In a recent episode of Women in Motion, host Lee Kantor sat down with Quinn Parker, the founder of Encolor, a strategic consulting firm focused on ensuring equitable access to clean energy products and services. Encolor partners with utilities and consultancies across the country to bridge gaps and develop programs that prioritize inclusivity in the energy sector.
The Path to Founding Encolor
Unlike many entrepreneurs who follow a linear career path, Parker’s journey was more of a zigzag. She began her career in the utility industry in Las Vegas, where she witnessed firsthand the struggles some communities face in managing their energy bills. Over the next 20 years, she worked on various consultancy projects before recognizing a need for more intentional energy access initiatives. This realization led her to establish Encolor in 2020, with one of its first projects centered on designing inclusive energy programs that leave no one behind in the clean energy transition.
Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
Making the leap from working in a large organization to leading her own firm was both challenging and rewarding. Parker emphasized the weight of responsibility that comes with entrepreneurship—not only making sound business decisions but also ensuring the livelihood of employees. Despite the challenges, she takes great pride in Encolor’s mission and the dedicated team working alongside her.
Building a Strong, Mission-Driven Team
When asked about hiring and team-building strategies, Parker advised entrepreneurs to leverage their networks rather than solely relying on online job platforms. Attending networking events and getting referrals from trusted colleagues have proven invaluable in finding team members who align with Encolor’s mission. She also emphasized the importance of hiring proactively rather than waiting until a position becomes an urgent need.
The Importance of Energy Equity
Parker’s passion for the energy industry stems from its critical role in daily life. As remote work and virtual learning become more prevalent, access to reliable energy is essential for community well-being. She shared a personal anecdote about one of her employees whose community was covered in snow, highlighting the importance of heating and energy reliability. Her work ensures that families can remain safe and comfortable in their homes, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Recognition and Impact
Parker was recently honored with the Equity Champion Award from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. This recognition reflects the groundbreaking work Encolor has been doing—challenging conventional approaches and advocating for greater inclusivity in energy programs. She credits her team’s bravery and dedication in pushing the industry forward and making an impact in underserved communities.
The Business Case for Equity
Equity in the energy sector is not just a moral obligation but also a smart business strategy. Parker highlighted that companies investing in equitable energy programs see increased customer satisfaction and stronger community relationships. Additionally, as climate change intensifies, proactive measures can mitigate risks and enhance resilience for vulnerable populations.
How Encolor Helps Clients Achieve Success
Encolor’s consulting approach starts with understanding a client’s definition of success. Surprisingly, many organizations lack consensus on what success looks like. Parker and her team facilitate discussions to align goals, assess current strategies, and implement data-driven solutions. Their work ensures that clients can justify their initiatives with concrete evidence, making it easier to secure funding and stakeholder support.
A Defining Moment in Business Growth
One of Encolor’s most significant milestones came from a project focused on procurement practices. Initially, Parker was uncertain if her team had the exact experience required, but she confidently took on the challenge. The project’s success led to a fourfold increase in revenue from that utility client and opened doors to new opportunities across multiple states. Today, procurement consulting has become a core part of Encolor’s service offerings, proving that taking calculated risks can lead to exponential growth.
Final Thoughts
Quinn Parker’s journey with Encolor exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship, resilience, and purpose-driven work. Through strategic consulting, she is not only shaping the future of energy equity but also inspiring other women in business to take bold steps in their industries. Her advice to fellow entrepreneurs: trust your network, hire proactively, and stay committed to making a difference. To learn more about Quinn and Encolor, visit her website at https://www.encolorconsulting.com/ and listen to her full journey on Women in Motion https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/energy-equity/.
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
