"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!
I provide technical support to the sales department, helping solve customer challenges with the tools and expertise provided by our Engineering team.
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.
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.
I take extreme pride anytime I solve a long-term customer problem opening the way for a successful sale.
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.
Music. There’s a soundtrack playing in my head most of the time, even when nothing’s being fed into my eardrums.
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.
I’ve collected a lot of odd things over the years… the strangest? Glass eyeballs.