From Lighting Retrofits to EV Charging: A Conversation with Michael Treiman of ChargeSmart EV

Founded in 2021, ChargeSmart EV is a rapidly growing player in the electric vehicle charging industry, offering fully turnkey solutions for commercial, public, and multifamily installations. But their story didn’t start with EVs—it began in the world of energy efficiency, where their founding team built a reputation in LED lighting retrofits and solar installations. Now, they’re bringing that experience, insight, and consultative approach to help organizations navigate the transition to EV infrastructure.

To understand more about ChargeSmart’s origins and how they differentiate themselves in a competitive market, I sat down with Michael Treiman, Vice President of Sales.

“We don’t just sell equipment—we deliver confidence.”

Dario Pagani: Michael, please tell us a bit about yourself and your team at ChargeSmart EV

Michael Treiman: Sure! I’m the Vice President of Sales here at ChargeSmart EV, and I’ve been with the company for nearly three years. My focus is on building and leading a sales team, but also on helping our customers understand what it really means to get into EV charging. It’s a full-cycle, consultative role—from the initial conversation to installation and support.

Dario: ChargeSmart was founded in 2021. What inspired the launch of the company?

Michael: Our team comes from a strong background in energy efficiency—particularly in LED lighting retrofits and solar. I’ve worked on both the public and private sides of solar development, including programs like NYSERDA’s Solarize campaign, which focused on deploying rooftop solar across residential and commercial properties.

Our core team had been working together in the lighting space for nearly a decade. We saw EV charging as the natural next step—a space with strong incentives, growing demand, and real impact. So we came together around that shared mission: to deliver an energy solution that’s not just environmentally necessary but also economically smart.

A Turnkey Approach to EV Charging

Dario: What would you say is ChargeSmart’s core value proposition today?

Michael: In a word: turnkey. We manage everything—from site assessment and hardware recommendations to installation and utility coordination. Our customers don’t need to be EV experts. We guide them through the entire process, helping them unlock available incentives and avoid common pitfalls. That’s a big part of why customers choose us—we don’t just sell equipment, we deliver confidence and clarity.

We’re also highly responsive. On the Level 2 side, we function as a full EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) partner. On the Level 3 or DC fast charging side, we’ll even act as the site host ourselves where applicable, functioning as the Charge Point Operator (CPO). In those cases, we manage everything—hardware, software, utility coordination—and lease the site from the property owner.

Dario: That’s a big operational scope for a growing company. How big is the team right now?

Michael: Right now, there are 12 of us running the company, and I think that’s one of our strengths. We’re lean, fast, and extremely responsive. Over the past few years, we’ve built out a reliable and attractive EV charging product and developed a strong network across multiple customer segments.

Dario: Can you talk more about those customer segments? What kind of businesses are you serving?

Michael: Our customer base is very diverse, both in terms of industries and motivations. We’ve worked across verticals—hospitality, multifamily, retail, municipal—and each customer comes in with different goals. Some are driven by sustainability, others by regulation, and many by economics.

EV Charging and ROI: What Motivates Customers?

Dario: With so many different customer types, is there any common thread in what they’re looking for?

Michael: Absolutely. If there’s one thing that ties it all together, it’s the potential for revenue generation. That’s a huge part of the conversation, especially with commercial clients. Even when the primary motivation is different—say, for hotels, which often look at EV charging as an amenity—it still comes back to long-term financial value. A hotel might prefer offering EV charging over dealing with negative guest reviews. In multifamily housing, it's about tenant retention and future-proofing. But across the board, people want to understand how this investment will benefit them financially in the long run.

Is EV Charging Essential for Class A Properties?

Dario: I’ve asked this question before and would love your take: Do you believe a Class A real estate property can still be considered Class A without EV charging?

Michael: That’s a great question—and I think the answer depends on where in the country the property is located.

In places like California or Florida, where EV adoption is more advanced and infrastructure is robust, the answer is a firm no. You can’t be considered a top-tier property if you don’t provide EV charging. It’s expected—just like having high-speed internet or modern HVAC.

But in regions like the Northeast, where we still deal with harsh winters and cold-weather battery performance issues, the market is still catching up. In those cases, consumer demand can be slower, and developers might be more cautious. That doesn’t mean it’s not important—it just means expectations vary. So yes, the regional context absolutely matters.

That said, I do believe the future is clear: EV charging is becoming a baseline expectation. Eventually, not having it won’t be an option—regardless of location.

Final Thoughts

Whether it's acting as a turnkey EPC partner or leading the charge as a site host and CPO, ChargeSmart EV is helping property owners, developers, and businesses confidently navigate the complex but rewarding journey of EV infrastructure deployment. With a strong background in energy efficiency, a lean and responsive team, and a passion for making electrification accessible, they’re making a name for themselves as a trusted partner in a rapidly evolving market.

Want to learn more about partnering with ChargeSmart EV?

Visit chargesmartev.com to get in touch or explore their latest projects.