About Us

Thomas B. Martin – Chairman

Thomas B. Martin is CEO of Convergence Equity, a venture capital firm specializing in technology and marketing driven startups. Convergence Equity was behind the formation of nFusion, LLC an integrated marketing agency which ranked 85 th on the Inc. 500 in 2006. The firm was also behind Mirabella, a fractional ownership resort real estate firm, which was acquired by Exclusive Resorts in 2003. Most recently, Convergence Equity has worked with Nextscreen, LLC, a social media publishing firm whose properties include the two largest consumer digital magazines currently on the web.

Prior to founding Convergence Equity, Martin worked for Dell Computer Corporation. At Dell, Martin was vice president of marketing and business development from 1991-2000. During that time, he directed Dell’s worldwide marketing, product management and brand strategy. Prior to Dell, Martin served as vice president of marketing for Toshiba America Information Systems, and as vice president of the laptop business unit of NEC. Martin was also a senior consultant with McKinsey & Company following his graduation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He serves on the boards of Accent Capital, the Austin Lyric Opera, and the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art.

John Kivlin – President

Prior to founding Convergence Energy, LLC, John worked for Motorola Corporation. At Motorola, John was Senior Director of Supply Chain Information Technology focused on deploying systems and tools to support Motorola’s quality initiatives from 2005-2007. Prior to that, John served as Senior Director & Managing Director of the Manufacturing Systems Software Business Unit of the Global Software Group within Motorola, and as Senior Director and General Manager of Motorola Ltd’s EasterInch Scotland Cellular Manufacturing plant. John was also a Manufacturing Engineering Lead following his graduation from the University of Wisconsin.

He serves on the board of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club is a member of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County.

Peter Kivlin – Vice President of Sales & Marketing

With a strong background in the life sciences, chemistry and analytical processes, Peter made a strategic move into sales. His sales experience started in the automotive industry, progressing to the utility industry and then moved to the coffee table quality commercial printing sector where he spent 20 years. Seven years ago Peter had an opportunity to relocate from Wisconsin to Telluride, CO. and function as the owner’s representative for a 30 million dollar residential/commercial project. Subsequently he has been involved in residential and commercial projects within the town of Telluride and the surrounding area. This experience has given Peter the relationships needed for approvals and permitting required by the local governing entities as well as the talents necessary to get things started and finished.

Steve Johnson – Vice President of Business Development

Steve Johnson has 30 years experience in sales and business development and was most recently a founding partner of TargetCast Networks, Inc., a venture capital funded, out-of-home media start-up located San Ramon, CA. Steve helped shape the company’s go-to-market strategy based on his years of experience in the burgeoning out-of-home and alternative advertising industry, in which he was an original and key player.

Prior to co-founding TargetCast Networks, Steve was VP Sales and Account Manager for Premier Retail Networks (PRN), a company with satellite-delivered content broadcast at America’s largest retailers – Wal-Mart, Sears, and Best Buy. Steve’s success over the years can be attributed to his passion for his customers, clients, and business relationships. Steve gives nothing less than exceptional service and a unique and memorable experience to all who deal with him and is thrilled to transition into the solar industry.

Jim Miller – Vice President of Operations

Prior to joining Convergence Energy, LLC, Jim worked for Motorola Corporation. At Motorola Mobile Devices, Jim was a Section Engineering Manager of New Product Development where he led a team of hardware engineers focused on developing and bringing to market cutting edge cellular products for the North American market. Prior to that Jim was Section Engineering Manager of ODM New Product Development where he led a team of international engineers, designing, manufacturing, and launching cellular handsets to the Americas. He also was Lead Test Engineer for North America Manufacturing where he managed a team of test engineers responsible for the manufacturing and testing of cellular handsets. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering.

He is a member of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, IEEE, and PMI. He is an active member in the Long Lake Yacht Club and enjoys winter sports.