Channel Partner Spotlight: Robert Chagnon Driving Forward in Competitive Markets

As a Channel Partner Manager at SmartestEnergy, Robert Chagnon supports brokers across all markets but brings a specialized focus on New York and New Jersey two of the most competitive regions in the country. Known for his approachable style and relentless responsiveness, Robert has built a reputation as someone brokers can count on when timing is tight, and the stakes are high. Guided by his one-word mantra, “Forward” he focuses on helping partners navigate challenges while always looking ahead to the next opportunity.

Robert’s path into the energy sector was anything but traditional. After a career in telecom managing zoning and construction projects for cell sites, he joined an energy company with a close friend and discovered a field where he could combine analytical problem-solving with relationship building. Over the years, that combination has become his hallmark: pairing market expertise with genuine personal connections that extend beyond the business.

With his NY/NJ specialization, Robert is well-versed in the region’s unique challenges. New York has posed hurdles with capacity and recent PSC rulings, while New Jersey is navigating capacity constraints following PJM auctions. His approach is straightforward: be available, answer every call, and provide the information brokers need to support their customers with confidence. He emphasizes that SmartestEnergy’s stability, backed by Marubeni, along with its custom pricing, market updates, and detailed reporting, give brokers the edge to compete in these tough markets.
Away from work, Robert spends time traveling and supporting his kids at sporting events. He admits golf is a skill he’d love to master, joking that he spent more time in the clubs than learning how to use them, and when it comes to pizza, pineapple is definitely off the menu.

What Robert enjoys most is the people side of the business, and for him, the personal is professional. He values knowing his brokers, their families, and even their furry best friends. This focus on genuine connections helps him build trust and long-lasting partnerships. For Robert, success is always a team effort, whether collaborating across SmartestEnergy or working side by side with brokers, the best results come from working together toward shared goals. Motivated by the excitement of the chase and the close in sales, he works to help brokers succeed across all markets, while bringing specialized expertise to New York and New Jersey.