Optimum Energy saves clients money by improving heating systems

What: Optimum Energy, Seattle

Who: Nathan Rothman, 64, president and CEO

Mission: Enhance the efficiency of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in large buildings.

Smooth operator: Cooling systems can be imprecise, stopping and starting electric motors that control air flow in reaction to thermostat readings. Instead of this herky-jerky action, Optimum's software-based system varies the speed of motors to reach the required temperature. This results in a more consistent temperature and operational savings. "If you stop and start an engine 20 times every hour, that can use a considerable amount of power," Rothman said.

Fresh air: With this variable speed, energy consumption can be reduced by up to 74 percent, Rothman said, and can help eliminate inconsistent warm and cold spots. "We reduce the carbon footprint and greenhouse gases," he said.

Employees: 30

Financials: The company's main revenue stream is software sales. Cost depends on the size of the building. After the customer's initial investment, the return arrives in about four years and continues throughout the life of the equipment. Rothman expects the company will become profitable in 2010.

Chill factor: Rothman characterizes himself as "a serial entrepreneur who has lived through several recessions," saying this particular economic dip has pushed saving money to the forefront. "We can help businesses reduce costs, so they are really interested to see what we can do," he said.

Eco logic: "I've always believed in doing good and doing well," Rothman said, "The business is exciting in that we are changing an industry and doing good by the environment along the way."

— Charles Bermant