In 2018, Kristin DeBias was working at a small solar energy company contracting electric and natural gas for their clients. However, the writing was on the wall. The company was headed for bankruptcy. DeBias and her co-worker, Eva Gerrits, knew they had the industry knowledge and grit needed to be successful on their own. They decided to not only jump ship but burn the boats, and Energetek was born.
Energetek is a women- and minority-owned commercial energy brokerage and commodity trading advisory that provides energy planning and sustainability solutions to large commercial and industrial clients across the U.S. and internationally. The firm’s mission is to provide a unique and customized approach to energy planning and sustainability by providing market-based options that are fully customizable to its clients’ operational needs.
Under DeBias’ leadership, the firm navigated the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing its revenue 200% in 2020, resulting in an expansion to new markets and even larger clients. By 2021 Energetek landed its first international publicly traded client and started contracting for the public sector. Fast forward to 2024, and Energetek is a $3 million-dollar company that oversees a book of 300+ clients.
According to her colleagues, DeBias’ name can be found next to resourcefulness in the dictionary. “Navigating unchartered territory and finding creative solutions to any problem is her comfort zone,” they said. “What makes Kristin a titan is her propensity to connect and elevate those around her. Her strong belief that relationships are the backbone of any successful business directly correlates with the success she has had securing Energetek’s closest partnerships.”
DeBias said she is most proud of the work she has done in the client retention program as well as the firm’s partnership program. “Talking to people is my favorite part of my day and I genuinely love building relationships with people because they are all different,” she said. “I believe that trust is a mutual privilege and I take that very seriously.”
Her efforts have led to an 85% retention rate for current clients with 10 active partners. DeBias has also been instrumental in expanding the suite of services to include energy benchmarking, on-site generation and energy efficient audits. Her accomplishments have led to the honor of interviewing the Eagles’ director of sustainability and attending the NAIOP’s annual legislative meeting in Washington, DC. DeBias was also a finalist for the City and State’s 40 Under 40 List and was voted in as president elect for the Women’s Energy Network Greater Philadelphia Chapter.
“Always surround yourself with people who know more than you do,” said DeBias. “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
