One CEO mobilizes for Democracy & the future of his business.
After 13 years of building his EV charging company, Jim Burness is taking action to protect its future and the planet’s.
Jim Burness, CEO of National Car Charging (NCC), is a powerful advocate for democracy, and is taking bold steps to ensure his team is not only aware of their civic duties but also actively participating in them. Burness’ commitment to political engagement isn’t new; it started early in his life and has only deepened over time. From his days as a member of the Young Democrats to testifying in support of renewable energy initiatives across the country, Burness has dedicated his life to the principles of democracy and sustainability.
A Deep Commitment to Democracy.
Burness sees voting as more than just a right—he views it as a critical responsibility. He constantly encourages his team at National Car Charging to stay informed and engaged with the political process, understanding the profound impact it has on both their personal and professional lives. But Burness doesn’t just talk the talk; he ensures his team can walk the walk. Every November, he gives his employees Election Day off, allowing them the time to cast their votes without work-related constraints.
However, the 2024 election is different. Recognizing the high stakes, Burness is amplifying his commitment. He’s offering his entire team paid time off during the last two weeks of October to travel to swing states and support election efforts. This decision is more than a bold stand for the future of democracy—it’s a business move.
“We know big oil companies are some of Trump’s biggest supporters,” Burness shared.
High Stakes, Bold Moves: The 2024 Election.
The 2024 election is a critical moment, especially for National Car Charging, which has spent the last 13 years helping to build the nation's EV charging infrastructure, with over 11,000 ports installed across 48 states. Burness understands that a loss for the Democrats could have far-reaching consequences—not just for his company, but for thousands of renewable energy businesses and jobs across the country, and for the broader fight against climate change. In response, Burness has taken the extraordinary step of mobilizing his team to key battleground states, highlighting the immense stakes of this election.
Trump’s dismissive stance on electrified transportation and climate change presents a direct threat to the progress made in renewable energy under the Biden-Harris Administration. If the GOP regains power, Burness fears the advancements in sustainability will likely be reversed. “Cars, especially SUVs, are the leading contributor to climate change in the U.S., and to counteract that, electrification is a must for our future,” Burness asserts. Despite significant federal investment and mandates, some of his clients in red states are delaying their decisions until after the election, reflecting the uncertainty of the political landscape.
The Economic Impact of Political Decisions.
The renewable energy sector, including companies like Burness’, thrive in a supportive regulatory environment. The federal investment in electrification, driven by policies under the Biden-Harris administration, has fueled exponential growth in the already booming electric vehicle (EV) market. However, a shift in political leadership would likely result in the rollback of critical incentives and more importantly, regulations currently driving the adoption of EVs and the expansion of charging infrastructure.
“We know big oil companies are some of Trump’s biggest supporters,” Burness shared. “Under a second Trump presidency, we’ll not only likely see the demise of the EV and other climate change initiatives in the U.S., he’ll also sell off our National Park lands to the highest bidders and gut the EPA. It will set back the sustainability movement for generations to come, not just here in the U.S., but around the world.”
For Burness, a Democratic victory is crucial to safeguarding the U.S. transition to sustainable energy. His decision to give his employees paid time off to support election efforts highlights the gravity of the stakes.
Burness champions bipartisanship because he believes a strong two-party system fuels healthy governance. While he may not align with all conservative ideas, he knows multiple perspectives are key to a thriving democracy.
A Legacy of Action.
Burness’ political activism isn’t new. In 2020, he partnered with a Houston university to boost voter turnout, recognizing the power of collective action. This partnership is just one example of how Burness has used his position as a business leader and renewables activist to effect change. His 2024 efforts continue this legacy, underscoring his belief that democracy is not a spectator sport. [Learn more about his 2020 efforts here.]
A True Believer in Bipartisanship.
Despite his strong Democratic ties, Jim Burness values a balanced political system. Like Republican Mayor John Giles of Mesa, AZ, Burness is alarmed by the GOP's radical shift. Giles has called for the Republican Party to return to its roots, stating, “Our party used to stand for the belief that every Arizonan, no matter their background or circumstances, should have the freedom, opportunity, and security to live out their American Dream.” Burness shares this belief, stressing that democracy thrives on diverse viewpoints and honest debate.
Burness champions bipartisanship because he believes a strong two-party system fuels healthy governance. While he may not align with all conservative ideas, he knows multiple perspectives are key to a thriving democracy.
