Have You Met Lynn Paige?

Can there be such a designation as a “green” volunteer? Lynn Paige, CEO of PerfectPower, Inc., might just be that person. Her company is dedicated to taking solar electric (photovoltaic) technology mainstream. Founded in 1977 by Dr. John Balfour, it has become the most award- winning solar company in North America.  PerfectPower, Inc. has helped thousands of customers harvest renewable energy from various sources. 

PerfectPower, Inc. works in tandem with Habitat for Humanity. Lynn is proud that “We donate solar systems that are put right into the homes Habitat is building. How wonderful for the new homeowners that they will have very small or nonexistent utility bills! It will save them hard earned money, but also help them do something right for the planet at the same time.”

Lynn is a charter member of the Phoenix Chapter of the Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce, the first in the United States. This nonprofit organization is committed to strengthening the businesses that promote a more sustainable, environmentally sound economy, and green public policy.

“We educate businesses to have green practices. To belong, they must subscribe to a group of promises that they must operate by.” The Green Chamber also provides recognition and incentive to those championing sustainability and building green businesses in the community.

The Women’s Enterprise Foundation in association with National Women’s Business Owners Association is another of Lynn Paige’s nonprofit endeavors. “WEF raises funds for education to women in business. Every year we take applications for specific requests for education/certification purposes that these women would not otherwise be able to afford.”

She continues, “I’m also on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Small Business Association. We advise and serve small businesses, which according to government guidelines, are those that employ under 500 workers. In the State of Arizona, we have over four thousand business members.”

Additionally, Lynn spends time as a hands-on volunteer with StarShine Academy, the charter school for homeless children. Her company also is a benefactor for StarShine. “Every year we have an on site holiday party at StarShine, which is a big event for them. We give them some necessities, but also try to include some fun gifts.”

Lynn Paige came to Phoenix via Kansas City.  “I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and went to college in Kansas City, and remained there after I graduated. My business partner at the time then retired to Arizona. I came to visit, and just fell in love with the area!  So now I’ve been here 25 years.  I like to say that it’s the friendliest big ‘small town’ I’ve ever seen.  Since everyone is from somewhere else, we have a friendly, casual atmosphere.”

As far as her character, Lynn Paige admits, “I am an open book; if you’ve just met me, you already know me. Even though my children are grown, I think I’ve learned the most in my life from being a parent. And my advice to potential volunteers who are wondering if nonprofits are for them: don’t hesitate, just go ahead and jump in, you always get so much out of doing things for others!” This volunteer does just that, while she also champions the green movement in Arizona.

What are your volunteer activities?   Women's Enterprise Foundation, Phoenis Green Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Small Business Association, Star Shine Academy

Which social event is your favorite? Derby Day at the Biltmore

Favorite restaurant? Roka Akor

Who is your hero and why? My mother - She taught me I have no limitations

Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? Bruce Springsteen

If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? Helen Hunt

What gives a woman/man style? A genuine smile

Do you have any Pets? No

When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? It was a reflection of the real me

What's the best lesson you've learned through the years? The power of positive thinking

What words would you like others to use to describe you? Beautiful being

What was your first job? Babysitting

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Negativity

What is your greatest indulgence? Massages

What is the greatest gift you have ever given and received? Friendship

What is your current state of mind? Happy

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? My children...I'm still learning to be a good Mom

What is your most treasured possession? My friends

What is the quality you most like in people? Trustworthiness

Favorite books / Writers? Kurt Vonnegut

What is the best advice you have ever received? A rhyme my mother used to tell me about always doing your best. “If you can't be a tree in the valley below, be a bush on the hillside, but be the best little bush on the side of a hill, be a bush if you can't be a tree.”