ABOUT US
Uniquely Qualified
IES is one of the fastest growing, full-service, energy consulting firms in America. Energy deregulation has now allowed businesses, government, municipalities, and education to choose their energy supplier and realize tremendous cost savings.
We provide service to the largest consumers in government, educational, real estate, manufacturing, data centers and the industrial verticals. Our clients have unique facility and operational demands that require customized energy procurement and efficiency solutions to save them hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars annually.
With over 30 years of combined experience in virtually every aspect of the deregulated energy market, Ideal Energy Solutions possesses the knowledge to take on an ever-changing industry.
OUR MISSION
We are a group of specialized consultants partnered together to serve one goal for our clients, to curtail costs and consumption through competition.
OUR LEADERSHIP
IES leadership has over 100 years of combined energy experience in the energy utility, wholesale trading, retail supply, group purchasing, and energy consulting fields. Learn more about our team below.
Brian West
Executive VP
35 years as a trial lawyer, AV rated, regularly rated a Super Lawyer Top Lawyer in Virginia and Washington D.C., serial entrepreneur in a variety of spaces including real estate, real estate title insurance, outdoor advertising, solar energy, desalination, finance and law. Played rugby for 20 years throughout the US and internationally, loves golf.
Keith Burgess
Executive VP
Longtime resident of Montgomery county, Maryland, college wrestler at U of MD college park, athletic youth coach for 10+ years, Burgess Properties (25+ years) - real estate development & multi-family operator/investor, partner / senior advisor (25+ years) at NFP/Meltzer - insurance & financial services industry, and Angel Investor.
Cody O'Connor
President
Cody O’Connor is an accomplished energy professional and entrepreneur with more than 18 years of experience in the industry. An honors graduate and avid soccer player from Penn State University- York Campus, Cody built a strong academic foundation that launched him into a career focused on innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.
He began his professional journey working at Real Energy Solutions based in Houston, Texas, where he gained valuable experience in energy procurement and market strategy. He later expanded his expertise at Transparent Energy in New York City, further deepening his knowledge of large-scale energy operations and client-focused solutions.
Driven by a passion for clean and renewable energy, Cody launched his first business with a focus on sustainable power solutions, positioning himself early on as a forward-thinking leader in the transition to greener energy. Building on that success, he went on to found Ideal Energy Solutions LLC, where he continues to lead initiatives that help businesses adopt more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible energy strategies.
With a career defined by innovation, leadership, and a commitment to sustainability, Cody O’Connor remains dedicated to advancing the future of energy through smart, clean solutions.
Greg Babcock
Executive VP
Native Washingtonian; owner of multiple advertising and marketing agencies over 31 years, including one in Top 25, The Babcock Advertising Agency, in the Washington market; Board Member of We Will Survive Cancer, mentor, author, and founder of the second largest charity donation program benefiting area youth. Enjoys the game of golf, always looking to improve technique.
Brett McDonald
CEO
Brett McDonald is a seasoned finance and energy professional with a diverse career spanning investment banking, hedge fund portfolio management, and the energy sector. A longtime resident of Summit, New Jersey and Elverson, Pennsylvania, Brett began his career on the sell side at Sherwood Securities and Deutsche Bank, where he developed a strong foundation in capital markets and institutional finance. He went on to work at the hedge funds Colonial Fund and Pear Tree Capital, managing investment portfolios and honing his expertise in strategic asset allocation and risk management.
Approximately 12 years ago, Brett transitioned into the energy sector, where he has since built deep industry knowledge and a track record of navigating complex market dynamics. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he has been actively involved in raising capital for a number of startups, supporting early-stage companies in achieving growth and scale.
Brett is a graduate of Dartmouth College, where he was a dual athlete, competing in both soccer and rugby. He also holds a law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law, further strengthening his analytical and strategic capabilities across business and legal domains.