Owners' Profiles...
Jeff Mathias
Jeff graduated in 1984 from UCSB with a BA in Business Economics and a minor in Computer
Sciences. For the next 14 years Jeff pursued a career in sales, marketing and project management
with a multi-billion dollar computer company, selling and installing computer systems for community
banks. His primary focus was reducing and eliminating the excessive amount of paper produced by
financial institutions. Deciding to make family and community a priority, Jeff and his family
moved to Sebastopol, and created Coyote Moon Farm. On five acres they created a Market garden,
selling vegetables, fruit, eggs and honey to farmers markets in the West County. Jeff sat on the
board of the West Sonoma County Farmers Market in addition to helping create farmers markets serving
this area.
In May of 2006, Jeff began his new career working as an journeyman electrician and solar project manager for
Synergy Electrical Energy Systems Inc. (SEES). On January 1, 2007, Jeff and long time employee of SEES, Michael
Pane, purchased the assets of SEES. The name was changed to Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems Inc., and the
resources of the company were redirected primarily towards solar design, sales and installation. Jeff ‘s
primary responsibilities for Synergy are sales consulting, solar system design, office management, customer
service, and project management. Along with his knowledge of business and sales Jeff brings his passion for
the environment and commitment to building community to Synergy Solar. In 2011, Jeff received his C46 Solar
contracting license. Jeff is a lover of the outdoors, playing volleyball, hiking, kayaking, camping and
enjoying all the wonders Sonoma County offers.
Michael Pane
In 1992, his love of the outdoors and the anticipated arrival of his daughter brought Michael and his wife
to Sonoma County. Michael was employed for ten years with Becoming Independent (BI), a program that supports
and advocates for adults with developmental disabilities. His work at BI included capacities from direct
service to management. This fostered a great pleasure and ability to work with people while developing problem
solving, organization and management skills, which he brings to Synergy.
In January 2003, Michael made a career change. He began working for West County Electric (which
became Synergy Electrical Energy Systems Inc.) as an apprentice, allowing him to follow his passion
for the environment and solar energy. He advanced to journeyman electrician and on January 1, 2007,
Michael and fellow employee Jeff Mathias purchased the assets of the company. The name was changed
to Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems Inc. to reflect the growing focus on Solar PV energy. In 2008,
Michael received his C10 Electrical Contracting License. His primary responsibilities for Synergy
include Electrical Design, Installation Management and Warehouse Management. Michael is committed
to customer satisfaction and brings attention to detail to all of Synergy’s projects. He emphasizes
the team approach when working together with his crew and customers to maintain a healthy working
environment while providing a top quality product. Michael is an avid music fan, a lifelong soccer
enthusiast and enjoys all things outdoors including kayaking, hiking, biking, camping and backpacking.
Most of all he loves being a dad and having an active role in the community
