We are here for you, working together to deliver sustainable power and lighting to meet your business needs. We look forward to meeting you and working with you to protect People and our Planet by providing reliable, safe power, and lighting alternatives to businesses who are on the same journey.
TOGETHER WE ARE HELAKU!
MARK R. HUGHES
Founder | Light Shiner | Solutions Finder
When it comes to the art of conversation Mark has a knack for bringing people together whether for business or pleasure. He has a history of effectively engaging people in transparent conversations to develop community minded solutions. That’s how he’s been successful in several public relations business roles in the SF Bay Area – and, that’s how Helaku was born!
Mark’s passion is lightening the load of others and finding ways to contribute to a better place to live for all of us - today and tomorrow! After many of the natural disaster emergency’s around the world, Mark rounded up his friends and decided it was time to spend his working hours providing products to people that are good for them and good for the planet.
Fully powered by the sun himself, Mark enjoys spending time outdoors mountain biking and fly fishing. Additionally, Mark also takes full advantage of the sun’s many benefits by producing a bountiful vegetable garden that keeps his beautiful wife’s culinary talents engaged.
DEREK LOFQUIST
Partner | Engineer | Visionary
Did it begin with Tinker Toys as a child or does Derek just have engineering and constructing in his DNA! Always looking to make something better, Derek was the first to join his good friend Mark in building Helaku Solar Energy. As Managing Partner overseeing Product Development and Logistics, his forward thinking has been essential. While Derek can’t predict the future, he is always 3-5 steps ahead which has served him well over his successful 33-year career!
Life has presented Derek many choices at an early age. Should I follow my passion of fly fishing/tying as a career or seek out the challenges and adventures of college and beyond. Whatever path Derek has taken it’s always included his strong desire to make a positive impact on our earth and the people around him.
When not hanging out with his wife, two sons, and two labs, he might be enjoying some vino in the backyard. Keep in mind, Derek’s answer to most difficult questions is “wine not?”
Tim Hughes
Business Development | Public Safety Professional | Outdoors Aficionado
No one knows the value of power and lighting and what it means to a community like Tim. Tim vividly remembers the struggles trying to provide emergency services to those affected by the 2017 California wildfires. Working through the night, in the dark, the appreciation for high quality safety equipment and portable power become paramount.
Retired from the Santa Rosa, CA, Police Department with over 30 years in Public Safety, and currently Deputy Sheriff, Sonoma County, Tim has first-hand experience understanding the importance of providing safe, mobile power and lighting. If his connection to Helaku isn’t clear by his passion for his occupation, then maybe it’s clearer if we tell you he’s Mark’s brother. Community minded siblings following in the footsteps of their father.
Like many of his Helaku teammates, Tim also enjoys the outdoors. Ask Tim about his home butcher shop and you might just end up with a load of homemade sausage which he’s proud to share with family and friends!
chris savio
Advocate | Customer Focused | All Around Good Guy
Curious minds want to know why Chris Savio joined Helaku. Chris says he was intrigued by the idea of friends coming together, working together, to produce an environmentally friendly product that would benefit both people and the planet! “I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be involved in Helaku Solar Energy.” Chris recently retired from the corporate world, which was a great proving ground for product development, product integrity, product marketing, and most importantly he was a successful Customer Service Manager which is easy to imagine if you know Chris’ people pleasing spirit!
Chris’ passion for high performance extends well beyond the office venturing into the automobile arena. He’s currently restoring two cars and is a Crew Chief for a vintage road racing team.
Although Chris was born on April 1 – he’s not a fool to get involved with a winning team like Helaku! But I must say, I have heard him tell some very foolish jokes!