Before entering the solar industry, Matt Hamilton began his career in the 1980s as a landscape contractor, working on city parks, custom homes, and school grounds in Mesa. His business thrived until the economic downturn of 1986-87. The stock market crash hit hard, and companies—including a major school contract that was key to his business—stopped paying their bills. Without the school payments, Matt struggled to stay afloat. His breaking point came when the energy company cut off his water and power, leaving him at their mercy. This experience drove him to vow that he would never again be dependent on a large utility company and would help others avoid the same fate.