Gradient Appoints Patrick Bischoff as CEO, Poised for Transformative Change in Sustainable HVAC Solutions
Gradient, a pioneering company revolutionizing the HVAC industry with sustainable and high-performance solutions, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Patrick Bischoff as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This leadership transition marks a significant milestone for Gradient, as it strengthens its commitment to decarbonizing the HVAC industry and driving innovation in sustainable energy solutions.
With over two decades of experience in enterprise software, climate technology, and renewable energy, Bischoff is a seasoned executive known for his ability to scale high-growth companies and deliver impactful results. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to sustainability and clean energy. He has played a crucial role in driving several successful IPOs, strategic sales, and operational transformations. Bischoff’s leadership and expertise in scaling businesses within the climate tech and renewable energy sectors are expected to propel Gradient into its next phase of growth and industry leadership.
Dr. Vince Romanin, Gradient’s co-founder and previous CEO, will continue to play an essential role in the company’s long-term strategy and technological direction as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Romanin’s continued involvement ensures the company’s deep technological expertise remains a cornerstone of its operations. Additionally, Jane Sidebottom, an accomplished business leader with 25 years of experience in market and business development, marketing, and general management—having held key positions at Carrier and Trane—has joined Gradient’s board, bringing valuable insights and strategic leadership.
A Pivotal Moment for Gradient
Bischoff’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Gradient, as the company is poised to capitalize on several exciting opportunities within the HVAC and climate tech industries. Recently, the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) established a new category for room heat pumps, and Gradient’s All-Weather 120V Window Heat Pump has been recognized for meeting the highest efficiency standards within CEE’s Advanced Tier. This distinction positions Gradient’s product at the forefront of energy-efficient HVAC solutions, opening the door to significant opportunities for both homeowners and businesses.
As of January 1, CEE-certified room heat pumps now qualify for up to $3,200 in tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for homeowners, a move expected to drive significant adoption of sustainable HVAC technologies. Additionally, other programs that reference CEE certifications are expected to offer incentives for products in this category, further accelerating the shift toward energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions.
“I am deeply excited to join Gradient and lead its mission to decarbonize the HVAC industry while improving the comfort and sustainability of living environments,” said Patrick Bischoff, Gradient’s new CEO. “Gradient’s innovative technologies and strategic partnerships—such as the one with the New York City Housing Authority—demonstrate the company’s ability to drive transformative change in residential heating and cooling. I look forward to collaborating with the talented Gradient team to scale our impact and accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions across the globe.”
A Proven Track Record in Climate Tech and Renewable Energy
Bischoff’s extensive experience in climate technology and renewable energy positions him as the ideal leader for Gradient’s next phase of growth. Before joining Gradient, Bischoff served as Chief Operating Officer at Recurve, a company focused on the integration of climate technologies. There, he played a pivotal role in reshaping the company’s business model, operationalizing its offerings, and securing significant funding to drive expansion.
Bischoff’s career also includes executive and board positions at World Energy Solutions (formerly Nasdaq: XWES) and Greensmith Energy Solutions. At Greensmith, he led the company through a period of significant growth, taking its revenue from $500,000 to $30 million, culminating in a successful acquisition by Wärtsilä Corporation. His leadership was instrumental in reorienting the company and implementing strategic growth initiatives that resulted in both substantial revenue increases and successful exits.
“Patrick’s impressive track record in scaling climate tech companies, combined with his passion for sustainability, makes him the perfect leader to guide Gradient into its next phase,” said Dr. Vince Romanin, co-founder and CTO of Gradient. “We are confident that his ability to build high-performance teams, drive operational excellence, and execute strategic initiatives will be invaluable as we continue to expand our impact in the HVAC industry.”
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Bischoff’s educational background in both business and engineering enhances his ability to bridge the gap between technical innovation and global business strategy. He holds a degree from the University of Stuttgart (Germany) and graduated with the highest distinction from Thunderbird School of Global Management. With this solid foundation, Bischoff brings a unique combination of technical expertise and business acumen to his role as CEO.
Bischoff’s vision for Gradient is clear: to unlock the company’s full potential by making bold, data-driven decisions that challenge the status quo while staying true to Gradient’s core mission. He is determined to position Gradient as an industry leader, not only in HVAC but in the broader climate tech and clean energy sectors. Bischoff sees the global HVAC market, valued at $200 billion, as a tremendous opportunity for growth, with the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions from buildings worldwide.
“We are at a critical inflection point,” Bischoff remarked. “Gradient’s innovations and the increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions are coming together at a time when the world needs sustainable energy solutions more than ever. We have an incredible opportunity to lead the transition to cleaner, more efficient HVAC systems and contribute meaningfully to global decarbonization efforts.”
Celebrating Innovation: The All-Weather 120V Window Heat Pump
A key milestone in Gradient’s journey is the launch of its groundbreaking All-Weather 120V Window Heat Pump units. Designed to provide year-round comfort, these units are engineered to perform efficiently in both extreme cold and hot climates, offering a reliable and energy-efficient solution for residential heating and cooling.
The All-Weather 120V Window Heat Pump is designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic and is compatible with standard 120V outlets, ensuring plug-and-play ease of installation. The product underscores Gradient’s commitment to electrifying and decarbonizing buildings across the nation by offering a solution that not only improves comfort but also contributes to a cleaner environment.
By combining cutting-edge technology with sustainability, Gradient aims to lead the way in transforming the way buildings are heated and cooled. The All-Weather 120V Window Heat Pump is just one example of the company’s innovative approach to energy-efficient HVAC solutions. With a strong focus on sustainability, performance, and ease of use, Gradient is poised to continue revolutionizing the HVAC industry and shaping the future of climate technology.
With Patrick Bischoff at the helm, Gradient is well-positioned to scale its operations and make a lasting impact on the HVAC industry and global sustainability efforts. Under his leadership, the company plans to further accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient HVAC solutions and continue driving innovation in the climate tech sector.
As Gradient enters this exciting new chapter, the company remains committed to its mission of decarbonizing the HVAC industry while providing comfortable and sustainable living environments. With the support of its experienced leadership team, Gradient is poised to lead the way in transforming the HVAC industry and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.
