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

Yarek Matacz

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.caContact: ymatacz@mediajpm.comYouTube: @yarekmatacz

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

    14 JUN

    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, 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 nameScaling the right way — not the fastest wayTheir 40kW, 100-panel install after five years of client delaysHow to keep the pipeline full without sacrificing ethicsThe 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 🔗 Host Links 🎙 Yarek Matacz – https://www.jpmmedia.ca 📸 Instagram – @jpmmediacanada 💼 LinkedIn – Yarek Matacz 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this inspired you! 📬 Got a story for the pod? Reach out at jpmmedia.ca #SolarEnergy #SongOfSolarmen #OffTheGridPodcast #CleanTech #SolarAccess #FaithDrivenBusiness #RuralSolar #SolarEducation #Podcast

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

    14 JUN

    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, 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 techHow Q-Charge is innovating with hidden cables and local fallback systemsThe ROI model behind owning vs. leasing chargersHow to navigate rebate confusion and financing programsWhy U.S. charging infrastructure can’t copy-paste from Europe or AsiaWhat’s next: AI-powered analytics, public charging ROI, and the slow path to wireless📍 Guest: Sergej Marojevic 🔌 Learn more: https://qcharge123.com 📈 Marketing partner: https://www.jpmmedia.ca 🎙️ Host: Yarek Matacz 👉 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

    34 min
  3. Plug & Play Solar: How Solvari is Rewiring Residential Installations with Samuel Truthseeker

    14 JUN

    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, 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 installsThe truth behind soft costs in solarWhy Solvari’s panel is engineered for repeatability and scaleTips for cleantech founders marketing a new categoryWhat's next for solar innovation amid shifting policyThis one’s a must-listen for solar professionals, installation teams, contractors, and anyone building in clean energy. 🔗 Links: Solvari Website: https://www.solvarisolar.com Solvari YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@solvariinc Solvari Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solvariinc/ Solvari LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/solvari-inc/ 🎙️ Hosted by: Yarek Matacz JPM Media: https://www.jpmmedia.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpmmediacanada/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jpm-media-canada/

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

    12 JUN

    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 costsThe difference between net metering and load displacementHow solar increases property value by an average of 6.8%What custom solar design really means for homeownersWhy solar education is the biggest missing piece in CanadaThe 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.caJPM Media: https://jpmmedia.caInstagram: @jpmmediacanadaHost: @yarekmatacz

    41 min
  5. Small Homes, Big Vision: Jesse Russell on Building Smarter, Simpler Communities with Hiatus Homes

    11 JUN

    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 demographicsHow Oregon’s “cottage code” and middle housing laws are reshaping citiesHiatus’ approach to energy modeling, air sealing, and net-zero readinessThe tension between permitting red tape and sustainable developmentWhat “intentional living” really means—beyond marketingHow Jesse transitioned from TV producer to small-scale developerBuilding the Hiatus Capital Fund and launching investor-ready projectsMarketing insights, policy gaps, and why visuals sell visionary housingThis 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 📩 Contact the show: ymatacz@mediajpm.com 🎥 Full episode on YouTube: @yarekmatacz

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

    11 JUN

    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 repeatingWhy solar, EV charging, and heat pumps should never be sold in isolationThe policy trap no one warns new solar installers aboutReal stories from New York’s clean energy battles—including the Indian Point shutdownWhy energy certainty—not just generation—is key to hitting climate targetsThe silent workforce crisis stalling clean energy adoptionWhat EarthKind is doing in Westchester that could become a national modelPlus, 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 📩 Contact the show: ymatacz@mediajpm.com 🎥 Full episode on YouTube: @yarekmatacz

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

    11 JUN

    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 autonomyHow micro-distribution and accessibility power the business caseWhat it means to own the software, hardware, AND infrastructureCities and partners they’re in talks with: Dubai, São Paulo, Omaha & moreWhy they're focused on sports venues, campuses, and ports before public streetsThe 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 📩 Contact the show: ymatacz@mediajpm.com 🎥 Full video on YouTube: @yarekmatacz 📸 Follow on Instagram: @snaap.transportation

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

    11 JUN

    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 comboHow investment tax credits can cut your solar ROI to under 2 yearsThe truth about battery storage interest and utility “monopolies”How Dynamic Solar balances subcontracting with in-house qualityWhy Minnesota solar customers are tired of being left on the hookThe power of referrals, meta ads, and high-trust sales in scaling upWhat it really means to “own your power”—not just your homeWhether 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 📩 Contact the show: ymatacz@mediajpm.com 🎥 Full video on YouTube: @yarekmatacz

    29 min
See All (13)

About

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.caContact: ymatacz@mediajpm.comYouTube: @yarekmatacz

Information

  • Creator
    Yarek Matacz
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Yarek Matacz
  • Show Website
    Off the Grid, On the Record | With Yarek Matacz from JPM Media
  • Provider