Charity: Go Red for Woman
By Heidi Simmons
“I look at Go Red as a celebration of the heart, but it’s really a focused mission to educate woman on how to recognize heart symptoms and live a heart healthy life,” said David Herrlinger, VP, Hot Purple Energy. “The ability to save so many lives by spreading the word about the need for smarter lifestyle choices is an extension of my work at Hot Purple Energy.”
Herrlinger, a former real-estate developer, partnered with former contractor, Nate Otto, in 2009 to form a solar integration business. They chose the name Hot Purple Energy because it sounded creative, fun and energetic.
“Our goal is to raise the bar in how solar is done and how a solar company operates within the community. Rooftop solar is one side of the energy equation, consumption is the other.” said Herrlinger. “We strive to think outside the box to convey the best way forward. Our success is based on making smart choices today for the long term.”
Hot Purple Energy has helped thousands of private homes and businesses reduce energy use by recommending smart energy choices without even installing solar. “We believe in education and have an honest relationship with our clients,” said Herrlinger. “On one hand we are a home improvement company, but on the other, we are promoting a monumental shift in how we power our community.”
As a company, Hot Purple Energy supports many CV charities and they are often seen at local events providing mobile solar energy for lighting, music and vendors. For Herrlinger, it is a special honor to be appointed the first male to be chairperson for the Go Red Women luncheon. He will also serve as the chairperson for the local chapter of the American Heart Association during February’s heart awareness month. “Go Red has a real and measurable preventative effect on our valley’s women.”
Herrlinger grew up in Cincinnati and everyone in his family now lives on the east coast. He’s single. “I’m here with my dog,” said Herrlinger.
Hot Purple Energy has been awarded Small Business of the Year in California and the Most Green Company in Palm Springs.
Sir Richard Branson is someone who most resonates with Herrlinger. “He’s an entrepreneur who challenged the status quo from day one,” said Herrlinger. “He has beat the odds, remained humble, founded global charities, leads the carbon-war and other notable enterprises. And most of all, he’s never lost his desire for adventure and fun.” For Herrlinger, Branson is living proof that being a successful entrepreneur isn’t about being selfish or greedy, but inspiring others and giving back.
Herrlinger is passionate about alternative innovations and sustainable technology. He is especially pleased that his business continues to be fun and exciting. But his passion doesn’t stop there. When he is not at work, he loves to ride his motorcycle and explore the world. He even keeps a motorcycle in Europe. “Some people have kids, some have vacation homes, I have my motorcycles,” said Herrlinger. “I guess it speaks to my inner cowboy.”
Two favorite movies of Herrlinger’s are Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Shawshank Redemption.
An animal lover and squash player, Herrlinger is looking forward to the new world class squash court at Venus De Fido, a spa and gym in Palm Desert for people and their beloved pets. “Founder Lindi Biggi is great and it’s awesome what she is doing,” said Herrlinger.
Hot Purple Energy will be a sponsor at the next Energy Summit in Palm Springs. Last year’s event was dominated by solar nay-sayers who fear dwindling profits because solar farms and rooftop systems are saturating the daytime grid with excess energy they cannot sell. “It’s our hope to bring the reality of rooftop solar to the forefront and not let it get lost in lobbyist sound bites or politics,” said Herrlinger.
“There is so much pressure to remove solar incentives,” said Herrlinger. “Utility companies are looking out for their best interests and bottom line. They’re powerful and will continue to do that. At Hot Purple Energy, our job is to be advocates, facilitators and educators of a better thing. That’s how we are able to maintain our mission. We all want technology to advance, but we want to make sure energy is safe, cost-effective and sustainable. That’s our goal.”
Herrlinger wants to change the world for the better and he and Hot Purple Energy are doing it here in the CV while making it fun. “It’s all about supporting the local community. It’s not about dollars and cents all the time, but doing the right thing. We’re not a civilization if we’re not cultivating the arts and giving back. We can do this without sacrificing our quality of life by just being smarter and thinking clearly about the future.”
