As oil and energy costs continue to skyrocket, we’re all looking for viable, “green” alternatives. Enter ThermaSource, a local company that’s become an international player in the world of geothermal (that is, steam) energy. The engineering and consulting firm was founded in 1979 by transplanted Mississippi native Louis Capuano, who remembers, “I was working in Louisiana as a petroleum engineer and, in 1974, my company transferred me to Sonoma County to head up the geothermal division.
“I enjoyed geothermal because it was a new industry. There were many challenges to work on and solve, and you could know almost everyone in the industry. We were small fish, but we were in a small pond as well.”
In 2007, ThermaSource partnered with U.S. Renewables Group and Riverstone Holdings (which is owned by the Carlyle Group). Two years ago, the company claimed only three staffers. It now employs almost 250 people, owns eight drill rigs and operates four others in countries across the globe, including Chile, Iceland, the Pacific Rim and the Southwestern United States.
A father and grandfather, Capuano and his wife, Linda, recently celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary.
What TV programs did you love as a child?
I enjoyed all the westerns, although “Gunsmoke” was probably my favorite. I also liked science fiction, like “Outer Limits.”
What’s your favorite type of weather?
I like it when the weather is a little colder. You have to get all bundled up to go out, but then you get to come home where it’s warm and cozy.
Describe one of your silliest life moments.
I try to incorporate a little silliness into all moments of my life. But my silliest moments were with my brothers growing up. We were always doing something crazy—building roller coasters in the backyard, raising squirrels. We did it all.
What was the worst job you’ve ever had?
My grandfather and uncle owned a shrimp and oyster factory. In the winters, they were always short-handed so all of the grandkids would have to help out shoveling oysters. We would have to get up at 3 a.m. and work all day—for something like $1.50 an hour. We loved it when we got to the factory and found out one of the ships had sunk. We got to go home!
What’s the most unusual food you’ve ever eaten?
In Japan, a bowl of live minnows was put in front of me and my wife to eat. They were swimming around in the bowl, and we just drank them down. We were afraid to chew, but we could feel them wriggling around in the back of our throats. Everyone we were with was looking at us like they thought we were crazy because we didn’t like them.
If you were to be executed in the morning, what would be your last meal?
I’d have a meal made up of all of my favorite hors d’oeuvres, such as oysters, foie gras, and escargot. I’d cap it all off with an ice cream sundae with all the fixins for dessert.
If you could have any musical group, past or present, play at your birthday party, who would it be?
Definitely the Beatles—you might as well dream big! I saw them in concert once, and they were
fabulous, the best band there has ever been.
What’s your favorite day of the year?
Thanksgiving is the one day a year I’m usually able to get the entire family together. We get to enjoy each other’s company and eat a good meal…plus it’s usually good, cold weather!
If you could rid the world of one evil, which one would it be?
If I had to pick just one, it would probably be to get rid of child abuse.
What talent or skill would you like to have?
I played the piano as a child, but let it go. I’d really enjoy being able to do it again.
Is there a motto that sums up your management style?
I like to have structure in the presentation, but everyone needs to treat each other like family.
What’s your favorite bumper sticker or t-shirt slogan?
In the 1970s , when I was still in the oil industry and living in Louisiana, gas and oil was very cheap. I was driving through town one day and saw a bumper sticker that said, “The Fat Lady Is Singing.” That’s the best bumper sticker I’ve ever seen.
Of all the things you’ve done in your life, of what are you most proud?
I’m so proud of my family. I have four children, and they’re all through college and doing well on their own now. It gives me so much pleasure to see how happy they all are. I’m also extremely proud of the company I’ve built and that we’re able to employ so many people and help provide for their families.
What would you like to be known for?
When I die, all I want is for someone to say, “He was a good man.”
