Our baby grows up….

This week is precisely 18 years after I founded ICP in 1988. How fitting therefore that today is the day in which we concluded an agreement to open up shareholding of ICP Solar to all team members and the public at large. Through a proposed merger with a publicly traded company, ICP Solar will heretofore become a shared-ownership entity, with thousands of partners to whom myself and colleagues will be accountable for the deliverance of value.
I think that this day begs a word or two of appreciation, for it is appreciation and respect that keep us humble. Where to start? Perhaps with those who gave me the fire, tenacity and genes as a head-start in the business world in which I chose to enter. There is no doubt that those that know my father recognize a trait which drives his eldest son to pursue his dreams and visions. Let there be no doubt that I recognize him for that gift, amongst others. As for my mother, it is clear that when I think of “seeing the positives” in challenging times, then she is clearly one of the inspirations that believes that the sun is always behind the clouds.
Then there is the person who has been at my side, shoulder to shoulder, for over 20 years, helping me believe in myself no matter the difficulties of our challenges. My wife and partner is one incredible source of energy, which I am blessed with. Thanks Renee, I know who the “wind beneath my wings” has been…
And as I went through the roller coaster of preparing ICP Solar for this day, there have been numerous people who have helped shape its future. To my pleasant surprise, the most influential person in this regard joined ICP just 10 months ago. Without a partner like Arlene Ades, I could not have gotten through the demands of the past year, as we restructured our organization and drove to success and excellence through the adoption of business practices she brought with her after decades of corporate training at Pitney Bowes. Just one month into her mandate, Arlene’s belief in our vision was one reason why I refused what looked like an attractive take-over offer, yet pales in comparison to the exciting event which has taken place today. As for the rest of the “Team ICP”, I thank all of the extended family (blood or not) which has been by our side through any part of the past, with particular mention of my younger brother who has helped me in many ways.
So today the child becomes adult. We’ll make a more substantial announcement in the next few days. It’s a new day for ICP Solar, as OUR company will be strengthened to take on even greater opportunities that lay awaiting us in this rising industry, and quite frankly, a day which I have quite openly desired for years. Happy Birthday ICP Solar! It’s time for you to fly…
Solar regards,
Sass
PS. To the new team of stakeholders, accountants, lawyers, investors and anyone else who helped us get here today.. a big THANKS for believing in our dream!