Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tom Chepucavage. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Tom, thanks for joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
My envisioned legacy is centered around contributing to the advancement of affordable energy storage solutions and promoting more inclusive and secure access to power, while also making a positive impact on the environment by capturing carbon.
Key components of the legacy I hope to create:
Affordable Energy Storage Solutions:
I aim to be remembered for pioneering innovations in energy storage technologies, particularly those that bring down the cost of storage. This could involve developing more efficient batteries, optimizing manufacturing processes, or introducing breakthrough materials that enhance the affordability of energy storage solutions, such as those Flow Aluminum provides. As more severe weather occurs, those less advantaged deserve the same level of security provided by energy storage.
Inclusive Access to Power:
My legacy involves a commitment to inclusivity, emphasizing that access to power should be available to a broad and diverse population. This could mean designing energy systems that are scalable, adaptable to different environments, and capable of serving both urban and rural communities.
Safety in Power Access:
Safety is a crucial aspect of my legacy. I aspire to ensure that the deployment and utilization of your energy storage solutions prioritize the safety of individuals and communities. The Flow Aluminum battery is not flammable which could save many lives.
Carbon Capture with Flow Aluminum Batteries:
A significant part of my legacy centers around environmental responsibility. My goal is to capture a million tons of carbon using Flow Aluminum Batteries. This implies a commitment to sustainable practices, potentially involving the development and promotion of technologies that actively contribute to carbon capture and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
In summary, my envisioned legacy combines technological innovation with a commitment to inclusivity, safety, and environmental sustainability. By focusing on affordable energy storage solutions and carbon capture, I aim to leave a lasting impact on the energy industry and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am an individual with a deep-seated interest in sustainability that was ignited during my participation in the New Jersey Governor’s School on the Environment in 1996. Throughout my life, my love for mountain sports has been a constant, but witnessing the impact of climate change on these environments has fueled my dedication to preserving them for future generations, particularly for my daughter and grandchildren.
Entrepreneurial aspirations took root early in my life as I observed my grandfather’s journey in growing and eventually exiting a boating sales business. This family influence sparked my own desire to venture into the business world.
Over the years, I’ve been involved in several venture-backed companies, gaining diverse experiences. After completing my Executive MBA at the University of Michigan, I shifted my focus to University Tech Transfer, eventually finding my way to the Flow Aluminum team. This journey has been a long and winding one, but the alignment between my values and the goals of the Flow Aluminum team is perfect. Every day, I wake up with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose, ready to contribute to solving the global challenges of energy storage and carbon capture.
In essence, my journey reflects a commitment to sustainability, a passion for mountain environments, a familial entrepreneurial spirit, and a current dedication to making a positive impact through innovative solutions in the energy and environmental space.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One defining chapter in my entrepreneurial journey unfolded with the launch of a reverse auction mobile app aimed at streamlining services in the home and real estate industry. Eager to bring innovation to this space, I embarked on the venture with enthusiasm, driven by the vision of creating a platform that could revolutionize how services were sourced and provided.
However, the path proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Despite my best efforts, securing the necessary funding to develop a robust minimum viable product proved elusive. The venture faced financial constraints that hindered the realization of its full potential. As a result, the journey took an unexpected turn, and the venture experienced a relatively quick setback.
The failure of this endeavor, while undoubtedly disappointing, became a pivotal moment for me. It was a crash course in understanding the critical elements of entrepreneurial success. The experience underscored the paramount importance of achieving product-market fit, a lesson learned through the realization that without adequate funding and a powerful minimum viable product, success in the competitive market was elusive.
In the aftermath of this setback, I took stock of the lessons embedded in the experience. The significance of a strong core team became apparent, as did the need to actively listen to market feedback and conduct thorough research. This failure became a crucible for resilience, reinforcing my determination to persist in the face of adversity and to approach future ventures with a more informed and strategic mindset.
The lessons learned from this setback have since become integral to my approach in the entrepreneurial landscape. They serve as a testament to the resilience that defines my journey, demonstrating that setbacks can be transformed into valuable stepping stones toward future success.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
The serendipitous meeting with my co-founders, Chris Fetrow and Shuya Wei, unfolded during our participation in the Accelerator program at the University of New Mexico. Drawn together by a shared passion for innovation and a commitment to exploring groundbreaking technologies, our paths converged in this dynamic entrepreneurial environment.
As part of the Accelerator program, our collaboration deepened when I took on the role of guiding the team through extensive market research and interviews for the Aluminum-CO2 battery that Chris and Shuya had ingeniously created. It was during these collaborative sessions that the potential of their invention became strikingly evident.
The Aluminum-CO2 battery wasn’t just a product; it was a game-changer with the potential to revolutionize energy storage and carbon capture. The more we delved into the market dynamics and the applications of this technology, the more convinced I became of the immense opportunity that lay before us.
However, entrepreneurial journeys are seldom without challenges. Soon after our initial collaboration, news reached us that a California-based company was actively pursuing the license for the Aluminum-CO2 battery. This revelation sparked a sense of urgency and determination within me. Recognizing the significance of this innovation, I set out to secure its future.
Fortune smiled upon us when the University of New Mexico presented me with a critical opportunity: the chance to acquire the exclusive license for the Aluminum-CO2 battery. Grateful for this lifeline, I seized the moment, making a strategic decision that would shape the trajectory of our venture.
This experience is a testament to the collaborative spirit fostered by the University of New Mexico’s Accelerator program and the resilience required in the entrepreneurial landscape. The Aluminum-CO2 battery journey is not just a technological venture; it’s a story of seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and embracing the potential for transformative impact. I am grateful for the trust placed in our team and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flowaluminum.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowaluminum/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092883229620
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flow-aluminum/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlowAluminum
Image Credits
Tom Chepucavage