Fred Watson

Background

About Fred Watson

While running successful woodworking and custom stair businesses, I taught myself AutoCad drafting and CNC CAD/CAM programming, as well as the geometry, engineering, and construction of complicated, curved, freestanding, high-end stairs. I designed, sold, and built custom wood and metal stairs priced up to $85K each. Unfortunately, the great recession of 2008-2011 necessitated a change in direction. I reentered school and earned Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Massachusetts - Amherst a week before my 59th birthday. I graduated with a 4.0 GPA, while working a full-time job and a part time job. Transferring in 9 too many credit hours precluded graduating summa cum laude. I was in the Sustainability Studies program. I also earned a Certificate in Sustainable Food and Farming. During my return to school and after graduating, I worked for 10 years for Berl Enterprises, an ecommerce company, becoming Director of Operations, Director of Sales, and then Chief Sustainability Officer. During my tenure, I approached the owner about a photovoltaic system for our headquarters and warehouse. I was project manager for the choice, price negotiation, and installation of our 57 kW photovoltaic system, providing more electricity yearly than we consume. I also saw the need to upgrade our accounting system to an ERP platform. I was a project manager for the choice and implementation of Netsuite, as our ERP system. Learning and striving for more efficient and sustainable systems has driven me since my time as a small business owner. I now embark on a new chapter as owner of Resilient Builders, LLC. We will build sustainable, affordable, and resilient homes. I can't wait to get going!