How Terrasmart fosters a mission-aligned, diverse, and inclusive workplace
When KC Rose (Sr. Director HR, Cincinnati) joined Terrasmart, it was her first foray into solar. Before that, Rose’s HR experience ranged from consumer products to the media industry, aerospace, defense, government, and biopharmaceuticals. She has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, including Procter and Gamble, Gannett, and L3 Harris.
While Terrasmart has grown steadily since its inception, what stands out to Rose and her wealth of industry chops, is the continued passion Terrasmart employees bring into their jobs. Ultimately distinctive to our brand, Rose notes, is that our teams care deeply about the organization’s success and are equally committed to helping others succeed.
Purpose drives people
At Terrasmart, we hire not just for jobs but for careers. The Terrasmart culture and reputation attract quality professionals who want to be part of innovative solutions, from field technicians to manufacturing, engineers and project managers.
Rose sees a passion for what we do in the renewable space. That same energy holds for the Terrasmart mission “to power our people, partners, and the world forward”. And that by providing leading solar technology and smart solutions, “we help our partners deliver a more powerful future for renewable energy.”
Through Rose’s experience and the skills of our HR team, we are driving better results, investing in our people so they can contribute to the company’s continued growth with the right resources, training, and mentoring. It’s a benchmark that represents the facet of our culture, resulting in employees staying with Terrasmart for as long as 30 years.
Honoring individuals and their families
A positive company culture depends on providing everyone with a clear purpose and acknowledging their value. KC Rose and other team leaders ensure “employees feel that they can bring their whole self to work and that Terrasmart truly cares for both the people’s wellbeing and their development.”
We understand that solar construction for field employees is a demanding lifestyle, with people spending days and weeks on the road away from their families. So, whether it’s increasing engagement or scheduling rotations, the goal is to get these essential construction team members more time at home. We also created “Bleed Green,” a field-based recognition program explicitly designed for those performing exceptionally well at their jobs. Managers submit candidates who excel at their jobs in exceeding project timelines, demonstrate great teamwork, or safety protocols to name a few.
Rose adds, “It’s not just about construction at the end of the day.” Recognition and consideration of time on the road show our employees that they are valued.
Developing a personal connection
Authentic and honest leadership is vital. Terrasmart President, Ed McKiernan, leads community town halls monthly and strives to maintain an open-door policy. Communication keeps employees updated on new initiatives and what’s happening in the broader environment. McKiernan’s adamant honesty in answering all types of questions, even the challenging ones, increases trust and accountability. It makes people feel connected to their leadership, their teams and to Terrasmart as a company.
Rose believes that since employees entrust most of their workday to the company, fostering connection and having fun at work is essential. Team cookouts and holiday meals create opportunities to engage and celebrate our accomplishments to “make sure folks recognize again; it’s more about a family feel than anything else.”
Advocating for industry diversity and inclusion
We’re committed to expanding our diversity and inclusion framework to attract top-tier talent who deliver insight and innovation to the company. Efforts are designed to help boost employee creativity, empathy, and empowerment for marginalized communities. Rose and her team are advancing these initiatives by:
- Partnering with Women in CleanTech and Sustainability
- Increasing its university recruiting programs
- Networking with the local Hispanic Chamber
- The start of mentorship programs for our diverse hi-potentials
Terrasmart is looking to guide and inspire future solar leaders, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and respected. This dedication to people and culture earned Terrasmart designation as one of Cincinnati’s “Great Places to Work” for six consecutive years (2015–2021). Read our story “Leaning Into Diversity and Inclusion in PV Manufacturing” on how a former social worker fosters a uniquely supportive workplace.
People are Terrasmart’s competitive advantage
Terrasmart is more than smart solar solutions. We’re a celebrated company committed to building an inclusive framework from the manufacturing floor to the solar field. Our policies aim to improve diversity and inclusion. Ultimately, this connected workspace creates a uniquely competitive advantage that attracts new talent to join our mission – making solar energy readily available for all.
