meet our team

 Stephen San Juan is the Co-CEO of Rise Renewable Energy and a leader in utility-scale solar and battery storage training. With a passion for safety, technical excellence, and workforce development, he’s built nationally recognized training standards that empower new technicians and industry veterans alike. When he’s not coaching companie

 Stephen San Juan is the Co-CEO of Rise Renewable Energy and a leader in utility-scale solar and battery storage training. With a passion for safety, technical excellence, and workforce development, he’s built nationally recognized training standards that empower new technicians and industry veterans alike. When he’s not coaching companies or building curriculum, he’s leading as a husband, father of three, church deacon, and lifelong punk rock fan. 

 Jon Rekers is the Co-CEO of RISE Renewable Energy, bringing over 15 years of experience in the renewable energy sector and more than 7 years specializing in learning and development. His leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to ensuring the safety and technical competence of all trainees. Jon has played a pivotal role in shaping RI

 Jon Rekers is the Co-CEO of RISE Renewable Energy, bringing over 15 years of experience in the renewable energy sector and more than 7 years specializing in learning and development. His leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to ensuring the safety and technical competence of all trainees. Jon has played a pivotal role in shaping RISE’s training programs to meet the highest standards of operational excellence, with a focus on real-world readiness and risk mitigation. His work ensures that every graduate of the program not only understands renewable systems but is fully equipped to operate them safely and effectively. 

 Juan Acuna Jr. is a Tehachapi native and currently serves as the RISE Learning & Development Manager. Prior to renewables, Juan was a CA concrete contractor (C8/D06) for many years and graduated from Grand Canyon University with a B.S. in Applied Management in 2013. Since 2015, Juan has worked in both Wind and Solar construction performi

 Juan Acuna Jr. is a Tehachapi native and currently serves as the RISE Learning & Development Manager. Prior to renewables, Juan was a CA concrete contractor (C8/D06) for many years and graduated from Grand Canyon University with a B.S. in Applied Management in 2013. Since 2015, Juan has worked in both Wind and Solar construction performing project management, QA/QC, bidding & estimating and joined RISE in 2022 as a Senior Support Engineer. 

 Mendel Baker has been employed in a wide variety of technology roles since 1990. After starting his career as a technician in the US Navy, he has been a radar guided weapons technician, an electronics bench repair technician, a network administrator, an IT consultant, an electromechanical technician, and a roboticist. He is a named inven

 Mendel Baker has been employed in a wide variety of technology roles since 1990. After starting his career as a technician in the US Navy, he has been a radar guided weapons technician, an electronics bench repair technician, a network administrator, an IT consultant, an electromechanical technician, and a roboticist. He is a named inventor on multiple government held patents. Since joining the renewables industry in 2014, he has primarily worked on SMA inverters and their associated equipment. 

 Sergio Lopez began his career in the wind industry in 2001 and brings over two decades of experience spanning turbine manufacturing, construction, operations and maintenance (O&M), and management. In November 2022, he joined RISE Renewable Energy, where he expanded his expertise into the solar industry. Since stepping into an instructor 

 Sergio Lopez began his career in the wind industry in 2001 and brings over two decades of experience spanning turbine manufacturing, construction, operations and maintenance (O&M), and management. In November 2022, he joined RISE Renewable Energy, where he expanded his expertise into the solar industry. Since stepping into an instructor role in November 2024, Sergio has drawn on his deep knowledge of both wind and solar to train and mentor the next generation of renewable energy professionals. 

 Anna Aguirre has worked in renewable energy since 2014. With an A.S. in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University and a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Santa Barbara Business College, Anna brings a strong foundation in safety and compliance. As an OSHA-authorized Construction Trainer, she has led safety and health ef

 Anna Aguirre has worked in renewable energy since 2014. With an A.S. in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University and a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Santa Barbara Business College, Anna brings a strong foundation in safety and compliance. As an OSHA-authorized Construction Trainer, she has led safety and health efforts across the U.S. on wind, solar, and BESS projects, offering bilingual training in English and Spanish. In 2024, she joined RISE Renewable Energy as a Senior Support Engineer, where she focuses on training and development to support field operations and workforce growth. 

 Luke Clark has worked in Renewable Energy for a decade and has experience in Field Operations, Remote Training and Support and development of emerging technologies.  Coming from Spokane, WA, Luke joined the U.S. Army out of high school, working on military aircraft.   Using similar skills for troubleshooting and diagnostics, Luke transfe

 Luke Clark has worked in Renewable Energy for a decade and has experience in Field Operations, Remote Training and Support and development of emerging technologies.  Coming from Spokane, WA, Luke joined the U.S. Army out of high school, working on military aircraft.   Using similar skills for troubleshooting and diagnostics, Luke transferred into renewable energy services, becoming a Senior Service Expert.   Luke joined Rise Renewable Energy as a Senior Support Engineer to help renewable technicians in the field.