LIVE from RE+ Las Vegas! In Episode 3 of The Solar Coaster Podcast, we sat down with Vladimir Marchenko, CEO & Co-Founder of Wolf River Electric, to capture the inspiring story of how one man’s vision grew into one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing renewable energy companies.

What began in a Minnesota basement has transformed into a 100% employee-owned enterprise serving five states, with Wolf River Electric becoming a trusted name in commercial and industrial solar solutions.

Building Wolf River Electric: The Entrepreneurial Dream

Vladimir’s journey is the ultimate entrepreneurial story. With over a decade of experience in the energy sector and a degree in Business Management, he took a bold leap into renewable energy.

His formula for growth?

• Employee ownership. By making the company 100% employee-owned, Wolf River has fostered unmatched loyalty and accountability.

• Expanding footprint. From residential installs in Minnesota to large-scale commercial and industrial projects across five states.

• Customer empowerment. Helping businesses and homeowners achieve true energy independence while making sense of complex incentive programs.

A Leadership Philosophy Shaped by Hockey

One of the most fascinating parts of Vladimir’s story is how his junior hockey background shaped his leadership style.

Teamwork, adaptability, and foresight are the principles he carried from the ice into the boardroom. His philosophy is rooted in:

• Collaboration. Success comes from playing as a team, not as individuals.

• Inclusion. Every employee has a stake in Wolf River’s success.

• Foresight. Anticipating industry challenges and pivoting quickly when markets shift.

This mindset has created a culture where innovation thrives, and employees feel empowered to take ownership—literally and figuratively.

Innovation in Commercial and Industrial Solar

Under Vladimir’s leadership, Wolf River Electric has become a leading provider of commercial and industrial solar projects.

Key areas of expertise include:

• Designing systems for factories, warehouses, schools, and multifamily properties

• Integrating incentive programs and navigating regulatory hurdles

• Delivering projects that balance financial performance with sustainability goals

At the heart of every project is the mission to help customers reduce dependence on traditional utilities while securing long-term savings.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation

• Entrepreneurship is a team sport. Building a company requires the same discipline and collaboration as playing hockey.

• Employee ownership fuels growth. When employees are stakeholders, performance and innovation accelerate.

• Energy independence is achievable. With the right guidance, businesses and homeowners can unlock the full benefits of renewable energy.

Listen to the Full Episode

If you’d like to hear Vladimir Marchenko’s full story and insights, tune into this week’s episode of The Solar Coaster Podcast.