Powered by People: Bernie Dugan, Senior Technical Specialist

Powered by People, April 2025

"Powered by People" is a  blog series profiling the team members who make our impactful energy solutions possible. 

In this installment, we are spotlighting Bernie Dugan, a key member or our technical sales team. Bernie joined HCI Energy soon after its inception in 2016!

What do you do at HCI Energy?

I provide technical support to the sales department, helping solve customer challenges with the tools and expertise provided by our Engineering team. 

What brought you here originally?

I worked with Ray Ansari (Founder of HCI) at a previous job. He was laid off about six months before I was. When I was laid off, I called him and he hired me immediately. I started the next morning at 8 a.m.

What are you working on, and why is this important?

I’m currently focused on assembling hybrid energy solutions using HCI’s existing technology. If those solutions aren’t put together on time, it can derail the sales process.

Describe your most rewarding work experience to date.

I take extreme pride anytime I solve a long-term customer problem opening the way for a successful sale.

What is the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had? 

Being self-employed was a unique experience. Every day, I had to learn a new skill to solve a problem that needed fixing for the business to survive. That mindset has stuck with me in every role since—whether I was building hydrogen fuel cells, developing hybrid power systems, or serving as a subject matter expert during the sales process, I’ve always been learning new skills to solve problems.

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without and why?

Music. There’s a soundtrack playing in my head most of the time, even when nothing’s being fed into my eardrums.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I have played in all original bands for the last 35 years. I have played on many recordings and have toured with multiple bands. I will do this until I am physically no longer able. I also collect and refurbish musical instruments.

 What about you would surprise people? 

I’ve collected a lot of odd things over the years… the strangest? Glass eyeballs.