Marty grew up in Sydney, Australia, where he apprenticed as a Fitter Turner and eventually graduated as a Craftsman Toolmaker from the Institute of Technology – Sydney. He then did a three-year cadetship in mechanical engineering at North Sydney College while working fulltime as an industrial engineer. Marty started in the U.S. construction industry in the early 90s, working for a large developer in Los Angeles supervising commercial projects. Later, he formed his own company, specializing in commercial tenant improvements, and then created a residential glass and window business. In 2009, Marty joined the solar revolution by accident when he saw the environmental changes coming to his construction business. Marty hit the books again, studying up on solar, and then volunteered in order to learn the ropes. He then spent sixteen plus years in the solar industry, working as an installer, designer, project manager and finally construction director- leading the local construction division of a non-profit organization that provides solar technology and job training to those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to it. Marty and his family have been happy consumers of solar energy since 2010.