Dan Rustowicz, Chief Manager
Mr. Rustowicz formed RedWind after spending approximately fourteen years in a corporate setting. Prior to starting his own venture, Dan was the Chief Development Officer of a privately held Minnesota renewables company. There he led all aspects of wind origination, both Greenfield and co-development, all due diligence, financial modeling, negotiations, legal contract review, and procurement.
Formerly, Mr. Rustowicz was the Manager, Business Development Wind Energy for John Deere Credit. His contributions in Corporate Business Development, in which Strategic Growth Initiatives are researched, analyzed, and acted upon, as its "Team Leader" for the Wind Initiative was instrumental in commercializing the wind business for John Deere. Mr. Rustowicz has been involved in the wind business since July 2004.
Prior to the wind initiative, Mr. Rustowicz had worked at various divisions within Deere & Company since May 2000, when he was hired into the Strategic Management Program, a rotational program for high performers fresh out of business school. Prior to joining Deere, Dan had received a MBA from Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business. Before attaining his MBA, Mr. Rustowicz spent approximately five years with Ernst & Young, LLP as a Senior Auditor.
Mr. Rustowicz received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and All College Honors Distinction from Canisius College. Dan is a CPA and Eagle Scout.
Luke Nelson, Associate
Luke Nelson joined RedWind in January 2011 as the firm’s newest associate. Prior to working for RedWind, Luke completed a research and business development internship with a photovoltaic solar leasing company in the Twin Cities. Luke is now leading the firm’s expansion into photovoltaic solar development and brokerage.
At RedWind, Luke takes on various roles. He supports the firm’s brokerage activity through updating and maintaining a proprietary database of developers, investors, and utilities. He also reviews financial models, performs contract review, works closely with developers, and prepares marketing materials for the firm.
As a result of his agricultural background, he has been integral in supporting the land acquisition campaign for RedWind’s developments. Luke has also assisted with other assignments to enhance the development of RedWind’s projects.
Luke is a graduate of St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in finance.
Luke’s education in finance, agricultural background, previous work experience, and passion for renewable energy allow him to effectively support the firms’ objectives and exceed the needs of RedWind’s clients.
