10 minutes with Troy Von Otnott
Name:
Troy A. Von Otnott
Position at SCS:
Founder and President
Hometown:
Native New Orleanian. Troy was raised in Uptown New Orleans and currently resides on the Faubourg Marigny Riverfront. Troy is proud to practice what he preaches by living in an eco-friendly condominium renovated with bamboo flooring, efficient lighting, concrete counters, EnergyStar appliances, low-flow faucets/showers and a programmable thermostat. He is actively promoting the idea of solar power to his fellow condominium owners.
Background:
Troy is a U.S. Army Veteran trained both in Finance and Nuclear/Biological/Chemical Warfare. Troy spent the last ten years in New Orleans serving as a real estate development consultant with developers on mixed use projects and has served as a business consultant for clients including the New Orleans Arts Tourism Partnership, the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation.
Education:
Cumberland University (US Army College)
Business/Marketing
What he brings to the SCS team:
Troy’s experience with both commercial and residential real estate gives him a unique perspective on the types of projects that can utilize solar energy systems. Troy recently lobbied for the increase in solar system size restriction from 100 kW to 300 kW, and assisted the State Department of Revenue Solar Legislation Rules Committee to improve language allowing for widespread adoption of solar energy systems. In addition to his involvement with the development of the renewable energy industry in Louisiana, Troy has worked diligently since Hurricane Katrina to create a new business model for FEMA that privatizes temporary housing for post disaster areas throughout the United States. He created specifications and helped design the country’s first EnergyStar temporary housing unit, constructed by Forest River, Inc., a large housing manufacturer based in Indiana.
Why South Coast Solar?
Troy founded South Coast Solar in January 2008 with the goal of helping New Orleanians build greener and more energy-efficient than before. The creation of the State of Louisiana’s renewable energy tax credits led to the formation of the company. The objective is to ensure locals will lead the effort to create green jobs in the new sustainable design and construction industry.
Best thing about growing up in Southeast Louisiana:
Coming to the understanding that most natives are genuinely nice people who really know how to enjoy their lives. The motto “work hard…play hard” comes to mind.
For fun?
Spending time with my friends, traveling, going to New Orleans Saints games, exercising at the Elmwood Fitness Center, watching Ultimate Fighting Championships, and snow skiing.
Why he’ll never leave NOLA:
Family, friends, food, Da Saints, and to make sure New Orleans gets rebuilt as smart and green as possible.
His passion:
Animals, especially his best friend Sable, a beautiful 9-year old female Doberman Pinscher with loveable floppy ears.
How he gives back to the community:
Troy is on the committee of the 2008 LA/SPCA Howing Success Fundraiser, and co-chair of the Sponsor committee. He’s a Board Member Nominee for LA Clean Tech, Louisiana’s clean energy public policy advocate, and a member of the Regional Planning Commission and MWH Louisiana Regional Sustainable Development Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
