Meet your small business team.

Maxwell Lum

Maxwell Lum is a dedicated C&I Energy Manager with three years of experience in the energy industry. He specializes in tailoring energy solutions for a diverse range of industries, including hotels, manufacturers, and small businesses. Before transitioning to the energy sector, Max enjoyed a five-year career as a professional rugby player, which took him around the globe. He played rugby in New Zealand and spent four years in Major League Rugby (MLR), representing teams such as the Glendale Raptors and Old Glory DC. In his personal life, Max enjoys playing golf, rugby, sporting events and visiting his family farm in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. He is passionate about helping businesses procure energy at the right time, understanding their unique needs, and mitigating risks to manage their energy spend effectively.

Alicia Armenta

Alicia Armenta joined the AEP Energy team in 2018. Alicia has over 20 years of energy supply experience and with professional sales and service. She graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Alicia will help you manage your energy needs by analyzing your usage and determining what product is best suited for your business. She is a native of Chicago, a hard-core Cubs and Bears fan and resides in the Chicagoland area. Alicia’s time is spent with her two teenage children, who are involved in many sports.

Andy Wrinkle, CEP

Andy Wrinkle began his career with AEP Energy in 2004 and has nearly 20 years of experience in the energy industry and professional sales. He is a Certified Energy Procurement Professional and is highly experienced with demand response programs, energy efficiency and peak load management services. Andy graduated from Arizona State with a degree in Business. Andy develops unique product solutions for manufacturing and industrial users.

Chad Bradley

Chad Bradley began his career with AEP Energy in 1999. During his tenure at AEP Energy, Chad attained more than 20 years of experience in the energy industry in both the regulated and deregulated markets. Prior to joining AEP Energy, Chad was an energy trader with American Electric Power, which provides Chad an advantage, having extensive knowledge on both spectrums of the industry. Chad specializes in developing unique product strategies for universities, hospitals and large industrial consumers.

Chris Bailey

With over 25 years of experience in the energy sector, Chris has dedicated his career helping customers save money while ensuring exceptional service quality. Chris’ extensive background allows him to navigate the complexities of the industry, developing effective solutions that meet the needs of both consumers and the environment. Chris is passionate about fostering sustainable energy practices and committed to delivering value to every customer interaction.

Darren Beattie

Darren Beattie began his career with AEP Energy in 2010 and has several years of experience in the energy industry and professional sales. Darren received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan. Darren places an emphasis on relationships, business development, product strategy and execution. He enjoys living in Michigan with his wife, children and their dog, Mickey.

Jack Spruill, CEP

Jack Spruill began his career with AEP Energy in 2011. He has several years of industry experience with nearly 20 years in professional sales. Jack graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri with Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is a Certified Energy Procurement Professional. Jack’s primary focus is developing product strategies for industrial and national accounts.

Jamie Jankowski, CEM, PE

Jamie Jankowski began his career with AEP Energy in 2012 and has over 20 years of industry experience in supply and demand-side energy solutions. Jamie earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, is a Certified Energy Manager and a licensed Professional Engineer. His primary focus is working together with large organizations on energy supply and renewable energy solutions. Jamie enjoys serving in volunteer leadership positions and board roles with local Cub Scouts and Association of Energy Engineers organizations.

Ken McNeill

Ken McNeill began his career with AEP Energy in 2011. He has a significant amount of experience in the energy industry plus over 30 years in professional sales. Ken graduated from Northeastern Illinois University as a collegiate athlete with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. Ken excels in securing energy for commercial users in the PJM region who desire variable index products strategically combined with hedged quantities of power.

Kevin Swift C.E.P.

Kevin Swift began his career with AEP Energy in 2011 and has several years of experience in the energy industry and professional sales. During Kevin’s time with AEP Energy, he has lead teams with our Small Business Service, supervised Outbound Call Center Sales, Mass Market Sales and most recently joined the Channel Partner team. Kevin received a full four-year scholarship as an Evans Scholar to the University of Illinois, graduating with a degree in Journalism and Communications. Kevin aligns his sales management on procurement strategy with relationship building.

