Barry Cinnamon

CEO

Random highlights and lowlights: college at tech school on banks of Charles River…thermodynamics, electronics, mech E, solar…summer job developing first home energy audit software in FORTRAN on punch cards…early work on solar & ground source heat pumps…back to school when solar tanked in early ’80s…MBA in marketing/finance from Trump’s alma mater…founded public multimedia software company…back into solar spurred on by PG&Es first bankruptcy…started first national scale rooftop installation biz in his garage (Akeena Solar)…kicked out of garage by Saratoga for recycling too much cardboard solar packing materials…moved to office on University Ave. in Los Gatos…sued town of LG when they prevented solar on office roof…lost lawsuit amid widespread positive notoriety…worked to change California’s Solar Rights Act to permit any building to install rooftop solar…new Solar Rights Act signed into law by Arnold in 2004…covered his office roof with solar panels…took company public & installed solar in 7 states…patented first integrated racking solar panel & first AC solar panel…longtime SEIA board member…former president of CALSSA…partnered with Westinghouse to create Westinghouse Solar…sold to Australian energy firm…bored, started Cinnamon Energy Systems.

With Cinnamon Energy Systems, Barry is happily installing solar, batteries, EV chargers, electrical upgrades & building electrification in Silicon Valley…back to University Ave. in Los Gatos…weekly Energy Show podcasts in spare time…helps wife on her backyard farm…dreams about short bike rides, medium-rare steak & long naps.

Christy Cinnamon

Managing Director

With an impressive 11-year tenure at Cinnamon Energy Systems, Christy Cinnamon is an indispensable member of our Executive Team. She thrives in a multifaceted role, donning various hats to ensure the seamless service of our valued customers and the well-being of our dedicated employees. Christy’s responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum, from overseeing accounting functions to meticulous capital management. Born and raised in Vietnam, she embarked on her American journey in 1981. Christy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting, earned from San Francisco State University.

Beyond her impactful work in the solar industry, Christy enjoys nurturing a thriving garden that boasts over 20 fruit trees and flourishing vegetable patches. She’s equally passionate about her well-being, engaging in invigorating workouts, embarking on scenic hikes, and indulging her wanderlust through travel adventures.

Gary Mull

Vice President, Marketing

​Gary entered the Solar Industry in 2006 following a career in the tech industry where he held key product development, sales and marketing leadership roles at IBM, Siebel Systems, OnLink Technologies, and Software Publishing Corporation.

Gary joined forces with Barry Cinnamon in 2006 serving as VP of Marketing at Akeena Solar where he helped lead Akeena to become one of the largest residential solar companies in the U.S. He later went on to serve as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Westinghouse Solar, and as the CEO of Solar Exchange. Gary rejoined the Cinnamon team in 2016 to lead market success at Cinnamon Energy Systems.

Paras Shah

Vice President, Service & Logistics

Paras serves as the Vice President of Service and Logistics, leveraging his extensive expertise in the solar industry. A graduate of UC San Diego for his undergraduate studies and Santa Clara University for his graduate degree, Paras has consistently pursued his passion for renewable energy.

His journey in the solar sector began with a fervent interest, leading him to establish a successful venture in distribution tailored to the unique needs of the South San Francisco Bay Area market. Through strategic initiatives and unparalleled dedication, Paras cultivated lasting partnerships, with Cinnamon emerging as one of his key clients over the years.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of growth and innovation, Paras transitioned to embrace new challenges, bringing his wealth of experience and industry insights to his current role. With a commitment to adding value to the local solar market, he continues to spearhead initiatives that propel the industry forward, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to sustainable energy solutions.

Marcus Shapiro

Director of Residential Sales

Marcus leads the Residential Sales team at Cinnamon Energy Systems managing the Company’s team of Electrification Design Consultants to design the best solar, storage and HVAC solutions for client’s homes.

A graduate from the University of Vermont with a BS in Environmental Science with a concentration in Ecological Design, Marcus’ started his solar career in solar as a solar installer, installing residential and commercial solar PV and battery energy storage systems, later transitioning into sales.

Marcus is passionate about helping San Francisco Bay area residents reduce the cost of their energy expenses and providing clean renewable energy sources to power their homes.

Randy Blakely

Electrification Design Consultant

Randy is a passionate advocate for sustainable living, serving as a Residential Electrification Design Consultant at Cinnamon Energy Systems. His unwavering dedication lies in assisting individuals in harnessing the boundless energy of the sun to power their lives efficiently and responsibly. Randy’s academic journey led him to earn a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Minnesota State University, enriching his knowledge base and analytical skills.

Randy boasts a diverse career background that includes running an adventure-based team-building organization and accumulating over fifteen years of expertise in managing an Experiential Marketing Agency. It’s this wealth of experience that equips him with a unique perspective and creative problem-solving abilities in the realm of residential electrification.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Randy finds solace in the great outdoors, with a particular passion for hiking and conquering mountains. He is intrinsically motivated by the pursuit of a green and clean planet. His prior experience with a large solar company ignited a profound passion for renewable energy, further fueling his commitment to providing top-notch solutions that cater to customers’ current and future energy needs, all while upholding the highest ethical standards.

Thad Wharton

Sales Manager, New Construction & Partners

Thad’s captivating career journey began during his college years, where he delved into the world of energy through summer jobs as an oil field roustabout in West Texas and as an assistant geologist in the rugged landscapes of Death Valley, California. His quest for knowledge led him to graduate with a degree in Energy Land Management from the University of Oklahoma, marking the foundation of his energy-centric path.

