About Figtree
Figtree Energy Resource Company is committed to making financial sense of the clean energy movement. Our extensive background in finance and built environments enabled us to develop Figtree's unique Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, a privately-financed municipal program that addresses a gap in traditional financing to bring energy and water efficiency property improvements within reach for virtually any commercial property owner.
This popular financing program has been successfully launched and is now expanding to a growing list of participating cities and counties throughout California. With upfront financing, property owners are empowered to work with local contractors to develop energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects that can transform energy expenses into positive cash flow. As a result, PACE financing stimulates local economies and creates job opportunities while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for the benefit of all Californians.
Figtree Team
Mahesh Shah
Chief Executive OfficerMr. Shah has over 20 years of leadership experience with early-stage and growth-mode companies. At Figtree, Mr. Shah oversees the development of high-level strategies and leads the company's efforts to develop business and financial alliances. His considerable knowledge of the finance industry and familiarity with the investment community are put to good use each day.
Before joining Figtree, he was CFO of Pipeline Software, Inc., CEO of Signet Technologies, Inc., CFO of GroupComm Systems, Inc., Founder and Principal of Strategic Planning Group, and a senior consultant at Coopers & Lybrand Financial Advisory Services Group.
Mr. Shah earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Commerce from St. Xavier’s College in Calcutta, India. His Masters in Finance and Accounting came from the University of Rhode Island. Mr. Shah is a licensed CPA in the state of California and holds a Chartered Accountant designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Michael A. Chapin
FounderMr. Chapin has extensive experience with public sector financing, and his vision for PACE financing is well respected among agency leaders.
As the Founder of Figtree, Mr. Chapin is responsible for leading and managing new business development activities with local agencies. He also serves as the company's key ambassador and speaker at conferences and meetings where PACE financing is being discussed and evaluated.
Before forming Figtree Energy Resource Company, Mr. Chapin was a Finance Officer for MBIA MuniFinancial and NBS Government Solutions. He has also served the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers as a certified review specialist.
Mr. Chapin earned a Bachelor of Economics and a Professional Certificate in Accounting from the University of San Diego (UCSD).
Ross S. Stout
Chief Operating OfficerMr. Stout brings nearly 30 years of business experience to Figtree clients. As a licensed architect and contractor, Mr. Stout has extensive knowledge of engineering, construction and energy efficiency. His strong knowledge of the contractor and property owner relationship makes Mr. Stout a valuable member of the Figtree senior management team.
From 2003 until 2009, Mr. Stout was President of StevenRoss, an architectural and construction firm. Prior to that, Mr. Stout served as President of two highly successful telecommunication industry companies, RS Enterprises and Alpha Omega Communications.
Mr. Stout earned an accredited Bachelor of Science in Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo and has been a licensed Architect and Contractor since 1984.
Joe Flores
Vice President of Municipal FinanceMr. Flores serves as the leader of the Government Services department. His professional career in creating and administering special financing districts (over 200 districts with 62 public agencies) makes Figtree a leader in PACE related financing products.
Mr. Flores has extensive experience in the arena of public finance, and has substantial capabilities in a broad range of the capital markets including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and options. He has helped public agencies throughout California raise revenue for local capital improvements and new housing developments.
Mr. Flores holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Computer Programming/Business Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles.
James T. Stout
Director of FinanceMr. Stout manages strategic initiatives for Figtree energy financing programs. His role integrates public finance with the latest developments in clean energy to design financing programs relevant to the rapidly evolving market for alternatives to conventional energy and water consumption.
Prior to joining Figtree, Mr. Stout was active in economic modeling and accounting for commercialization of a clean energy technology with a growth-mode company based in Houston, Texas. He has been active in researching clean energy trends, including carbon markets, and has been a member of clean energy professional groups in the United States and Hong Kong.
Mr. Stout holds an International Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
