American Solar and Roofing, based in Phoenix, Arizona, stands as a pioneer in the solar energy industry. Established in 2001 as the original solar installer in the region, the company has consistently evolved to meet the needs of its residential and commercial clients. To ensure exceptional quality, they acquired a roofing license in 2008, cementing their commitment to craftsmanship and durability. Today, with nearly 25 years of experience, the company continues to lead in solar innovation and customer service.
Why Solar Makes Sense
Solar energy is often met with skepticism, but the long-standing success of American Solar and Roofing proves its viability. Solar offers an immediate return on investment (ROI) for many homeowners, especially in states like Arizona, where energy savings start from day one. With systems typically paying for themselves within 7–9 years and lasting upwards of 30 years, solar is both a cost-effective and environmentally conscious choice. Additionally, studies show that installing solar panels can increase a home’s value, making it a wise decision even for short-term homeowners.
The Solar Industry: Challenges and Comebacks
While the solar industry has faced challenges, such as policy shifts those exposed inefficiencies, it is now in a period of growth and recovery. American Solar and Roofing expects a resurgence in the residential market by 2026. Commercial and utility-scale projects continue to thrive, with increasing adoption rates nationwide. These trends highlight the industry’s resilience and the critical role of renewable energy in addressing climate change.
Leadership Built on Vision and Adaptability
Joy Seitz, CEO of American Solar and Roofing, brings a unique perspective to her leadership role. With a background in government relations, she joined the company in 2009 and transitioned to CEO in 2014. Her ability to focus on long-term goals while navigating daily operational challenges has been a driving force behind the company’s success.
One of her key strengths is maintaining a forward-thinking approach, looking 8–10 years ahead rather than getting bogged down by immediate issues. This mindset has allowed her to lead the company through significant challenges while staying committed to its mission of delivering high-quality solar solutions.
Embracing the EOS Framework
A transformative moment in Joy’s leadership journey came with the adoption of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). This framework helped her recognize her role as a visionary rather than an operations-focused leader. By identifying and leveraging her strengths, she could focus on strategy and innovation while entrusting the day-to-day operations to her team.
Finding the right “integrator”—a counterpart who ensures operational efficiency—was a journey of trial and self-discovery. It required her to shed preconceived notions about what leadership should look like and embrace her own capabilities. Today, she credits this approach with not only improving her leadership but also unlocking the full potential of her team.
Lessons for Aspiring Leaders
Joy’s experience offers valuable insights for business leaders:
Know Your Strengths: Embrace your unique skills and focus on roles that align with your abilities.
Trust Your Team: Delegate responsibilities to team members who excel in areas where you may not.
Stay Focused on the Future: Avoid getting mired in day-to-day challenges; keep your eyes on long-term goals.
Adopt Proven Frameworks: Tools like EOS can provide structure and clarity, helping leaders balance vision with execution.
A Bright Future for Solar
Under Joy’s leadership, American Solar and Roofing continues to thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving market. By combining innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence, the company remains a beacon for both solar energy adoption and effective leadership.
As the solar industry grows, American Solar and Roofing’s story serves as a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership in creating lasting impact. To learn more about Joy Seitz’s journey on Women in Motion, click this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/joy-seitz/ and visit her website at www.americansolarandroofing.com.
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
