Midwestern ethic says if a destination is a day’s drive away, then, yes, they are driving. Cincinnati-based TMI Energy Solutions, an electrical-specialized EPC that took on work in adjacent states, used that same attitude for years. But a solar installation in New York two years ago turned the tables.
“We went to New York and helped out a developer that we work pretty closely with all the time — that was pretty far,”
said Shawn Seippel, an operations expert with TMI Energy Solutions (No. 196 on the 2026 Top Solar Contractors List).
“Last year we decided to reduce boots-on-the-ground work. We are really focused now on trying to stay close to home,” he said.
Long-Distance Travel Was Wearing Down the Crew
Morale was low at TMI. The long drive across Ohio for C&I solar work was tiring everyone out.
“The aim here is not to burn out. We may have the best crew in the world, but after being on the road for so many months, they simply get beat down,”
Seippel said.
“We’re trying to keep our guys going home every single night as much as possible.”
Ohio’s Solar Boom Keeps Work Close to Home
TMI is looking to concentrate on commercial solar projects of up to a few megawatts in scale. The firm is currently finishing mid-sized parking garage canopies and rooftop installations in the Cincinnati region. Ohio is in the midst of a solar construction boom, with advocacy organization SEIA naming it a Top 3 state for solar installations in 2026. The necessity for solar contractors in the state has kept TMI operating in the nearby region instead of having to sleep in other states.
“There are more projects being developed now than ever, and that gives us a little bit more selection,”
Seippel added.
“You know we don’t have to go chasing things. If we’re patient and careful, we can stay close to home.”
Building a Local Workforce Through Apprenticeships
TMI has a strong connection with the local chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors and its apprenticeship program. Besides TMI workers teaching solar courses, the business also employs solar apprentices from the program. TMI also wants to be a place where new workers want to stay long-term, which is another reason to be more selective in hiring.
“We’re witnessing a bump in morale. We never had a large turnover, but it’s certainly slowed down,”
Seippel said.
“For the young guys too. They’re not all married, they don’t all have a family, and putting them on the road isn’t good for letting them live that kind of life. We’re attempting to achieve a better work-life balance.”
