Mountain View Solar is an employee-driven company and are our most valuable asset. Without their drive, commitment to service, and positive energy, Mountain View Solar would not have endured. We take great pride in investing in our team, offering them the ability to grow both personally and professionally. They are the heart of our story.
Mike McKechnie is the President of Mountain View Solar which is a leading local solar and battery installation firm with twenty-five local staff and more than 1,000 renewable energy systems installed in the residential, non-profit, commercial, and public sectors. In 2008, he was awarded with the West Virginia Environmental Council’s “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award, in 2012 he was awarded the Small Business Administration’s “Entrepreneurial Success of the Year” Award, and in 2018 he was awarded the Small Business Administration’s “West Virginia Minority-Owned Business of the Year Award”.
When Kelly was a junior in high school she was recruited by Mike McKechnie to work at Mountain View Builders. She lived within walking distance of the office, so it was perfect. That was 2001, and Kelly went from answering phones and helping with paperwork, to becoming the Vice President and Controller of Mountain View Solar. She continues to play an integral part in making mtvSolar the success that it is.
Originally, she simply wanted a part-time job after high school. Kelly stayed with Mountain View throughout her time in Nursing School, and post-graduation made the decision to stay with Mountain View.
“I have had the pleasure of working for, and with, some of the greatest people I have ever known. I enjoy the work that I personally do, and I am genuinely proud of the work that mtvSolar does, and the integrity with which we do it,” Kelly said.
Kelly’s home life includes two sons, Parker (18) and Calder (9), one dog, Brownie and a guinea pig, Sam.
When she’s not working, Kelly loves to read, exercise, attend live sporting events, have dinner with friends, TRAVEL, and above all else, spend time with her boys. Originally from Maryland, Kelly has called West Virginia home since childhood.
One of Kelly’s guiding philosophies is to make the world better at any opportunity. This is captured by her favorite quote: “Always leave people, places and things a little better than you find them.”
Kerry officially joined the mtvSolar team in 2019. She had followed the company’s growth since 2009 and was drawn to the company’s inspiring mission and strong values. Kerry wholeheartedly believes in mtvSolar’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and is proud to be part of a collaborative and dedicated team of professionals. The tight-knit community at mtvSolar fosters teamwork and camaraderie, creating an environment that fuels her passion for making a positive impact.
One aspect that holds special significance for Kerry is mtvSolar’s solar give-back programs, which actively benefit local communities. Being able to contribute to these initiatives brings her immense fulfillment, knowing that she is helping create a brighter future for those around her.
Outside of work, Kerry cherishes spending time with her family who bring immeasurable joy to her life. With a passion for travel and the great outdoors, together, they are always planning their next adventure.
During rare moments of personal time, Kerry finds solace in hitting the trails, reading books, indulging in SciFi movies and supporting her children’s activities. From Girl Scout camping trips, dance recitals and gymnastics, to grooming horses, little league games and track meets, being a sports team mom means there is never a dull moment!
Originally from London, England, Kerry traveled extensively around the world before making the USA her home. Her diverse experiences have shaped her resilience and ability to find silver linings even during challenging times. She takes pride in rising above any obstacle that comes her way and has consistently proven herself capable of overcoming adversity with grace. With a contagious positivity and genuine warmth, she possesses an innate ability to turn anyone’s bad day into a smile!
Bob has more than 20 years of senior level executive responsibility as CEO and COO of a number of companies from start up organizations to international companies with annual revenues in excess of $200 Million. Over his career Bob has raised venture capital in excess $170 Million for a number of startup companies, led several M&A transactions and as an investment banker with the McLean Group he advised and facilitated merger and acquisition work for a number of clients. He has also done a number of turnarounds and restructuring in a variety of industries including stabilizing a large not for profit involving more than 25 international organizations.
At mtv Solar Bob supports the team in the development of larger commercial accounts, financing, capital formation , organization development and creation of new service offerings. He began working with mtv approximately 10 years ago when the company was first formed and has enjoyed seeing the organization mature into a leader in the solar industry.
Lydie: The Electric Avenue Queen
Lydie is the brains behind mtvSolar’s battery magic. With over a decade of wrangling complex tech, from software to circuits, she’s our go-to guru for energy storage. But don’t let her techie title fool you – this woman is a passionate environmentalist with a love for all things electric. When she’s not conjuring up battery breakthroughs, you might find her resurrecting ancient computers, spinning vinyl, or cruising in her solar-powered ride. A true innovator with a heart of gold, Lydie’s on a mission to power the future and banish hatred from the world. As she wisely says, “Experience is the one thing you get, right after you need it!”
