A serial entrepreneur, Barend founded Blue Sky Utility in 2009, a trailblazer in the multitenant solar industry that served major REITs like Brixmor and Phillips Edison. His achievements include a notable $100 million merger with Nofar Energy in 2021, and he remains active on Blue Sky's board. Additionally, Barend co-founded BPi in 2008, securing a $30 million renewable energy project portfolio with Treasury Wines.