Today we’d like to introduce you to Allan Schurr
Hi Allan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My professional journey began with a solid foundation in engineering, which has been invaluable throughout my career. I studied at UC Davis, where my interest in energy conservation and efficiency really took off. After graduating, I joined PG&E in San Francisco, one of the most progressive utilities in the country. Since then, I have traversed various roles, including at a small startup focused on energy management and larger tech companies like IBM, where I developed solutions for utilities.
Each experience taught me valuable lessons about problem-solving, navigating complex organizations, and the importance of adaptability. That’s why I enjoy my current role at Enchanted Rock. We are a smaller, dynamic company working with everything from local utilities to the DOD to Fortune 500 companies. Our team pulls together with a common goal: providing reliable, affordable, sustainable power to our community.
I moved to Houston six years ago specifically to join Enchanted Rock. The city’s incredible talent and the scale of capability help create an environment where businesses like ours can truly thrive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
From navigating the complexities of large organizations like PG&E to the uncertainties of startups, obstacles and unique challenges presented themselves. These experiences ultimately helped me build a broad perspective and gain the ability to stay aligned with changing trends and technologies.
Throughout my career, I’ve stayed with most companies for six to ten years, aligning with the evolving phases of the energy sector that I wanted to be part of. The energy industry has transformed significantly over the last 30 to 40 years. When I first started, wind and solar were just beginning to emerge. Now, they are standardized and a dominant part of the energy mix. Energy efficiency has always been crucial, but now there’s a greater emphasis on leveraging digital technologies to solve problems. My career journey has paralleled this technological evolution, continuously transforming and implementing new developments.
For the next generation, I would advise building a strong, extensive network and maintaining a significant awareness of the bigger picture. This broad perspective is critical for anticipating trends and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of an industry.
As you know, we’re big fans of Enchanted Rock . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Enchanted Rock, we harness state-of-the-art electrical resiliency technology to maintain uninterrupted power for our customers. We specialize in keeping the lights on for regional grocery chains, convenience stores, manufacturing facilities, senior living communities, water utilities, data centers, hospitals, and more. If a business relies on always-on power, our microgrids and generators give them the resiliency they need to avoid losses and serve their communities.
Our dedication lies in providing businesses across the country with reliable, affordable, and sustainable power. This is increasingly important as the world faces more frequent power outages from high load demand, an aging grid, and the increasing frequency and intensity of storms. For example, during the devastating storms that hit Houston in May, more than 80% of our local customers experienced at least one outage that week. During these storms and in the subsequent storms that hit DFW, our dual power microgrids not only provided reliable backup power to businesses but also supplied power back to the grid when needed.
One personal story that stands out for me is from Winter Storm Uri. During the storm, many places experienced rotating outages, but our systems kept my local HEB operational. I visited the site to see our system in action and realized this was just one of dozens of our microgrids keeping the lights on for communities across the area. It was a private moment of pride knowing we were making a difference at hundreds of locations when it mattered most.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I can’t stress enough how vital it is to recognize the support and encouragement we receive from others along our journey to success. Whether it’s the wisdom of a mentor, the love from our dear ones, or chance encounters that leave a lasting impact, these connections truly shape who we are.
Houston has been an incredible place for Enchanted Rock to grow. The city’s talent and infrastructure, built by the oil and gas industry and supported by the hardworking people here, provide a unique environment where our business can thrive. The collaboration and innovation happening here are truly inspiring, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://enchantedrock.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066669803246
- Twitter: https://x.com/EnchantedRock
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGF5k74bwm3wIZAuF2Mj5KA
