On January 3, 2017, TFS officially became an employee-owned cooperative, with 29 employee owners as of 2024.
Why did TFS switch to being employee-owned?
The move to becoming an employee-owned cooperative is a natural extension of our mission from the beginning -- to advance sustainability in the southwest while providing a positive work environment where employees are respected and fulfilled.
Our belief is that the employee ownership business model contributes to the creation and maintenance of a more positive work environment, which translates to a more positive customer experience.
The move to becoming an employee-owned cooperative is a natural extension of our mission from the beginning -- to advance sustainability in the southwest while providing a positive work environment where employees are respected and fulfilled.
Our belief is that the employee ownership business model contributes to the creation and maintenance of a more positive work environment, which translates to a more positive customer experience.
What does this mean for TFS customers?
Our goal is that, as an employee-owned company, we will provide ever more satisfying experiences for our customers because we have a more positive, engaging work environment for employees who now have a stake in the outcome.
Owners are part of the customer experience from the initial site visit, through permitting, installation, and post-installation service.
Our goal is that, as an employee-owned company, we will provide ever more satisfying experiences for our customers because we have a more positive, engaging work environment for employees who now have a stake in the outcome.
Owners are part of the customer experience from the initial site visit, through permitting, installation, and post-installation service.
What is a B Corp?
B Corporations are a new kind of company which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. It’s like Fair Trade or LEED certification, but for the whole business, not just a bag of coffee or a building. Unlike traditional corporations, Certified B Corporations are legally required to consider the impact of their decision not only on their customers, but also on their workers, community and environment.
Why did TFS become a B Corp?
By joining the B Corp community and going through the certification process, TFS is able to support and help grow a movement we believe in. A movement that believes corporations and businesses are not only instruments of social change but have a responsibility to support our communities. We are proud to be part of the B Corp movement and support the belief that corporations exist to sustain thriving communities.
B Corporations are a new kind of company which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. It’s like Fair Trade or LEED certification, but for the whole business, not just a bag of coffee or a building. Unlike traditional corporations, Certified B Corporations are legally required to consider the impact of their decision not only on their customers, but also on their workers, community and environment.
Why did TFS become a B Corp?
By joining the B Corp community and going through the certification process, TFS is able to support and help grow a movement we believe in. A movement that believes corporations and businesses are not only instruments of social change but have a responsibility to support our communities. We are proud to be part of the B Corp movement and support the belief that corporations exist to sustain thriving communities.
As a company and as individuals, we at TFS strive to walk our talk, living and operating sustainably.
Community
We believe education is the means to a sustainable future. We have created and implemented education programs in Tucson schools in conjunction with Tucson Unified School District, the Environmental Education Exchange, and Tucson Electric Power. We have also offered and assisted with community workshops in cistern installation and regularly attend and participate in community exhibits and demonstrations.
We believe education is the means to a sustainable future. We have created and implemented education programs in Tucson schools in conjunction with Tucson Unified School District, the Environmental Education Exchange, and Tucson Electric Power. We have also offered and assisted with community workshops in cistern installation and regularly attend and participate in community exhibits and demonstrations.
Employees
Our team is inspired by their work, their co-workers, and their own personal development, and this dedication and inspiration is exemplified in their work. We see our employees as members of families and of the greater community, and therefore offer flexibility with time-off and scheduling. TFS is an employee-owned cooperative, so many employees are also owners, sharing the rewards and risks, control and responsibilities. We believe that employee ownership contributes to the creation and maintenance of a more positive work environment for all employees.
Our team is inspired by their work, their co-workers, and their own personal development, and this dedication and inspiration is exemplified in their work. We see our employees as members of families and of the greater community, and therefore offer flexibility with time-off and scheduling. TFS is an employee-owned cooperative, so many employees are also owners, sharing the rewards and risks, control and responsibilities. We believe that employee ownership contributes to the creation and maintenance of a more positive work environment for all employees.
Energy
Our downtown Tucson office is powered by solar. We generate electricity from our 52 kW solar energy system, including a battery storage component, which covers over 100% of our onsite energy usage (including vehicle charging). We use energy-efficient lighting, equipment, and appliances.
Our downtown Tucson office is powered by solar. We generate electricity from our 52 kW solar energy system, including a battery storage component, which covers over 100% of our onsite energy usage (including vehicle charging). We use energy-efficient lighting, equipment, and appliances.
Water
We have a greywater system that irrigates the native plants in our yard. We use e-mail whenever possible, but when we have to print materials we do so using recycled paper.
We have a greywater system that irrigates the native plants in our yard. We use e-mail whenever possible, but when we have to print materials we do so using recycled paper.
Giving Back
TFS is fortunate to be able to support our community in a variety of ways, including through our Solar Grant, which we have offered in years past, SERI (Solar Empowerment Low Income Solar Program), and also through our Pass the Sunshine customer referral program. Through our grant program, we have awarded seven systems to date, and with the Pass the Sunshine program we have supported hundreds of local nonprofits.
TFS is fortunate to be able to support our community in a variety of ways, including through our Solar Grant, which we have offered in years past, SERI (Solar Empowerment Low Income Solar Program), and also through our Pass the Sunshine customer referral program. Through our grant program, we have awarded seven systems to date, and with the Pass the Sunshine program we have supported hundreds of local nonprofits.
Purchasing
Where we put our dollars matters to us. We prioritize both local and socially and environmentally responsible products and vendors, from our solar components to our work uniforms to our printers.
Where we put our dollars matters to us. We prioritize both local and socially and environmentally responsible products and vendors, from our solar components to our work uniforms to our printers.
Transportation
We are a dedicated crew of cyclists and we encourage bicycling to work through incentives like reimbursement for bicycle repair and gear for employees. When getting to some job sites, we utilize bicycles with trailers. When we have to drive, we schedule multiple errands at a time, carpool, and drive vehicles powered by hybrids, all-electric solar-powered vehicles, and the most fuel efficient trucks we can find for the job.
We are a dedicated crew of cyclists and we encourage bicycling to work through incentives like reimbursement for bicycle repair and gear for employees. When getting to some job sites, we utilize bicycles with trailers. When we have to drive, we schedule multiple errands at a time, carpool, and drive vehicles powered by hybrids, all-electric solar-powered vehicles, and the most fuel efficient trucks we can find for the job.
Recycling
We work to recycle all of our job materials, packaging, and office waste, which have been repurposed and used by members of the community for chicken coops, outdoor playsets, costuming, and more.
We work to recycle all of our job materials, packaging, and office waste, which have been repurposed and used by members of the community for chicken coops, outdoor playsets, costuming, and more.
We support a variety of nonprofits that work toward making our community a better and more sustainable place.
Do you know someone who is interested in going solar? Each time you send us a referral that results in a new TFS customer, we’ll make a $100 donation, in your name, to your favorite local non-profit.
Pass the Sunshine referrals have funded donations to: