Meet the Team: Ian Pirkey

In the words of Crew Liaison Ian Pirkey, "Connecting with our community and with the natural world around us are my two deepest motivations." Those motivations have not only guided Ian's life, but have made him a perfect fit at AES Solar.

Ian's love of nature took root at a very young age. Born in Denver, Colorado, he grew up in a region known for its abundance of outdoor opportunities. Hobbies like backpacking, kayaking, and skiing have been mainstays for Ian, and continue to be some of his favorite ways to connect with the wilds. His enduring passion for wildlife and nature, as well as his love of community, drove him to work as a teacher, outdoor educator, and youth minister, sharing his passion and knowledge with the next generation.

These twin motivations of community and the natural world eventually led Ian to Southern Illinois. While visiting to work at a summer camp, he fell in love with our region, especially the Shawnee Forest and the people of Southern Illinois. Ian soon pulled up his roots and planted himself in Murphysboro, where he lives today and continues to pursue his life's mission as a part of our team. "Working at AES Solar allows me to do work that helps save people money and helps to keep the environment in Southern Illinois beautiful."

When he's not at work helping to energize our community or out playing in the woods, Ian enjoys woodworking, leatherworking, and getting his hands in the dirt. Ian is also a long-time martial artist and boxer, keeping his body and mind in tip-top shape for his active outdoor life. If you share Ian's affection for the people and places of Southern Illinois, come by our HQ at 1804 Supply Rd. in Carterville and meet him for yourself. You might just learn something!

Meet the Team: Lucy

Life hasn't always been easy for our CCO (Chief Canine Officer) Lucy, but customers and team members alike are glad that her journey has brought her to our HQ.

Lucy showed up on the front porch of our CEO Shariff Shakir's mom around 2011. Badly malnourished and showing signs of abuse, Lucy's first job was to get better. With patience, TLC, and a good vet, Shariff's mom was able to restore her to good health before gently encouraging Shariff to take her home with him. "I think the last email before I caved was, 'What do you want to name your dog or I will pick and you won't like it,'" says Shariff. Lucy and Shariff have been together ever since.

Lucy's first fur-ray into the working world was as an Emotional Support Animal at an addiction clinic managed by Shariff. Her gentle nature made her a natural in an environment where calmness is key. These days, Lucy is happy trotting around our HQ and interacting with staff and visitors. Given her rough background, she can be a little shy at first, but she loves boosting morale, and it doesn't hurt that some of our staff keep treats in their desks for her.

Whether you want a little emotional support during design and contract signing, or you just want to tell Lucy what a good girl she is, we hope you'll come by the HQ to meet her!

Meet the Team: Jay Griffith

Anyone passing by our HQ on Highway 13 knows our solar installation brings us a lot of electricity, but that's not where all of our energy comes from. A large part of it comes from our Solar Energy Consultant Jay Griffith, who is fond of saying, "Two-thirds of promotion is MOTION." Using that energetic mindset, Jay is energizing us here at AES Solar, as well as our local community.

Born right here in Southern Illinois in 1976, Jay graduated from Marion High School and went on to spend twenty-five years working for Brinks Smart Home Security, as well as a Berkshire Hathaway company. He chose to transition to solar out of concern for the environment, and with such deep-rooted experience in helping customers with their nearest and dearest investments, Jay is a natural fit when it comes to energizing our customers with solar.

Folks may already be aware of Jay's own investments in our company and community. Attendees of the most recent Elks Chili Cookoff will remember him stirring the AES Solar pot with Matt Smith, and he even coaches the local AES-sponsored K-1st Grade soccer team. With energy like that, it's easy to see why we're excited to have him aboard.

Jay is the proud father of five kids who have all grown up and attended TRI C here in Carterville, including a son currently active in the Marines for communications. With all of that, he still has the vigor to travel and enjoy the outdoors. You may find him fishing local lakes, hiking local trails, primitive camping, or golfing. Of course, if you'd rather not leave it to chance, you can call 618-988-0888 or visit our HQ at 1804 Supply Rd. in Carterville to meet him for yourself and try to catch some of his infectious enthusiasm.

Meet the Team: Tim Serles

Tim Serles has been with AES since 2020, holds a NABCEP PVA, and has deep roots in Southern Illinois. As with many Southern Illinoisans, his ancestors moved to the region in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, following a path of opportunity carved out by the greatest energy revolution at that time: coal. Today, Tim is picking up where they left off and helping to usher in this century's renewable energy revolution.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Environmental Resources from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. And he began his journey with AES as an intern during his senior year. “I learned so much and despite the monumental learning curve, I knew I was up for the challenge,” says Tim. “During the Covid lockdowns, the internship may have been canceled, but that opportunity transformed into a career where I could put my education and passion to work and create a greener future for all of us humans.”

Outside of work, Tim enjoys spending time with his family and his three lab mixes at his Saline County home. He can often be found outside feeding and watching the birds, hunting for rocks along riverbanks, hiking in the Shawnee National Forest, or simply just enjoying the serenity of nature. For anyone seeking to learn more about solar, the Shawnee, our region’s storied history, or its unique geography and geology, Tim is always happy to oblige them!

Tim's System Details: 
Enphase
IQ8PLUS Microinverters
REC Alpha Series 365 W (Mods)
6.57 kW DC
5.22 kW AC