In many ways, Mark Detor defines why it is important to work with an energy advisor with regional energy market expertise. Mark was born and raised in Syracuse, NY, and spent a good portion of his youth playing baseball, basketball, and football. And when he was not playing any of those sports, there is a good chance that you could find him in one of upstate New York’s numerous lakes and rivers fishing for trout or bass. Always good at math, but unsure of what to study in college, Mark decided to pursue an engineering degree.

One of Mark’s claims to fame is that he graduated from every academic institution in and around Syracuse. After completing his Associate’s degree in Engineering Science from Onondaga Community College, he attended Syracuse University, where he graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Math minor. A few years after completing his bachelor’s degree, he got his MBA from Le Moyne College.

While at Syracuse University, Mark worked as an intern for the local utility, Niagara Mohawk. He began working there after graduation as an Energy Utilization specialist. In this role, Mark worked with large energy users to help them capitalize on various energy efficiency and rebate programs being offered by the utility.

Given his acumen for working directly with customers, Mark ultimately became an Account Manager with Niagara Mohawk for the largest commercial and industrial customers in central New York. In that role, he applied his expertise toward a variety of energy-related projects, including the evaluation of complex cogeneration systems. When the electricity markets in New York were deregulated in the late 90s, Mark moved over to Niagara Mohawk Energy Marketing, which was the deregulated affiliate of the utility company.

Over the next twenty years, Mark worked for a variety of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), including Select Energy, Hess, Direct Energy, and NRG.  There he worked with and helped hundreds of commercial and industrial customers throughout New York and beyond. An expert in both natural gas and electricity supply, Mark was able to help a countless number of clients make good energy decisions for their businesses. In 2022, Mark had the opportunity to join the team at 5.

Clients who work with Mark enjoy a higher order of service and energy advice.  They benefit from his decades of experience in both the regulated and deregulated electricity and natural gas markets. Today, he continues to live in Syracuse and is one of the most accomplished and knowledgeable energy advisors in the company. Mark’s three daughters, Samantha, Grace, and Brittany are his pride and joy. And when he is not working to support his clients, he loves to play a bad game of golf and travel.

Meet 5's Special Teams Captain, Michael Clifton. In this role, Michael helps clients beyond their procurement needs as they rely on him to find energy solutions that require meticulous research and analysis. He also manages a team of developers who keep our proprietary client analytics software, Level5, up and running. Find out how this Auburn University football player and alumni got the idea for his current title.

Meet 5's Corporate Coordinator, Caitlin Connolly. Caitlin got her start in energy applying for a social media internship, which eventually led to a full-time job offer. Shortly after, she found herself helping out in a variety of other departments and her role expanded greatly. Caitlin's impeccable work ethic and can-do attitude have made her an invaluable asset to our team and clients. Find out what makes her our "Get-it-Done" Guru.

Meet Karen Sweeney, 5's Energy & Sustainability Specialist. Karen's interest in sustainability which started in high school led her to pursue roles in renewable technology and energy efficiency. To further her knowledge, she also attended Columbia University and graduated with a master's degree in Sustainability Management. Learn more about this sustainability superstar's journey to 5.

Meet 5's Inside Sales Representative, Marisa Streett. She is a member of the SMB (Small/Medium Business) Team that helps small and medium businesses navigate the complicated energy market. Marisa's ability to learn quickly along with her commitment to helping others has made her an invaluable team member. Learn more about Marisa and her connection to the number 5. 

Time flies when you have great people like Julia Smith on the team, it's hard to believe her one-year anniversary is just weeks away.

Take a moment to learn more about Julia’s deregulated power journey and her fun nickname from her days as a collegiate soccer player.

Meet Maggie Connally, a member of 5's Pit Crew. Maggie started out as an assistant but her tenacity and willingness to help others landed her a spot on the team that supports all our advisors and clients. Find out how she began a very "scary" tradition at 5. 

Jeff Shoaf is one of the most experienced and well-respected leaders in the energy industry. His robust background fuels 5’s growth as we help clients navigate the energy transition across North America. Learn more about Jeff's leadership of both direct sales and M&A for the firm and hear about the fun he has at work every day.  

Kat Campayo is an Account Manager who helps clients navigate the complex energy space by providing solutions that best fit their needs. Find out where Kat got her passion for energy and what motivates her to learn more about renewables and sustainability. 

In many ways, Ben Steed personifies what it means to be an entrepreneur. He was born and grew up in Henrietta, Texas, which is about 120 miles northwest of Dallas. Ben and his family lived on a 100-acre farm where they raised livestock and grew pecans. Like many farmers, he worked long hours with his brothers and often got up at 4 AM to begin the work necessary before heading off to school in the morning. The long hours of hard manual labor in working the family farm instilled a tireless work ethic in Ben that he has taken with him throughout his life.