William P. Heckenstaller
Principal Partner
William P. Heckenstaller is the brains behind Gulf City Solar’s technology. His proprietary power management system (PMS) enables Gulf City Solar products to use solar energy up to 30 percent more efficiently than other solar golf cart kits, making it possible to finally make plugging your cart in to charge a thing of the past. He also leads development efforts for future Gulf City Solar products.
A native of Germany, Heckenstaller was educated in telecommunication, engineering, and computer science before beginning his career with HP. Since then, his career has taken him around the world working on computer and information systems for various companies in many countries. He has also founded several information technology consulting companies in Colorado and Bonita Springs.
Heckenstaller’s first foray into solar came in the 1980s while he was working on a joint venture with IBM. When he came to America, he realized that the U.S. was far behind Europe and other nations in adopting solar power and he became determined to change that. Florida’s abundance of sun and golf clubs made it the perfect place to launch his solar venture.
Hans Holzmann
Exec. VP Sales/Marketing
Hans Holzmann leads Gulf City Solar’s sales and marketing efforts. Whether you’re an individual cart owner or manage a fleet of carts for a golf club, Holzmann can expertly answer your questions and help you go green and save green by going solar.
Holzmann has 30 years of experience in business development, sales and marketing in a variety of industries both in the U.S. and Europe. A passion for fine wine has also led to positions as wine director for upscale country clubs and communities in California and Florida, where he excelled at creating distinctive wine cultures that led to increased sales and membership. He continues to work as a wine program consultant for select clubs.
Holzmann’s experience has given him a deep understanding of club management and operations, so when his friend William Heckenstaller approached him about marketing his new golf cart solar kit to clubs and members, it was a natural fit.
A native of Austria, Holzmann earned a degree in electrical engineering in Graz, and also holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and computer science from the University of Toronto.
William Douglas
Chairman
William Douglas brings a wealth of experience leading global brands to Gulf City Solar.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Manitoba and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario, he joined Kanebo/Gillette as president. His experience includes executive posts with household names like Warner Lambert, Helene Curtis, Nabisco and Campbell Soup Company in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. In 1998, he became CEO of Jemini International, which operates Dunkin Donuts franchises in New Jersey and distributes Yankee Candle home fragrance products in Asia.
Douglas and Heckenstaller first met as co-tenants in the building Gulf City Solar now occupies, where they previously operated other businesses. His interest in investing in innovative up and coming companies led him to join Heckenstaller and Holzmann in starting Gulf City Solar.
