SolarCraft co-owner Bill Stewart, born and raised in Connecticut, was an Iowa college student majoring in biology when America experienced its first energy crisis in the early 1970s. “My interest in ecology led me into renewable energy,” he recalls. “I saw an opportunity to get into an industry that seemed it would grow.”
Stewart and partner Dennis Nuttman founded SolarCraft in 1984. Since then, the company has developed some of the largest solar electric projects in the country. It’s revenues have grown from $2 million to more than $12 million in just the last five years. But personal success isn’t enough for Stewart. Asked what drives him crazy, he responds, “The fact that the first ‘oil shock’ was more than 30 years ago, and we’re more dependent than ever on foreign oil. Our national economy is a castle built on sand.”
Stewart releases his aggravation the old fashioned way: he hits things. Golf balls and pucks, to be specific. “I started playing golf about four or five years ago. People say that once you’re in your 50s and start playing golf, retirement can’t be far behind—but I’ve never been busier. I also play hockey one or two nights a week. Sometimes I just love being home with nothing to do, but those times are rare.”
Married with two grown sons, Stewart is also a proud new grandfather.
If you had the opportunity to travel into space, would you go?
I would go as long as I could spend most of my time looking out the window and come back after a few days. I wouldn’t want to be one of those people who spend months up there. It would wreck my golf handicap.
What animals scare you the most?
Bulls. I’ve had a couple bad experiences, including being trapped in a very small space with an angry one. I would never have made it in the rodeo.
What brings out your critical side?
People who commit to something, start it but don’t follow through to full execution.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Better time management. I get the job done, but sometimes it seems to take way longer than it should.
Do you have any superstitions?
No, but it does seem that if I put my left shoe on first, the day goes much better.
Do you say “good-bye” quickly, slowly or not at all?
Quickly. Pat on the shoulder, hug and I’m out of there.
How comfortable are you with uncertainty?
I have no problem planning and making commitments on a “best guess” basis if I feel like I’ve done my homework and made educated choices.
If you could spend one hour doing absolutely anything, what would it be?
Hitting golf balls off a practice tee in Graeagle.
What childhood accident stands out in your mind?
I had the best neighbor, Bob, growing up in Connecticut. He was a steam engine collector and had a complete metal shop and foundry in his basement. He let me hang around as much as I wanted. One day when I was 10 years old, a giant rack of metal parts collapsed on me, and it took a while to get me out. I was OK after some stitches, but poor Bob thought I was a goner.
What silly thing have you done in the name of love?
In 1971, I left a research project on a beach in Costa Rica to get to JFK airport so I could spend a couple of hours with my girlfriend (now wife), who was leaving for an extended trip to Brazil.
When was the last time you pushed yourself to your physical limits?
If, at the end of a two-minute shift in hockey, you aren’t totally spent, then you’re not playing the game. It’s hard to reach that point unless you’re really having fun. If I’m up in the mountains, I’ll try and get in at least one good hike at altitude to find out what kind of shape I’m in.
What’s needed to make the world a better place?
If everyone had the chance to work hard, make a decent living, educate their children and raise their families in a secure environment, all the bad stuff would get marginalized.
What’s something people do in traffic that really bothers you?
Risking their lives and others’ passing on two-lane roads, then you’re sitting alongside them at the next light.
What’s your favorite place in the Bay Area?
My favorite indoor place is the Redwood Empire Ice Arena (Snoopy’s Home Ice). I think it’s a great asset to the community. It generates so much pleasure for all ages.
What’s you favorite bumper sticker or t-shirt slogan?
“No War for Oil” on the back of a Hummer.
