
Episode #18
From Coal Country to the White House: Patrick Thompson on the Triple Ps of Sustainability
In this episode of TAG Sustainability Talk, hosts Drew Bacchus and Rick Wrenn sit down with Patrick Thompson, a lifelong conservationist and sustainability executive who has seen the clean energy transition evolve from its earliest days. Patrick shares his unique personal and professional journey, starting from his roots growing up in West Virginia coal country to working as a park ranger, meeting Nancy Reagan, and landing a role at the White House. He also discusses his transition into technology and energy, including the challenges of founding a solar company in Georgia. Tune in as we dive into: The uphill battle of building a solar business in traditional utility markets. Important sustainability lessons Patrick learned from legendary carpet industrialist Ray Anderson. Empowering indigenous communities by teaching solar installation on Navajo land. The ultimate business case for a sustainable future built on the Triple Ps: People, Planet, and Profits. This is a longer episode than usual because there was simply too much good stuff to cut down. We hope you enjoy this deep dive into where the clean energy industry has been and where it is heading next.

