From 12 Years in Solar to a Groundbreaking Idea
Cory Vanderpool spent over a decade in the solar industry, helping homeowners transition to renewable energy. But something kept nagging at him, when it came time to sell their homes, many of these homeowners faced resistance from real estate professionals. The value of their solar investments was often ignored, leading to massive equity losses.
That was the moment of realization. Homeowners weren’t being supported in real estate transactions post-solar installation. And no one was solving the problem.
So, Cory decided to build a solution himself. That’s how SPRK was born, a software platform designed to evaluate solar home valuations and ensure homeowners don’t lose money when selling.
From Idea to Execution: The Biggest Challenge? Clarity
Starting a business isn’t just about having a great idea, it’s about executing it. For Cory, one of the toughest challenges was articulating the vision clearly and structuring a monetization model around it.
“The ability to articulate is the biggest challenge for any entrepreneur,” Cory explains.
Going from ideation to product requires conviction and persistence. “You have to keep hammering at the same problem from different angles until you crack it. That’s the price of success.”
The Art of Staying Focused
In a world full of distractions, focus is a superpower. Cory emphasizes that most startups fail not because of bad ideas, but because founders get pulled in too many directions.
“It’s not easy to stay focused. It’s about saying NO to most things.”
Many entrepreneurs jump into industries they know nothing about, drawn in by the potential for big revenue. Cory admits he made this mistake himself, venturing into the automotive industry despite his solar expertise. The result? Lost money and wasted resources.
His biggest lesson: When shifting industries, make fractional moves, not giant leaps. Staying within your domain of expertise gives you an edge because you see problems others don’t.
Niching Down to Win
In the early days, SPRK tried to serve six different types of users. But when they narrowed their focus to just one—home inspectors—they saw exponential growth.
“We initially thought real estate agents were our primary audience. But when we started helping home inspectors, they became our biggest advocates.”
By solving one audience’s problem exceptionally well, they attracted attention from other industry players. This ripple effect helped them scale faster and with greater impact.
The Monetization Shift: From Free to Paid
SPRK initially offered free solar valuation tools, but Cory quickly realized that people don’t value free products. “If it’s free, they won’t use it seriously.”
To fix this, they bundled solar valuation reports with educational resources and tools—giving professionals something they could resell at a higher price. This strategic shift made monetization seamless.
Building a Team to Change the World
Recruiting top talent was another challenge. But for Cory, it was about selling the vision. “I was able to attract the right people because we were solving a fundamental problem.”
Entrepreneurs need the courage to step outside their comfort zones. “You want a problem big enough that it matters to you. If you don’t feel like ‘If we don’t solve this, we’re all screwed,’ then it’s not big enough.”
The Work Ethic of an Entrepreneur
Cory embodies the relentless energy of a founder. He works 12-18 hours a day, waking up at 5 AM and ending at 10 PM, balancing work, family, and his mission.
“People say they want recurring revenue, but they don’t want to put in the effort to make it happen.”
For those balancing jobs and entrepreneurship, he suggests setting dedicated time blocks. “Even if you only have 4-5 hours a day, focus on solving your problem.”
Entrepreneurship: A Calling, Not a Job
Cory believes entrepreneurship is something you are, not just something you do.
“For some people, a secure corporate job is perfect. But for me, no amount of money could make me stay in that world. I need to build.”
When he first started, his friends questioned his sanity. “They’d ask, ‘Are you okay? Are you on drugs?’ They didn’t get it. But for me, life is really good, even when it’s miserable.”
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Don’t seek permission. Just start.
- Ignore the noise. If someone tells you not to do it, and that discourages you, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.
- Solve one problem well. The more you niche down, the better you resonate with your audience.
- Don’t be afraid of public failure. If you’re not already a billion-dollar company, what do you have to lose?
- There is no perfect startup formula. It’s like school without a curriculum—figure it out as you go.
What’s Next for SPRK?
Cory envisions SPRK becoming the go-to platform for solar home valuation, ensuring no homeowner loses equity due to real estate inefficiencies.
With laser focus, deep conviction, and a mission-driven approach, he’s not just building a company, he’s transforming an industry.
Want to learn more? Visit SPRK today!