Off the Grid, On the Record | With Yarek Matacz from JPM Media

About Off the Grid, On the Record | With Yarek Matacz from JPM Media

Off the Grid, On the Record is a podcast by JPM Media featuring unfiltered conversations at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and growth. Hosted by Yarek Matacz and the JPM team, the show goes beyond buzzwords to explore how bold voices are breaking through — without selling out. Each episode brings you inside the minds of founders, brand builders, technologists, and storytellers who are reshaping industries with sharp insights and real-world grit. From clean energy to media strategy, we unpack what it takes to stay off the grid—and still stay on the record. 🧠 No fluff. No filler. Just real talk with people doing real work. 🎧 New episodes weekly 📍 Produced by JPM Media – Toronto, Canada Website: https://jpmmedia.ca (https://jpmmedia.ca) Contact: ymatacz@mediajpm.com (mailto:yarek@teamjpmmedia.com) YouTube: @yarekmatacz (https://www.youtube.com/@yarekmatacz)

Publisher

Yarek Matacz

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Jun 2025

Latest episode

14 Jun 2025

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Jun 2025

   How Song of Solarmen Is Bringing Solar to the People Who Need It Most | Off the Grid Podcast

   In today’s episode of Off the Grid on the Record, I’m joined by Mike Belliveau, founder and CEO of Song of Solarmen (https://songofsolarmen.com/), to talk about what it really looks like to run a values-first solar company — one that doesn’t cut corners, doesn’t chase volume, and doesn’t leave people behind. Mike opens up about how he built a fast-growing solar company grounded in service and trust — including how they’re helping families with poor credit access solar, and why churches, rural communities, and small businesses are at the center of their expansion plans. We dive into: The surprising story behind the company’s name Scaling the right way — not the fastest way Their 40kW, 100-panel install after five years of client delays How to keep the pipeline full without sacrificing ethics The future of battery tech, rural access, and solar education 📍 Serving: NJ, PA, TX, CA, plus rural U.S. communities 🛠️ Tools: GoHighLevel, commission-based lead gen, Facebook ads 🎯 Vision: Open a second office and double the team within five years ——— 🔗 Guest Links 🌞 Mike Belliveau – Song of Solarmen (https://songofsolarmen.com/) 🔗 Host Links 🎙 Yarek Matacz – https://www.jpmmedia.ca (https://www.jpmmedia.ca) 📸 Instagram – @jpmmediacanada (https://instagram.com/jpmmediacanada) 💼 LinkedIn – Yarek Matacz (https://www.linkedin.com/in/yarekmatacz) 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this inspired you! 📬 Got a story for the pod? Reach out at jpmmedia.ca (http://jpmmedia.ca) #SolarEnergy #SongOfSolarmen #OffTheGridPodcast #CleanTech #SolarAccess #FaithDrivenBusiness #RuralSolar #SolarEducation #Podcast

2. 

   14 Jun 2025

   The Real Bottlenecks in EV Charging (And How to Solve Them) – with Sergej Marojevic of Q-Charge

   In this episode of Off the Grid on the Record, host Yarek Matacz is joined by Sergej Marojevic, founder and CEO of Q-Charge (https://qcharge123.com/), one of the most hands-on operators in the EV charging space. Sergej doesn’t just talk about EV infrastructure—he’s built it from the ground up. From city red tape and cable theft to wireless charging, white-labeled hardware, and smart financing strategies, this conversation dives deep into the real challenges (and opportunities) facing EV adoption today. Whether you're a developer, fleet operator, or just curious about where EV charging is headed, this one’s packed with insights you won’t get from the buzzword crowd. We cover: Why permitting is the true bottleneck, not tech How Q-Charge is innovating with hidden cables and local fallback systems The ROI model behind owning vs. leasing chargers How to navigate rebate confusion and financing programs Why U.S. charging infrastructure can’t copy-paste from Europe or Asia What’s next: AI-powered analytics, public charging ROI, and the slow path to wireless 📍 Guest: Sergej Marojevic 🔌 Learn more: https://qcharge123.com (https://qcharge123.com) 📈 Marketing partner: https://www.jpmmedia.ca (https://www.jpmmedia.ca) 🎙️ Host: Yarek Matacz (https://www.linkedin.com/in/yarekmatacz) 👉 Subscribe to Off the Grid on the Record for stories from the front lines of clean energy, infrastructure, and smart mobility. #EVCharging #Infrastructure #EnergyTransition #EVAdoption #SmartMobility #CleanTech #QCharge #JPMMedia #OffTheGridOnTheRecord

3. 

