In 2000 Loch McCabe saw a need and started to fill it. Given the recent focus on sustainable industries, he was a bit ahead of the curve. McCabe's Ann Arbor-based Shepherd Advisors helps businesses and institutions either break into the clean-technology sector or helps them become greener.

"There was a huge gap between the potential for clean technology companies in Michigan and what was actually happening," McCabe says. "I started Shepherd Advisors to help the progress of clean technology companies in Michigan."

Loch started as the company's sole employee at the beginning of the decade. Today the consulting firm employs nine people, including independent contractors and interns. Over the last year Shepherd Advisors added three people and it hopes to grow its revenue and employee base by 50 percent within the next year.

The firm's projects include assisting the city of Wyandotte to green its energy production. Wyandotte is installing solar panels on its schools and looking to build wind turbines along its section of the Detroit River.

The company also has clients across Michigan, from East Lansing to Midland to its own backyard in Ann Arbor. Even in this difficult economy, it's enough to make McCabe a glass-half-full guy about his company's future.

"There are lots of reasons to be optimistic and a couple of reasons to be cautious," McCabe says.

Source: Loch McCabe, president of Shepherd Advisors
Writer: Jon Zemke