Chaz graduated from California State University East Bay with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Corporate Management. While attending school, Chaz worked full time as a Project Manager for Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems Inc., where he first developed his passion for the solar industry.

       During this time, he was a volunteer firefighter and served his community as the President of the Association Board for the Graton Fire Protection District.

Having worked seven years at Synergy Solar and Graton Fire, Chaz decided to make a change and joined Qualcomm, a multinational Fortune 500 Company. At Qualcomm, he was responsible for leading a new program within the Research and Development Department to drive cost savings, improve efficiencies and manage large accounts with outside suppliers.

       After a successful time at Qualcomm, Chaz realized that he could make a larger impact outside of the corporate world, applying these new skills to the solar industry once again.

       In 2018, Chaz and his brother Dylan founded First Response Solar offering solar installations and storage solutions to customers in Sonoma County. First Response Solar is founded on the concept that solar customers deserve a contractor with integrity and who will offer the very best customer service and support to install and maintain their solar investment.

       Chaz’s hobbies include hiking, playing sports and anything active, enjoying the outdoors of Sonoma County. 

       Dylan attended San Diego State University, graduating with honors and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance. While enrolled in school, Dylan worked full time at Qualcomm Incorporated, a Fortune 500 Company. Working in the Intellectual Property Department, Dylan analyzed data on the patent portfolio and helped develop systems for the 5G-Technology team. He worked on many high profile projects that were the driving force of the companies multi-billion dollars in yearly revenue. Dylan’s key strengths are sales, managing the company's finances and creating/streamlining systems to increase efficiencies.

       After realizing the corporate life was not for Dylan, he, and his brother Chaz Mathias start First Response Solar Inc. This solar and home storage installation company is built on the foundation and principles instilled in them while growing up on a sustainable Organic Farm. Dylan learned at a young age, the importance of maintaining a minimal carbon footprint and he brings this to his work everyday. Their main focus is to provide high quality service while fostering long-term relationships.

       When not working, Dylan enjoys being outdoors, playing sports, hiking, exercising and being around his family and friends. 

Laird Whisman is a Sonoma County native and a graduate of Analy High School. He  attended Santa Barbara City College, but after realizing he loved working with his hands, he decided to go back to work with his father who is a solar and electrical contractor. Laird worked with his father as an apprentice in the solar and electrical industry from 2012-2018. While working in these fields, Laird also worked part-time in the wine industry for DeLoach Vineyards . Laird joined First Response Solar in 2019, learning quickly and taking on crucial roles in the company’s operations .

 

In his free time, Laird enjoys spending time with his dog Zeke, hiking at the Sonoma Coast and doing sports analytics.