Management Team

Kyle J. Udseth founded Pineapple Energy LLC in 2020 and served as chief executive officer and on its board of managers or board of directors since its inception. Prior to founding Pineapple Energy, he served in various executive roles at leading national residential solar companies starting in 2015, such as: vice president of sales at Sungevity from August to November of 2020, senior director of marketing and customer experience at Sunnova from October of 2018 to August of 2020, and head of customer marketing at Sunrun from August of 2015 to September of 2018.

Eric is an experienced Finance professional with a great blend of Big 4 public accounting, large public company, middle market, and early-stage startup experience. Among other experiences, he previously led all finance operations of C.H. Robinson’s International division where he helped grow the business from $100M to $2B+ annually. He was also the finance leader for all C.H. Robinson’s acquisitions/divestitures around the Globe. Eric started his career as an auditor for Deloitte and Touche LLP.

Chris DeBone co-founded Hawaii Energy Connection in 2007 and E-Gear in 2015. He has previously served as President of Distributed Energy Resources Council of Hawaii (DERC) and of Hawaii Solar Energy Association (HSEA). Chris is a nationally recognized subject matter expert in energy management software and hardware technology.

Scott Maskin co-founded SUNation Solar Systems in 2003. As the company operations leader, his hands-on approach has driven SUNation’s growth and branding. Scott has a PhD from the School of Hard knocks. From 1980-1987 Scott traveled as an electrician and pyrotechnician for large touring musical, theatrical and industrial tours. Post 1987, Scott worked as a traditional electrician and obtained his Master Electrician’s license in 1994 and went out on his own. The next 18 years were filled with countless electrical and general contracting projects including hotels, large retail box stores, restaurants and thousands of residential installations.

Jim is a military veteran, experienced entrepreneur and investment banker with a strong record of results-driven business execution and deal making, which includes twenty-five years of experience in strategy, corporate / business development, sales and marketing management and international business. Jim has successfully led three turn-around projects; founded several companies; and led the acquisition or sale of numerous companies. He earned a MBA (Finance) degree from New York University, a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, and an Associate degree in Engineering Science from Farmingdale University.

Kristin A. Hlavka was appointed corporate controller of Pineapple Energy in March 2022.  Previously, she served as corporate controller of Communications Systems, Inc. May 2011 to its merger with Pineapple Energy in March 2022. From July 2008 to April 2011, she served as the assistant corporate controller of Communications Systems. Prior to July 2008, she was an auditor for Deloitte and Touche LLP.