4 minutes with… Warren Nevad, Director, TREEDC

Tell us about your company and it’s role in the Advanced Bioeconomy.

TREEDC is a statewide grassroots organization of 96 Tennessee mayors who work together to create a path to help fast track renewables in Tennessee since 2008. We are now replicating our approach with universities and cities in the Philippines through our Tennessee technology providers. Our website address is www.treedc.us

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

For the next 12 months, we will be focusing on generating business development opportunities in the advanced bioeconomy in the Philippines for our Tennessee and U.S. technology providers through our trade mission in the Philippines from July 14 – 30 2015 and our 2nd Annual International renewable Energy Conference in Cookeville, Tennessee on October 11 – 13, 2015.

Our goals are to take advantage of the Philippines recent implementation of its 2008 Renewable Energy Law to help incentivize U.S technology and to help provide Philippine citizens with energy and better air quality. We also hope to bring more reliable and affordable energy to our Philippine members. Hopefully, with continued success in the Philippines and Tennessee, we can build other chapters worldwide.

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

It’s all about consistent government policy and incentives so that investors can invest with certainty. The uncertainty of policies and government regulations erode investor confidence.

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the Advanced Bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you?  

I saw it as an opportunity for rural communities to benefit through the development of feedstocks. They are an important cog in the wheel.

Where are you from? 

Boynton Beach, Florida. I have an extensive background in local government management serving in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.

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

Bachelors in Business Administration in Industrial Relations from the University of Georgia

Who do you consider your mentors – could be personal, business, or just people you have read about and admire. What have you learned from them?

I grew up watching my Dad sell his security and ambulatory services to organizations in Florida. He never directly asked for anything ” he always just showed up and developed the relationship first before engaging in business. I always wanted to be a super salesman like my father. I learned through these experiences that following up with people on a consistent basis was the key to delivering results. It is the same way in dealing with city officials ” you need to follow up with them and don’t try to sell them anything ” just let it happen. I learned from former University of Tennessee President Dr. Joe Johnson the 5 steps you need to develop when it comes to fundraising: 1) Invite someone to an event; 2) Involve them ” request prospective member to speak at a forum; 3) Inform them of your mission; 4) Cultivate the relationship then the last phase is to 5) Ask for interest in being a member.

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

People are always watching how you handle adversity – if you handle it right – they will respect you even more. Adversity makes you appreciate success because you know that you have keep the fortitude to persevere through any situation.

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

Hiking and watching college football – that is a requirement in the South

What are 3 books you’d want to have with you, if you were stranded on a desert island

I guess they would have to be fishing related books so I could catch more fish.

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

My tastes seem to change – now I like to visit any city with warm weather.