Adam Barker-Hoyt: Alumnus offers energy alternatives for Mainers

Adam Barker-Hoyt spent 12 years studying at the University of Maine, where he received dual bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and philosophy, and a master’s degree in mathematics.

For some, mathematics and philosophy might seem like an odd match, but for Barker-Hoyt, knowledge of both have helped him successfully run his business.

“Since my focus in philosophy was ethics and justice, my philosophy background is well utilized for managing a business,” he says.

Hailing from Bangor, Maine, Barker-Hoyt is now the founder, owner and CEO of Maine Alternative Comfort, which specializes in installing and servicing mini-split heat pumps.

Barker-Hoyt founded MAC in 2011 with the intent of providing Mainers with a greener, economic alternative to oil.

At UMaine, Barker-Hoyt explored topics such as abstract mathematics, links between music and mathematics and mathematical analysis in voter theory. He also started a tutoring business, teaching various levels of mathematics.

“UMaine has made all the difference in my education, since I wanted to stay in Maine and have the best investment in my education,” says Barker-Hoyt.

The mission statement for MAC is simple: help Mainer’s reduce CO2 emissions to help “combat climate change in the most cost-effective, time-efficient manner available.”

In addition to providing planning, installation and service, MAC performs research and analysis on the effectiveness of Fujitsu mini-split heat pumps and gives educational presentations throughout the state.

According to Barker-Hoyt, the company is helping to reduce the use of oil by about 450,000 gallons in Maine per year. Over the lifetime of the business, he estimates that the installation of heat pumps has reduced Mainers’ use of oil by nearly 1,000,000 gallons.

Barker-Hoyt also adds that heat pumps reduce CO2 emissions by about 6,556,500 pounds per year, and over the last five years, they have reduced CO2 emissions by about 14 million pounds in Maine.

“Replacing a dirty fuel with a clean, highly efficient one means that you are reducing CO2 by a large amount since much of our CO2 emissions are produced from heating our homes,” he says.

In the last five years, Barker-Hoyt’s company has installed more than 1,500 units — up from the nine sold in the first year.

According to Efficiency Maine, MAC is second in Maine for number of installations, which Barker-Hoyt attributes to referrals and return customers.

“Customer service and quality has been the focus,” he says.

Barker-Hoyt says treating people respectfully so they feel appreciated and valued is important to building a successful business.

“We see major growth every year according to the numbers. And, while the super low oil prices are definitely cutting into this past year’s business, we are only down about five percent from last year when oil was twice the price and we had half the competitors,” he says.

In the early days of his business, Barker-Hoyt bought equipment with his credit card and worked out of a borrowed truck. He now manages multiple installer teams, a service team, a sales team and an office team.

“If you make your life’s work something that aligns with your beliefs and (more importantly) making those things happen, then you can work day by day doing what needs to be done and feel good at the end of the day. I feel that this business does this for me and much more,” he says.

And he credits much of his success to the opportunities available at the University of Maine.

“Many of my connections that have aided with developing the business have come from or are affiliated with UMaine,” says Barker-Hoyt.

“I would never have been able to have done what I’ve done without the education and assistance I have received. UMaine is truly top-notch.”