Thad embarked on a new chapter with British Petroleum in San Francisco and Houston, where he played a pivotal role in securing exploration rights on private, state, and federal offshore lands—an invaluable experience in the energy industry.

As his career evolved, Thad ventured into the consumer electronics and entertainment sectors, all while nurturing a burgeoning interest in renewable energy and environmental sustainability. This passion sparked the creation of a specialized marketing practice dedicated to championing renewable energy and social impact causes. Notably, two of these initiatives evolved into enduring consultancies: one with a Canadian clean tech startup focused on commercial demand response, and the other with a leading solar loan company based in Oakland.

Thad’s journey eventually led him to Cinnamon Energy Systems, where he found a deep-seated desire to support and cultivate solar energy within a premier company firmly entrenched on the front lines of the energy transition.

Michael Croft

Electrification Design Consultant

Michael is a Residential Electrification Design Consultant at Cinnamon Energy Systems where he engages with clients to design solar and home electrification solutions to meet their current and future energy needs. As a veteran member of the solar industry, Michael joined Cinnamon Energy Systems because the passion and customer dedication the company was known for aligned with his personal values.

Michael has a degree in Environmental Science and enjoys the Bay Area life with his family.

Rumsin Givargiznia

Inside Sales Consultant

Rumsin is the dedicated Inside Sales Consultant at Cinnamon Energy Systems, boasting a remarkable journey in the renewable energy industry since 2010. At Cinnamon, he leads our Inside Sales efforts, often serving as the initial point of contact for customers exploring solar and battery storage solutions for their homes and commercial properties.

Rumsin’s entrepreneurial spirit ignited early in 2008 when he founded a web design company, rapidly propelling it to become one of Connecticut’s most successful ventures. In 2010, he took a pivotal step in his career, selling his business to join a family member in the renewable energy sector, specializing in geothermal and solar sales. Following his family’s path, he made the transition to California, where he continued to carve his niche in sales, focusing on the renewable energy and real estate markets.

As a valuable member of the Cinnamon Energy team, Rumsin is gratified by the opportunity to pursue his passion for renewable energy, aiding Silicon Valley homeowners in reducing their electricity bills through clean and dependable solar and battery storage solutions.

When he’s not assisting homeowners in embracing solar energy, Rumsin finds enjoyment in a diverse range of activities, from playing soccer and watching sports to leisurely bike rides and peaceful moments on the beach.

Jonathan Munoz

Field Supervisor

Jonathan Munoz is the dedicated Field Supervisor at Cinnamon Energy Systems, ensuring the seamless execution of all projects in alignment with codes and exceeding customer expectations. With over 9 years of unwavering commitment to the solar industry, Jonathan boasts certifications in the installation and servicing of various solar and battery manufacturers, including SolarEdge, Enphase, LG, Span, and FranklinWH. His track record speaks volumes, having successfully completed over 1000 installations from inception to completion.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jonathan cherishes a loving marriage of over a decade and is the proud parent of two wonderful children, Ivana, aged 9, and Jr., aged 4. During his leisure hours, he finds joy in skating alongside his daughter, embarking on exhilarating bike rides with his son, and engaging in spirited basketball matches.

Jonathan’s educational journey began at the Mexican School of Electricity (MSE), where he honed his skills, and he continues to expand his expertise through practice at the Center of Employment Training in San Jose, CA.

Frank Teague

Senior Field Service Technician

Frank brings a wealth of experience to the Cinnamon team as our esteemed Senior Field Service Technician, boasting an impressive 16-year tenure in the solar industry. With Licenses C10 & C46 firmly in hand, Frank has become a trusted expert in the field. His extensive certifications encompass leading brands such as Franklin, SolarEdge, LG, Enphase, and Generac battery systems. While Frank has installed numerous Tesla Powerwalls, he’s continuously pursuing excellence by working towards official certification.

Beyond his dedication to solar, Frank finds solace in the simple pleasures of life. Gardening, camping, and fishing serve as his cherished pastimes, offering moments of tranquility away from the bustling workday. At home, Frank is surrounded by the laughter and love of his family—a household filled with his two daughters, two canine companions, and an ever-graceful turtle.

Frank’s educational journey encompasses a degree in Construction Technology, an EPA-RRP Certification, and the esteemed title of Certified Home Energy Auditor.

Ramiro Hernandez

Roof Supervisor

Ramiro plays a pivotal role at Cinnamon Energy Systems as our dedicated Roof Supervisor, bringing over 3 years of invaluable experience to our team. His expertise is essential in ensuring the seamless integration of solar solutions into your home. Beyond his professional achievements, Ramiro finds fulfillment in his family life, enjoying the joys of marriage and parenthood with two wonderful children—Maya, aged 13, and Alessandro, aged 8.

Ramiro is a certified installer through SolarEdge and LG, exemplifying his commitment to delivering top-quality solar solutions to our valued customers.

Lily Cinnamon

Customer Service Manager

Lily Cinnamon takes the helm as our dedicated Customer Service Manager at Cinnamon Energy Systems, where she adeptly oversees our customers’ needs, orchestrates site visits, and plays a pivotal role in resolving any issues that arise. Her commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction is unwavering.

Lily’s educational journey led her to study Business Marketing at Loyola Marymount, providing her with a strong foundation in understanding the dynamics of customer service and business management. Since her graduation, Lily has been an invaluable member of the Cinnamon team, contributing her expertise and passion for excellence for three years.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Lily finds joy in the finer things in life. Whether it’s perfecting her golf swing, engaging in board games, whipping up delectable dishes in the kitchen, or eagerly preparing to embrace the joys of motherhood, Lily embraces every aspect of life with enthusiasm.