Casey Feezle joined mtvSolar in December of 2022 as Solar PV Consultant. His eagerness to join mtvSolar stemmed almost entirely from the company culture, which he said was an inviting group of people with the most “electrifying” positive energy he’d seen. He said he’s very excited to work for a company so passionate about helping their employees grow, both personally and professionally.
Casey lives in Winchester with his fiance, who is a world-traveling opera singer, their three cats — Salem, Baron and Potts — a dog, Oliver.
When he’s not helping customers with solar, Casey is active in the wine community, which is his first passion. He is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, helps people with private curation, wine tours, and private tastings. He’s also a TAMS certified Bartender and Mixologists.
Casey’s favorite quotes is from Beverly Sills: “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
In addition to being a wine expert, Casey is also incredibly ambidextrous!
In his downtime, he likes to watch Stranger Things, The Golden Girls, Survivor, Chopped, Spartacus, The 100, Jane the Virgin and other shows.
In the next few years, he plans to become a Master Sommelier, own his own distribution company, and be amongst the top sales people at mtvSolar.
One change he would like to see in the world would be for people to have a greater sense of empathy, to listen carefully before making the commitment to judge another.
Shane joined our Mountain View Solar Team two years ago as a Solar Consultant. He brings much experience to the MTV sales team.
He had worked for another solar company, but ultimately Shane wanted to join our team after meeting Mike, the owner, and some of the other team members, he had never met so many people in this industry that had such vast experience and knowledge about PV Solar, battery backup, and energy management. He also truly appreciates Mike’s enthusiasm and vision, as well as his commitment to helping the community through give back programs, helping to find a new path for the West Virginia energy. Couple that with Shane’s love of the mountains and rivers as well as the people of West Virginia, and Mountain View Solar is a perfect fit.
Shane has two beautiful little girls that keep he and his wife Katie very busy. They also have one dog, a scruffy little fella named George!
When he isn’t working you can find Shane on the river, either whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking, skills he is passing onto his children. He also likes hiking, climbing, and fishing. Shane always has his girls enjoying the outdoors and trying new things. He also teaches Middle and High Schoolers about water quality issues, a truly important thing for kids to learn! He is a team building facilitator, working with business professionals and with struggling veterans in a nature setting.
Shane also coaches his daughter in sports, as well as teaching scouts. Not only is he an ACA Kayak instructor but a snowboarder as well! I definitely can say Shane loves the outdoors.
Shane currently lives in Pleasant Valley, Maryland but is originally from Sabillasvile Maryland, where he grew up as a child.
You may hear Shane say, “Do your part, that’s all you can do to make the word better, but that’s a lot!”. It is one of his favorite quotes, and it’s a good one.
Shane doesn’t have much free time, but when he does, he enjoys educational documentaries pertaining to the wild outdoors. I can’t say we’re surprised.
He is able to play multiple instruments, a skill he calls weird, but we in the office call awesome! We are lucky to have him as part of the team.
Mike began his MTV Solar career in 2012 after moving to the area from Northern Virginia. He studied Alternative Energies at Hagerstown Community College and was brought on as an intern.
He knows the solar industry from every angle. Mike started in the office learning the permitting and interconnection process and helping with preliminary designs. He moved into monitoring systems, and then became the foreman on the First Energy project, making sure the beacon lights on all the tall towers stayed on. He finally landed his dream job as a Consultant for both residential and commercial clients.
Mike passed his NABCEP Installers exam on his first try earning him certificate # PV-041214-004306. NABCEP Company Accreditation is the highest recognition of quality assurance for solar installation companies.
Mike lives in Ranson WV now, with his beautiful wife and very soon, his adorable baby girl! The two dogs they rescued from war torn countries round out their family, and his adoration for all of them is evident when he talks about them. Mike will be an incredible dad! He is always willing to help his coworkers in any way!
Mike spends a great deal of time working, but when he does have time to do what he pleases, you will find him fishing, running, hiking or just being outdoors with his family. He also likes to play both video and board games; as of right now he is the reigning Domino’s Champion of the house.
Although he doesn’t know who to attribute the quote to, one of his favorites is: “Give people a break, I’m sure you’ve needed one before”. What a wonderful sentiment for everyone to remember.
Mike is making the world a better place by educating people he meets about the wonderful environmental benefits of solar. Now if he could eliminate greed from the world, he’d be a happy camper.
Kiki started working for MTV Solar In September of 2014. Her last name may be McKechnie, but she interviewed for the job, just like anyone else. The fact that she only brought up mom twice has nothing to do with why she’s here.
