In his first six months as CEO of Exponential Power, Ted Kozikowski has championed a customer-centric approach, redefining the company’s mission to deliver unparalleled energy storage solutions. Under his leadership, Exponential Power is fostering a unified culture that puts customer needs at the heart of innovation, while seamlessly integrating the strengths of its acquired companies. We had the opportunity to sit down with Ted to explore his vision for a customer-first future, his approach to navigating industry challenges, and the personal values that fuel his passion for leadership.
Q: Ted, you’ve been CEO of Exponential Power for six months now. What’s most striking to you so far about this company and its position in the energy storage market?
Ted Kozikowski: What immediately stands out is the caliber of the people we have. We have been able to attract and retain exceptional talent, and that’s something I truly value. The company is in an exciting space—energy storage is crucial to the future of sustainable energy and our overall economy. We provide an important service that not only supports renewable energy goals but also addresses some of the biggest challenges of modern infrastructure such as electrical grid reliability. As we move forward, my focus is on empowering our people to continue to innovate and truly deliver a customer-centric experience.
Q: Your leadership style emphasizes a “customer-centric” approach. Can you elaborate on what that means for Exponential Power and how you’re planning to instill that mindset across the company?
Ted Kozikowski: A customer-centric approach means putting ourselves in the shoes of our customers, understanding their evolving needs, and delivering solutions that exceed those needs. We call it “Delivering an EXPONENTIAL Experience.” Over the past few years, Exponential Power has grown through strategic acquisitions, and each of those companies brought something unique and valuable to the table. Now, our challenge is to create a unified, winning culture that takes the best from each of these businesses and focuses on one overarching goal — delivering that “Exponential Experience” to our customers. I believe empowerment is key to this. I trust my team to lead their respective areas with the expertise and insights they bring to the table. But empowerment comes with responsibility. We need mutual respect, a commitment to our processes, and an unrelenting focus on customer satisfaction.
Q: With your background in leading growth at other companies, what do you believe is the most critical factor for driving success at Exponential Power over the next few years?
Ted Kozikowski: I think the most important driver of our success will be our ability to adapt to change. We are in an industry that is constantly evolving given new technologies and changing regulatory requirements. Whether it’s AI’s growing impact on power requirements or evolving government programs, like those impacting the telecommunications infrastructure, Exponential Power has the expertise to help our customers navigate these shifts. Our goal is to be a trusted partner in those transitions, offering insights and solutions that are as forward-thinking as they are practical. I want Exponential Power to be known not just for our products, but for our ability to be a thought leader in this space.
Q: Let’s shift gears a little. As a business leader with a background in the military, how has your experience in the Coast Guard shaped your approach to leadership today?
Ted Kozikowski: I loved my time in the Coast Guard as it was one of the most important periods of my life. I learned the importance of discipline, integrity, and service. It taught me that true leadership is about supporting your team, leading by example, and holding everyone—including yourself—accountable. Those principles are just as important in business as they are in the military. I try to instill a sense of responsibility and empowerment in my team. But it’s important to recognize that empowerment doesn’t mean a lack of structure; it means giving people the tools and trust to succeed while holding them to high standards.
Q: Looking ahead, what’s next for Exponential Power in 2025? Are there any exciting developments or initiatives in the pipeline?
Ted Kozikowski: We’re at an exciting crossroads in our industry. We’re continuing to expand our capabilities in energy storage solutions, particularly with advancements in battery technology and AI-driven systems. Our focus in 2025 is to not only deliver an “Exponential Experience” for customers, but also to strengthen our position as a partner to companies navigating the changes in their industries. Our growth strategy will include further investments in talent and technology to ensure that we are providing the most forward-thinking and scalable solutions possible.
Q: As you reflect on your first six months as CEO, what would you say is your proudest achievement so far?
Ted Kozikowski: I would say that my proudest achievement so far has been the progress we’ve made in unifying our team and shaping the culture of Exponential Power. It’s a work in progress, of course, but we’ve made great strides in aligning our team around the shared vision of a relentless focus on customers. This focus allows us to understand our customers’ needs today while anticipating future demands as technology evolves to enhance power resiliency. At the same time, building a culture where people feel empowered, respected, and motivated to succeed is something that I believe will have long-term benefits for our company.