Earthlight CEO Sam Schneider Named to HBJ 40 Under 40

Earthlight CEO and Co-Founder Sam Schneider Named to Hartford Business Journal's 2026 40 Under Forty Class

 Ellington, CT — Earthlight Technologies is proud to announce that CEO and co-founder Sam Schneider has been named to Hartford Business Journal's 2026 40 Under Forty class.

Each year, the program recognizes 40 professionals under the age of 40 for their professional accomplishments and service to the community. Sam's selection brings attention to nearly two decades of leadership at Earthlight and the impact he continues to make throughout Connecticut.

From a Small Lighting Shop to a Regional Energy Leader

Since co-founding Earthlight Technologies in 2008, Sam has helped the business grow from a small lighting upgrade shop into a company of approximately 170 employees. Today, its teams serve homeowners, businesses, schools, municipalities, and other organizations across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Oregon. The scope of that work has expanded well beyond lighting to include solar, battery storage, energy efficiency, EV charging, roofing, and sports lighting.

This growth is one of the clearest measures of Sam's leadership. He has helped build experienced teams and develop the internal capabilities needed to enter new markets and take on increasingly complex projects. Managing and installing projects in-house and supporting customers long after installation have remained priorities throughout that expansion, preserving the accountability and high standards established early in the company's history. You can read more about that history on our About Us page.

Core Values That Have Guided Earthlight's Growth

Earthlight's growth has been guided by a clear understanding of the kind of company Sam wanted to build. Earthlight's five core values — We Value Each Other, We Do the Right Thing, We Demand Quality, We Work Safely, and We Are Responsible Stewards — reflect the expectations he has helped establish. Across the company, these values influence how teams work together, serve customers, and approach every decision.

Building a Leadership Team That Reflects Those Values

Sam has a strong ability to recognize what people do well and where they can make the greatest contribution. That approach has shaped hiring throughout Earthlight and has been especially important in building the company's leadership team. Bringing the right people into key roles has allowed employees to do their best work and helped both Sam and Earthlight grow in new ways.

"Earthlight would not be where it is today without the incredible team behind it, and I certainly would not be here without them," Sam said. "Building out our leadership team has allowed both the company and me to grow in so many ways."

A Leader Invested in the Community

Sam has carried that sense of responsibility into the broader community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Sustainable Business Council, where he contributes to conversations surrounding responsible business practices and sustainable growth. He also supports the Cornerstone Foundation in Rockville, Connecticut, and has shared his professional experience with students at Southern Connecticut State University.

Community involvement has also become an important part of Earthlight's culture under Sam's leadership. The company's annual golf tournament raises money for Midwest Food Bank, supporting its work to provide food and resources to people facing hardship. These efforts reflect Sam's belief that a successful business should remain connected to the people and communities around it.

Congratulations, Sam

Sam is proud of how much Earthlight has grown, and he is quick to credit the employees and leaders who made that progress possible. His selection is a proud moment for Earthlight and a meaningful acknowledgment of the leadership that continues to shape the company. Earthlight congratulates Sam on earning a place among Hartford Business Journal's 2026 40 Under Forty honorees. The full 2026 class will be featured in Hartford Business Journal's August 10 issue. Read the full article here.

Want to learn more about the team behind Earthlight's growth? Meet our leadership team on the About Us page.