Today we’d like to introduce you to NICOLE LEE.
Hi NICOLE, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Nicole Lee, and I’m the owner of Be Smart Home Solutions, an energy consulting firm based right here in Savannah, Georgia. My company specializes in in-home energy audits, weatherization, and home inspections for residential and light commercial properties, and I’ve even expanded to include solar installations. We serve Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and parts of Florida.
I started Be Smart Home Solutions with a deep passion for energy efficiency and a clear mission: to help homeowners maximize comfort, boost energy efficiency, and significantly decrease their utility costs. This passion began long before I even conceived of Be Smart, but when I had the chance to start my own company without a partner, I knew exactly what I wanted my vision to be and who I wanted my company to serve. Initially, I focused on providing energy audits and weatherization services for LMI communities through a variety of Free Programs.
To help grow my business, I leveraged both old and new connections. The Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC), which not only provided much-needed capital but also connected me with various opportunities. This included grant opportunities and key individuals at the Department of Energy, all of whom helped me tailor a plan for my company’s growth and workforce development.
Be Smart Home Solutions has become a contractor for programs like Georgia BRIGHT, which aims to make solar power accessible, particularly for lower-income families. Through this program, my team installs rooftop solar arrays on homes and churches. I also work with Georgia Power through their Energy Assistance for Savings and Efficiency Program (EASE), providing income-qualified customers with free home energy efficiency improvements. My expertise in weatherization is also applied through partnerships with organizations like Weatherize Atlanta (which refers to the broader efforts in Atlanta to weatherize homes, as I have experience training in this area). Furthermore, Be Smart Home Solutions is a proud partner in Cherry Street Energy’s “Shine On” program, which focuses on training and developing a “New Collar Workforce” for the renewable energy sector. This partnership allows me to bid on larger-scale commercial projects and truly advance my business within the industry. I’m deeply committed to creating career opportunities for my employees within the emerging clean energy sector. I also work with the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority in its weatherization program.
Beyond my business, I’m actively involved in the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), specifically with the Coastal Georgia Chapter #380. I’m currently serving as the organization’s President-Elect, and I’m looking forward to transitioning into my role as the next president soon.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In this male-dominated field, it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road, but every bump has taught me something valuable. One of the initial struggles was simply being taken seriously. When I first started Be Smart Home Solutions, walking onto a job site or into a meeting, I often felt like I had to prove myself more than my male counterparts. There were times when my expertise was questioned, or I was assumed to be in an administrative role rather than the owner and expert.
Another challenge has been access to networks and opportunities. Historically, many of the established connections in this industry have been built through male-centric social circles. Breaking into those existing networks required persistent effort and sometimes creating my own. While I’ve been fortunate to build strong relationships with organizations like the SBAC and my partners, it often took more deliberate outreach on my part.
Then there’s the occasional feeling of isolation. While I’m deeply committed to empowering my team, and I have amazing colleagues, there are moments where I’m the only woman in a room full of men discussing technical details or large-scale projects. It can be a lonely position, and it underscores the importance of organizations like NAWIC, where I can connect with other women facing similar experiences.
Finally, managing the perception of leadership has been a subtle but persistent struggle. Sometimes, a direct or assertive approach, which would be seen as strong leadership in a man, might be misconstrued as aggressive or emotional when it comes from a woman. I’ve had to navigate that fine line, ensuring my leadership is effective while also being authentically me.
Despite these struggles, each one has fueled my determination. They’ve pushed me to be more resilient, more innovative, and even more passionate about what I do. And honestly, succeeding in the face of these challenges makes every achievement that much sweeter.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Juggling the demands of my professional world while being a mom to a 16-year-old has been a significant part of my journey. My daughter has literally been a part of this 12-year adventure, from tagging along to job sites to sitting in on meetings, training sessions, and countless community events. It’s a constant balance, but it’s also incredibly motivating to show her what’s possible when you pursue your passion and build something impactful.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t just about financial gain or the size of my company, though those are certainly part of the picture. I define success in a much more holistic and impactful way:
Success is about tangible positive impact. When I see a family’s utility bills dramatically decrease, when a home becomes truly comfortable and energy-efficient, or when we complete a solar installation that empowers a community, that’s success. It’s about solving real problems for real people and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Seeing my team members grow, develop new skills in a rapidly evolving industry, and build meaningful careers is incredibly important to me. Providing “New Collar Workforce” opportunities, especially for those who might not have had them otherwise, is a huge measure of success. If my company helps someone achieve their professional goals and improve their quality of life, then I’ve succeeded.
Being able to run a thriving business that aligns with my values, while also being present for my daughter and showing her what dedication looks like, is a personal marker of success. It’s about building a life and a business that I’m proud of, one that reflects my vision and serves my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BeSmartHomeSolutions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/besmarthomesolutions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeSmartHomeSol/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/be-smart-home-solutions
