Family Owned. Field Proven.
Vanguard Energy Partners is a family-owned EPC contract specializing in utility-scale solar & energy storage projects. Since 2008, we’ve delivered complex projects across the country with a commitment to safety, quality, & relationships that last long after construction is complete.
Founded
2008
Family
Owned
National
Footprint
Utility-Scale
Solar & BESS
Safety Driven
Always
OUR STORY
Build on Experience.
Prepared for What’s Next.
Our roots in commercial and industrial solar taught us how to solve complex challenges in real-world environments where no two projects are alike. That experience developed the ingenuity, adaptability, and execution disciple that continues to drive our success on today’s large-scale utility projects.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
CLIENT FOCUSED
We listen and we align with your goals.
PROVEN EXPERIENCE
Delivering projects safely, on time, and to the highest standards since 2008.
BUILT TO ADAPT
No two projects are the same. We bring flexibility and creativity to solve problems and keep projects moving.
RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST
Many of our projects come from repeat clients.
Our Core Values
Our Commitment to protecting every member of our family.
We build lasting relationships on honesty and trust.
We build lasting relationships on honesty and trust.
We lend a hand to each other and the community creating positive growth.
Our Leadership
Nelson Ferreira
Nelson Ferreira has been a leader within the construction industry since 1988. Utilizing his experience and technical expertise for over the past three decades, Nelson expanded his family of companies to include Vanguard Energy Partners, a first-rate solar company. Nelson is responsible for the day-to-day operations and believes in consistently fostering each employee’s personal and professional development. Recognized for his outstanding entrepreneurial achievements, Nelson maintains a clear vision of innovation and growth. He is an active member in numerous industry organizations.
Geoff Fairclough
Geoff Fairclough brings over 30 years of experience in Civil, Heavy Highway, Bridge, Marine, Tunnel, Rail, and Design Build projects, working in some of the most densely populated cities in the United States. His expertise spans problem-solving, innovation, and project management. At Vanguard Energy Partners, Geoff is responsible for managing, directing, and coordinating operations and project management teams. His notable projects include the expansion of Grand Central Terminal in NYC, where he oversaw $1.8 billion in contracts and managed over 1,000 employees. Geoff studied at Rutgers University and is a member of several professional organizations, including The Moles (Member and Program Committee), the GCA of NY (Executive Committee and Union Negotiation Committee), and he is SWAC/TWIC credentialed. Additionally, he is OSHA 30 certified and holds various ATF, FDNY, and USCG licenses.
Notable Projects: Expansion of Grand Central Terminal NYC, oversaw $1.8 Billion of contracts managed over 1000 employees.
Education: Rutgers University
Certifications / Memberships:
• The Moles - Member and Program Committee
• GCA of NY - Executive Committee and Union Negotiation Committee
• SWAC/TWIC Credentialed
• OSHA 30 Certified
• ATF/FDNY/USCG licenses are held in various disciplines.
Mike Seelman
Mike Seelman has over 30 years of experience in civil, marine, remediation, utility construction, and design. He has executed utility projects for both private and public clients and has over 16 years of experience in the renewable sector. His notable experience includes overseeing union labor agreement civil construction and managing utility construction projects.
Notable Experience:
- Proven expertise in civil construction.
- Extensive leadership in construction management, overseeing projects from design through execution with a focus on quality, efficiency, and safety.
Education: Stevens Institute of Technology
Certifications:
- Licensed Qualifying Agent
- NASCLA Certified
- FL, NJ, GA and NY licensed professional engineer
- OSHA certified in multiple areas.
Oscar Vera
Oscar has over 25 years of experience in construction operations and development in the New York City vertical construction markets. He has design build operations experience as both owner and builder. Most notably having led estimating, procurement, contract negotiation and business development for major commercial and residential vertical construction projects contributing to the NYC skyline. Oscar has overseen all engineering, estimating, procurement, contracts and regulatory affairs for Vanguard since 2021.
Notable Experience:
- Utility scale renewables and infrastructure
- Design build for data centers, healthcare facilities, and banking facilities
- Major mission critical infrastructure
Education: Rutgers University (BS & MBA)
Certifications / Memberships:
- OSHA certified in multiple areas
- BOMA
Keith Helms
Keith Helms brings over 30 years of experience in financial management and accounting. He oversees the financial management, treasury, and accounting operations of the company, including the production of financial reports, maintenance of accounting records, and implementation of controls and budgets to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with accounting principles and standards. Keith is a dedicated leader, guiding his team to achieve corporate goals. His focus on efficiency and productivity through evaluating financial systems and implementing improvements ensures that Vanguard Energy Partners achieves and maintains financial growth.
Brent Handell
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Project Leadership Award – British Petroleum
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Safety Leadership – RMT/Wind Connect
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Excellence in Training – Crowder Construction
Jake West
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
Ferreira is an equal opportunity employer. At Ferreira, we actively build a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where all views are welcome.
We ensure that all of our interdepartmental policies and procedures are free of unlawful or discriminatory actions including company social and recreational events. Ferreira embraces all employees’ differences regardless of race or ethnicity, gender identity/expression, spiritual practice, age, nationality, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, physical, mental, intellectual, or learning abilities, education, and personal style.
Hiring decisions are made solely based on qualifications and merit, and we seek to provide our employees with the opportunity to develop, learn, and grow in an all-inclusive and collaborative environment, contributing to our collective success as a company.
Sustainability
Sustainability is deeply ingrained in every facet of our company, influencing our decisions, processes, and innovative endeavors. It centers on reducing our environmental impact, championing social responsibility, and ethically fostering economic prosperity. Our steadfast dedication to sustainability is our way of making a meaningful contribution to the world in which we live and work, as we strive to create a lasting and positive impact.