4 minutes with…Sam Jackson, VP, Business Development, Genera Energy

Tell us about your organization and it’s role in the advanced bioeconomy.

Genera Energy Inc. supplies biomass feedstocks for the advanced biofuels, biopower, and biochemical industries, offering customized biomass supply solutions ranging from full service energy crop production and turnkey supply chains to managing biomass supply as a service.

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.

At Genera, we are continuing to focus on the commercialization of biomass supply chains for the industry. Working with our customers, we continue to strive for sustainable, economic feedstock solutions for each project.

Regardless of the conversion technology or end product, the biomass must still be produced in an economic and environmentally sound method for the industry to be successful. I believe that the innovations we have developed over the last few years and those that are on the horizon will make energy crops and crop residues be more and more attractive economic propositions.

Increasing efficiency in our operations, reducing risk, and ultimately reducing costs are our primary goals now. Our supply chains work now and they are only going to get better!

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?

I believe that the “proof is in the pudding” so to speak. As the first commercial biorefineries come online, their performance will be telling and will either propel or slow the industry. In addition to the stover refineries, we need to see success with energy crops as well. We need to see continued success in bioproducts and biochemicals too!

Where are you from? 

I grew up on a beef cattle and timber farm in the mountains of eastern West Virginia, a great place to experience the outdoors, farm life, and rural America!

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway?

My undergraduate major was Wildlife and Fisheries Science at the University of Tennessee. The school has a strong program in that field and great faculty that got me interested in the work! I chose that field of study as I grew up in the outdoors and at the time, thought I wanted to be a biologist or wildlife law enforcement officer.

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?

Don’t panic. Continue forward. Keep your head down and do what is right, regardless of the current consequences. Ultimately, if you do what is right, what you are good at, you will come out ahead, both in business and life.

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry? 

I like to garden, growing a wide range of vegetables each year. I enjoy anything outdoors, but especially hunting and trout fishing. My six-year old son keeps my wife and I busy, so a lot of my time is committed to Legos too!

What 3 books would you take to read, if stranded on a desert island?

The Bible
A Boy Scout handbook! Some good survival info in there!
A Calvin and Hobbes comic book. I’ll need some laughs while I am there!

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?

I finally got around to reading Good to Great by Jim Collins. It was an excellent book for anyone in private business and very motivational.
I also recently read An Astronaut’s Guide to Life by Chris Hadfield. Another excellent motivational read to be your best and prepared for anything!

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?

My family and I enjoy travelling, period. There are lots of places that we enjoy visiting! Anytime we can explore a new place, that is a great trip!