ASU alum transforms energy access for thousands of homes

By Josie Ha and Matthew Oxford

Solar technology is not a new concept.

In fact, the first solar-powered building was constructed in the 1970s.

Over time, as efficiency has grown and costs have fallen, the idea of solar-powered homes has followed suit. Now, as residential electricity rates rise across the United States, many homeowners, especially those in sunny climates like Arizona, are gaining in popularity.

Arizona State University alum Sean McGraw is doing his part in helping thousands of homeowners manage their comfort and savings through his Arizona-based company, FOR Energy.

Headquartered in Phoenix, with 15 years of operation experience, FOR Energy has serviced over 10,000 homes and, through partners, conducts business across 25 states. They’ve appeared in Inc. 5000 five times.

But starting his own business at 22 and eventually leading one of the longest operating energy efficiency companies in Arizona was not his original plan.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, McGraw started his academic journey at ASU in pursuit of a degree in marketing. It was 2006, which was also the year ASU launched the School of Sustainability. After taking an Intro to Sustainability course, and learning about the pressing global challenges we face, McGraw saw opportunities to make a lasting impact toward a brighter future.

“Sustainability was that specialty track,” he said. “I thought, let's go learn something unique that most people don't know.”

McGraw originally planned to follow his family’s tradition and get involved in the family business after graduating. However, the economic downturn in 2007 led to a turning point. 

“My dad decided to close that business,” he said. “That’s when I really buckled down and took sustainability seriously. I took a class that involved alternative energies, and solar was one of those topics.”

After earning a Bachelor of Science in sustainability from the School of Sustainability in 2011, McGraw set out to build something of his own. Thankfully, he had a strong support system with his father.

“My dad was really supportive. He actually moved to Arizona for months at a time to help me get my contractor’s license, set up the LLC, and build the foundation of the business,” he shared.

With his father’s full support, he founded FOR Energy, a residential energy company focused on improving energy efficiency in homes.

FOR Energy operates as a full-service residential energy contractor, offering energy audits and solar installations to homeowners across the U.S. The company uses tools like the blower door test to assess homes and offers customers reports with energy-saving recommendations.

“We test the home and identify areas that are doing great and areas that need improvement to consume less electricity and eventually produce their own power,” McGraw said.

Reflecting on his journey, McGraw credits his education at the School of Sustainability, now a part of the College of Global Futures, for providing the foundation to succeed. 

“The knowledge I gained at the School of Sustainability gave me the foundation for starting a business, problem-solving skills, and just bigger thinking,” he shared. 

McGraw's time at ASU was not only academic but also transformative. Through the GlobalResolve program, he spent a summer in Africa for his capstone project, gaining hands-on experience addressing sustainability challenges.

“It made me realize how many massive issues exist on Earth related to sustainability,” he said. “There's just so many large-scale issues that were kind of overwhelming to me that just made me feel good about the product offering, and the future of sustainability in the way that I wanted to do it.”

As an alum, McGraw has continued to stay involved with the university, giving back his time and knowledge. He has previously been included into the Sun Devil 100 and continues to remain connected to GlobalResolve.

His journey from the Detroit area to Arizona State University has led him to make a significant difference in the world of energy efficiency and solar power, enabling thousands of families to build a more sustainable future.