Testimonials

I began working with Spencer and Al during late winter / early spring of 2024.  The goal was to first produce an energy audit which was then used to determine whether my project would qualify for receiving grant money towards new equipment for producing maple syrup.  The goal was two*fold - first to reduce the amount of firewood consumed in producing syrup and second to reduce the number of hours needed in the production of syrup.  A byproduct of using less wood is a third benefit of less time to collect and replace the wood for the following season.  Spencer and Al were very thorough in their interviews and email worksheets to flesh out the finest details about how my operation works.  We were able to come up with a very detailed energy audit which encompassed both energy and labor requirements for boiling sap until it becomes syrup.  With their help I then used the results from the energy audit to apply for two grants which were both awarded.  The net result from two years of working together is a new workflow incorporating insulation in critical areas of my building, replacement of one piece of equipment and the addition of another.  We have reduced our firewood consumption from 6.5 full cords of wood per season to roughly 1.5 full cords per season while only using $39 in electricity.  The time required to produce syrup has fallen by 73% and time to replenish the wood supply for the next season has dropped by 78%.  

Working together has been a joy because it forced me to look at every aspect of how we were using our time and resources.  I couldn't be happier with the outcome, it is exactly what I had hoped for.  I would recommend Al and Spencer in a heartbeat to anyone looking to work on energy efficiency projects and when I begin looking for my next project I know who I will call first.

Gino Venditti
President, STAG Farms
Iron Mountain, MI

My wife Sandy and I began working with Al and Spencer in January 2025 as a result of our involvement with the Michigan Climate Smart Farms Program. That Program included a Certified Farm Energy Audit completed by Al and Spencer in April, 2025. They introduced us to the Agriculture and Rural Business Energy Incentive Program available through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Al and Spencer then completed an application for funding two of the Energy Audit recommendations and in June, 2025 we received approval from EGLE.

The new irrigation water well and variable speed drive pump were completed in August 2025.   This provided the farm with higher irrigation water pumping capacity and increased energy efficiency.

The new solar array was completed and put into operation at the beginning of October, 2025.   Through the winter months the solar array has provided approximately 40% of the farm’s energy needs. During the summer, when the sun is higher in the sky, we expect the array to provide up to 85%.

Working with Al and Spencer has been very enjoyable and educational throughout this process. I am very happy with the results of the energy audit and their help preparing the application for EGLE funding.

Sandy and Bob Potter
Owners, Tuckers Farm
Temperance, MI