5 minutes with … Ryan Mee at Eco2Solar

Why did you choose construction as a career?

In my mid-20s I worked in Australia for a few years. During this time, I was able to see how they are making good use of a natural resource that is abundant for them… solar energy.

I returned home wanting to find something meaningful to do that aligned with my values. Instilling the Australian approach to electricity generation – and tackling some of the misconceptions around solar in the UK – felt like the perfect fit.  

What are you most proud of in your career to date?

I joined Eco2Solar in its second year of its existence. Being a part of its journey – both successes and challenges – over the past 16 years has been personally and professionally rewarding. Sometimes I am still staggered at how we have managed to grow Eco2Solar by nearly 100 times its original size, all while maintaining and building a fantastic culture and clear set of values.

I am also very proud of our recent merger with E.ON UK, as it means we can drive further growth in the solar installation market, help reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the housing sector and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions. 

What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?

There have been many challenges on “the solarcoaster” over the past 16 years with many disruptions along the way. Being able to continually adapt, learn and be innovative has been critical, and I am thrilled we have been able to do it successfully!

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

More visibility and earlier involvement would be fantastic as we rarely get notice of customer expectations more than four weeks ahead. As with anything, the sooner we are aware of the customer needs – the sooner we can deliver!

It is also helpful to have strong connections across the business. We know that developers have found our partnership with E.ON to be helpful, as we have established ourselves as a one-stop solution for solar and energy needs in new homes – increasing efficiency and supporting the adoption of solar. 

What is the most helpful advice that you have been given? 

What gets measured, gets managed – and keep it simple!

Name your favourite building in the world?  

Anfield Stadium and the Sydney Opera House. 

What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?  

It’s all about attitude – by being relentless, consistent and determined, you can move mountains. 

Who do you most admire in the construction industry? 

I genuinely admire all who work in the construction industry. It is a very competitive world, with high expectations and little wriggle room on margins and timelines. It is not an easy industry to be successful in!

What is it like being you (and doing your job)? 

As CEO I get to wear many hats; I’m not an expert in all of them, but I believe in investing all of my time in building and developing a strong team who can deliver excellent results and provide a fantastic service to our customers. 

Do you have a life philosophy? 

You only get out what you put in. Life is short, so live it! Don’t be afraid to try something new. The most influential and most admirable people challenged the status quo.  

What do you think your best quality is? 

I am driven and resilient. I can handle constant challenges and changing landscapes and thrive when the pressure is on – but I always stay true to my core values.

What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people? 

Over the years, I have become more self-aware. I have learnt to be more giving and to invest more time in others – and the importance of developing others to be successful. I don’t like selfishness or negativity!

Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have 

I wouldn’t call it a skill, but I love surfing – it’s my stress release and battery charger.

What is your most prized possession? 

My two young daughters and my wife/family.

Early bird or night owl? 

Night owl (but my children have helped with the early mornings!).

What is your favourite food? 

Thai and Asian. 

What would your superpower be? 

To be a professional surfer – definitely better than average!