Our Team

What is your name? Aur Beck

What is your title? Founder & Chief Technician

What do you do at AES? I help guide the vision of AES Solar while staying hands-on with our technology, training, and mission. I work closely with our team to ensure we’re delivering the highest-quality systems while mentoring the next generation of solar professionals.

How long have you been here? Since the beginning—AES Solar was founded in 1999.

What drew you to want to work in the Solar Energy industry? I saw a solar demonstration as a teenager and was immediately fascinated. That spark led to a lifelong passion for renewable energy, problem-solving, and making a real difference. I love constantly learning while helping others along the way.

What's a client project, improvement, or task you're proud to have been part of? I’m proud to have helped build an educational and community-based solar company from the ground up, and to have developed training programs and partnerships that support long-term solar growth across the Midwest.

What’s a part of your role that people might not realize is so important? As a lifelong learner and teacher, I spend a lot of time behind the scenes supporting solar education, workforce development, and community outreach—whether it’s speaking, hosting radio, or organizing hands-on workshops.

What do you enjoy outside of work? You might catch me salsa dancing in Carbondale, cooking with fresh local ingredients, volunteering around Southern Illinois, or hosting Your Community Spirit on WDBX radio.

What's a fun fact about you? By age 20, I had lived in 34 states and 3 countries. I’m an introvert who just happens to talk a lot when I care deeply about something—and I care deeply about solar.

What is your name? Shariff Shakir

What is your title? Chief Executive Officer

What do you do at AES? A little of everything. I think I've worn most hats at AES. NABCEP Technical Sales. Certifications in Enphase and SolarEdge. Design and Engineering.

How long have you been here? 6 years

What drew you to want to work in the Solar Energy industry? Interested in the tech aspect with my background in Electrical Engineering. I wasn't sure where I would start. Had met Aur through Rotary reached out to see if he had any opportunities. I started in commercial sales, then sales manager then CEO.

What's a client project, improvement, or task you're proud to have been part of? Breaking into commercial for AES. Going from a mostly residential company to one that can handle medium commercial projects. And leading the charge into the non-profit installations. Running St. Andrews 168kW and the Carbondale Muslim Center's 50 kW projects together under deadline is a testament to how far this team has come.

What’s a part of your role that people might not realize is so important? I am not a top down CEO. That wouldn't work here. I see myself more as glue at AES. I have an understanding of all the departments and roles. I am able to piece the teams together and get a cohesive plan together when a new issue arises. Being able to do that quickly and come up with a functional plan is critical in this space.

What do you enjoy outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my wife and our dog and cat. We have enjoyed traveling and going to concerts over the last couple years. Music is important in my life. At the end of the day a little time with a guitar or Spotify is important.

What's a fun fact about you? I was born in student housing at SIU. In the actual graduate apartments.

What is your name? Dustin Erwin

What is your title? Chief Operating Officer

What do you do at AES? I manage the day to day operations. Everything from design and sales to equipment procurement and installation timelines.

How long have you been here? 1.5 years

What drew you to want to work in the Solar Energy industry? The opportunity to work close to home in an ever changing industry.

What's a client project, improvement, or task you're proud to have been part of? I am very proud of the ever expanding portfolio of churches and non profits we've helped during my tenure here.

What’s a part of your role that people might not realize is so important? We install nearly 200 jobs a year. I spend a large part of my time insuring we have the right equipment and permits in place at the right time. This in combination with our fantastic installers insures we maintain our install timelines to exceed our clients expectations.

What do you enjoy outside of work? I have 3 very athletic teenagers. My wife and I are nearly always at a sporting event. Dance, Basketball, Wrestling, Football, Cross Country, Softball, Track. You name it one of our kids is probably involved.

What's a fun fact about you? Leap Day is special in our house. Holly and I got engaged on a Leap Day and the following one, our youngest daughter was born.

What is your name? Brad Mandell

What is your title? Solar Energy Consultant

What do you do at AES? The majority of my time is spent working one on one with customers to determine their solar needs & wants to design the best option for them. From the first site visit to the energization of their solar array, I am here to assist customers with their journey to gaining independence from the ever rising cost of energy.

How long have you been here? 1 year

What drew you to want to work in the Solar Energy industry? A friend of mine was employed with AES Solar and recruited me to add to the residential side of the business. Working for a local, small, and thriving business that was so embedded in their community made it an easy decision. Helping people navigate through the process of going solar has been so rewarding.