   14 Jun 2025

   Plug & Play Solar: How Solvari is Rewiring Residential Installations with Samuel Truthseeker

   Off the Grid on the Record – Episode: Plug & Play Solar with Samuel Truthseeker What if you could install a residential solar system in just one hour? In this episode, Yarek Matacz speaks with Samuel Truthseeker, founder and CEO of Solvari (https://www.solvarisolar.com/), to explore how his team is simplifying solar from the roof down. With a patented, all-in-one plug-and-play panel system, Solvari is tackling the industry's biggest hurdles: labor shortages, soft costs, and operational complexity. Samuel brings 20+ years of solar hardware experience to the table, and walks us through how Solvari’s single SKU system reduces material waste, improves install consistency, and increases profitability for solar businesses — especially in regions like Canada where timeframes are tight. We dig into: How a simpler design unlocks faster installs The truth behind soft costs in solar Why Solvari’s panel is engineered for repeatability and scale Tips for cleantech founders marketing a new category What's next for solar innovation amid shifting policy This one’s a must-listen for solar professionals, installation teams, contractors, and anyone building in clean energy. 🔗 Links: Solvari Website: https://www.solvarisolar.com (https://www.solvarisolar.com) Solvari YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@solvariinc (https://www.youtube.com/@solvariinc) Solvari Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solvariinc/ (https://www.instagram.com/solvariinc/) Solvari LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/solvari-inc/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/solvari-inc/) 🎙️ Hosted by: Yarek Matacz JPM Media: https://www.jpmmedia.ca (https://www.jpmmedia.ca) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpmmediacanada/ (https://www.instagram.com/jpmmediacanada/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jpm-media-canada/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/jpm-media-canada/)

4. 

   12 Jun 2025

   Making Solar Simple: How Hey Solar is Helping Canadians Save Money and Power Up Their Homes

   In this episode of Off the Grid, On the Record, host Yarek Matacz sits down with David Hampson, founder of Hey Solar, to break down how Canadian homeowners and businesses can save on energy bills, boost property value, and access solar incentives—without the headache. David shares his journey from global solar consultant to local solar advocate, and explains how Hey Solar is making customized clean energy solutions more accessible across Ontario. From federal loans and rebates to real estate value boosts and the evolution of solar tech, we explore what’s working, what’s changing, and what Canadians need to know in 2025 and beyond. Whether you're curious about going green, cutting energy costs, or entering the solar industry, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. 💡 Topics Covered: Why solar is about taking back control over energy costs The difference between net metering and load displacement How solar increases property value by an average of 6.8% What custom solar design really means for homeowners Why solar education is the biggest missing piece in Canada The future of solar in Canada: transparency, collaboration, and solar-glass buildings 🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with clean tech founders, operators, and innovators. — 🔗 Links: Hey Solar: https://heysolar.ca (https://heysolar.ca) JPM Media: https://jpmmedia.ca (https://jpmmedia.ca) Instagram: @jpmmediacanada Host: @yarekmatacz

5. 

   11 Jun 2025

   Small Homes, Big Vision: Jesse Russell on Building Smarter, Simpler Communities with Hiatus Homes

   In this episode of Off the Grid, On the Record, host Yarek Matacz sits down with Jesse Russell, founder of Hiatus Homes and managing partner at Hiatus Capital Fund, to explore the movement behind small, sustainable housing—and how intentional design and policy reform can radically transform the way we live. Based in Bend, Oregon, Jesse has grown Hiatus from a backyard tiny house project into one of the country’s most innovative small home developers. But this conversation isn’t just about home size—it’s about urban infill, state policy shifts, creative financing, and a vision for community-centered living that balances environmental consciousness with livability and ROI. 🏡 In this episode: Why most homes are built for the wrong demographics How Oregon’s “cottage code” and middle housing laws are reshaping cities Hiatus’ approach to energy modeling, air sealing, and net-zero readiness The tension between permitting red tape and sustainable development What “intentional living” really means—beyond marketing How Jesse transitioned from TV producer to small-scale developer Building the Hiatus Capital Fund and launching investor-ready projects Marketing insights, policy gaps, and why visuals sell visionary housing This is a blueprint for rethinking affordability, density, and design—and how to actually get it done in a world of zoning challenges and climate urgency. — 🔗 Learn more: www.hiatushomes.com (http://www.hiatushomes.com) 📩 Contact the show: ymatacz@mediajpm.com (mailto:ymatacz@mediajpm.com) 🎥 Full episode on YouTube: @yarekmatacz (https://www.youtube.com/@yarekmatacz)

6. 

