William Grant | Peoria, IL

William Grant embodies the truth that circumstances do not define potential. He grew up in rural North Carolina surrounded by addiction, poverty and mental illness. Moving frequently between relatives, he attended 22 different schools before seventh grade. “Despite the disruption, I learned how to adapt quickly, connect with people from all walks of life and keep moving forward under difficult circumstances.” Although he was rehoused several times during high school, he was able to attend the same school and graduated in the middle of his class.

Unsure of his path after high school, William attended community college where a few, dedicated educators sparked a passion for learning. He earned a 4.0 GPA which led to a full scholarship to North Carolina State University where he studied electrical engineering, inspired by his dad.

During college, William also served as a full-time caretaker for his grandmother, Vivian Heart, who developed a rare form of dementia. “She was the one person who stood up for my brother and me to keep us out of foster care when no one else would. Mema lived a challenging and often unfair life, yet hardship never hardened her heart. Even when our lives were constantly unraveling around us, she remained the steady foundation—not just for me, but for our entire family.” Vivian passed away in 2020 and William says, “Everything I build today is done in her honor.”

And William has built a lot. After graduating college, he began working in the solar industry. “While selling solar systems in Colorado, I saw both the promise of renewable energy and the shortcomings of an industry that often lacked transparency and trust.”

William founded Sun Collectors in 2019 with the goal of making high-quality solar energy accessible, transparent and beneficial. Kathleen Ma is astounded at what William has already achieved, noting that he “co-founded Sun Collectors at the age of 22 and has grown it to $100 million in revenue over the past six and half years. Over 3000 people within the Peoria area have gained independence from rising utility rates by installing solar power on their homes, businesses and farms.”

William channels that success back into his community. “Over the past three years he has donated over $2 million to local charities,” writes Kathleen. “He is extremely passionate about CASA and the work being done for children through them. He is involved in several other civic organizations including the Peoria YMCA, The Center for Prevention of Abuse, The Children's Home, CEO Council, Big Table and OSF Cancer Center.” William's own turbulent childhood has made him a strong advocate for underprivileged youth.

Although most of William’s biological family has passed away or is no longer part of his life, he has built a “chosen family” of colleagues, friends and clients. “Central Illinois now truly feels like home and I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who feel like family in every sense of the word.”