The Influencer List Day 11: Joe Ordia

As we round out the first full week of 2024, we are also nearing 3 Kings day, and thus, the end of our 12 Days of Christmas ~The Influencer List.

Thanks to those who have subscribed to Valence over the last week (now more than 2500 and growing!), liked, and commented on this series :-) It's been a honor to feature leaders I admire (and follow) who are rewriting the energy & climate narrative in 2024

I would be honored if you would consider sharing this newsletter with someone you know is looking to level-up their storytelling in 2024. THANK YOU 🙏

In the online storytelling genre, we have watched over the last few years as video has become ubiquitous. With the rise of TikTok (which we have admittedly NOT included on this year's list), reels an YT shorts, as well as Youtube Podcasts, we have seen a huge swath of podcasters (present company included) migrate over to Youtube and increase video output. Therefore, I would be remiss to leave off the Number 2 search engine and now-#1 podcast platform in the world. That said, It's been hard for those of us in renewable energy to gain massive audience on Youtube so far, so the few who have truly stand out. And, like the rest of our Influencers list, those who do are generally on a mission to educate others.

In 2024, two Youtube/Energy/Podcasters stood out to me more than any others, so without further ado

🥁 ... the next influencer YOU should be following in 2024 is none other than the creator of the Solar Surge Youtube channel, with more than 60,000 subscribers...

Day 11: Joe Ordia

Joe Ordia is a must-follow for anyone interested in solar energy (and especially homeowners). His honest review-based videos demonstrate a deep knowledge of solar technology and focus on helping practitioners and homeowners alike separate fact from fiction so they can make more informed decisions. Joe is the CEO of Solar Surge, a solar education & sales company focused on helping families get the most our of solar with expert knowledge and insight.

It's no doubt that Joe is respected and knowledgeable in the solar industry, so if you've been looking to expand your information inputs to better video storytelling, here's a few more reasons why you should follow Joe in 2024:

1. Expertise: Solar Surge leverages years of hands-on experience to provide expert analysis of solar panels, batteries, and solar inverters and gives the audience a genuine opinion of brands and technological advancements.

2. Engagement: Joe is not just a leader in their field, but also an engaging communicator. They know how to make their videos on Solar Surge interesting, with eye catching thumbnails and shorts, and can communicate solar technology terms and jargon in a way that even people who have never worked with solar before can understand. It's no wonder they've been able to surpass 60k subs and will no doubt hit 100k in 2024.

3. In-person: I first met Joe on the tradeshow floor at RE+ Southeast in Atlanta last year. I was surprised to see another podcaster with their gear setup. Let's face it, I've been pretty much the only one crazy enough to schlep gear to most of the solar tradeshows these last 8 years. So it was refreshing to see that Joe and his team have made it a point to travel to the regional shows as well to capture real-time updates and candid interviews with the manufacturers. We even featured Joe (with Solar Edge) on the PowerUp Live Stage in Las Vegas at this past year's RE+ National show.

I believe you should subscribe to the Solar Surge YouTube channel, where they give their expert review and opinion on solar technology, including solar panels, inverters, and batteries. As well, with more than a decade actively selling solar himself, Joe and the team give practical advice on working in the solar industry (e.g. selling solar) and the pitfalls to look out for as a job seeker (and homeowner too, from the sales perspective!)

Joe is a leading voice in renewable energy on a unique mission helping people everywhere SEE and understand the power of renewable energy.

If that sounds like the kind of inspiration you need in 2024, make sure to follow Joe Ordia and subscribe to Solar Surge on YouTube.

ALSO, keep and eye out for Joe on SunCast Podcast in the future 😉

And- if you want to hear about how storytelling can help build your brand and revitalize your business, subscribe to this Valence newsletter. We'll be reverting to Weekly (rather than daily) posts after tomorrow's final Influencer reveal.

See you then!