RJ Adler
37
Residence: Washington
Career highlight: The career highlight I’m most proud of is being part of teams that get national recognition for our work. It’s happened a few times, but the most interesting, from a business magazine’s perspective, may be that this can come in all shapes and sizes: About two years into being an organizer at SunCommon, a national solar installer called SunRun (now Tesla) decided that Vermont had enough of a solar market that they’d want to open up shop here. While we weren’t necessarily thrilled to have more business competition as a company, my team realized that our efforts to build a solar market is what attracted them here in the first place. That felt pretty good.
Community involvement: My community involvement currently includes a lot of time in the field with my kiddos. While my extra-curriculars have been limited in the past five years as a new parent with a demanding job, I’m finally getting back to the swing of more community involvement. I serve on the Family Advisory Committee at the Family Center of Washington County.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont: Vermont’s community and culture motivated me to stay after college. It’s easy to have a seat at the table, and people are excited when you get here.
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of my job is meeting people, learning about their lives, helping them achieve their goals, and making their world a better place.
Most inspiring mentor: My most inspiring mentor is Tim Tadlock, Director of the Keewaydin Environmental Education Center at the Keewaydin Foundation. Tim has created, season after season, a cohesive team of capable teachers for the KEEC program. I strive to be able to create the same kind of comraderie.
Best career advice: “You have two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you talk.”
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Few people know that I grew up in Connecticut — Most just figured I grew up here because of the love I have for the state. Shhh…. Don’t tell anyone. I like the image of being an actual Vermonter!
What would most people be surprised to learn about you? Most people would be surprised to learn I keep a personal Front Porch Forum Hall of Fame with my favorite posts.
What three words best describe you: Loyal, respectful, driven.
Favorite Vermont escape: Keewaydin on Lake Dunmore.
Favorite Vermont season: Spring: I enjoy the potential that comes with looking ahead ot the summer.
Favorite downtime activity: Doing yardwork with friends.
Favorite social media: Front Porch Forum. Not only useful, but entertaining.
Favorite smell: My favorite smell is the smell of old storied houses.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: The person I’d most like to share a Vermont beverage with is a former camper of mine at Keewaydin, who I won’t name here to protect his privacy, who’s had a rough life, and I want to know that I’m here for him.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: The cause I would support is Keewaydin Environmental Education Center.
What one song is on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend: I can’t say I’ve got an answer for this one. Listening to embarassing music is kinda my brand. I was in an A Cappella group in college.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years: In the next 5-10 years I’d like to be part of a team that helps people make the world a better place.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years: The career goals I’d like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years are finding stability, happiness, and balance.
What’s the ideal next move for you in your career: I want to grow an idea with a team of open minded people.
Drawing on your experiences, what advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in community service: Make it something that fills your cup, and uses your skills in a different way than your day job.