FLS Management
Michael Shore, MCE, MS, CEO.
Michael is an expert on the renewable energy certificate market, and he played a leading role in crafting the law to make North Carolina the first state in the Southeast to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard. He has worked for two decades on energy and environmental issues, and has written extensively on sustainability topics. He served on the US Department of Energy’s Efficiency Leadership Group and was a founding board member of NC GreenPower. Michael has also advised both Duke Energy and Progress Energy on efficiency and renewables, and he has been trained in ISO 14000 environmental management systems. He has a Masters in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University and a second Masters in Environmental Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dale Freudenberger, President. 
Dale is a founding partner of FLS Energy and has
overseen its growth from 3 employees in 2006 to 50 employees today. As
the head of operations, he manages the installation of solar energy systems and
design development. His innovative work has received critical acclaim
from business owners, engineers and architects. He oversaw the
development of the solar energy system atop the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro,
the first LEED Platinum-certified hotel in America. Dale is also a
nationally certified solar energy designer/installer (NABCEP), and serves on
advisory boards for Western Carolina University’s Electrical and Computer
Engineering Technology Program and the University of North Carolina Energy
Frontier Research Center’s Industrial Advisory Board. Dale is also a
popular speaker at solar conferences across the country.
J. Hardy LeGwin, Founding Partner, Chairman - Board of Directors. 
Hardy is a premier designer of
large-scale solar energy systems. After serving as a rescue pilot and
commander in the US Coast Guard, he began his second career as a
building designer, with a focus on energy efficiency. He created his
first active solar energy system in 1983. In 2006, he designed one of
the largest solar hot water projects in the nation on a LEED Certified
Platinum hotel in North Carolina, and this project was featured in the
New York Times. Hardy has published two volumes on construction
specifications, which are still carried by the National Association of
Home Builders. Hardy has earned certificates of completion from Solar
Energy International in coursework on advanced photovoltaic design.
Brownie Newman, Vice President, Director of Financed Projects. 
Brownie has over a decade of experience working to
promote clean, renewable energy in North Carolina. As the former
Executive Director of the WNC Alliance and a two-term member of the
Asheville City Council, he has been a leader for environmental and
economic sustainability in the region. Brownie began working as a
project consultant for FLS Energy in 2007. In 2008 he organized FLS
Energy Finance to serve as the financing arm for FLS solar projects. FLS
Energy Finance provides businesses and organizations with a range of
financing options to help make solar energy user-friendly and
affordable. Brownie grew up on a working farm in the Blue Ridge
Mountains and holds a BA in Political Science from Warren Wilson
College.
Chris Dunbar, Director of Operations. 
Chris has worked in the
construction industry for the past 10 years, including work as an Army
Sergeant with the 844th
Construction Battalion during the Iraq war. After returning from the
war, Chris became a project manager for a steel company working with
local architects, builders, and engineers to successfully incorporate
structural and architectural steel details into their jobs. Chris was
excited to come on board at FLS Energy and take on the challenge of
helping a young company become successful. When not at work, you’ll
find Chris hunting, or spending time with his wife, daughter and friends
on their farm.
Cara Applegate, CPA, Controller.
Cara couples her extensive background in construction and
commercial real estate accounting with a passion for the company’s mission of
making solar energy mainstream. After graduating from St. Louis University with
degrees in French, Spanish, and International Studies, Cara happened into the
world of accounting and worked her way through continuing education at the
University of North Carolina - Asheville, obtaining her Certified Public
Accountant certification in February 2010. She routinely demonstrates her
commitment to lightening her impact on the earth by commuting to work via
bicycle. She lives in Black Mountain with her husband Andy and their pets: two
cats and thousands of bees.
Jess joined the FLS Energy team in the summer of 2008 after working in the construction industry for four years as an Inspection and Repairs Manager for an experiential education organization in Massachusetts. Prior to that she worked for Outward Bound for seven years as Lead Sailing Instructor and Bo'sun. She joins the FLS Energy team with an MBA from Babson College and a degree in Architectural Studies from HWS in Upstate NY. After living in New England, CO, FL and NY, she has decided to call North Carolina home. At FLS Energy, Jess leads FLS Solar Technologies and oversees all Intellectual Property Development. Jess lives in Asheville with her husband and co-worker, Tal Ingram, their new daughter, and dog Cooper.
Grant began his work with First Light Solar in 2008. He has brought to First Light Solar a clear focus: build a residential and light commercial solar installation company that provides professionalism, craftsmanship and service for each client. Hailing from Seattle, WA, Grant moved to Asheville in 2004 and began work with Mars Hill College, where he created their Outdoor Center and Cycling Team. Grant then utilized his passion for business development to help build Immersion Fitness and Platinum Payroll Solutions. Through his work at First Light Solar, Grant is applying his business know-how with his care for the environment to create a cleaner world. “I love working with First Light,” says Grant. “I spend every working day surrounded by people with passion, positive energy and motivation. I am committed to being part of the First Light team.” Grant is currently the president of Asheville Young Professionals and spends his free time cycling, hiking with his dog, and playing music with his wife Sarah.
