Vladimir Marchenko is the CEO and co-founder of Wolf River Electric, a 100% employee-owned renewable energy company based in Minnesota. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Administration and over a decade of experience in the energy sector, Vladimir is a visionary leader who has guided the company from its humble beginnings in a basement to becoming a trusted name in clean energy solutions across five states. Known for his ability to foster collaboration and innovation, Vladimir’s leadership is deeply influenced by his background as a junior hockey player, which instilled in him the values of teamwork, adaptability, and resilience. Under his leadership, Wolf River Electric has helped countless individuals and businesses transition to renewable energy, achieving energy independence while navigating complex incentive programs.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day starts early with a cup of coffee and a review of my priorities. I begin with a quick team check-in to align everyone’s focus and ensure key projects are on track. Most of my day is spent on a mix of strategy and execution—working on growth initiatives, addressing customer needs, and brainstorming with our leadership team. I make my day productive by staying laser-focused on high-impact tasks and delegating effectively. I also carve out time to connect with employees, ensuring everyone feels supported and aligned with our mission.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start with collaboration. Every idea begins with a conversation—whether it’s with employees, customers, or partners. Once the idea has clarity, I break it into actionable steps and involve the right people to execute it. For example, when we transitioned Wolf River Electric to a 100% employee-owned model, it was a team effort that involved input from our leadership, employees, and advisors. By combining diverse perspectives and ensuring clear communication, we’ve been able to turn ambitious ideas into reality.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The shift toward decentralized energy systems excites me. As we move away from centralized grids, more people and businesses are adopting solar panels, battery storage, and smart energy systems. This trend not only empowers individuals to control their energy but also makes the grid more resilient and sustainable. It’s an incredible opportunity for companies like Wolf River Electric to innovate and lead the charge.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I prioritize. Every day, I ask myself: “What are the three things I need to accomplish today to move the needle?” This keeps me focused on what matters most and prevents me from getting bogged down in low-priority tasks. It’s a simple habit, but it ensures I’m always working toward my larger goals.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient and stay curious. When I was younger, I often wanted immediate results, but I’ve learned that growth—whether it’s personal, professional, or business-related—takes time. Staying curious allows you to learn from every experience, good or bad, and helps you build the foundation for long-term success.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that failures are just as valuable as successes, if not more. Many people avoid failure at all costs, but I see it as an opportunity to grow and improve. Failure pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to adapt, which is essential in a dynamic industry like renewable energy.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I take time to reflect. Whether it’s at the end of the day or after completing a major project, I review what worked, what didn’t, and what can be improved. Reflection keeps me grounded and helps me make better decisions moving forward.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step back and take a breather. Often, I’ll go for a walk or go workout to clear my mind. It helps me reset and approach challenges with fresh energy and perspective. Overwhelm is inevitable, but it’s important to address it proactively rather than let it consume you.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I would say I am a better listener than a speaker. Whether it’s feedback from customers, employees, or industry peers, listening has been a game-changer for me. It not only helps identify opportunities for improvement but also strengthens relationships. Building trust through active listening has been a cornerstone in identifying what could be an opportunity for Wolf River Electric’s growth and success.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, we underestimated the complexity of navigating solar interconnection programs for customers. It led to some initial delays and frustration. We overcame it by investing in education—learning the ins and outs of every program and building a team of experts to guide our customers. The lesson? Never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to seek help when needed.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
There’s a huge untapped opportunity in virtual power plants and bi-directional residential EV charging solutions. As electric vehicle adoption grows, homeowners will need reliable, affordable charging options that can also be utilized to backup the home, business, or the entire grid. If someone can create a scalable, user-friendly platform that combines installation, monitoring, and maintenance, they’ll be in high demand.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on Google and Gmail for task management. It’s simple, visual, and keeps everyone on the same page. I use it to track projects, delegate tasks, and ensure deadlines are met. It’s been invaluable for staying organized and efficient.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I love The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. It’s a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about short-term wins but about creating lasting value and building something that can outlive you. It’s shaped the way I think about Wolf River Electric’s mission and long-term goals.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently rewatched Moneyball. It’s such an inspiring story about innovation, data-driven decision-making, and challenging the status quo. It reminds me that even in established industries, there’s always room for new approaches and fresh thinking.
Key learnings
- Teamwork and Listening Drive Success – Whether leading a business or innovating in renewable energy, Vladimir emphasizes the importance of collaboration and actively listening to others.
- Failures Are Opportunities – Vladimir believes failures are invaluable learning experiences that fuel growth and innovation.
- Focus on Long-Term Value – Leadership is about creating a legacy, not just short-term wins, as reflected in Vladimir’s vision for Wolf River Electric.