Increasingly, it seems that corporate philanthropy (and even personal giving) are reactive rather than proactive.  Today’s episode challenges that notion with an insightful look into the relationship REC Solar’s Cary Hayes has formed with Alex Honnold and his Honnold Foundation, which REC has supported for years with both cash and in-kind donations.  Why does Cary believe this is a meaningful part of their annual marketing budget? Hear Cary, Alex & Nico discuss why this is an overlooked marketing line item for most companies, and consider for yourself if supporting non-profits should be more prevalent in yours or anyone’s annual budget.

Alex Honnold is best known for his daring free solo climbs, but his true passion lies in bringing clean energy to the world's most underserved communities. In a compelling conversation with Cary Hayes, President-America's at REC, Honnold shares the origin and evolution of the Honnold Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to solar power. By focusing on grassroots, "shovel-ready" projects, the foundation empowers local organizations to lead transformative initiatives, from cooperative microgrids in Puerto Rico to solar installations in remote African villages. Honnold’s journey—from dirtbag climber living in a van to International superstar spearheading a $50 million project pipeline—underscores the importance of starting small and prioritizing tangible impact over perfection.

Following the Hayes/Honnold conversation, host Nico Johnson expands on this vision in a 1:1 with Cary reflecting on the solar industry’s unique opportunity to amplify its influence through philanthropy. Cary shares insights from REC Solar’s collaboration with the Honnold Foundation and explores how partnerships like these align corporate innovation with community resilience. Nico challenges the solar sector to move beyond profit-driven mindsets, arguing for a mission-first approach that redirects resources toward high-impact projects. Together, they discuss the power of storytelling, collaboration, and leadership to inspire a more sustainable and equitable future.

It’s time to put our shoulders to the plow, align our resources with our mission, and drive meaningful, community-focused change. We all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Alex Honnold:

• Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Cary Hayes:

• LinkedIn

Check out and support the Honnold Foundation:

• Website | LinkedIn | X | Facebook | Instagram

Check out REC:

• Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:

“The projects the Honnold Foundation funds are the most useful, the most on the ground. It’s like helping the people who are most affected by climate change and helping them in a way that’s good for the environment, good for them. It’s like them helping themselves. It’s like the community organizations coming up with projects that they think will have the biggest impact for their community.”

— Alex Honnold

“Alex has got shovel ready projects ready to go. Doesn’t take that much money to fund them, and they’ll have a real tactical advantage.”

— Cary Hayes

“Wealth only magnifies who you are. And so if you are the kind of person who wants to support and wants to give and has a philanthropic angle, then as your wealth increases, your giving increases.”

— Nico Johnson

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