Our Team

  • Mark Hagedorn, CEO

    Mark brings extensive experience in factory construction, quality control, and supply chain management, with a specialized focus on strategy assessment. He has held prominent roles including Vice President at CEA, Vice President at KORE Power, and Director of Operations at Energy Storage Systems. In these positions, he was responsible for overseeing new product introductions, factory development, supply chain, and quality control.

    His background is rich in automotive design, development, manufacturing, and testing, showcasing a comprehensive skill set in mechanical engineering. Mark holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington, further solidifying his expertise in the field. His approach is both confident and friendly, ensuring effective leadership and collaboration in all his professional endeavors.

  • Jason Knapp, CFO

    Jason Knapp is a seasoned CFO with specialized expertise in Government Relations, Federal Legislation, and Incentive Programs. He has adeptly managed State and Federal government relations strategies to secure grants, loans, and incentives that support domestic manufacturing initiatives.

    Previously, he served as the VP of Government Relations and Business Development at KORE Power and as the VP of Federal Government Relations at Unity Aluminum.

    Jason is also a retired Naval Officer, proudly serving over 21 years, bringing a disciplined and strategic approach to his civilian roles. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Florida State University, equipping him with a robust foundation in both technical and business management skills.

  • Tony Vastola, CSO

    Tony brings over two decades of experience in electrical construction and more than ten years in microgrid development for critical infrastructure. He currently directs multiple California Energy Commission grants, focusing on advanced energy storage that supports new technologies as they grow to commercialization.

    He is proficient in leading engineering teams for the design and controls of hybrid energy asset systems, showcasing his expertise in coordinating complex technical projects.

    Tony is also a general business strategist, focusing on development and technology partnerships, where he leverages his extensive background to foster innovation and strategic growth within the industry.

  • Marcus Cintas, CDO

    Description goes Marcus has amassed 13 years of experience in microgrid development and 100% debt/equity finance for energy infrastructure, working with investment-grade credit partners using an Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) structure. His expertise extends to developer coordination and the design of pre-construction deliverables, ensuring thorough preparation and strategic implementation.

    He excels in the holistic and strategic planning of technology-agnostic renewables, supporting diverse energy solutions including solar, micro-grids, combined heat and power (CHP), battery energy storage, and EV charging stations.

    Marcus holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of San Diego, which underpins his strategic approach to business development and project management within the renewable energy sector.here

  • Trevor Schroeter, Director of Software

    Description goes herTrevor is a seasoned software and firmware professional with over 20 years of industry experience. He has a strong background in early-stage companies, where he has laid solid foundations in codebases and built exceptional teams.

    His technical expertise includes creating control systems, battery management systems (BMS), high-volume data acquisition and analysis, metrology, and high-performance computing for utility-scale batteries and manufacturing, as well as hydrogen fuel cells.

    Trevor has also contributed his skills in power and metrology at Liberty Calibration Corp (a Keysight company) and Intertek, and in network mining and analysis at Tellagence.

    He is a 2004 graduate of Iowa State University, where he honed the skills that have fueled his professional journey in technology and engineering.

  • Chris Hagen, Manufacturing Manager

    Description goChris brings 16 years of specialized expertise in Manufacturing Process Engineering and Development, complemented by 9 years of hands-on Factory Commissioning experience. He is also a seasoned Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, certified for the past 15 years, which underscores his commitment to efficiency and quality in process improvement.

    He has played a pivotal role as the lead process development engineer for Tesla's 4680 Battery Cell Winding, demonstrating his capability in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. Additionally, Chris served as the lead engineer for Proterra Battery Module Assembly, further solidifying his expertise in the battery production sector.

    Chris holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of North Dakota, providing him with a strong technical foundation that has supported his distinguished career in process engineering and development.es here

  • Jeremy Burris, Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

    Description gJeremy serves as the Senior Industrial Engineer for CEA, where he is recognized as a subject matter expert in PV Module and flow battery BESS. He is an expert in PV module automation and manufacturing, bringing a depth of knowledge to photovoltaic technology.

    Previously, Jeremy contributed significantly to post-lamination processes as an engineer at Solar World and Sunpower. He also held the role of Senior Manufacturing Engineer at Energy Storage Systems Inc., where he was instrumental in designing fixtures and manufacturing equipment, as well as developing manufacturing processes that successfully transitioned from R&D to full-scale production.

    He holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Arizona. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jeremy is a proud US Navy veteran, having dedicated six years of service, which has instilled a strong sense of discipline and commitment in his engineering career.

  • Ignacio Elguezabal

    Description goIgnacio boasts a robust 16-year background in Manufacturing-Operations within critical sectors such as solar, oil and gas, semiconductor, and infrastructure. His expertise is marked by his ability to drive efficient operational metrics in manufacturing environments through continuous improvement projects and significant cycle time reductions, utilizing innovative industrial engineering techniques.

    He holds a BS in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from CETYS University, located in Baja California, Mexico. This educational foundation has equipped him with both the technical prowess and strategic acumen necessary to excel in high-stakes manufacturing and operational roles.

  • Nicole Culbertson, HR Manager

    Nicole brings a decade of experience in Human Resources and account management, having honed her skills in a dynamic tech startup environment for over eight years before transitioning to the corporate sector. This background has provided her with a deep understanding of the tech industry and startup culture, enriching her expertise in managing diverse workplace challenges and dynamics.

    In addition to her professional pursuits, Nicole is also a passionate Pilates instructor, a role that complements her career by emphasizing balance, precision, and holistic well-being. This unique combination of skills and interests showcases her commitment to fostering both professional and personal growth.