Al Subbloie, CEO and founder of Budderfly, leads the fastest-growing energy-as-a-service company in the U.S., focused on cost savings and carbon reduction.
Under his leadership, Budderfly has ranked on the Inc. 5000 list five years in a row and earned spots on Deloitte’s Fast 500 and Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies — ranking second in the energy category and 25th overall.
What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year?
Over the past year, I helped lead the company to achieve unicorn status by surpassing a major ($1 billion) valuation milestone.
Under my leadership, the company reached EBITDA positive goals, marking a significant step toward sustained profitability.
These achievements reflect a strong business model, positioning the company for continued growth. It has been a pivotal year, building momentum and demonstrating the value of the company’s vision.
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In what ways are you involved in the community?
I actively engage with students, business leaders and the broader Connecticut community to promote entrepreneurship and clean technology. From mentoring students at UConn, Amity High School (where I attended) and Ansonia High, to speaking at industry events and partnering with our customers to implement real-world energy solutions, I am proud to help advance innovation and sustainability across the state.
I am also involved in the Tommy Fund, supporting children and families facing pediatric cancer.
On the Job
Guiding business principle: Aim for No. 1 in any market — growth and profitability come from strong business models, not just products.
Best way to keep your competitive edge: Relentless innovation, disciplined fitness, sharp thinking in shifting markets — always ahead, stay paranoid, never complacent.
Best business decision: Building the Budderfly model from scratch in a new market — ignoring the status quo.
Worst business decision: Chasing disruptive models within a traditional framework too late.
Biggest missed opportunity: Timing of being acquired in a previous venture.
Goal yet to be achieved: Creating new disruptive models to directly improve life for the masses.
Personal touch in your office: Dogs welcome, open door for any conversation.
Personal Side
Residence: Orange
Favorite way to relax: Research and learn about technology regarding boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles and going to Yankees games.
Hobbies: Watching and making movies, working out, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, jet skis, boats, kayaking and family time.
Last vacation: Florida Keys
Favorite movie: “Love of the Game”
The car you drive: Audi e-tron EV
Currently reading: “Table for 5: A Father’s Story of Life, Love and Loss,” by Ted Yang
Favorite cause: Cure for cancer, reverse human aging
Second choice career: Fitness instructor, building a business in other markets, professor