In his own words: John Hargrove, NV Energy manager

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company its specialties, its history, the size of its staff.

John Hargrove: NV Energy has served citizens in northern Nevada for over 150 years, and southern Nevada since 1906. Nevada Power, Sierra Pacific Power and Sierra Pacific Resources merged in July 1999 to create one of the fastest-growing energy companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2008, both subsidiaries began doing business as NV Energy, reflecting our commitment to serving Nevada's energy needs. Our service area covers 44,424 square miles of the fastest-growing state in the U.S.

We provide electricity to 2.4 million electric citizens throughout Nevada, as well as a state tourist population that exceeds 40 million annually.

NNBW: What role do you play in the company?

Hargrove: I manage renewable energy programs for our customers.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Hargrove: I have been in the energy efficiency business since the early 1980's, way before it was cool. For nearly thirty years I have helped our customers use less of the product that we sell. Now, I even help them make their own.

NNBW: What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?

Hargrove: Enthusiasm, belief in doing the right thing, good communication and listening skills, patience, empathy, and thick skin.

NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasn't it your first choice?

Hargrove: The greatest job I could ever have is being the drummer for Pink Floyd. Why don't I have that job? Three reasons: Nick Mason does, Pink Floyd doesn't play together anymore, and I'm not very good.

NNBW: What are some of the important trends you see in your industry?

Hargrove: Making electricity at a big generating station isn't necessarily the only way to do it anymore. Renewable energy technology is getting better, governmental policy is supportive, and costs are coming down such that right now it makes economic sense to make electricity with solar panels on the roof of your house, or with a wind generator on your farm. That and saving energy is the right thing to do.

NNBW: What do you like to do when you're not working?

Hargrove: Whatever my family is doing.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?

Hargrove: Get a good education in the subject, whatever the subject is. Learn about technology. Look at the big picture. Expand your network. Think like your customer.

NNBW: Would you rather be younger, thinner, richer or smarter? Why?

Hargrove: Younger I suppose, because then I'd have a better shot at achieving the other three.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Hargrove: Always order food the same color as your shirt.

NNBW: What are five things you can't live without?

Hargrove: 1 wife, 2 sons, happiness for the way things are now, and the desire to make things better in the future.

NNBW: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why would you want it?

Hargrove: To help people see things the way other people see them.

NNBW: What does the content of your refrigerator say about you?

Hargrove: That we have teenage sons and buying in bulk is the only way to survive.

The basics:

Name: John Hargrove, RenewableGenerations program manager, NV Energy

How long have you been in this job? 10 years

How long in the profession? 32 years

Best book you've read? Anything with Harry Potter in the title since I've read them all with my kids

What's on your iPod? Everything I can get my hands on.

The best movie ever? "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"

Spouse, kids or pets? Yes to all.