Ron Corio

Early Life

Ron Corio's journey began in New Jersey during the late 1970s. The oil crisis and gas shortages made him consider alternative energies, leading him to the solar industry. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of New Mexico, studying engineering before leaving to work at HDI Research, a local startup.

Rise to Success

In 1985, Corio joined Wattsun Corp. in Albuquerque, where he developed his innovative solar tracker concept. He acquired the firm in 1992. This device allowed solar panels to track the sun's movement, increasing their efficiency. Array Technologies was founded in 1989 with an initial investment of $16,000. The company's IPO in October 2020 was a pivotal moment, and Corio sold a significant portion of his stake soon after.

Key Business Strategies

Corio's key strategy was to focus on building a great product. He understood the need for innovation, and the importance of making the technology commercially viable for the utility market. Array Technologies now controls a significant portion of the U.S. solar tracker market. By the IPO, the company had sales of nearly $900 million.

Philanthropy

Corio established the Corio Foundation in 2017 and seeded it with $40 million. His philanthropic efforts support various causes, including education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. The Corio Scholarship Program at Bosque School provides significant financial aid to students.