Meet The Team
Ben Scurfield
President
Ben Scurfield, owner of Scurfield Solar & Heating and a Humboldt County resident since 1999, built his business on the education and installation of residential and commercial renewable energy and heating systems. He's proud of the reputation he’s built in the community as one of the premier solar and heating installers on the North Coast.
As an educator, Ben taught the Solar Hot Water course at College of the Redwoods from 2006 to 2014. He has also offered educational seminars and hands-on workshops related to energy efficiency, water efficiency, renewable energy and high performance heating systems.
Ben holds C20 HVAC, C36 Plumbing, C46 Solar, C10 Electric California Contractor licenses as well as an EPA section 608 Universal Refrigerant Recovery license and is a certified BPI building envelope specialist.
Ben has also been certified with the North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the leading non-profit certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry.
California State Licenses Include:
- C-10 Electrical Contractor
- C-46 Solar Contractor
- C-36 Plumbing Contractor
- C-20 Warm Air Heating, Ventilating & Air-Conditioning Contractor
Wendy Pickett
Operations & Administrations Manager
As a child, Wendy was always out in nature. (If you could catch her, you might get her to put on shoes...for a while.) That love of exploration and being in nature has always pulled at her. After years of working in high rise buildings, helping corporate businesses organize their documentation and processes, she finally made her escape to her own forest home. From being a Camp Fire Girl, military brat, or the daughter of parents who survived hard times, the result was she wanted to be more self-reliant & have what she needs in an emergency. So helping others become more self-reliant, lower their bills, and save the planet is a great way to live and earn a living.
Matthew Schang
Operations Coordinator
Matt moved to Humboldt in 2013 to take up a position with the California Conservation Corps (CCC) as a recruiter. Matt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UC San Diego, where he graduated from John Muir College. His passion for the environment and green technologies has played an active role in his employment. After his work at the CCC, he went on to work for members of the local solar and green technology industries including Sunfrost and Westhaven Solar before coming to work for Scurfield Solar and Heating.
Melissa (Mel) Heitzler
Administration Coordinator
Mel, arrived in Humboldt in 2003, after years of wanting to flee the big city of Long Beach, CA. Her father took them here every year to camp, fish, hike, and canoe. His passion for the outdoors became hers and as soon as it was possible, she moved here. The solar industry has always fascinated her and she's always been a huge recycler & loves to find ways to use or repurpose items. Her experience has taken her from the fast paced professional to casual & industrial environments including banking, marketing, executive assisting, accounting, & human resources. This taught her to tackle any challenge with a balance of good humor and professionalism while paying attention to detail.
Steve Anderson
Energy Consultant
Steve uses his knowledge and experience to meet with property owners to discuss their visions and needs for clean and effective energy. He keeps up to date on the latest materials, systems and excels at clear communication to easily clarify what options are available and what will best fit each customer’s unique energy and financial needs. He was a CHEERS rater for many years and held a C39 contractors license for over decade. Steve is punctual, honest, dependable and has a kind and friendly personality. He is also a member of the Citizen’s Police Patrol in Eureka and a sworn advocate of CASA of Humboldt.
Erik Smithart
Project Site Manager
Erik's family has been in Humboldt since 1989. He finally made the move from Santa Cruz in 2022. He has more than a decade of experience in the Solar industry with PV & Battery storage. His interest are in energy Independence from utility companies with reliability! "I see the need for distributed energy delivery at the local level and love working to make that happen."
Scott Messina
Project Coordinator
Scott moved to Humboldt County in 1995, has plenty of extended family in the area and appreciates its ideal climate. Scott's moved toward energy self-sufficiency for years: he drives an electric vehicle, has a solar system paired with on-site storage, and even integrated his hot water with his heating system himself.
Scurfield Solar & Heating installed Scott's battery system and our work left an impression on him, so he chose to work with us when the opportunity came about. With more than 20 years of security experience working with every trade you can think of as well as learning by observing, modifying, monitoring, and controlling systems and methods, Scott acquired numerous trade certifications and is constantly training to learn more.
Charles (Mikeal) Confer
Warehouse Coordinator
Mikeal moved to Arcata with his wife in 2023 to attend HSU. After they both graduated, they decided this is where they wanted to start a family. Now, along with their 2 boys, they call Humboldt home. Growing up as a kid, his sister & brother in law were the first people he knew to live off the grid and harness the sun to power their home. He's always found it fascinating and believes alternative energy sources, as well as, regenerative farming practices will play a pivotal role in sustaining our planet for future generations. He always helped his dad with construction projects and to this day, does many of his own home repairs. He brings 5 years of Truss design & 4 years of hardware store knowledge to help Scurfield keep their warehouse in order.
Reed Neely-Mangos
Installation and Service Expert
Born and raised in Humboldt County, Reed Neely-Mangos' father mentored him from an early age to be mechanically inclined. As a young child, Reed loved to take apart and reassemble electronics to learn how they function. While working as automotive service writer/technician at his family’s locally-owned automotive business, he became skilled in working on all things mechanical. He furthered his skill set while working as a stone mason with a local Humboldt County construction firm. In his free time, Reed likes to hike with his two children and enjoy time together at the river.
Elijah Harreld
Installation Expert
Elijah came to Humboldt for work back in 2016 and stayed for his love of the weather and geography. He has a knack for efficiency and self-independence, and hopes to channel those traits into off-grid living one day. Elijah brings electrical and roofing knowledge and experience with him to the Scurfield team.
Spencer Byrnes
Installation Technician
Spencer
Solar Kat
Mascot
Our very own mascot!