Community Spotlight: Brad Obermueller From CEE, Bridging Efficiency, Advocacy, and Opportunity

The human story behind CEE’s mission to help cannabis growers thrive.

Every industry has its quiet champions, the people doing the work behind the scenes to lift others up. In Minnesota’s growing cannabis landscape, Brad Obermueller from Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is one of those champions. His work blends technical expertise, personal purpose, and a genuine commitment to helping small cannabis businesses succeed.

A Path Powered by Purpose

Brad has always been passionate about energy efficiency and helping businesses make smart, sustainable decisions. When recreational cannabis was legalized in Minnesota, he immediately recognized a gap: cultivators needed support to access utility rebates that could make high-performance lighting more affordable. Through CEE’s One-Stop Efficiency Shop, sponsored by Xcel Energy since 2000, he began helping small businesses save money, reduce energy use, and build long-term resiliency.

But for Brad, the work became even more personal. Over the past five years, he has been battling cancer, a journey that opened his eyes to the healing potential of cannabis. That experience sparked a new mission: to empower others, especially those in underserved communities, to confidently pursue opportunities within the cannabis industry.

Since then, the One-Stop program has expanded to include tailored rebate strategies for cannabis growers, specifically those navigating microbusiness licenses. And for Brad, seeing cultivators succeed remains the most rewarding part of the job.

“We’re not just saving energy, we’re helping businesses thrive. We’re on a mission to help micro cultivation become the new micro brewing.”

Brad Obermueller, CEE

Brad brings a unique blend of efficiency mindset and business development savvy. He works closely with vendors, growers, and Xcel Energy to shape rebate offerings that meet the real needs of indoor grow operations.

Community Impact

Whether at Canna Connect events or during on-site consultations, CEE shows up in person. They’re much more than a lighting rebate program, they’re a free resource for any business operating in Minnesota’s cannabis industry.

“We help growers understand their options, plan smarter, and maximize their returns.”

Brad Obermueller, CEE

As microbusinesses emerged, CEE knew they needed to deepen their technical expertise in cultivation lighting. Over the last two years, they’ve partnered with growers, built relationships with manufacturers and service providers, and created a robust network that supports the entire cannabis ecosystem.

Brad (center) with the CEE team at a recent Canna Connect event.

Brad firmly believes that collaboration is the backbone of industry success. With cannabis in Minnesota still evolving, shared knowledge and community partnerships are what move everyone forward.

“Community success is our success.”

Brad Obermueller, CEE

One standout example: A microbusiness struggling to afford LED upgrades chose a location within Xcel Energy territory and worked with the One-Stop program. Their rebates covered more than half the lighting costs, helping them launch on time, under budget, and poised to be one of the first microbusinesses in the market. Had they stayed outside Xcel Energy territory, their rebates would have been far lower.

Looking Ahead

CEE’s future in the cannabis space is focused on expanding impact, fine-tuning rebate models, deepening outreach, and staying ahead of lighting technology trends. As Minnesota’s cannabis industry matures, efficiency is only becoming more critical. Rising energy costs, shifting regulations, and insurance challenges tied to outdated HPS lighting all point to one reality: smart systems are the new standard.

CEE aims to be the go-to resource for rebate-backed lighting solutions that meet current and future demands.

“This is the wild west of cannabis cultivation in Minnesota. The first two years will pave the way for an industry unlike any other in the country.”

Brad Obermueller, CEE

Brad sees a sophisticated future for Minnesota cannabis, one where small, community-driven businesses produce high-quality products and compete through efficiency and innovation, not scale alone.

Personal Insights

For leaders entering the cannabis space, Brad’s first piece of advice is simple:

“The best leaders in this space are sponges first.”

Listen more than you talk, especially when navigating technical systems like lighting, HVAC, and dehumidification. Surround yourself with experts, join groups like Canna Connect, and show up to trade shows ready to learn.

Brad has also learned that it’s okay not to have every answer. The cannabis community is full of experts willing to help; building programs on trust, transparency, and partnerships has saved growers time, money, and headaches. And patience, he says, is essential, big visions don’t materialize overnight.

If he and CEE can bring confidence and resources to cultivators, projects move smoother, and dreams stay within reach.

Final Thoughts

CEE is here to help, not sell. As a nonprofit and a vendor-neutral partner, their goal is simple: help cultivators succeed through smart, rebate-backed efficiency solutions. If you’re located in Xcel Energy territory, their services are free and Brad and the team are ready to support you every step of the way.

Connect with Brad Obermueller

Watch Brad Obermueller on episode one of the Canna Connect Show

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