Interview: VP, Strategic Sales
Over the course of Byron’s storied career, he’s worked in just about every corner of the energy sector, even selling electricity plans door to door. Today, Byron’s service-focused mindset ensures Nantum AI is meeting the ever-growing expectations of our most important clients.
What’s your role at Nantum AI?
I am the VP, Strategic Sales. I'm responsible for net new business growth within Nantum AI. The strategic aspect comes with how our product operates in different asset types.
How did you first hear about Nantum AI and what drew you into the sustainable technology industry?
During my career in and around the energy sector, I began to notice the need for disruption in commercial real estate when it comes to climate tech and energy-focused software-as-a-service solutions. After meeting with and learning about Nantum, I felt like this is where the entire industry needed to be.
What’s the most rewarding part of working at Nantum AI?
Being able to learn from various departments on so many subjects like coding, front-end programming, back-end programming, cloud computing, onboarding, machine learning, the value of software as a service, and how it all operates within physical assets and entire portfolios.
“If you don’t have a solution like Nantum in 5-10 years that has future-proofed your buildings, you’re going to be behind the curve.”
— BYRON AVERY, VP, STRATEGIC SALES
Where do you see this industry in 5-10 years?
Just within the past two years, I’ve seen a dramatic shift in the way commercial real estate stakeholders are approaching innovative technologies. The pandemic’s effect on the built environment, combined with the dramatic environmental impacts related to climate change has created an immediate need for solutions like Nantum OS. It’s more of a requirement now, rather than a “nice-to-have.” Whether it’s complying with local legislative requirements, increasing asset valuation, or incentives from the lending side—all areas of real estate are buying into ESG and innovation. Long story short, if you don’t have a solution like Nantum in 5-10 years that’s driving tangible energy savings and future-proofing your real estate portfolio, you’re already behind the curve. Companies are going to get hit with fines, thereby driving profit margins down. Shareholders will be unhappy and if you can’t capture and leverage building data to meet science-based climate targets, your tenants are going to be unhappy too.
If there is such a thing, what’s an average day at Nantum AI like?
I spend most of my time connecting with clients, learning what their goals are and how Nantum can help achieve those goals. And not just in the short term. In the long-term, we help our clients operate buildings more effectively and provide them with the information they need to improve day-to-day operations and the performance of their assets.
What does your family think you do?
They think I'm saving the world by selling a Nest thermostat for big office buildings.
What advice would you give a young student considering a career in sustainable technology?
Focus on what type of mechanical equipment and subsystems can be integrated to achieve solutions. Making sure mechanical systems and physical parameters are optimized increases the efficacy of software solutions like Nantum.
