Meet Eddie Obeliunas, Founder and CEO, Exactus Energy, a professional services firm specializing in solar engineering. As a purpose-driven leader, Eddie is committed to using innovation to drive sustainability and tackle climate change. His work in the solar PV market combines new age engineering and aerial surveying techniques, ensuring projects deliver optimized energy output, maximum ROI, and smooth, hassle-free installation and operation.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
At 14 or 15, I sold newspapers early in the morning, between 6 and 8 a.m., with the bonus of not having to work on weekends. That was my first job ever. It taught me responsibility - getting up and doing the job even when I was tired. I also realized that if I was going to work for 40-50 years, it had to be something I enjoyed. This perspective led me to pursue a double degree in Civil Engineering and Business Management at RMIT University in Melbourne and later pursue to work in the renewable energy sector.
If you think back on leaders who inspired you in your career or leadership style, who were they and why were they inspiring?
During the summers, I worked at a law firm, Lukaitis Lawyers, under Joseph Lukaitis, who was also my Scout leader. He had an incredible ability to keep everyone calm—whether it was us kids or his colleagues at work. He never overreacted and always kept things on track. He was also the first person to encourage me to consider entrepreneurship, telling me,
"If you like what you do and are good at it, why not do it for yourself instead of making someone else rich?"Â
Later, I gained experience in water engineering, working with Adam Fletcher, Engineering Manager at Barwon Water. He had a remarkable way of engaging and managing people. He made me feel that my contribution was valued even as an inexperienced graduate engineer, which left a lasting impression on me. I was very deliberate about transitioning into the solar industry and actively started seeking opportunities in Canada. By 2015, Ontario had become the second-largest solar market in North America, making it an exciting place to pursue this goal.
What motivates you every day?
I value the work I do and am dedicated to fighting climate change. It’s a cause that matters not just for my kids but for all of humanity. Finding solutions to this global challenge is important. We are all part of something bigger, and while the journey isn’t always easy, and staying motivated can be tough at times, it’s undeniably worth it. Knowing that my team is counting on me to persevere gives me the strength to keep pushing forward.
What do you want to change in the world and why?
I am passionate about preserving the natural environment. My family and I love the great outdoors, and I want my kids to have the same opportunity to experience and enjoy it. I am driven to be part of the solution in transitioning to renewable, sustainable energy. My hope is that, within my lifetime, we can achieve a future where all energy production comes from renewable, sustainable sources.
What is the purpose and vision of Exactus Energy? And how has being clear about your purpose and vision benefited you and your company?
"Empower clients to fight climate change through modern engineering services and seamless solutions."Â
Combined with our seven core values, this mission provides a clear framework for feedback and coaching, guiding our team in their work. For our clients, it leaves no ambiguity about what we stand for and what we deliver.
What one piece of advice would you give other CEOs and leaders regarding leading with purpose?
Think really BIG – years out from today. Then, share your vision and purpose relentlessly.
Communicate, communicate, and communicate again. When you feel like you’ve said it enough, repeat it ten more times.
What one question would you like to ask other purpose-led CEOs?
How do you prioritize tasks to focus on those that will have the greatest impact while avoiding distractions from less important, less strategic work? And then how do you stick with those priorities?
One question from the CEO we interviewed before you, Chris Hill, Founder & President, BCollective Homes Inc.
How do you balance profit and purpose when making decisions?
We evaluate opportunities in our bi-weekly management meetings, assessing them against our vision, values, and the associated opportunity cost. This process has led us to expand into solar-adjacent areas that complement our core business, like cadastral (legal boundary) surveys, while also broadening our revenue streams.
About Exactus Energy
Based in Toronto, Canada, Exactus Energy was co-founded by Eddie Obeliunas and Matthew Jaglowitz to create accurate, safe, and fast engineering solutions for solar energy projects. What started as a small, grassroots company has since grown into a dynamic team of engineers, technicians, and client service professionals dedicated to advancing solar energy.
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