Empowering His Team to Make a Difference.
Burness understands that not everyone on his team can travel this election season, but he knows their contributions are just as vital. Echoing Michelle Obama’s call to “do something!”, he's encouraging his employees to get involved in any way they can—from door-knocking and phone banking to supporting local initiatives. Burness wholeheartedly backs his team, no matter how they choose to engage in political activism.
“It’s frustrating for my 16-year-old daughter that she’s not old enough to vote in the upcoming election. She’s a smart kid and understands how a Trump victory would dramatically impact her future—her personal rights, her choices over her body, and even the quality of the air she breathes. She’s genuinely scared. So she and her friends are doing everything they can to help—from amplifying their voices to delivering lawn signs and writing postcards to swing-state voters.”
His employees are hosting postcard-writing parties, canvassing neighborhoods, and even involving their families in the process. This collective effort reflects Burness’ belief that democracy is a shared responsibility, one that requires active participation from everyone.
Margaret-Ann Leavitt, CMO at National Car Charging, reflects on how her family has been inspired by this commitment to democracy. “It’s frustrating for my 16-year-old daughter that she’s not old enough to vote in the upcoming election,” Leavitt shares. “She’s a smart kid and understands how a Trump victory would dramatically impact her future—her personal rights, her choices over her body, and even the quality of the air she breathes. She’s genuinely scared. So she and her friends are doing everything they can to help—from amplifying their voices to delivering lawn signs and writing postcards to swing-state voters.”
Burness is passionate about the environment and an advocate for reproductive rights, a stance shaped by his own experience with in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
A Deeply Personal Battle for Reproductive Rights.
For Burness, the 2024 election isn’t just about his business—it’s also deeply personal. Not only is he passionate about the environment, he is a fervent advocate for reproductive rights, a stance shaped by his own experience with in-vitro fertilization (IVF). After three years of trying, he and his wife welcomed their daughter through IVF, a journey that has profoundly influenced his views on reproductive healthcare. The Burnesses are not alone, their inner circle of friends is full of families built through reproductive therapies.
“My daughter is the type of kid who will be a leader one day—I can’t imagine my life or the world’s future without her,” Burness says. His commitment to reproductive rights is about ensuring a future where his daughter, and others like her, have the freedom to make their own choices about how and when they build their families.
Time to Act: The Call to Arms.
Burness sees voting as more than just a right—he views it as a critical responsibility. He constantly encourages his team at National Car Charging to stay informed and engaged with the political process, understanding the profound impact it has on both their personal and professional lives. But Burness doesn’t just talk the talk; he ensures his team can walk the walk. Every November, he gives his employees Election Day off, allowing them the time to cast their votes without work-related constraints.
As the election approaches, Jim Burness isn’t sitting on the sidelines. “This isn’t just any election; it’s a pivotal moment for the future of our country,” Burness emphasized. “I want my team to feel empowered, to be part of something bigger than casting a single vote. Whether they’re volunteering at the polls or helping voters navigate the process, I want them to understand that with our business—and their jobs—on the line, they can truly make a difference.”
For Burness, it’s not just about politics; it’s about standing for values that matter. “Backing my employees in this way sends a message: we’re not bystanders. We’re all in.”
While Burness is rooting for a Harris/Walz win, his focus is on something even greater: “This is about making sure every voice is heard and everyone has the opportunity to vote. It’s not just about one candidate—it’s about defending the integrity of our democracy.”
About Jim Burness - Jim Burness founded National Car Charging (NCC) in 2011 with the belief that business can thrive while doing good for the planet. Eleven years later, NCC and its sister company, Aloha Charge, are collectively the leading reseller and installer of electric vehicle infrastructure in the country and Jim is considered one of the nation’s top EV and charging experts. Based in Denver, Colorado, Jim is actively involved in Colorado’s local sustainability community with Colorado Electric Vehicle Coalition, Colorado’s Solar Energy Industries Association and Clean Energy Action and lends his expertise to the EV Council as part of the NACS Fuels Institute. A graduate of The Colorado College and the University of Denver, he’s previously held positions at J.D. Power, American Honda, and Microsoft’s CarPoint.
About National Car Charging - National Car Charging makes the transition to electric vehicles as easy as possible by offering the most reliable EV charging products and services at reasonable prices. Born in Colorado in 2011, today NCC is the largest independent EV charging reseller nationwide managing 8000+ ports across 48 states, 900 clients and dozens of business channels.