wilson ratliff

301919_10151560242913914_56390368_n (1)What’s the best part about your job at LEAP?

It’s always great meeting homeowners and working with them to really solve their comfort and energy issues.  The diversity of the housing stock in the Charlottesville area keeps things interesting, and the culture here at LEAP makes even office days full of paperwork fun.

What do you do when you’re not working?

Beyond the endless stream of home projects, I like to get out into nature whenever possible.  Whether hiking, biking, or camping, the mountains are my second home.

Tell us about your house. 

1949 brick cape cod.  It was very original when we moved in 4 years ago.  We ran through a whole tank of oil in the first two weeks, and there were summer nights where we couldn’t even sleep upstairs due to the heat.  Now we can get through the whole winter on a single tank, and can cool the house with two window units.  As it turns out, insulation and air sealing really works.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

Once I got through the Fireman/Astronaut/Super Hero phase, it floated between an Architect and an Engineer until I was required to declare a major in undergrad — Building Science won out, which, now that I think about it, is sort of a marriage between the two.

More about Wilson…

Wilson graduated in 2007 from Appalachian State University with a degree in Building Science, one of the few such programs in the US. Joining the construction industry after graduation, Wilson holds a certification as a Building Analyst issued by the Building Performance Institute.  He also completed training for certification as a RESNET Home Energy Rater, commonly referred to as a HERS rater. Formerly with Key Green Energy Solutions and Weatherseal Insulation (both of Charlottesville), Wilson has performed hundreds of energy audits and spent three years as an insulation salesman with an expertise in existing construction.