   11 Jun 2025

   Solar Isn’t Enough: Ron Kamen on Policy, Heat Pumps, and What’s Really Holding Back the Clean Energy Transition

   In this powerful episode of Off the Grid, On the Record, host Yarek Matacz sits down with Ron Kamen, founder and CEO of EarthKind Energy Consulting, to pull back the curtain on the real bottlenecks behind small solar’s slow growth—and why tech isn’t the problem. With decades of experience in policy, program development, and large-scale project consulting, Ron explains how local permitting, outdated regulation, and fragmented energy strategies are still holding back otherwise capable developers and communities. From New York’s billion-dollar NY-Sun program to performance-based incentives and community coalitions, this episode is a masterclass in how clean energy actually gets deployed—and what needs to change to scale it. ⚡ In this episode: The #1 mistake small solar companies keep repeating Why solar, EV charging, and heat pumps should never be sold in isolation The policy trap no one warns new solar installers about Real stories from New York’s clean energy battles—including the Indian Point shutdown Why energy certainty—not just generation—is key to hitting climate targets The silent workforce crisis stalling clean energy adoption What EarthKind is doing in Westchester that could become a national model Plus, Ron shares his take on renewable diesel, battery storage moratoriums, and why grid reliability is now everyone's business—not just the utility’s. — 🌐 Learn more: www.earthkindenergy.com (http://www.earthkindenergy.com) 📩 Contact the show: ymatacz@mediajpm.com (mailto:ymatacz@mediajpm.com) 🎥 Full episode on YouTube: @yarekmatacz (https://www.youtube.com/@yarekmatacz)

7. 

   11 Jun 2025

   The Future Is Elevated: Andrew J. Cary on SNAAP’s Vision for Autonomous, Accessible Transit

   What if urban transportation wasn’t just improved — but completely reinvented? In this episode of Off the Grid, On the Record, host Yarek Matacz dives deep with Andrew J. Cary, co-founder and front-facing voice of SNAAP Transportation, to uncover how this woman-owned startup is building the world’s first personalized, elevated monorail system — one that’s decentralized, autonomous, and actually affordable. Born out of Atlanta traffic frustration and garage tinkering over 30 years ago, SNAAP is now standing up test pods, raising strategic investment, and building a mobility system that’s not Uber, not a bus, and definitely not mass transit as we know it. Instead, SNAAP’s modular “ribbonway” network uses elevated pods to deliver on-demand, single-occupant transportation with zero emissions, zero debt, and total IP control. 🚀 What you’ll learn in this episode: Why SNAAP is taking transit off the ground (literally) The link between equity, design, and autonomy How micro-distribution and accessibility power the business case What it means to own the software, hardware, AND infrastructure Cities and partners they’re in talks with: Dubai, São Paulo, Omaha & more Why they're focused on sports venues, campuses, and ports before public streets The funding strategy that avoids debt and VC dependency 📱 Bonus: Learn how SNAAP is launching its Android app for real pod testing — and why the team says “The future is here. Take it for a ride.” — 🌐 Learn more: www.ridesnaap.com (http://www.ridesnaap.com) 📩 Contact the show: ymatacz@mediajpm.com (mailto:ymatacz@mediajpm.com) 🎥 Full video on YouTube: @yarekmatacz (https://www.youtube.com/@yarekmatacz) 📸 Follow on Instagram: @snaap.transportation (https://www.instagram.com/snaap.transportation)

8. 

