We snagged some time with Rob Martens after a lead partner lunch to talk about some of his favorite things.

(Profiled 6/16/11) 

Throughout his life, Rob’s career aspirations were related to technology and engineering, he says of his current work with his solar energy company that “it just sort of all came together.” Even in college, Rob had a unique interest in technology and renewable energy. For his senior research thesis at Miami University, Rob wrote a critical analysis of the United States Energy program. Although he experienced many fascinating curves in his career path such as his work as an engineer in the Navy, working with Lincoln Electric, his work with dot com startups in the 1990s, and working in e-business consulting with Key Next, a subsidiary of Key Bank, Rob confessed that his solar energy design and installation company is something he would love to continue doing for the rest of his life. He noted, “I love creating things and every system we make is a new, different, and unique design… I am an action-oriented person and in this business I feel like I am doing something positive, really getting things done.”

As the Lead Partner for the engagement with Family Connections, Rob shared some insight. Of being a Lead Partner, Rob professed, “It can be scary; the responsibility is really on you”. He noted, though, that the support from other Lead Partners and speaking with CSVP Partner, Kevin Shaw, in particular, was a great resource in helping him feel more confident about the potential success of his work. When asked his favorite aspect about being involved in CSVP, Rob replied “the engaged people” and their commitment to strong philanthropic work in the Cleveland community.

Rob beamed while speaking about his family, sharing the accomplishments of his three children. Claire will be in 7^th grade this fall. His son, Charlie, who is 16, will attend the High Mountain Institute, a program geared towards rigorous academics and the cultivation of leadership skills in Leadville, CO. His eldest daughter, Claire, will attend Berkeley as a first-year student in the fall.

Rob revealed that he enjoys hobbies such as cycling, photography, and traveling. He will soon take a trip to Greece, Turkey, and Italy!