Energized
I’m Ian Christianson, a 17-year-old entrepreneur who’s not waiting around for life to happen. I’m on a mission to build my dream lifestyle, and the best way I know how is by learning directly from the people who’ve done it—those who’ve built empires, conquered setbacks, and turned their vision into reality.
This podcast isn’t about sugarcoating success. It’s about real conversations with people who’ve faced the same struggles we all do and found a way through. It’s about taking their lessons and applying them, step by step, to our own journeys.
If you’re someone who’s ready to take control, escape the average, and start creating a life on your terms, this podcast is for you. I’m not here to inspire you; I’m here to share the playbook so we can all level up together, and build a life worth living.
Energized
The Future of Energy Usage: Fossil Fuels vs. Renewables with Ed Birch
Ed Birch, principal of the Strategic Energy Group and owner of the Birch Consulting Group, shares his background in manufacturing and consulting. He discusses his experience in various industries, including food processing, salad dressing, and packaging. Birch explains his work in energy efficiency and the development of a continuous improvement process that focuses on behavior change. He also discusses the future of energy usage and the role of fossil fuels and renewables. Birch emphasizes the importance of safety in manufacturing and the need for proper training and management. He shares his journey into management and consulting and the challenges he has faced in turning around struggling companies. In this conversation, Ed Birch discusses his experience in the energy efficiency industry and the challenges and successes he has encountered. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the culture of an organization and the need for behavior change to achieve energy savings. Birch also shares his insights on starting a business and the key factors that contribute to its success. He highlights the significance of building relationships with customers and the utility, as well as the value of education and continuous learning. Finally, Birch reflects on his personal regrets and offers advice to the younger generation.
Ed Birch has a diverse background in manufacturing and consulting, with experience in various industries.
He has developed a continuous improvement process that focuses on behavior change and energy efficiency.
Birch discusses the future of energy usage and the role of fossil fuels and renewables.
He emphasizes the importance of safety in manufacturing and the need for proper training and management. Understanding the culture of an organization is crucial for implementing energy efficiency measures.
Behavior change is essential for achieving energy savings.
Building relationships with customers and the utility is important for business success.
Education and continuous learning are valuable for personal and professional growth.
Regrets can arise from prioritizing work over personal relationships.
The younger generation should focus on conservative viewpoints and getting back to basics.