Tod Petersen is an experienced entrepreneur, business leader, and visionary with over 35 years of proven success in business development, leadership, and management. He has a strong track record of building and growing successful businesses in diverse industries, including solar energy, manufacturing, and the arts. His expertise spans strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, community development, team building, and customer service, and he has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive innovation, growth, and profitability across multiple sectors.
Currently, Tod serves as the Founder and CEO of Sol Power Projects Ltd., a company he established with the vision of delivering sustainable and cost-effective solar energy solutions to commercial customers. Under his leadership, the company has completed over 450 commercial solar projects, including the construction of Canada’s two largest privately-owned solar carports. Tod’s success in the solar energy industry has been driven by his strong financial acumen, his ability to engage stakeholders, and his unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, efficient solutions for clients. Through strategic negotiations, Tod has achieved significant tariff decreases with provincial utilities, ensuring that his clients benefit from lower energy costs. Furthermore, his lobbying efforts for solar rebate incentives in Alberta have played a critical role in expanding the adoption of solar energy across the region.
Prior to founding Sol Power Projects Ltd., Tod worked as the Business Development Manager at Simple Solar Power, a leading Canadian solar company. In this role, Tod was tasked with establishing the commercial division of the business and expanding its reach into new markets. His efforts in identifying large-load electricity consumers and creating a robust sales pipeline were instrumental in securing the largest commercial solar contract in Calgary at the time. Tod’s strategic thinking and leadership led to the development of new sales channels and a successful joint-venture agreement with one of Ontario’s largest commercial EPC companies, enabling Simple Solar to capture market share in Alberta. He also centralized engineering and procurement activities, achieving economies of scale and improving efficiency within the organization.
In addition to his work in solar energy, Tod has held leadership positions in the arts and manufacturing sectors. As the Managing Director of Theatre Junction Society, Tod was responsible for overseeing the operations of the historic Grand Theatre, an iconic venue dedicated to contemporary live art. During his tenure, he successfully diversified the organization’s revenue streams, raising over $200,000 in private sector funding and increasing rental revenue by 82%. His efforts to restructure the organization’s operations and improve staff retention resulted in a significant reduction in turnover, from 70% to 20%, creating a more stable and productive workforce. Tod also played a key role in raising more than $350,000 through grant applications to government funding bodies, securing vital resources for the organization’s ongoing success.
Before transitioning into the solar and arts sectors, Tod co-founded Gallery Direct Ltd., a manufacturing company that grew to $3.5 million in annual sales under his leadership. He expanded the company into the U.S. market by establishing showrooms in major metropolitan areas across North America. Tod built strong relationships with suppliers and developed long-term purchasing agreements, ensuring cost stability during volatile exchange rates. His leadership and innovative approach to business enabled the company to establish itself as a leader in the home furnishings sector.
Tod’s entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Petersen Designs Inc., a company he started to design, manufacture, and distribute a unique musician product. His innovative product, a portable sheet music stand, revolutionized the category and received industry accolades for its design. Tod raised capital for product development through government research grants and secured private sector investment for tooling and international patent rights. His efforts culminated in licensing the product to the world’s largest sheet music publisher and selling the operations to an industry leader.
A graduate of McMaster University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Tod’s extensive knowledge comes from years of hands-on experience in leadership roles. He has a strong international background, including time spent in China, and has presented at major industry events such as the National Energy Show in Calgary and the Canadian Heavy Oil Association. Tod is also a Professional Certified Sailor, demonstrating his passion for continuous learning and personal development.
Tod Petersen is a dynamic, results-driven leader with a unique blend of expertise in business development, solar energy, manufacturing, and community development. He is passionate about helping businesses grow and expand, particularly those with an entrepreneurial spirit. His ability to engage staff and customers, along with his commitment to delivering sustainable and profitable solutions, positions him as a valuable asset for any organization. Tod’s track record of success and his strategic vision make him an exceptional candidate for board positions, where he can continue to leverage his wealth of experience to drive innovation and growth in the industries he serves.
Character
Tod Petersen is a results-driven leader known for his integrity, passion for sustainability, and commitment to building strong, engaged teams.
Knowledge
With over 35 years of experience in solar energy, manufacturing, and community development, Tod possesses a deep understanding of business development, fundraising, and strategic operations.
Strategic
Tod has a proven track record of driving business growth by identifying opportunities, developing new sales channels, and successfully executing large-scale projects in competitive industries.
Communication
Tod excels in building relationships with stakeholders, effectively presenting ideas to key audiences, and securing private sector funding through clear, impactful messaging.