Kobe Chanthaboury

Kobe Chanthaboury began his career with AEP Energy in 2012 and brought with him significant years of experience within the energy industry and in professional sales experience. He studied Business Administration and Management at Harper College and Northern Illinois University. Kobe is dedicated to finding product strategies for commercial and industrial energy users in Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Matt McCoy

Matt has nearly 20 years of experience in the energy industry. He studied Business Administration at Illinois State University and works with clients across the country, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. Matt specializes in helping businesses make informed, strategic decisions about their energy needs through customized solutions. With a background in both direct and indirect markets, Matt offers deep expertise in MISO and PJM territories.

Matthew Schmitt

Matthew Schmitt joined the AEP Energy team in 2018 and has several years of experience in the energy industry. Matt’s primary focus is partnering with customers to help them understand the energy market and choose a product for their unique situation. Matt graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He resides outside of Pittsburgh, PA with his wife and two daughters.

Nick Labate

Nick Labate joined the AEP Energy team in 2015 and has several years of experience in the energy industry and professional sales. Nick is a graduate of The Ohio State University with multiple degrees in Economics. Nick is focused on commercial and industrial energy consumers in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Sonni Felske

Sonni Felske brings more than three decades of energy industry experience to AEP Energy, where she joined the team in 2024. With a strong background in energy supply, sales, and customer service, Sonni is committed to helping businesses make informed energy decisions. She works closely with customers to analyze usage patterns and recommend tailored solutions that align with their goals. Based in the Chicago suburbs, Sonni is a proud fan of the Cubs, Bears, and Chiefs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two grown children and values the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between career and family.

Todd Altenburger, CEM

Todd Altenburger began his career with AEP Energy in 2013. Since then, Todd has focused his efforts in finding solutions to complicated energy challenges for large customers within the education, healthcare, datacenter and manufacturing sectors. Todd is a Certified Energy Manager with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Toledo and a Master of Business Administration Degree in Marketing & Strategy from Georgetown University. Todd is the proud organizer of Make it Enough Foundation, an Ohio-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps families impacted by illness or the death of a family member since 2012. Todd was recently accepted in Leadership Columbus’ signature development program and lives in Dublin, OH, with his wife and three small but wild children.

Anthony Market

Anthony Market hails from Hartford, CT, and holds a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Energy Management from Marshall University. With two years of experience in Account Management and three years in State and Federal government roles, Anthony has developed a strong foundation in his field. Anthony enjoys traveling, playing basketball, disc golf, and hiking.

Brandon Montaner

Brandon brings over 12 years of experience in the utility and energy efficiency sector, with a versatile background spanning Account Management to Solution Architecture. Originally from the West Coast and now based in the greater Cleveland area, he combines industry expertise with a passion for delivering impactful solutions. Outside of work, Brandon enjoys staying active, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and spending quality time with his family.

Breanna Brown

Breanna Brown graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University, “Fire Up, Chips!” She has over 14 years of work experience, including two years at AEP Energy and 12 years in the Property Title Industry. When she’s not working, Breanna enjoys spending quality time with her family and adding new plants to her living room.

Bruce Marshall

Bruce Marshall is a proud native of Weirton, West Virginia. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from West Liberty University and a master’s degree in education, specializing in Special Education Cross-Categorical, from Grand Canyon University. With six years at AEP Energy, Bruce has consistently demonstrated his commitment and expertise. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, coaching his kids’ youth sports teams, and creating unforgettable memories with his loved ones at Disney World.

Derek Dukes

Derek Dukes is a dedicated professional with a BA in Communications from The Ohio State University. With two years of experience in account management, he specializes in client communication. Additionally, Derek has spent a year in training development, focusing on mentorship, and enhancing onboard training effectiveness. Outside of his professional life, Derek enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, kayaking, and hanging out with his dogs.