   11 Jun 2025

   From Rooftops to Grid Relief: Jordan Westphal on Building Dynamic Solar from the Ground Up

   In this episode of Off the Grid, On the Record, host Yarek Matacz talks with Jordan Westphal, founder of Dynamic Solar, about building a boots-on-the-ground solar company that’s bridging residential and commercial solar—without the fluff. From getting his start in roofing at age 16 to now leading a solar business operating across nine U.S. states, Jordan shares the story behind Dynamic Solar’s rapid growth, his thoughts on how tax incentives are changing the game, and how he's navigating everything from weather-related installs to multi-state commercial projects. ⚡ What you'll learn in this episode: Why roofing and solar make a powerful combo How investment tax credits can cut your solar ROI to under 2 years The truth about battery storage interest and utility “monopolies” How Dynamic Solar balances subcontracting with in-house quality Why Minnesota solar customers are tired of being left on the hook The power of referrals, meta ads, and high-trust sales in scaling up What it really means to “own your power”—not just your home Whether you're a solar startup, property owner, or just curious about where the market’s headed, Jordan’s transparency, grit, and strategy-first mindset will resonate. — 🌐 Find out more about Dynamic Solar: www.dynamicsolarusa.com (http://www.dynamicsolarusa.com) 📩 Contact the show: ymatacz@mediajpm.com (mailto:ymatacz@mediajpm.com) 🎥 Full video on YouTube: @yarekmatacz (https://www.youtube.com/@yarekmatacz)

9. 

   11 Jun 2025

   The Quiet Shift in Solar: How Lumina Energy is Democratizing Clean Power with David N. Jones

   What if solar wasn’t just about panels on rooftops—but a full-blown community-powered, decentralized energy economy? In this episode of Off the Grid, On the Record, host Yarek Matacz talks with David N. Jones, founder and CEO of Lumina Energy, about how small businesses and municipalities are quietly reshaping the clean energy landscape from the ground up. From virtual power plants to AI-powered micro data centers, Lumina is building energy ecosystems where residents, businesses, and entire cities can trade, store, and vote on how power is used—all without needing to own the infrastructure. 🌐 In this episode: What virtual power plants really are—and why they matter The three customer types Lumina serves: municipalities, businesses, and individuals The rise of trust as a currency in the solar space How Lumina builds energy access for renters and non-rooftop users Why decentralization and peer-to-peer energy trading are the next big leap Creating an AI-powered data center network inside modified shipping containers Lumina’s in-house workforce development program for green job training This episode is a roadmap for how clean energy can become community-driven, AI-enabled, and radically inclusive—without waiting for legacy utilities to catch up. — 🔗 Learn more at luminaenergy.com (http://luminaenergy.com) 📩 Contact the show: ymatacz@mediajpm.com (mailto:ymatacz@mediajpm.com) 🎥 Full video on YouTube: @yarekmatacz (https://www.youtube.com/@yarekmatacz)

10. 

    11 Jun 2025

    Glass with Purpose: John Carpenter on Rethinking Materials, Light, and Design for Human-Centered Architecture

    In this episode of Off the Grid, On the Record, host Yarek Matacz sits down with John Carpenter, President of Clearstream Architectural, to explore how next-generation glass technologies are reshaping the buildings we live and work in—from the inside out. With two decades of innovation behind him, John shares how his team collaborates with architects, designers, and engineers to create architectural glass solutions that go far beyond aesthetics. Whether it’s reducing absenteeism in office buildings, improving safety in public spaces, or enhancing energy performance in ultra-modern construction, Clearstream is pushing glass to do more—psychologically, functionally, and sustainably. ☀️ In this episode: How smart coatings, oversized panels, and low-E innovations are changing design Real-life case studies from churches, pools, transit depots, and commercial towers Why most glass isn’t designed for how people actually use buildings How architectural materials impact mental health and productivity The psychology behind window placement, glare control, and natural light Why traditional “blinds + windows” thinking is outdated Why John says his biggest competitor is historical assumptions This one is a masterclass in material science meets human-centered design, with decades of hard-won wisdom from the field. — 🛠️ Learn more about Clearstream Architectural: clearstream-architectural.com (http://clearstream-architectural.com) 📩 Contact the show: ymatacz@mediajpm.com (mailto:yarek@teamjpmmedia.com) 🎥 Full video on YouTube: @yarekmatacz (https://www.youtube.com/@yarekmatacz)

11. 