Stuart joined mtvSolar in May of 2024 with 13 years of experience working in the solar industry. A native of Hagerstown, Md., Stuart pursued a degree in alternative energy systems at Hagerstown Community College, then started work as a solar installer. He went on to work for multiple solar energy companies in the region, including eight years in sales. Stuart said he saw a future in solar when his parents were getting a system installed 15 years ago. It was clear to him that solar was better for the environment and would be a growing field. Stuart believes solar should be in every feasible application and would like to see a future where it's affordable enough that everyone in every community has access to it.
When he's not working, Stuart likes to cook and follows his passion for road racing with the SCCA, primarily at Summit Point Motorsports Park. He and his wife have a young son and live in the Fairplay area.
Natalie joined mtvSolar in July 2022 as a Solar PV Consultant. She was looking for an opportunity to use her electrician skills in a creative way and is naturally a people person.
Natalie lives in Kearneysville, WV with her three children — Nell, Lew and Sam — and their Chocolate Lab, Finn. They live on her family’s farm, the Bi-Centenial Farm. As a solar consultant, Natalie hopes to get solar on as many farms as possible.
When she’s not working at mtvSolar or on farm-related endeavors, she likes to socialize outdoors with family and friends. If she’s inside, you might find Natalie binge-watching comedy specials or making one of her killer care-packages.
Natalie’s favorite quote is from Bishop Desmond Tutu: “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.”
Two changes she’d wish to see in the world is for people to realize we all have more in common than we are different, and for everyone to know where their food comes from.
John worked as a Merchant Marine for 30 years, but knowing he was too young, and full of energy to retire, he began another career as a lobbyist on behalf of the environment and people’s health through enviro- protection measures.
His goal as a lobbyist in 2008 was to get introduced a bill that gives WV residents a $2000 tax credit to install solar energy systems on their property. In 2009 that goal became reality as we passed on the final night of the session our bill just before the stroke of midnight. Although the credit is no longer available, it certainly helped a lot of West Virginians get Solar early on when the cost was a bit higher than it is now! Shortly after the bill passed John asked Mike for a job and he said YES on the spot without an interview or resume’, thus his life with MTVSolar began. John continuously fights for solar and other renewable energies for the state.
When he first joined MTV he wanted to get back to doing some “hands on “ work, as he had done for years on the ship. Before long Mike put John on a crew installing solar hot water systems in existing homes to help them lower their electric usage. Two years after that, John found himself on rooftops helping install full solar arrays. John was wonderful on the crew, but as happens with all of us if we’re lucky, he soon realized that steep roof planes, and full adulthood wasn’t the best mix, so John opted to get off the roof and spend more time as a lobbyist. In this role John has gone to numerous meetings in Charleston, always representing Solar and MTV in a wonderful light, and helping the powers that be, understand the wisdom and importance of renewable energy for all.
John, who incidentally is the uncle of Mike Studholme, one of our Energy Consultants, lives on a 5 acre Farmette, just outside of Hedgesville, WV. He shares his farm with his handsome yet mischievous cat Willie! He enjoys his gardening area, and plans on adding a greenhouse into the mix so he can grow vegetables in an extended season.
He still has one of the original Nissan Leaf sedans! His home and transportation needs are mostly covered by the 9.4kW solar system on his roof.
Kasey joined mtvSolar as an Office Manager in October 2022. She had been working from home and missed the face-to-face interaction of being in an office setting.
When she isn’t working, Kasey can be found outdoors with her three pups, Bella, Roxy and Titan.
Over the next few years, she hopes to add new locations to her travel list, including Germany and Ireland.
Her favorite quote is advice from her father — “Take others’ opinions, but before making a decision, always derive your own opinion.”
If there was one thing she could change about the world, it would be the poor treatment of animals.
MaryKate joined the mtvSolar family in 2018 as an Administrative Assistant. Her attention to detail, knowledge of business and love of working with documents have made her a natural fit as she took on payroll, accounts and human resources roles in the company.
MaryKate is married to Lydie, mtvSolar’s Director of Technology. Together they live in their sustainable, solar-powered home in Maryland.
In her free time, MaryKate enjoys arts and crafts projects, and making mixed media art with her hands. She also likes to binge watch Netflix series, or spin vinyl records.
One of her unusual talents is to be able to name almost any tune AND artist from hearing the first few notes of a song!
Heading into the future, MaryKate wants to expand her knowledge about all things Human Resource.
She thinks the world would be a better place if people would just be nice to each other.
Karleigh joined mtvSolar in December 2022 as the company’s Accounts Payable clerk. She saw an opportunity to grow her skillset in a growing industry that makes a positive impact on the planet.
She said she knew right away she’d made the right decision to join the company, which feels like a family.
