Welcome to The Blue Couch, a series where we interview individuals in the AESP Member Community who are doing exceptional work and share their story, what drives them, and detail their journey in the broader energy industry.

In this interview, AESP’s Ian Perterer sits down with Alex Mouton — retired U.S. Air Force veteran, AESP member, and CEO of M3 Services — to explore his journey from military service to building a fast-growing energy efficiency company in Central Arkansas, and how the AESP community helped shape that path.

Ian: Alex, for those who haven’t met you yet, can you start by introducing yourself and telling us about M3 Services?

Alex: Absolutely. I’m a retired United States Air Force veteran and proud AESP member. Today, I lead M3 Services, a small mechanical and electrical energy efficiency company based in Central Arkansas.

When people hear “energy efficiency,” they usually think HVAC and lighting. We do that, but we also work on controls, indoor air quality, healthy building improvements — the whole package.

We started locally in 2019. Fast-forward to today, and we’re serving customers across the southeastern U.S., with projects spanning all the way to both coasts. Our headquarters team has grown to 10 people handling admin, program management, and engineering, and we have about 30 field staff including technicians, superintendents, and facility specialists.

I’m incredibly proud of this team and how far we’ve come in such a short time.

Ian: You’ve got a powerful story about transitioning from military service into this industry. How did you find your way into the energy space?

Alex: Honestly, by accident. When I left the military, I didn’t know where I fit. My skill set didn’t translate neatly into civilian work, and I had a family to support. I knew I wanted to serve in some way, but I didn’t know what that would look like.

When I stumbled into the energy efficiency space, it unlocked something for me. I found purpose, I found work that mattered, and I realized just how many opportunities exist for veterans, job seekers, and entrepreneurs who want to build a long-term career in a trade that’s never going away.

That realization eventually led me to start M3 — not just to create a business, but to create pathways for people like me.

Ian: What role has AESP played in that journey?

Alex: A huge role. Early on, my friend Dan Merchant told me, “Buddy, you have to attend this conference.” I went — and he was absolutely right.

AESP opened up a world of opportunities. Not just for me as a person and a CEO, but for my whole team. Through this network, we’ve improved our services, grown our expertise, and connected with people who genuinely care about raising the bar in our industry.

Two things that have meant the most to me are helping launch the AESP Veterans Energy Alliance and participating in the Joule Mentorship Program. Both have given me the opportunity to support other former service members and people entering the trades. I know firsthand how transformative that support can be.

Ian: Giving back seems to be a big part of how you show up in this community. Why is that so important to you?

Alex: Because this industry grows when people grow. And AESP is one of the best places to make that happen.

I always encourage folks to get involved — join the Special Interest Groups, Chapters, and Topic Committees; show up to the events, contribute to the programs. Bring your ideas, your experience, your curiosity. You’ll be amazed at the impact you can have simply by participating.

We need everyone: young job seekers, career changers, and people who are just discovering energy efficiency for the first time. When we invest in them, we strengthen the whole industry.

Ian: Last question — what would you tell someone who’s thinking about joining AESP?

Alex: I’d tell them to join — and to bring a friend with them.

This organization has shaped my career, my company, and my purpose. I want others to experience that same sense of belonging and opportunity.

If you want a place where you can grow, be heard, and make a real impact, AESP is that place.

To learn more, visit aesp.org/join.

And if you’re interested in what we do at M3 Services, check out m3services.com. I’m always happy to talk about our work — but I’m even more excited to share what this organization can help you accomplish.