    11 Jun 2025

    Solar on Wheels: How Gizmo Power is Reimagining Access to Clean Energy with Antonia Ginsberg-Klemmt

    What if you could own solar without owning your roof? In this episode of Off the Grid, On the Record, host Yarek Matacz talks with Antonia Ginsberg-Klemmt, mechanical engineer and founder of Gizmo Power, about how her team is flipping solar accessibility on its head—literally. Their flagship product, the MEGA (Mobile Electricity Generating Appliance), is a plug-in solar EV charging carport on wheels—a modular, collapsible, renter-friendly power solution designed to bring solar to driveways, curbside parking, and underserved communities. From starting the project as a college idea during the pandemic to speaking at international plug-in solar conferences, Antonia shares how her family-built startup is tackling permitting barriers, scaling manufacturing, and working with tribal nations to power a more inclusive energy future. 🌞 Highlights: Why renters and mobile homeowners need a new kind of solar Collaborating with tribal nations on interconnection and independence How Gizmo is redefining what a “solar appliance” can be The real cost of scaling without investors The future of plug-in solar regulation in the U.S. From South by Southwest to Red Cloud Renewables: Building with purpose 🎧 No fluff. No VC-speak. Just real innovation for real people. 🛠️ Episode Resources: 🔗 Gizmo Power: www.gizmopower.com (http://www.gizmopower.com) 📩 Contact the show: yarek@teamjpmmedia.com (mailto:yarek@teamjpmmedia.com) 🎥 Watch on YouTube: @yarekmatacz (https://www.youtube.com/@yarekmatacz)

12. 

    11 Jun 2025

    "Rewiring the Grid: Energy Equity, AI, and the Future of Electrification – with Freddie De Sibert"

    In this thought-provoking episode of Off the Grid: On the Record, host Yarek Matacz sits down with Freddie De Sibert, CEO and Head of Data Science at Energy Applied, to unpack the real-world complexities of our aging electrical grid, the rise of AI in energy management, and the overlooked role of low-to-middle income communities in the energy transition. From his investment banking roots to founding cutting-edge tech startups, Freddie brings a unique lens to solving today’s energy volatility and grid stress challenges. The two dive deep into: How Energy Applied helps monetize demand volatility The ethical mission behind targeting underserved communities What AI really does in energy optimization (and what it doesn’t) Challenges in scientific communication vs. marketing Global infrastructure brittleness and systemic risks Why landfills, not just the grid, are Freddie’s top problem to solve This episode is rich with insight—from policy to physics, from Silicon Valley to Singapore—and is a must-listen for anyone building, investing in, or navigating the future of infrastructure, electrification, or sustainability. 🔋 Real talk. No buzzwords. Just what’s really happening behind the switch. — 🎧 Produced by JPM Media 📍 Learn more at jpmmedia.ca (http://jpmmedia.ca) 📩 Contact: ymatacz@mediajpm.com (mailto:ymatacz@mediajpm.com) 🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube @yarekmatacz (https://www.youtube.com/@yarekmatacz)

13. 

    10 Jun 2025

    Building Smarter Infrastructure with Greg Senkevitch, CEO of Beneficial Holdings

    In this episode of Off the Grid, On the Record, host Yarek Matacz sits down with Gregory Senkevitch, Chairman and CEO of Beneficial Holdings, to unpack the intersection of real estate, infrastructure, and energy efficiency. With over four decades of experience in development, Greg shares how his firm is working to transform aging infrastructure through smart retrofits, solar integrations, and long-term property strategies. From lessons learned in commercial real estate to the economics of energy performance contracting, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone building—or rebuilding—the future. Highlights include: Greg’s real estate-to-renewables journey (1:26) Why EPCs struggle and developers win (13:59) How aging infrastructure can be a clean energy asset (7:14) If you're in clean energy, real estate, or infrastructure finance, this one’s a must-listen. 🔗 Watch the full video on YouTube: youtu.be/iiMYzCSqpzY (http://youtu.be/iiMYzCSqpzY) 📩 Contact the show: ymatacz@mediajpm.com (mailto:yarek@teamjpmmedia.com)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

14,581

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

71

Social presence

0

YouTube

72

Engagement

0

Contact Off the Grid, On the Record | With Yarek Matacz from JPM Media

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Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.