Andrew Kruse

Senior Vice President for Business Development, Southwest Wind Power

For over 20 years, Southwest Wind Power has been producing low-cost reliable battery charging small wind generators for rural areas around the world. Over the course of two decades, Senior Vice President for Business Development Andrew (Andy) Kruse along with co-founder and company president David Calley have grown their business into the worlds leading manufacturer of small wind turbines. Working with the Department of Commerce to expand their markets, the Small Business Administration for expansion capital and the Export/Import Bank to assist the company with its distributors, they have produced over 140,000 units that can be found in 120 countries.

Based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Southwest Wind Power's small turbine systems are used to pump clean water, light schools, clinics and power telecommunication towers for cell phones. They are also found on sailboats, remote monitoring stations, remote cabins and offshore platforms. With a distribution network in 88 countries, they are a leader in creating "green collar jobs" as the company distributes its products through a dealer network across the county. They train 30-50 new dealers per month. Over 300 dealers have gone through the program and are building new small businesses, largely in rural areas.

With several best selling products already on the market, in 2006 the company introduced the Skystream 3.7. A revolutionary new wind system, it was developed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy and is the first small wind generator designed specifically for utility-connected residential and commercial use. Since entering the market, the Skystream 3.7 has helped vault the Southwest Wind Power's sales from $8 million in 2006 to $25 million in 2008. About 45% of that being international sales.

As vice president for business development, Andy has traveled to over 70 counties promoting the use of wind power generators and has grown the company's international market through his efforts. He has written numerous articles on renewable energy relating to market development and received a number of awards relating to his company's success. He sits on several advisory boards supporting renewable energy market development and is currently the Chari of the Small Wind Committee with the American Wind Energy Association.