Company History
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, Montante Solar was established by Daniel Montante and Matthew Montante with a focus on delivering high-quality commercial rooftop solar projects. As demand for clean energy solutions grew, so did the company’s capabilities. Montante Solar quickly expanded into the development and construction of some of the region’s largest and most innovative solar sites.
Today, Montante Solar is a full-service developer and installer of commercial solar and battery storage systems. As part of the Montante Group, it leverages a legacy of premier real estate development, construction, and solar expertise to deliver clean, reliable energy solutions that generate lasting value.
Our Team
Daniel Montante
Co-Founder & President
- Oversees company operations and strategy
- Former Director of Mergers & Acquisitions – Greater China at DuPont
- President of New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA)
- Board of Directors of Artpark & Company, Inc., Torn Space Theater, and Arts Service Initiative of WNY
- B.S. in Business Administration, Skidmore College
- M.B.A., Wake Forest University
Matthew Montante
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer
- COO of the Montante Group
- Oversees operations for Montante Solar, Montante Construction, and TM Montante Development
- 15+ years of experience in real estate and solar development
- Co-founder of Montante Solar and Montante Construction
- Led Montante Solar in service and geographic expansions
- B.A., Skidmore College
Steven Erck
Vice President
- Oversees all aspects of project delivery, pre-construction through closeout
- Oversees team of Project Managers, Superintendents and Electricians
- Montante Group Safety Committee Lead
- Successfully managed over $200MM worth of projects
- NYSDEC E&SC Trained Contractor
- B.S. in Business Administration, SUNY at Buffalo
Katie Soscia
Director, Solar Development
- Leads customer engagement, RFP response and contract negotiation
- Overseen installation of more than 8MW of solar systems in NYS
- Certified Daily Storm Water Pollution Protection Plan Inspector
- Expert in complex commercial and industrial solar installation
- B.A. in Broadcasting and Mass Communication, SUNY Oswego
- B.S. in Business Administration, SUNY Oswego
Joshua Gillebaard, P.E.
Director of Engineering
- Oversees electrical design, photovoltaic systems, monitoring and maintenance of systems
- Extensive experience in network expansion and green energy integration
- Avian Resource Manager with New York National Guard
- NABCEP Certified
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, SUNY at Buffalo
Jessica Fuchs
Senior Project Manager
- Responsible for overall project success, from initiation to closure
- SWPP Certification
- Licensed HVAC and Light Commercial Contractor, City of Buffalo
- Committee chairperson of NeighborWorks – Buffalo
- B.A. in Mathematics, SUNY at Buffalo
- M.A. in Structural Engineering, SUNY at Buffalo
Zoë Knauss
Business Development Manager
- Drives company growth through business development and preconstruction activities in the commercial rooftop solar, BESS, general contracting EPC, and K-12 sectors
- Leads new and existing customer communication to ensure seamless transition from early-stage project planning to execution
- B.A. in Environmental Science, Bates College
Mari Zillgitt
Superintendent
- Oversees Montante Solar projects from design to completion, supporting material procurement, solar array construction, and subcontractor management
- Collaborates with team members to implement and maintain project safety plans
- Works closely with the field team to ensure smooth operations throughout all project phases
- B.S. in Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo.
Josiah Consiglio
Solar Asset Manager
- Oversees solar assets, monitoring energy production, billing, and performing electrical repairs and troubleshooting
- Ensures safety and performance through electrical testing, maintenance plans, and inspections
- Instructs on electrical safety, PPE, and best practices in the field
- Supports Montante Solar’s P-Tech partnership, training students in solar construction and maintenance
Maria Knoebel
VP, Marketing
- Shapes Montante’s brand and elevates market presence across all companies
- Develops marketing strategies that drive growth and strengthen brand differentiation
- Leads high-performing marketing team, setting clear goals and priorities
- Oversees integrated marketing plans, communications, and strategic partnerships
- M.B.A., University at Buffalo
Holly Nowak
VP, Human Resources
- Oversees human resources at Montante Group, driving initiatives in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and workforce development
- Drives strategic HR growth to build a high-performing, motivated team aligned with organizational goals
- B.S. in Psychology, Niagara University
- M.B.A., Niagara University
Carmen Reale
VP, Accounting and Finance
- Leads Montante Group’s financial operations, focusing on strategic budgeting, P&L management, and financial transactions
- Oversees insurance and bonding management to maintain risk mitigation practices and support growth
- Collaborates with project managers to ensure projects remain on budget and aligned with financial goals
- B.S. in Accounting, Rochester Institute of Technology
Ryan Mayberry
IT Manager
- Oversees Montante Group’s technology infrastructure, managing IT systems, security, and software implementation
- Leads the adoption of construction software, including ProCore, CRM systems, and finance platforms like Corrigo and Sage Intacct
- Ensures system reliability and security while providing technical training
- B.S. in Business Administration, University at Buffalo
Proud to be Part of the Montante Group
We started as a family-owned business in 1935 with a simple goal: build, innovate, and grow. In 2008, we became Montante Group, uniting real estate development, construction, renewable energy, and property management under one integrated company. While each of our businesses—TM Montante Development, Montante Construction, and Montante Solar—has its own expertise, our real strength comes from how they work together.