Your Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Partner
Vanguard Energy Partners is a trusted EPC specializing in the design, construction, and maintenance of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects. We deliver comprehensive, turn-key solutions that help power a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Founded in 2008, VEP established its reputation through landmark commercial and industrial solar projects, including one of the world’s highest solar arrays, North America’s largest rooftop array, and the first commercial net-zero electric facilities in the U.S. Those pioneering builds laid the foundation for what we’ve become today: an experienced, growth-oriented EPC focused on constructing, operating, and maintaining large-scale solar.
As a family-owned company, we continue to bring the same adaptability, technical expertise, and personal accountability that defined our early success to every project we build today. With a proven record of execution and long-term performance through our O&M services, VEP is proud to be a partner that clients trust from initial construction to sustained operation.
Our Core Values
At VEP, safety is paramount. We prioritize the safety of every individual, fostering a safety-first culture across all levels of our organization.
We thrive in dynamic markets and complex projects, embracing challenges with integrity and excellence to meet evolving needs and deliver exceptional results.
FOCUSED
We work closely with our clients to deliver tailored projects on schedule, ensuring their unique needs are met and expectations exceeded.
Our collaborative efforts enable us to provide high quality service, fostering an environment where Together Everyone Achieves More.
We embrace change and strive to continually evolve, leveraging innovative solutions for the benefit of our team and customers.
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
Jason Giner
Jason brings over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, having served in engineering and project management roles across civil, heavy highway, bridge, marine, environmental, and renewable projects. His expertise is instrumental in shaping the best practices of our construction operations team. He holds a degree from Penn State and is OSHA certified in multiple areas, as well as SWAC certified.
Education: Penn State
Certifications / Memberships:
- OSHA certified in multiple areas.
- SWAC certified.
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.
Minority Business Enterprise
As a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified firm, Vanguard Energy Partners values and respects the viewpoints of others, fostering an environment of mutual respect, fairness, and equality in the workplace. Our MBE status, along with our diverse workforce and unwavering dedication to diversity, holds significant importance for everyone within our organization and plays a pivotal role in our company’s success.
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.