Rob Elam /
Clean tech and sustainability entrepreneur & executive, fly fisher, conservationist. Portland, Oregon and SF, CA.
My professional work is focused on applying innovative business methods toward projects and pioneering companies that embody ideals of sustainability, high quality of life, and healthy communities. A seasoned senior executive, innovator and fundraiser, I bring a competitive passion to battles worth winning.
Recent Work
- Current: Sauk River Holdings LLC. Developing a portfolio of projects concerned with consumer facing products utilizing disruptive distribution channels.
- From 2004-2010 Founder and President/CEO of Propel Fuels, America's largest alternative fuel retailer.
- Propel has raised over $50M in funding from VC, angel investors, and public agencies.
- Founded and developed Propel's business model and brand, leading the company from Angel through Series A, B and C round funding.
- Lead inventor on multiple clean technology software patents, including:
- CleanDrive, integrated carbon emission reduction tracking platform (patents 20090228404, 20090228403)
- Method for geo-locationing alt-fueling sites (patent 20100121680)
- Established innovative public/private collaborations, including youth green jobs training
- Energy policy wonk, working with elected officials and agency staff on strategy and policy. Funding partners include DOE, USDA, CEC, ARB. Established nation's largest public fleet biofuels program including National Guard, USPS, DGS, CHP, and CalTrans
- Actively engaging stakeholders, public and media by speaking and writing about my projects.
- Designed Propel's fuel kiosks earning multiple architecture awards, including AIA recognition for green-build and architectural excellence.
- Resume & professional background at LinkedIn.
Rivers, fish & flyfishing
- Co-Chair, Board of Directors Native Fish Society
- Advisory Board Chairman Funny Feelings LLC, publisher of The Flyfish Journal
- Bylines and photo credits: Contributing writer and photographer, Flyfish Journal, The Drake, etc. A few recent writings (pdf) here, here and here. I occasionally sell photos for commercial use.
- Blogging at FFJ
- My fishing related photos on Flickr