Monica Niehaus

About Monica Niehaus

At Melink Solar, we empower leaders to kick-start their sustainability journeys. We work with Midwest businesses and organizations of all sizes to evaluate and implement onsite solar with roof mounts, ground mounts, and parking canopies. Our goal is to help you make a good business decision that turns sunshine into savings and reduces carbon emissions.I have been in the solar industry since 2020, with 20+ MW of experience and a NABCEP Associate PV certificate. I have a heart for solar missions and serve on the board of a non-profit called SonLight Power to strengthen and grow their partnerships, to bring renewable energy to underserved communities.I am passionate about accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, all while improving the longevity and profitability of organizations. I enjoy educating business leaders on the benefits of solar and making the process as seamless as possible. Prior to the solar industry, I spent six years in Food & Beverage CPG at KraftHeinz in Chicago. I was in multiple sales roles - in field sales working directly with the customer, and also in headquarters, managing multiple categories within the Refrigerated Business Unit. I supported national accounts, including Wal-Mart, Kroger, Albertsons, and Publix, and coordinated with Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, and Revenue Management to implement sales strategies and communication across the field. While working full-time in Chicago, I filled up weeknights and weekends as a Wine Consultant for Winestyr, a direct-to-consumer wine company that partners with small-production, domestic wineries in the U.S. I later transitioned to a full-time sales role at Winestyr before moving back home to Cincinnati.I graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing at the Kelley School of Business, along with a minor in Psychology. I competed four years as a Division I Collegiate student-athlete on the IU Women\'s soccer team. I was a teaching assistant and Exam Proctor for Marketing and Accounting classes. In my senior year, I was appointed Chief Development Officer for Kelley’s Global Sales Workshop. It was a highlight to be on the team who won I-CORE\'s Business Case Competition.

Experience

1. Senior Business Development Manager

   Melink Solar

   Mar 2025 — Present · Cincinnati, OH, US

   Evaluate onsite solar and develop business cases for commercial entities improving their bottom lines-Identify financial, environmental, and internal motives for transitioning to solar PV energy-Remove barriers for organizations to access and benefit from renewable energy-Kickoff the solar journey for manufacturers, non-profits, religious organizations, universities, & more-Deliver a seamless experience for organizations looking to implement onsite solar solutions-Create renewable energy advocates to inspire more rooftop, ground mount, and parking canopy projects.

Education

• Indiana University - Kelley School of Business

  Bachelor of Science in Business, Marketing with a Minor in Psychology

  2010 — 2014