What's a client project, improvement, or task you're proud to have been part of? Honestly, it's exciting to help any and all of my customers. It's the best when I hear from customers after they get the first reduced bill. When I get a message from them showing me last year's bill compared to this year's it puts a smile on face.

What’s a part of your role that people might not realize is so important? So often people find out where I work and ask, "How much does it cost to go solar?". It's the time we spend together that allows me to research and design the correct system to satisfy all of their expectations.

What do you enjoy outside of work? When I'm not shuffling my twins to scouts, guitar lessons or rehearsal for the latest musical they are a part of, I enjoy the outdoors, sporting events, and live music.

What's a fun fact about you? For several years I co-hosted a backyard barbecue that had grown to over 100 people the last year. I was in charge of smoking the brisket, pork, ribs and chicken on my BBQ trailer. There were enough leftovers for everyone to take some home.

What is your name? Trey Ford

What is your title? Solar Energy Consultant

What do you do at AES? Sales

How long have you been here? 6 months

What drew you to want to work in the Solar Energy industry? It was a great opportunity for growth and a change to try something new.

What's a client project, improvement, or task you're proud to have been part of? Keenan Rice’s system and the DuQuoin American Legion.

What’s a part of your role that people might not realize is so important? Making sure you capitalize on all of the credits and incentives.

What do you enjoy outside of work? Family time and music.

What's a fun fact about you? I have gotten to perform with some of the biggest artists in music.

What is your name? Keri McPherson

What is your title? Commercial Grant Writer

What do you do at AES? I wear many hats, but I primarily work hand in hand with the sales consultants and commercial clients. I manage our CRM system for the sales team and write all of the grants for our business clients.

How long have you been here? A little over a year now.

What drew you to want to work in the Solar Energy industry? A previous coworker that I used to work with at another job came to AES. He talked to me about coming to join the team and mentioned how great of a workplace AES was - and how flexible they could be with me just having a baby. That got me interested and the fact that AES installed my system at home made it an even easier decision!

What's a client project, improvement, or task you're proud to have been part of? One of the projects that I am proud of was writing a grant for a large construction company in our area that got approved and paid for half of their entire project!

What’s a part of your role that people might not realize is so important? I think the amount of time that has to go into building and managing a CRM system is way more than people realize. From checking the daily reports or activities, to testing new things consistently, making sure it’s running like a well-oiled machine is crucial!

What do you enjoy outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my kids (3 year old son and a 1 year old daughter) and seeing them grow. I also love to work on crafty/creative things for my laser business. It is like therapy to me!

What's a fun fact about you? I grew up on an ostrich ranch!

What is your name? Kim Teeling

What is your title? Contracts & Incentives

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What is your name? Steven Vestal

What is your title? Post-Installation Customer Success Representative

What do you do at AES? I take customer calls & emails regarding potential service issues. I also assist with some communications issues, as well as onsite firmware updates.

How long have you been here? One year

What drew you to want to work in the Solar Energy industry? I am excited to be a part of the clean energy industry. I think it will get even more interesting as the need for this continues to grow.

What's a client project, improvement, or task you're proud to have been part of? I don't have a specific instance, but anytime we get a customer's site fixed I thoroughly enjoy seeing them excited!

What’s a part of your role that people might not realize is so important? I think the onsite firmware updates are more important than a lot of people realize because they can actually fix a number of issues.

What do you enjoy outside of work? I very much enjoy maintaining and swimming in my pool.

What's a fun fact about you? Although it is much more difficult with age, I still try to get on a skateboard whenever I can.

What is your name? Ian Pirkey

What is your title? Crew Liaison

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What is your name? Lucy

What is your title? Chief Canine Officer

What do you do at AES? Keep the moral of the entire office up!

How long have you been here? Is this in human years or dog years?

What drew you to want to work in the Solar Energy industry? My Dad.

What's a client project, improvement, or task you're proud to have been part of? I’m proud of keeping all of the dog hair to a minimum and making sure there are always treats.

What’s a part of your role that people might not realize is so important? I am in control of everyone’s pay checks.

What do you enjoy outside of work? Naps and treats. Lots and lots of treats.

What's a fun fact about you? I love to get groomed regularly. I also go everywhere with my Dad. If he doesn’t take me with him, I get very upset. We are best friends. I also enjoy visiting my grandparents’ house.