The Company
The Parent Company
Star Energy Holdings is a developer of renewable and alternative energy technologies. The Fort Wayne, Ind.-based firm was founded in 2008 by Steven Estes to manage his wind-energy development company, Star Wind Holdings. As Star Energy has expanded, the company has begun investing in the development of additional green energy technologies, including solar, anaerobic digesters and compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations. Star Energy’s accomplishments include:
- Developing 1400 megawatts of wind development projects at varying stages of land acquisition or engineering development;
- Developing 20 megawatts of construction-ready solar developments;
- Purchasing and developing the 20 megawatts Sibley Wind Farm in Minnesota;
- Identifying a pipeline of projects to develop for the next five years across all technologies.
For more information visit Star Energy Holdings website
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Star BioEnergy
Star BioEnergy is investing in clean energy technologies. The company, which is owned by Star Energy Holdings, is developing state-of-the-art recycling facilities that harvest natural gases from food waste and other bio-waste, so it can be used as an alternative source of energy. Star BioEnergy currently has projects underway across the United States.
The Team
Steven Estes
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Steve Estes is the Founder and CEO of Star Energy Holdings, headquartered in Ft Wayne, IN. In 1998 Mr. Estes founded his own construction company and began constructing renewable energy facilities in 2001. Mr. Estes moved into the renewable energy industry and started Star Energy Holdings, creating four subsidiaries (Star Solar, Star BioEnergy, Star CNG, and Star Wind) to focus on a specific renewable or sustainable technology. Steve, his wife, Kelly, and their two children, Shane and Taylor, reside in Liberty Township, Wells County, IN conducting business activities in addition to raising grass fed beef cattle, snowmobiling, boating, and being actively involved with the local community.
Shane Estes
Chief Technology Officer
Shane began his career with Star at the age of 16 helping to bring more efficient use of technology to the company. By 2008 he was assisting in preliminary development and information technology. Shane joined the Star team full time in 2012 taking on various roles such as assisting in business development, project development, marketing, and managing information technology for Star.
Chris Luithly
President, Star CNG
Colonel, USAF (Ret) Chris Luithly is a distinguished graduate from the US Air Force Academy class of 1983. During his 28 year Air Force career, He commanded the 163rd Fighter Squadron, the 122nd Maintenance Group as well as the122nd Operations Group. He culminated his Air Force career as the Vice Commander of the 122nd Fighter Wing. Chris is a highly successful investor and has built a large real estate portfolio of cash flowing rental properties. He has also mentored dozens of other investors and is sought out as an expert in real estate investing.
Fred Morris
Chief Operating Officer
Seasoned executive in capital markets, finance and renewable energy; leadership positions in waste to energy Company; investment banks and commercial finance companies. Experience in solar energy tax credits, securitization, residential and commercial finance. BA-Kalamazoo College; MBA-The George Washington University.
Robert Nicholson
Legal counsel for Star Distributed Energy
Robert L. Nicholson is a partner in the Fort Wane, Indiana law firm Carson Boxberger, LLP. He represents individuals and businesses in various commercial transactions including the sale and purchase of assets, loan transactions, and bankruptcy litigation. He also practices in appellate law and has successfully prosecuted and defended appeals in state and federal courts.
Vic Thompson
VP Engineering & President, Star Construction Services
Senior management positions held within multiple wind energy companies including Acciona and Suzlon; 15 years with Motorola; BS Metallurgical Engineering from Purdue University. PMP Certification in Project Management from Project Management Institute.