About Us
Our Team
Meet Our Professional Team
Laura James
President
Meet our fearless leader, Laura James.
With her background in business ownership, administrative work, real estate, interior decorating, and remodeling work, Laura combines her talents with her love for people. Her wish in starting Custom Energy is to bring a solution to people who need it, with the personal relationship being at the core of the partnerships with clients.
Not only is Laura the owner of Custom Energy, but she is a mom to three boys. Having experienced being the “jack of all trades”, Laura brings her organization, creative vision, and strategy to the table. Laura is proud to call Custom Energy a Women Owned business..
Mike James
PE, CEM, LEED, AP
Energy Project Developer
Mike James is Custom Energy, Energy Engineer. He is the man in charge of analyzing and compiling custom client quotes.
For 21 years Mike worked with two national Energy Service Companies in Washington and other states, providing energy solutions and energy analysis to private building owners and public agencies. Mike also worked for a regionally based energy consulting and contracting firm.
Mike is a Washington State Licensed Engineer, Lead Accredited Professional, and a Certified Energy Manager. With his robust background in energy engineering, he brings his professional expertise and love for people to Custom Energy.
Greg Henson
Project Manager
Meet Greg Henson, Custom Energy’s adept Project Manager. With a two-decade career in construction sales and project management and a proud alumnus of Washington State University, Greg is an asset to the Custom Energy team. Greg graduated in 2001 with a degree in Construction Management. Post graduation, Greg started his career in Pullman before he moved to Spokane in 2004. With Kilgore TEC Products, Greg spent 20 years honing his skills as a sub-contractor, and trusted advisor, specializing in architectural products for buildings in the private and public sector including School, Colleges, Hospitals, Commercial, and Industrial entities. Greg draws on his extensive network to foster client relationships, aiming to propel Custom Energy’s growth. Beyond his professional pursuits, Greg enjoys golfing, boating, hiking, and cherishing moments with his family. Born and raised in Spokane, Greg brings not only professional expertise but also a deep local connection to his role, making him an invaluable leader in the field of energy consultancy and construction.
Dan Funke
Technical Services Manager
Dan Funke brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for engineering and problem-solving to Custom Energy. With a solid foundation in drafting and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho. During his tenure as a Senior Building Energy Engineer for an ESCO in Spokane, spanning over 18 years, Dan played a pivotal role in spearheading projects dedicated to optimizing energy efficiency in buildings. His expertise in data analysis and energy simulation, coupled with his adeptness at troubleshooting, has consistently delivered tangible results, earning him the trust and satisfaction of clients. Dan’s unwavering commitment to professional excellence is evident in his attainment of Professional Engineering licenses in both Washington and Idaho, a testament to his dedication to ongoing growth and development in his field.
Gary Roylance
Business Development Manager
Gary Roylance is the Business Development Manager at Custom Energy, combining his extensive experience with a deep passion for helping people. With nearly 20 years with Control Solutions and Apollo Mechanical, he developed a strong foundation in building automation, HVAC, building access, fire alarms, and customer relations. The chance to work at the forefront of energy consulting brought him and his talents to Custom Energy. Here, he’s eager to apply his skills to navigate complex regulations and solve problems in the energy sector.
Gary loves connecting with clients and building strong relationships, always striving to find the best solutions. Residing in Northern Idaho for the past 18 years, he enjoys spending time with his four children and two grandchildren and exploring the outdoors with his wife in their Jeep, “Jeeping it.”
Brandon Crane
Project Developer at Custom Energy Consultants
Brandon Crane brings a wealth of experience and a passion for problem-solving to his role as Senior Project Developer at Custom Energy. With 17 years of design experience as an engineer and project consultant, Brandon seamlessly bridges the gap between the CEC sales and technical teams, ensuring smooth project delivery from start to finish. A graduate of Spokane Falls Community College and Washington State University, he has a strong academic background in Leadership, Math & Material studies, and Mechanical Engineering. Brandon’s career includes a tenure as a senior associate at Facility Support Inc. (FSI) in Seattle and Spokane, where he specialized in “fixing broken buildings,” and providing a client centric consultant experience while managing projects to successful completion.
A natural problem solver with a friendly demeanor, Brandon enjoys helping clients navigate complex challenges. His broad experience and collaborative spirit are central to his role at Custom Energy. As a Spokane native, he has a passion for this community and the people in it. Aside from chasing his kids and family around, Brandon enjoys fly fishing, camping, hiking, and scouting with his children and friends.
Christopher Curl
Energy Engineer
Meet Christopher Curl, our esteemed Energy Engineer at Custom Energy. With a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from UCLA and a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University, Christopher’s academic journey laid a solid foundation for his career in the energy sector.
During his time pursuing his master’s degree, Christopher delved into the practical aspects of energy analysis while working with the NW Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership for three years. Here, he honed his skills in assisting commercial and industrial clients with energy audits, specializing in optimizing combined heat and power systems to enhance cost-effectiveness.
