#288 Justin Lopas: Midwest Roots, Building SpaceX’s Starbase, Anduril Lessons, Co-Founding Base Power with Zach Dell

Justin Lopez, co-founder and COO of Base Power, shares insights into his journey from SpaceX to leading a company focused on energy solutions. Born in Michigan and raised in a family with a strong engineering background, Lopez's early experiences shaped his work ethic and approach to leadership. He emphasizes the importance of talent density and a no-nonsense attitude in building effective teams, contrasting the cultures of traditional industries with the dynamic environments of startups like SpaceX and Base Power.

Lopez reflects on the critical role of regulatory knowledge in the energy sector, highlighting the differences between deregulated and regulated markets. He notes that while Base Power primarily operates in the U.S., there are plans for expansion into international markets, particularly Australia and the UK, which present unique opportunities for their battery technology. As the company continues to grow, Lopez is focused on improving operational efficiency and enhancing customer experience while navigating the complexities of energy regulation.

Looking ahead, Base Power aims to innovate its product offerings and deepen its market presence, striving to redefine the utility landscape. Lopez's commitment to resilience and adaptability, inspired by his wife, underscores his leadership philosophy as he navigates the challenges of scaling a tech-driven energy company.

This episode is supported by Xero, helping businesses use AI with more control through JAX, its in-platform AI finance partner. Get 90% off your plan for your first 6 months at xero.com/highflyers.

Get in touch with us via email at [email protected]

Join our stable of commercial partners including the Australian Government, Google, KPMG,, Allens, Macquarie Capital, Xero, JP Morgan and more.

________

What does it take to go from an introverted kid obsessed with robotics to building rockets at SpaceX and co-founding a $13 billion energy company? And what happens when an intense, no-BS operator decides to build a company of his own?

Justin Lopas is Co-founder and COO of Base Power, one of America's fastest-growing energy companies, which has raised over US$2 billion since launching in 2023. Previously, he helped build SpaceX's Starbase manufacturing operations in Texas and led manufacturing at Anduril, one of America's leading defence technology companies.

In this unusually candid conversation with Vidit, Justin reveals how volunteering for a job in a town he'd never heard of led him to help build SpaceX's Starbase, the leadership mistakes he made under intense pressure, and why he eventually walked away. He reflects on his childhood, his father's influence, and the lessons from SpaceX and Anduril that shaped his approach to building and leading teams.

They explore how an unlikely partnership with Zach Dell became Base Power, a $13 billion company reimagining America's electricity grid through home batteries and distributed energy infrastructure. Justin shares what it takes to scale manufacturing at extraordinary speed, why he and Zach argue constantly, and the unconventional culture behind Base's rapid growth, from starting all-hands meetings with failures to the infamous "hot potato" rule.

Please enjoy exploring your curiosity.