Editor’s Note; This is the second in our series focusing on the Clean Tech Open Semi-Finalists from Colorado. Last week we introduced you to CleanCoal Briquette and today we’re talking with Gordon Heinrich, CEO, of Braxis Energy based in Durango.

Companies from the Rocky Mountains are competing for three regional prizes of cash and services worth $50,000, with winners to be announced November 2nd. A total of 64 early-stage start-ups in the Rocky Mountain region participated in this year’s competition from a variety of clean tech categories: companies as varied as those creating biofuels from waste to transportation companies working to create more efficient engines.  Now, the competition is down to a handful of Semi-Finalists, including Braxis Energy.

Colorado Energy News: When did your company go from being a “concept” to reality and what was the inspiration behind it?

Gordon Heinrich: Braxis Energy has actually been offering energy efficiency and renewable energy consulting services for the several years. During the course of our work we found that some of the most significant energy savings came from people simply being more aware of their energy usage and changing their behavior.  This is true for residential as well as commercial settings.  While a number of companies are focused on helping people save energy at home, there has been little focus on empowering occupants of commercial buildings to do the same. Since commercial buildings account for 20% of the energy used and carbon emissions in the U.S., we decided to address the problem head on with the Energy and Carbon Reduction SaaS project.

Our web-based solution empowers people to save energy and reduce carbon and informing and engaging them to be part of the solution. The system is implemented quickly, yields energy savings of 10% - 30% and pays for itself within the first year.

CEN: Who are the principals of Braxis Energy?

Heinrich: I’ve had more 25 years of technology development, consulting and professional services including energy efficiency. I worked at venture funded start-ups and established companies such as Inktomi (Yahoo!), Nomadic Systems, N.E.T. and First Consulting Group. Our Chief Technology Officer, Jeff Vierling, has more than 15 years of product development and management experience at start-ups and established companies including Microsoft, Syndicom, Kivanet

CEN: What has been the biggest challenge for you to this point?

Heinrich: The biggest challenge has been access to seed capital. The investment community is not as venturesome as they used to be in this economy.

CEN: And the most gratifying?

Heinrich: The acceptance of our solution. We’ve secured two pilot customers and a world-class advisory committee.

CEN: What are your goals for the company in the short-term and where would you like your organization to be five years from now?

Heinrich: We are currently looking for seed capital to develop and pilot Version 1.0 of our solution. Within five years we anticipate revenues exceeding $20 mllion and to have reduced carbon emissions by 1.2 million metric tons.

CEN: How do you see your business fitting into the New Energy Economy?

Heinrich: We are addressing the largest users of energy: people. They have a real impact on reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, people need to change everyday behavior and break energy habits.  Braxis Energy will offer the expertise and tools to enable people to change their habits.

CEN: Why Durango?

Heinrich: I located Braxis Energy in Durango because the excellent life style and abundant solar potential.

CEN:  Some of us have enjoyed single track adventures in your neck of the woods, so we completely understand. Thanks for your time, Gordon, and good luck on November 2nd!

Heinrich:  Your’re welcome!

Contact Info:

Braxis Energy, Inc.
Gordon Heinrich
gordon@braxisenergy.com
970 403-5558
www.braxisenergy.com