Karleigh is from Hancock, Md. and now lives in Berkeley Springs, WV with her husband, two daughters and two dogs.
When she’s not working, you can find Karleigh outdoors with friends and family, making new memories or enjoying delicious food. She also enjoys watching mystery, drama or reality TV shows.
Karleigh’s favorite quotes comes from Theodore Roosevelt: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
If she could change one thing about the world, it would be for everyone to be kind and accepting of one another, regardless of our differences. Our differences are what make us unique and that is what makes the world such a great place. How boring would it be if we were all the same?
Ryan has been interested in renewable energy for quite some time, so starting with MTVSolar in October of 2011 was a perfect fit.
He is now not only our Master Electrician, but also a NABCEP certified installer, two extremely difficult certifications to get. We are lucky to have him.
Ryan doesn’t sit still for long, and is known for skipping lunch in order to complete a job. He is focused and thoughtful in his work. He will quickly respond to customer questions and has a vast knowledge of all things electrical, including the battery back up systems we install.
Ryan has lived in Berkeley Springs since he was 2 years old, and rightfully calls it home!
When he has time off, he loves spending it with his beautiful wife Halie and their two dogs, Clutch and Huck. If extended family is involved, and that time can be spent outside, Ryan will be seen with a smile on his face.
If the weather won’t cooperate, you can find him at home binge watching American Horror Story.
He and Halie plan on adding a little human or two to the family within the next couple of years. They will be lucky children!
Ryan gets along with almost everyone, one of his favorite quotes being: “Never judge a man before walking in his shoes”
When asked what he wants to accomplish in the next few years, his answer was simple and direct: to help improve MTVSolar in any possible way. He’d also like to see an end to animal cruelty, but all the good people do!
When Stacy joined the MTV family four years ago, she brought with her a wonderfully friendly energy to accompany her brilliant smile. Stacy is one of two Project Coordinators. She submits most of the building, electrical and net metering applications. It may not sound like much, but since MTVSolar permits in four states and numerous counties, each with their own process, Stacy is an essential part of the operation, from the beginning to the end. She has relationships with permitting offices, utility companies and inspectors from our entire installation area, and we are lucky to have her.
Stacy heard about the opening from Kelly Waugh, MTV’s VP, and since the hours she would be needed worked out perfectly for her schedule she came for the interview. Within minutes, we knew she was a perfect fit.
Stacy grew up in Baltimore, but in 2000 her husband was transferred to Fed Ex in Hagerstown. That led to them buying their house in beautiful West-By-Gosh- Virginia.
At home Stacy lives with her husband Mike, their three children, Mathew, Evan and Ava, a mini lop bunny, appropriately named Nibbles, and a sweet Cavachon pup named Brinkley. If it were completely up to Stacy, there would be another dog or two, and perhaps a cat in the mix too.
Her children are her life, and as any parent of three children knows, she spends most of her time running the kids to and from sporting events and dance classes, She wouldn’t have it any other way, and enjoys every moment spent with them.
Stacy is also a phenomenal DIY-er, and has many projects to prove it, all of them turn out perfectly! When she’s not working on crafts, she likes to paint, and maybe hop over to TJ MAXX to pick up a few things. It works, as her sense of style is second to none!
After a long day of working, running the kids around and taking Brinkley for a good walk, Stacy enjoys snuggling on the sofa with her pup while watching Gilmore Girls, Greys Anatomy and sometimes Criminal Minds.
Stacy believes that you should Smile always, as the warmth of a smile goes a long way. She is so very right, especially with her magnificent smile.
Stacy plans on continuing to grow with her second family, “MTVSolar”, as she loves the people and the company and what it is doing for the future of the world
When asked if she could change one thing in the world, her response was one that truly shows the beauty within: “That everyone could see the good in each other despite any political preference. There are wonderful people in the world and we live in the UNITED States! I would love for everyone to be United together for the good of the world!”
Sarah joined the MTV Family in September 2019 as our Project Manager. After graduating college she held a few jobs in a number of different fields, from being a corrections officer, a lab tech and an assistant project manager in the wireless telecom industry to finding her new Family here at MTV.
She knew it would be a good fit after her first interview and felt good in knowing she could help both the company, and the world as a whole by joining the alternative energy field, something she knew next to nothing about, but has dived in and learned quite a bit over the past few months. Sarah is the main point of contact at the office and gets to know so very many of our wonderful clients.
Sarah grew up in New Jersey, so one might think of her a a “Joisey Girl”, but she lived surrounded by hundreds of acres of woodlands which instilled her love of the outdoors. Since college she has lived in Virginia, and Maryland, but she and her Husband Scott, wanted some land of their own and found it in beautiful West Virginia.
