Our team

Kai Fahrion

Co-CEO

Being directly impacted by the side-effects of a polluted environment, my parents moved to Canada from Germany when I was only six years old. My family has always been early adopters of sustainable solutions, with my grandfather being one of the first engineers to design a solar farm in Eastern-Europe over 40 years ago. The need to preserve our environment and reduce humankind’s carbon footprint inspired me to commit both my professional and personal life to create a sustainable future for our home planet.

In 2015, I started Zeno with Gursh, then called Virtuoso Energy. At that time, there was (and still is) a gap in the way energy is used and viewed locally and globally. Starting a company allowed me to address this issue while empowering others to make a positive impact. Today, I occupy the role of Co-CEO, which gives me the exciting responsibility of working on special projects, growing the company, developing team unity, and providing leadership for our vision. It has been an amazing journey so far and it’s been very fulfilling to see the amazing individuals we have on our team come together to help achieve the greater vision of the company.

When I am not working, I love spending time with my girlfriend and my two dogs. I also enjoy working on renovations, running, Pilates, fitness, travel, and spending time with my family.
I have never been one to take the easy path in life. It has always been my goal to make an everlasting impact by making impossible goals possible. As Elon Musk once said, “When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.”

Gursh Bal

Co-CEO

I have been able to meet individuals from all walks of life and have been able to determine a few absolutes: we all breathe the same air, and dream of a better tomorrow for ourselves and those around us. As I got deeper into the electrical trade, I learned that the avenues and options were unlimited in the general sense but somewhat limited locally. When I met Kai, we aligned strongly with personal values and goals – including building a company that was environmentally focused. The solution at the time that made the most sense was solar.

I am fortunate to hold the title Co-CEO which has my key focus on being company expansion, idea generation, industry research and development, company culture development, creativity, problem solving, and managing key relationships. My primary objective is to grow and nurture a team that feels valued and relevant to the future of what humanity has to offer to our home (earth) and beyond. I am excited about this industry because working in renewables is an opportunity to do good that is greater than yourself while also making a good living. It is a beautiful blend of advancing yourself at a personal and community level simultaneously.

I love being constantly humbled by my loving wife and three children. Every time I see them, I remember one thing above all else: “Love is the one thing we’re capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space.” — Dr. Brand, Interstellar. My professional goals have become more important and achievable since they entered my life.

Azfer Asaria

Operations Manager

Hi! I am Azfer and I am the Operations Manager here at Zeno. As the Operations Manager, I do the exciting part of making our projects come to life.

I graduated with a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University. I had previously worked in the oil and gas industry but my travels inspired me to switch career paths and be part of an industry that uses more sustainable methods of harnessing the planet’s energy.

I joined the company because I wanted to change career paths after the decline of oil and gas, travelling and gaining new perspectives on the global needs for energy, and realizing the environmental impact of less sustainable methods for harnessing the planet’s energy. I choose to work at Zeno because it was the perfect fit in terms of putting my skills to good use while aligning with my values. Everyday, I get to empower people to reduce their environmental impact.

Royce Lee, CPA

Controller & HR/IT Manager

I joined the company in December 2020, being referred to the company by a friend. My role with the company mainly involves the management of day-to-day financial activities for the organization along with management reporting and financial modelling. In addition to financial activities, I oversee HR responsibilities as well as implementation of IT systems and policies.

I enjoy working with the company as no two days are the same and being in a fast-paced growing company provides daily challenges which makes everyday another adventure. All the while being involved in one of the industries of the future.

The industry is starting to ramp up and there is more excitement everyday relating to sustainable energy with more of daily society accepting that this industry will play a crucial role. The evolution of social norms and acceptance towards the industry makes this an exciting industry to be involved in.

In my off-time, I enjoy golfing and playing hockey with friends. I always love technology and learning about something new and playing around with technology.

James Stafford

Sales Manager

I graduated at the Haskayne School of Business with a degree in Finance at the University of Calgary. I love working with people (and would like to think I am rather good at it) and have naturally built my career in Sales, working for many companies in various industries.

I have been with Zeno since May 2020. The solar industry is relatively new here in Canada, but I knew this company and industry had a high potential for growth. As the Sales Manager, I grow a team of people to help Canadians create a sustainable future. I really enjoy empowering people to do their part in reducing humanity’s environmental impact. We are only in the first inning of solar technology and there is so much room for growth in the future. I can’t wait to see what there is to come.

I love food and trying new delicious dishes when I travel. In my free time I enjoy golfing, reading, and skiing on our beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Frances Teves

Marketing Manager

I joined Zeno in December 2018 after graduating with a combined degree in Business and Sociology at the University Calgary. Passionate about using business as a means to do good for society, starting my career at Zeno was a perfect fit. Every day, I get to apply my skills and knowledge while contributing to a cause dedicated to making the world a better place for future generations.

Working in the growing renewable energy sector has both been humbling and exciting. As the company has grown, I too have grown a lot along with it. I initially started with the company in an administrative capacity working all kinds of projects in many areas of the business. I’ve learnt a lot about myself both professionally and personally, even realizing that I enjoy the marketing side of the business the most. Today, I got to have the coolest job as the company’s Marketing Manager. I love what I do because I get to work with my team and bring our brand to life while communicating all the exciting things that we do as a company every single day.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with the people I care and love. I am always looking for opportunities to learn and try new things, from reading books to experiencing new cultures during my travels.