For Bob Hendron, building science is not just a career but it is a lifelong commitment to understanding how buildings work and how they can work better.
As the Cohort Director for the Building Decarbonization team at Frontier Energy, Bob oversees research and implementation efforts focused on reducing emissions and improving performance across residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. “We’re the bridge between research and reality,” Bob explained. “We test emerging technologies in real-world conditions, then work to integrate them into programs, incentives, and even building codes.”
Now in his eighth year at Frontier, Bob has led numerous technical initiatives and is currently developing the group’s knowledge-sharing strategy. His current focus is on training, mentorship, and ensuring that Frontier’s institutional knowledge is captured and shared. “We want to make sure the lessons we’ve learned—whether from success or challenge aren’t lost as people move on,” he said.
Among his standout projects is the $10 million Sonoma Clean Power Program, which tested a dozen emerging technologies across 70 homes. “It was a complex, multi-year effort during the COVID era, which added unexpected behavioral variables. But we got through it as a team, and we delivered strong results,” he said. Bob eventually took over as project manager, helping close it out under budget and on schedule.
His dedication does not go unnoticed by his colleagues. Claudia Pingatore shared: “I’ve worked with Bob on numerous projects, and he is always reliable, sharp, and truly cares about his staff. He’s responsive, efficient, and produces high-quality work. Bob is decisive yet diplomatic, calm under pressure, and always takes the time to help others grow. Plus, he’s just fun to hang with!”
As a seasoned project manager and engineer, Bob believes the most critical skill in his role is the ability to plan for the unexpected. His focus is on client satisfaction, budget discipline, and staff development is at the heart of his leadership philosophy.
What motivates Bob most is the people. “When you see everyone giving it their all, it inspires you to do the same,” he said. “And I still love the technical puzzles. There’s nothing more rewarding than working through a tough engineering problem and coming out with a solution that works.”
He also emphasizes the importance of patience and humility for new professionals. “This field is complex. No one walks in knowing everything. Ask questions, take the time to learn, and don’t be afraid to say you don’t know something yet,” he said. He credits this advice from his time working with Marc Hoeschele, "Marc was just a really patient and important mentor during my early time at Frontier and was a great role model for keeping the workplace professional but fun" he said.
Outside of work, Bob is a lifelong lover of film and music. From classic black-and-white movies to the best of 60s rock and 80s alternative, he enjoys exploring how culture evolves through sound and storytelling. A former softball player and longtime baseball fan, he keeps an eye on the game while diving into new music trends with the same analytical curiosity he brings to his projects.
Whether leading large-scale pilots or mentoring the next generation of engineers, Bob’s calm guidance, technical excellence, and collaborative spirit continue to drive Frontier’s mission forward—one building, and one breakthrough, at a time.
