Our Core Team
Patrick Villines, Owner and Founder
Patrick Villines, was raised a generational farm kid in Boxley Valley, Arkansas. Growing up, self-innovation was just a common way of life and one that he adopted naturally and with ease.
Initially giving his life to the exploration and pursuit of music, Patrick’s journey with solar only began after homesteading in the early 2000s. After being self taught in off-grid installation, Pat was offered an apprenticeship with the incredibly talented team that was Rocky Grove Sun Company. After the early dissolution of the company, Patrick struck out on his own, earning his NABCEP certification and starting New Farm Solar.
Pat is truly passionate about sustainability and sees it as a challenge to master. He enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children, playing music, hiking, doing carpentry work, gardening and being outdoors any chance he gets.
Anthony Pekowski, Solar Consultant
Originally from Austin, Texas, Anthony Pekowski studied at Sam Houston State University before earning a Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television-Film and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Texas. He spent six years in television journalism in Abilene, TX and later Austin, before deciding it was time for a new challenge in a growing industry.
At the invitation of longtime friend Andrew Coldiron, Anthony moved to Arkansas to join the New Farm Solar team. Other than being drawn to one of the most beautiful regions of the country, he was also eager to join a company that places high value on both its employees and its customers.
Anthony lives with his wife, Amanda, and their daughter and is very excited to welcome a son later this year. In his free time he enjoys hiking, boating, and exploring. He is a fan of classic literature, history podcasts about ancient Greece and Rome, and is a science fiction and fantasy enthusiast—including being a proud Star Trek fan.
Andrew Coldiron, Operations Manager
Originally from Austin, Texas, it did not take Andrew Coldiron long to decide to trade city life for the Ozarks. Having spent childhood summers visiting family land in Arkansas, he had an idea early on that it was where he wanted to build his future. After some traveling and working on farms throughout the American Southwest, he took the plunge and moved to Arkansas, taking on the ambitious project of restoring his grandfather’s three-story cabin deep in the Ozark Mountains.
After arriving in Newton County, Andrew discovered a passion and natural talent for the outdoors. While working at a local canoe outfitter, he quickly became an accomplished whitewater boater, developing the calm, steady problem-solving skills that continue to serve him in the field today.
Andrew joined New Farm Solar through the recommendation of a friend when the company was still in its earliest days. With a remarkable ability to learn and an eagerness to master every aspect of the trade, he quickly became an indispensable member of the team. His technical aptitude, strong work ethic, and years of hands-on experience led him to become New Farm Solar’s Lead Installer.
Andrew loves all things outdoors. He is a true people person and makes friends everywhere he goes. When not working, Andrew can be found spending time with his fiancé, Amy, his dog Oscar, and hitting the rivers and hills for bouldering and boating.
Brock McVay, Technical Support Specialist
Raised and homeschooled in Boone County, Arkansas, Brock McVay spent much of his youth working on his family’s organic farm. Here his spirit of innovation, learned persistence, and a keen awareness of intricacies was fostered and many of his lifelong passions were formed. He attended the University of Arkansas, where he studied Art with a concentration in sculpture.
Whether troubleshooting a complicated solar installation or tackling a project at home, he’s known for approaching challenges with patience, intelligence, and remarkable efficiency. His attention to detail and steady nature make him an invaluable part of the New Farm Solar team.
Brock enjoys spending time with his wife, Lexi, and their three daughters, working on their organic farm, animal husbandry, rock climbing and an occasional journey into the world of RuneScape.
Layne Rose, Project Coordinator
Layne Rose was born and raised in the Ozarks of far southwestern Missouri and spent much of her childhood on her grandparents’ small hobby farm. She studied communication and natural resource conservation in college, earning her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arkansas in 2014.
Over the years, she has worked in a variety of fields, including nature education, food and native plant production, academic advising, writing and editing, and teaching children through her local homeschool co-op. She especially enjoys raising and homeschooling her little one, exploring creeks, foraging, camping, frequenting the library, crafting, and tending her garden spaces.
Mattie Villines, Creative Director
Mattie Villines was raised an off the grid kid in the Ouachita Mountains on the Arkansas/Oklahoma border. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Arkansas in 2004 with an emphasis in painting. After graduation, traveling, marriage and homesteading carved her path.
Throughout the journey of starting and building New Farm Solar, Mattie has been Patrick’s consistent encourager and cheerleader. She is dedicated to sustainable living and has been deeply inspired by the customers the company has had the chance to serve throughout the years.
Mattie enjoys all things meaningful and beautiful. She loves people, plants, animals, reading and collecting books, theology, visual art, and music. In her spare time you can find her prioritizing spending time with her husband, three beautiful kids, extended family, neighbors and friends.