Contact Us

Jason holds his Masters of Science Degree in Environmental Studies from Bemidji State University. Jason, with the help of a small group of dedicated volunteers, started RREAL in his basement and garage back in 2001. Under his leadership, RREAL has grown out of the basement and into a fully functioning organization with four full time employees, over two dozen families served, and over fifty Solar PV, Solar Air Heat, and Solar Hot Water installations completed.
Jason@rreal.org

BJ holds a dual BS/BA degree from the University of San Diego in Electrical/ Electronics Engineering, with minors in Mathematics and Philosophy. Her fundraising efforts have brought over $200,000 to RREAL.
bj@rreal.org

Tim holds an MSW from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and worked as a Program Manager for Lutheran Social Services for ten years before bringing his talents to RREAL. Tim served on the RREAL Board of Directors from 2005 to 2007. Tim is your go-to guy for anything dealer related.
tim@rreal.org

Tina's background in biology has led her passion for environmental advocacy. Her projects at RREAL include looking into creating a Solar Heating HVAC curriculum, developing the private donor and fundraising program, and building upon the informational resources available at RREAL's website. She is currently enrolled in the Masters in Advocacy and Political Leadership program at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Tina joined the RREAL team in 2008.
tina@rreal.org

Benjamin Kelchlin joined RREAL in the fall of 2009. After graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2007 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he cycled across the country and landed in Portland, OR where he lived for two years and spent time observing the great strides the city has made in public transportation, energy conversation, and social programs. Time at RREAL for Ben will be spent on further Research and Development for the SPF, looking into improving installation techniques, manufacturing, and panel orientation efficiency to name a few.
ben@rreal.org

Prior to working with RREAL, Tom gained valuable construction experience working for his father’s residential construction company for over 12 years. This construction experience, along with the environmental studies degree from SJU led to Tom’s interest in working with renewable energies. Tom holds a BA degree in Environmental Studies from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Tom started with RREAL as a solar installation crew leader in the spring of 2009.
tom@rreal.org

Jeremiah has a background in cabinetmaking and construction. He has been with RREAL since 2008, and is now a proud papa!
jeremiah@rreal.org

Heather's background is in cabinet making and hanging, and when not working with RREAL, Heather is busy with a family of six.
heather@rreal.org

Joel Lindstrom is the person behind JoelT Electric, with whom RREAL contracts its electrical work. Joel is a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certified Master Electrician, and an all around swell guy!

Danielle Butenhoff, St. Paul, Member
Ben Butcher, Pine River, Member
Charles Krysel, Bemidji, Chair
Dr. Steven Spigarelli, Aitkin, Member
Wendell King, Brainerd, Member
Jason Edens, Backus, Director (not Board Member)

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Steve Benson, Two Harbors
Cheryal Hills, Baxter
Barb Mann, Pine River
Erika Bailey-Johnson, Bemidji