Buffalo Business First: 2013 Most Admired Companies

December 20 – 26, 2013
By Donna Collins

Leading by Example
Western New York has countless talented and tireless individuals who do everything they can to maximize the potential of their individual workplaces and the community at large. These individual stars are the building blocks of successful thriving companies – and we have hundreds, if not thousands, of those. Throughout the year, Business First recognizes those star companies through a variety of publications and award programs, from the Book of Lists to Fast Track Companies to Best Places to Work and Top Private Companies.

To close the year, we’re doing something different. We asked our readers to make suggestions and nominations. We examined them all, considering company growth, success as an employer and connection with the local community. And now we’re proud to share with you our list of Western New York’s Most Admired Companies.

The information that follows was provided by officials from each company and edited by Business First for length and clarity. All photos were supplied by the company.

Solar Liberty Energy Systems, Inc.
CEO’s: Adam Rizzo, Nathan Rizzo
Info.: 6500 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221, solarliberty.com
Founded: 2003
Revenues: $25 million
WNY employees: 50

Overview: Solar Liberty is the largest solar electric installer in New York state. The company installs grid-tied photovoltaic solar energy systems for government, nonprofit, education, commercial and residential customers. The company takes tremendous pride in promoting cleaning renewable energy in Western New York and across the state.

Growth: The company invests in employees through a training program that includes courses at local universities and off-site training with supply-chain partners. Outside mastering core responsibilities, employees continually improve by learning all aspects of the solar process, from groundbreaking solar technologies to installation.

Contributions to WNY: Solar Liberty has donated and installed more than 100 solar systems at K-12 schools, colleges and universities, social service organizations, community groups, cultural institutions and government entities in Western New York. The installations total more than 3 megawatts of solar power and hundreds of thousands of dollars saved over the lifetime of the systems.

Innovations: Solar Liberty is driven to be the most innovative, value-driven solar electric provider in the state. By inventing, designing and manufacturing a patented mounting system, solar installations are completed in record time, resulting in tremendous savings.

Civic giveback: The company supports the Solar Liberty Foundation which works closely with local agencies to donate and install solar electricity to those most in need of power. Many of our employees give thousands of volunteer hours to local nonprofits such as St. Vincent de Paul Society, Junior League of Buffalo and the Boys & Girls Club.

Click here to view the “Most Admired Companies” list in its entirety.
Rick Maloney, Web Editor – Business First