A Career in Energy Efficiency: Vince Ingram

Vince Ingram
Operations Manager, Denver/Jefferson County Weatherization Services

Putting Personal Values to Work for a Common Mission

Vince Ingram has always been attuned to the importance of protecting and preserving our country’s natural resources. A Colorado native, he is an experienced camper, fisher and hiker, and is now sharing the same values his parents taught him about the environment with his own family. His 20-year career the U.S. Air Force also contributed significantly to his outlook on the importance of keeping our pristine resources intact: his travel allowed him to see first-hand the positive impacts environmental awareness can have on entire countries.

That’s why Vince took advantage of an opportunity to apply for work with Veterans Green Jobs in 2009. Hired first as purchasing manager for Veterans Green Jobs’ Denver/Jefferson County Weatherization Services, and having been promoted to operations manager in 2010, Vince brings his beliefs about the environment straight to work.

“I was always interested in green technology and clean energy. When I was stationed in Iceland, I noticed how clean the country was. With gas prices going up so high, it made me want to do whatever I could to help country become more energy independent,” Vince says.

Vince’s employment at Veterans Green Jobs came at a good time. He had recently been laid off from his production management job in the banking industry when that sector collapsed. After 10 years there, he realized it was time for a change. The Veterans Green Jobs position fit the bill.

“In my banking job, I supervised people I never saw. I missed the camaraderie after I left the Air Force. The work at Veterans Green Jobs would allow me to help low-income families, put vets back to work, and help green the economy and the environment.”

Vince’s experience in purchasing, inventory management and personnel relations helped him get a foot in the door at Veterans Green Jobs. As purchasing manager, he purchased supplies and equipment needed to support the weatherization crews in their daily work – from trucks and tools to insulation, furnaces and refrigerators. Now, as operations manager, Vince’s role is cross-functional and involves working closely with other department managers to ensure smooth operations, ranging from implementation strategies to procedures and efficiencies.

Vince places high importance on feeling connected to the Veterans Green Jobs mission.

With deeply held pride, Vince says, “In the Air Force, everyone swears allegiance to do their job to the best of their ability. They are dedicated and work as a team. Veterans Green Jobs is a lot like that. We’re on an important mission together.”