Christopher Gersch is the CEO of Verde Solutions, a leading clean energy firm that specializes in commercial solar, battery storage, and EV development projects across the United States. Under his leadership, Verde Solutions and sister companies like Navigate Power have completed more than 2,800 projects in 48 states for major clients such as DHL and Southwest Airlines, earned repeated Inc. 5000 recognition, and served over 100,000 customers nationwide. Christopher is a serial entrepreneur who has founded more than a dozen businesses, serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago, and was named one of Crain's Chicago Business 2023 Notable Leaders in Sustainability; he also holds an executive MBA from Northwestern and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois. With a passion for both innovation and storytelling, Christopher brings a unique perspective on how personal experiences and business challenges can inspire action — whether in the classroom, on national news, or through the many companies he's built.

Some people seem to have an endless supply of energy, curiosity, and ideas, turning their passions into thriving businesses across multiple industries. But what does it take to not only start companies, but to build a network of ventures that support each other — and still have time left for family, teaching, and storytelling? How do you bounce back when your best-laid plans go awry, and what makes the stories of your journey truly memorable?

Christopher Gersch demonstrates how strategic vision, resilience, and authentic storytelling can transform setbacks into springboards for success. Drawing inspiration from his entrepreneurial mother, Chris built twelve businesses before age forty, cleverly linking them through a parent holding company to maximize synergy and minimize risk. He shares his journey from humble beginnings, through early failures — including a hedge fund collapse — to a thriving portfolio in clean energy, trading, and technology. Chris reveals the importance of taking action in the face of fear, finding and trusting the right partners, and reinvesting in growth rather than succumbing to complacency. His approach is rooted in self-awareness, transparency, and the humility to learn from both success and failure.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak talks with Christopher Gersch about building interconnected businesses and the art of impactful storytelling. They draw out practical wisdom on entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. Listeners will discover how Chris structures his companies for efficiency, hedges against business volatility, and cultivates strong teams by empowering 'lieutenants' to drive ventures forward. The conversation explores how teaching and media appearances sharpen his storytelling skills, and why the most powerful stories are those that capture both triumphs and pivots. Amelia and Chris delve into the value of peer groups for leaders, the necessity of action over hesitation, and the power of vulnerability in creating stories that truly stick. Whether you're a founder, creative, or aspiring storyteller, this episode offers actionable ideas and inspiration to help you navigate crooked roads — and share the lessons learned along the way.