Gary Bentz

Gary Bentz, from Cincinnati, Ohio, is a proud graduate of Moeller High School. With an impressive 23 years of experience in uniform sales and 11 years in energy sales, including 4 years in management, Gary has built a robust career. In his personal life, Gary enjoys golfing, taking vacations, and cheering for the Cincinnati Bengals and Reds. He also loves watching his grandson play football. Gary has been happily married to his wife Bev for 50 years, and together they have four children and six grandchildren.

George Freeman III

George Foreman, from Pittsburgh, PA, holds a BS in Business Administration from Washington & Jefferson College. With over two years of leadership experience, George is eager to further develop his expertise in the energy supply sector. George enjoys coaching football, playing video games, and bowling.

George Ruckman

George Ruckman brings over 16 years of experience in direct business sales, helping organizations thrive through innovative solutions across intranet, cable, and VoIP technologies. Now, he’s channeling that expertise into the energy sector, offering clients strategic support and tailored services at AEP Energy. Based in Warren, Ohio, George serves territories across Ohio and Pennsylvania, with a strong focus on the Youngstown area and Columbiana County.

Jess Lancaster

Jess Lancaster, from Columbus, Ohio, holds a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. With 6 years of customer service experience at AEP Energy, Jess has honed exceptional skills in client relations and service excellence. Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending time with his wife Debbie, traveling, and attending sporting events and concerts.

Jordan Williams

Jordan Williams has over 10 years of experience in B2B sales. Additionally, he has dedicated more than a decade to coaching and recruiting for college and high school football. Studying at Tennessee State University and Bluffton University, Williams majored in Music Performance, and he excels in playing drums, voice, and piano. Jordan is happily married to his wife, Jennifer, and they have three wonderful children: daughters Jada and Journee, and son Jordan.

Justin Canei

Originally from Follansbee, WV, Justin Canei recently made the move to Columbus, OH. In addition to his BS in Sport Management and MBA, Justin has six years of customer service experience in the food and beverage industry. Outside of work, Justin enjoys playing golf, watching new movies and shows, and exploring new restaurants and foods.

Rob Kulpa

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Rob Kulpa joined AEP Energy in 2017 after two decades in higher education. As Manager of the Small Business Solutions team, Rob has led a customer-first approach—prioritizing customer education to deliver tailored energy solutions that make sense for each business.

Rob holds a BA in Criminal Justice, an MA in Criminology, and an MBA in Energy Management. He is also a Certified Energy Procurement Professional (CEP) through the Association of Energy Engineers. His deep industry knowledge and leadership continue to drive innovation and value for small business customers.

Outside of work, Rob enjoys exploring electronics and competitive target shooting.

Ronald W. Smith

Ronald W. Smith is a dedicated professional who attended The Ohio State University. He has a grown son and daughter and is happily engaged to his fiancée. Ronald specializes in serving small to medium-sized businesses, churches, manufacturers, service industries, and multi-location business specialists. In his personal time, Ronald enjoys a variety of activities including golf, swimming, hiking, and working on home projects.

Ryne Bell

Ryne Bell has three years of customer experience with AEP Energy, as well as two years of inside sales. His hometown is Granville, Ohio and he has a bachelor’s degree in business. In his free time, Ryne enjoys going to live sporting and music events, and he plays both golf and disc golf.

Susan Wilson

Susan Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from The Ohio State University. Her professional experience includes working with business telecommunications, as well as business energy supply and natural gas service line installations. Susan resides in Columbus, OH, with her husband Bryan and their son Rory. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, cross-stitching, and attending local festivals. Susan also has a passion for making homemade, all-natural dog treats.

Thomas Lanese

Tom Lanese, from Cleveland Heights, OH, attended St. Ignatius High School and earned his BA from John Carroll University. With 30 years of experience in Voice/Data Communications, Tom has specialized in the Higher Education and Government Markets. In his free time, Tom enjoys golfing, fishing, and working out.