated by our field teams."
With the enhanced data capabilities of this dedicated team member, Radiance Solar can generate pricing faster, create more accurate daily work plans, and provide customers with data-backed labor rates.
"When our sales team can confidently state, 'Our pile-driving team averages 71 foundations per day, per team,' clients recognize our precision and reliability," Newby said. "Conversely, when negotiating with customers aiming to reduce prices, we can firmly assert the accuracy of our labor rates, supported by over half a million data points accumulated from years of projects."
Radiance Solar also strives to give team members as much autonomy as possible, since not everyone works the same or processes information the same way. Newby noted that ideas from employees are often implemented companywide to help everyone work more efficiently.
"We get a lot of 'hacks' from our construction teams just because they were looking for an easier, more efficient way of doing something in the field," added Newby. "When we see a good idea, we want to embrace it and reward the person who came up with it. When someone sees their idea get put into practice, it's pretty rewarding for them, and they tell people about it, creating more innovation."
The culture-building efforts and strong camaraderie among Radiance Solar team members have translated into numerous client successes. In this environment, people pull together when there is a challenge and go the extra mile to help each other and the business reach its goals.
"It's not a nameless corporate overlord that is asking you to stay a little late tonight or to shift your workload around to get something across the line, it's Rob from procurement who needs your help," said Newby. "It's Mike from sales who comes to you, hat in hand, to tell you that he missed a detail and he needs your team to get something done with a really quick turnaround. Because it's about doing the work for the person who is battling right alongside of you."
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