Our Team

The Solar Gaines team has been built upon the foundation of integrity, competence and experience with a strong focus on customer service. Together with our partners, vendors and clients we strive to promote the use of solar power as agents of change in the way we power our lives.

Tom Gaines, CEO

Tom has a more than 30-year history leading construction projects in Maryland. His achievements stand, solidly, all over the state — in public, private and institutional buildings. He continues to grow and evolve, achieving the LEED AP designation. He’s a recognized thought leader in the solar and construction industries. Tom entered construction 35 years ago, working on and, later, leading complex commercial projects. In 1997 he became CEO of our affiliate, Hencken and Gaines. Before taking the reigns, Tom learned all facets of the business, including estimator and project manager. Tom is a Trustee of the prestigious Boys’ Latin School of Maryland and is a former board member of the Baltimore Building Congress and Exchange.

Henry “Hans” Wittich, IV, President

Hans is a seasoned professional and business leader with more than 20 years’ experience. He has held top positions in all facets of an organization, including business development, management, relationship management, team building, transaction execution and investment. Hans spent ten years in the commercial real estate mortgage industry before shifting gears and entering technology as the regional real estate director for a start-up fiber optic telecom company. As one of the first employees, he helped the company grow to a staff of more than 200. He wasn’t done growing companies. Later he accepted a position as part of a small but innovative management team. They led the first real estate investment trust (REIT) in the country focused solely on medical office buildings. Upon its sale to a larger REIT Hans joined one of his former clients, a Colorado based real estate development and acquisition firm, and established an east coast office. Hans holds a degree in economics from Washington College, and an M.B.A. in Finance from Loyola College.

John Hencken, LEED AP, NABCEP, Vice President

John’s experience at Solar Gaines runs deep. He started as a project manager, ascended to supervisor and now serves as vice president. The secret of John’s success is a hands-on approach. He has designed, estimated and engineered large commercial solar systems and actually installed smaller residential photovoltaic systems himself. John attended James Madison University College of Business where he graduated with honors one year ahead of schedule. He holds a master electricians license in Virginia and West Virginia, is a LEED AP, and is NABCEP certified. John and his kids Elias, Dean, and Piper reside in Catonsville.

Mark Manthy, Business Development Manager

Mark came to Solar Gaines with six years’ solar experience already behind him. He helped grow Howard County based Astrum Solar from a small regional installer into one of the nation’s largest solar companies. A nationwide utility company ultimately acquired that company. He is excited to again be part of a company focused on installing excellent custom solar systems across Maryland, from Deep Creek Lake to Ocean City. Mark graduated with a degree in Marketing from Boston College and continued on to earn his MBA at the University of Maryland. Prior to entering the professional world Mark was a Peace Corps volunteer in Almaty, Kazakhstan where he taught English and basic business to Afghanis for two years. Today, when he isn’t covering rooftops with solar panels, you can find Mark on the yoga mat or leading his son’s cub scout troop on an adventure through the woods. Mark lives in Baltimore County with his family, in a house that has a 7.5 kW solar array on the roof.

Matt Clemmens, Project Manager

Matt began his career in solar as an installer, where he excelled at installing multiple types of solar arrays in any type of environment. Matt was promoted to Crew Leader in 2013 where he was directly responsible for the management and training of other installers and responsible for all aspects of the installation. Matt was quickly promoted to Project Management where he is responsible for every aspect of the installation from customer communication to ensuring the job is done on time and on budget. Utilizing his field operations experience, Matt manages projects effectively from start to finish, ensuring safety, quality and total customer satisfaction. Matt has completed multiple fall protection, safety courses, and OSHA 10-hour training.

In 2016, Matt was responsible for the construction and interconnection of the first Community Renewable Energy Facility (CREF) in Washington, DC. The 180kW project was spread over three high-rise Class A office towers in Downtown Washington, DC and required a significant amount of coordination and communication with the financiers, building management, utility (PEPCO) and local government (DCRA). These arrays are now providing over $25,000 worth of electricity free of charge to low-income District residents.

Matt obtained a Business Management degree from Wesley College in Dover, DE.

Marcy Piet, Controller

Marcy Piet brings 25 years of accounting experience to her position as controller. Marcy takes great pride in handling our company’s day-to-day accounting. She spends most of her time with her husband, daughter and son. As long as the sun is shining, you’ll catch her sporting around with the top down in her convertible.

Brandy Jenkins, Manager of Operations

Brandy started with Solar Gaines’ sister company Hencken & Gaines in 2007 and has been a part of Solar Gaines since it’s conception in 2009. She’s our “go to gal” when it comes to all of the behind the scene action with Interconnections, Incentives, SRECS and Customer Service. Brandy plays a key role in our Management team and ensures the well-being of our office and field crews!