Sarah and Scott are converting a barn into their home, so most of her spare time is spent on numerous DIY projects. When they do take a break from that, you can find Sarah outside, either gardening or playing with their two dogs, Daisy and Cookie. In the evenings, or if the weather doesn’t allow for outside time, Sarah enjoys watching “This Is Us”, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”, or more likely, a movie, as she’s a huge movie buff and has a collection of over 200 films!
In the next few years Sarah would like to have her home completed, and be able to spend some time exploring the world with Scott, learning a new language and perhaps learning how to paint!
When Brandon graduated from high school in 2015, like so many of us, he had no idea what he wanted to do. He did know that he needed some sort of job though.
At his grandmothers urging he applied to be an installer here at Mountain View Solar.
It wasn’t long before he realized that a career in the renewable energy field not only helped the individuals getting it, but also the environment. When he understood that, he also knew he was where he wanted to be.
Brandon learned everything he could about both the mechanical and electrical side of the installs, and soon became a crew lead.
Ryan, our master electrician, knew that Brandon has what it takes to really learn the full electrical side of things and started pulling him aside, teaching him the finer points of that side of the installation. He quickly earned his Journeyman license and puts his talents to work daily.
One of Brandon’s favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin: Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. Brandon is continuing to learn every day.
Although Brandon was born in Maryland, his family moved to West Virginia when he was in middle school. Brandon now lives in Berkeley Springs with his gorgeous fiancé Becky, their adorable young daughter Laurel and the family cats, Blaze and Binx.
When Brandon isn’t working he loves to be outside hiking or fishing with his family. If the weather isn’t cooperating, you might find him inside snuggling on the couch with Becky and watching Bob’s Burgers.
Brandon’s love for his family is evident in everything that he does. If he could change the world, in just one way he would put an end to the senseless abuse of children and animals
I believe that all MTV employees would agree that it would be wonderful if we could clone Brandon, as he is one of the hardest working young men you will ever be lucky enough to meet.
Like many of our employees Trevor came to work here because he wanted to make an improvement in the world. He studied electricity and could have gone a number of different routes, but ultimately new this was the place he wanted to be.
Working along side Ryan, our master electrician, for the past 4.5 years, Trevor has learned a great deal about solar and is now the lead electrician on a good deal of our residential installs.
Trevor loves to work on cars and trucks in his spare time, and can often be found in his garage, doing just that. He also loves to go to car shows, go fishing and kayaking.
Trevor will also happily sit down and have a long discussion about any manor of things, he will listen and contribute, always willing to learn and impart knowledge.
That may sound a little “deep” but he also thoroughly enjoys a good binging of The Munsters, or laughing hysterically with friends over seemingly benign statements, or the fact that he can roll his eyes into the back of his head!
Trevor is continually studying and looks forward to becoming a Master Electrician, not at all an easy feat, but one we are sure he will achieve.
Trevor would love to live in a world where peace reigned supreme, I think we can all agree that living in such a world would be wonderful. With gentle souls like Trevor in this world, we are already on the way to a better place.
Rob started his career with Mountain View Solar six years ago. Having a passion to learn about the solar industry, and wanting to do something in the fight to combat climate change, he knew this would be the best place to work.
Although Rob was born in Baltimore he has been in Berkeley Springs for quite some time and calls it home. He met his partner Amy in high school and together they have three incredibly gorgeous, smart and athletic teenage children; Jared 19, Peyton 18, and Jayda 13. They all share their house with their active 2 year old Husky Apollo.
Anyone with children may be able to guess where Rob can be found when he’s not hard at work. He spends a great deal of time at football games, wrestling matches Softball, basketball and volleyball games! That is a full schedule for all of them! He lives for his children and is a super proud dad!
Having had experience with construction equipment, Rob soon found himself the designated driver/trainer for the big equipment we use for Ground Mounted Systems. He has an eye for detail and helps make all of our ground mounted systems look unbelievably beautiful.
He is always willing to help in any way that he can, and there is no doubt that if he ever came back to the shop shirtless, it would be because he literally gave someone in need the shirt off his back.
Rob has been through a lot in his life and often thinks of his favorite quote, from the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali: He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life
When he’s not at the kids sporting events, or walking the dog (husky’s have a LOT of energy!) you can find Rob watching anything Marvel related on TV, and most likely whipping up a delicious meal in the kitchen.
Recently Rob has started learning more about the electrical side of the solar business, and is looking forward to getting his Journeyman license soon.
Rob would love to live in a world without poverty where all beings were treated equally.