Christopher’s passion for energy systems led him to collaborate with the US Forest Service in a wood biomass gasification research project, gaining invaluable experience in the field. However, it was Custom Energy that captured Christopher’s attention post-graduation. Drawn to the positive atmosphere and the meaningful work, Christopher seamlessly transitioned from academia to the professional realm, bringing his analytical experience and insatiable curiosity with him.
At Custom Energy, Christopher’s hunger for knowledge drives him to continuously seek innovative solutions for our client’s energy needs. Whether he’s in the office or out exploring nature through hiking, indulging in a good book, or expressing his creativity through art, Christopher embodies a relentless commitment to excellence in all facets of his life.
Eli Franklin
Energy Engineer
Eli Franklin is a dedicated engineer at Custom Energy (CEC), where he channels his passion for design into innovative solutions in the energy sector. A 2024 graduate of the University of Idaho with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Eli’s journey began at Deer Park High School, where he participated in the Running Start program at Spokane Falls Community College. His early exposure to engineering through an internship at Schweitzer Engineering Labs provided invaluable hands-on experience and insight into the manufacturing side of the field, sparking his interest in pursuing a full-fledged engineering career.
During his time at the University of Idaho, Eli further honed his skills by working closely with manufacturing and milling processes, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the industry. It was through networking that Eli discovered CEC, where the strong sense of community and the dynamic business energy resonated with him, solidifying his decision to join the team.
At CEC, Eli thrives on the unique challenges that come with designing solutions in the energy field. His favorite aspect of engineering is bringing designs to life, witnessing the tangible results of his work.
Outside of work, Eli enjoys staying active by working out, working on cars, playing video games, and snowboarding.
Raelee Rosenblit
Office Administrator
Raelee Rosenbilt is our exceptional Office Administrator at Custom Energy. She began her career in real estate as a receptionist in title and escrow. With over a year of experience, she quickly became a leasing assistant and property manager. Raelee holds an AA degree in general education from Southeastern University and is known for her exceptional organization and efficiency. Raelee thrives as the detail-oriented, behind-the-scenes force that keeps business operations running smoothly at Custom Energy.
Beyond her professional life, Raelee enjoys walks with her husband and their dog and is probably watching the Seattle Seahawks play if it’s football season.
Kyle Collins
Junior Energy Engineer
Meet Kyle Collins, our upcoming graduate from Eastern Washington University with a degree in mechanical engineering and our dedicated intern at Custom Energy. Kyle’s journey includes serving in the Army Reserves since high school, completing his service at Fairchild in 2023. With a background as a heavy equipment mechanic and experience as an Avionics technician, he brings valuable technical expertise to our team. Kyle’s people-oriented nature is evident in his emphasis on personal relationships and continuous learning from others. In the office, he focuses on applying his mechanical engineering knowledge to contribute to innovative energy solutions. Beyond work, Kyle enjoys mountain biking and snowboarding. Welcome Kyle, as he combines military discipline, technical skills, and a people-centric approach to shape the future of energy at Custom Energy.
Nick Roberts
Junior Energy Engineer
Meet Nick Roberts, our dynamic Intern at Custom Energy. Blending hands-on experience with a pursuit of a mechanical engineering degree at Gonzaga University, and a background as a mechanic, Nick’s career path took a turn as he returned to school. Detail-oriented and quick to learn, he brings a unique perspective to energy consultations, leveraging his mechanical understanding. Beyond work, Nick enjoys rock climbing, backpacking, and mountaineering. Welcome Nick, as he contributes his diverse experiences to shape the future of energy solutions.
Ava Rainey
Junior Engineering Intern
Ava Rainey joins Custom Energy as an engineering intern, bringing a unique blend of academic achievement and practical experience. Currently completing her degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Idaho, Ava began her higher education journey at Spokane Falls Community College before transferring to pursue her passion for engineering.
Ava’s background is as diverse as it is impressive. Before her internship, she worked at a real estate company where she honed her skills in scheduling and communication, demonstrating her ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Additionally, Ava has a four-year tenure as a tennis coach, a role that underscores her leadership abilities and commitment to teamwork.
Detail-oriented and enthusiastic about engineering, Ava thrives on problem-solving and the process of creating innovative solutions. Her academic and professional experiences have equipped her with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, as well as practical skills that are invaluable in a dynamic consulting environment.
Ava’s love for the outdoors and her competitive spirit are evident from her time as a tennis player at Spokane Falls Community College. When she’s not immersed in engineering projects, you can find her enjoying outdoor activities and staying active.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for engineering, Ava Rainey is a valuable addition to the Custom Energy team, ready to contribute to innovative energy solutions and sustainable practices.
About Us
Mike and Laura
You may have noticed that Mike and Laura share the same last name. The husband and wife duo started Custom Energy together and run it as a family-operated business. Laura is the creative innovator and Mike is the technical expert. The two are fantastic teammates in life and on the clock. They have a huge heart for helping others reach their goals and won’t take the impossible as an option!
