Publish Date: January 13th, 2022

For Namaste Solar, 2021 was a year of growth and investing in our community. We saw once again that the resilience of our cooperative is due to the strength of our people and that when we lean into each other we can overcome the ever-changing landscape and evolving challenges that we face. We decided to spend some time this January talking to some of the employees and co-owners that make up Namaste Solar about their reflections on 2021 and resolutions for 2022. Check out some of the responses below:

Looking back at the past year, what’s the biggest lesson you learned in 2021?

“To not become overwhelmed and paralyzed by things that are out of my control. 2021 was a year of making peace with constant change. It was a challenging lesson that I continue to learn.” - Tatianna Vereschagin, Co-Owner, Residential Service Manager

“The biggest lesson I learned in 2021 is that sometimes it’s OK to just survive, and not necessarily thrive. 2021 was another hard year and I didn’t always have the energy to bring the best version of myself to work or to my relationships. I am learning to be kinder to myself when that is the case.” - Hope Trisler, Co-Owner, Senior Project Development Designer

“One thing I really took away from 2021 was learning the importance of solitude and doing more things for myself. I think it’s important to show yourself love in the way you show others. Giving yourself more time, exercising, reading, eating better, etc. and even doing it alone! We’re stuck with ourselves for the rest of our lives, so if we can focus on making ourselves better, we truly affect the beings around us in a positive way.” - Nina Dillon, Residential Sales Support Specialist

What is one thing that Namaste Solar did in the past year that you are really proud of?

“I’m really proud of the way that individuals and the co-op support others in times of need. Whether it’s just a well-timed hug or the support to take time off, it’s heartwarming to see.” - Arthur Hicks, Co-Owner, Senior Director of Technical Services

“I’m proud of how we supported all of our people with PTO, quarantines, and overall care throughout this past year. We also stayed true to our mission of creating holistic wealth for our community when the co-owners voted for a $50,000  community profit sharing budget.” - Jason Sharpe, Co-Owner, CEO

What is one accomplishment your team had this part year that you were really proud to be a part of?

“Through all of the difficulty and uncertainty of the past year, my team has stayed strong, connected, and continued to embrace a fun-loving team culture, and for that I am grateful and proud.” - Tatianna Vereschagin, Co-Owner, Residential Service Manager

How did you grow personally or professionally in the past year? How did Namaste Solar support that growth?

“In both my personal and professional life, I have been improving my communication skills. Namaste Solar has supported this growth through a job evolution into a leadership role, as well as the opportunity to serve on what is now the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Circle. Although there is still progress to be made, my relationships have strengthened, and I am able to more effectively advocate for myself at work and in life.” - Hope Trisler, Co-Owner, Senior Project Development Designer

“I’ve been eager to do my small part in mitigating the effects of climate change on a professional level for a while. Solar had always been an interest, but I was nervous to change careers and intimidated by all there is to learn. Last August I took the leap and started as the service support coordinator at Namaste Solar, and I haven’t looked back once. Every day I learn something new. The team at Namaste Solar continuously encourages that learning by making schooling accessible and providing a fun and supportive environment to continue growing.” - Aubrey Buchmann, Service Support Coordinator

What’s one goal you have for 2022?

“I’ve lived in Colorado for two years now and this is my first winter with a ski pass. I’m a Texas gal so I never had the opportunity to learn how to snowboard well until now! I’m super excited to get up on the mountains with my friends and snowboard with them.” - Nina Dillon, Residential Sales Support Specialist

“One of my goals for 2022 is to increase job satisfaction and overall joy at Namaste Solar.” - Jason Sharpe, Co-Owner, CEO