Southern Illinois is known for being a uniquely fruitful region of the midwest, but our land and culture produce more than just great food. Braden Fritsche is an example of another crop we specialize in: hard-working, outdoorsy, sustainability-minded citizens.

Braden, who professes, "a great love for Southern Illinois culture and people," is a local currently enjoying life in Carbdonale, where he lives with his wife and their newly born daughter. He relishes spending time with his family and friends, and enjoying Little Egypt's many outdoor activities, like hiking in the Shawnee National Forest. When Braden isn't working his own garden, he can often be found perusing the local harvest at the Carbondale Famer's Market, listening to music, or simply taking his best four-legged friend Jules for a walk at the Carbondale dog park.

Braden truly hit the ground running at AES Solar. With just under a year in the industry, he obtained his NABCEP PV Associate certification, and is excited to continue his education in the solar industry through the organization. Braden credits a passion for renewable and sustainable living for his success, and counts himself lucky to have a job where he can share that passion with our local community, saying, "I am grateful that I work in a position where I get to help locals with their rising energy costs." Our fantastic region gives us a lot, and Braden takes pride in reinvesting that bounty back into our community.

If you happen to see Braden out and about with his wife and daughter, (he is loving being a new father), be sure and say hi! He's always happy to chat about solar wherever he goes.