Don’t let age be a barrier to pursuing your dreams. Andre King’s journey showcases the power of never giving up, proving it’s never too late to start over.
Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
June 21, 2023
minute read time
In the 1990s, Andre King enrolled at Ball State University with a dream of becoming an architect. But life had different plans; with the unforeseen passing of his grandfather, he had to change his major.
"I dropped out of college for about a year," says King. "When I came back, I had to start my second year of architecture over, and it was going to be four or five more years of college, and I was like, 'Well, I'm just trying to get in and get out."
Despite this setback, King graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor's in general studies, specializing in business management and graphic arts management. He then ventured into diverse career paths, as a manager at a grocery store, a stockbroker, and a graphic designer. Today, he serves as a lieutenant in the Indianapolis Fire Department and manages his own contracting business. Meanwhile, the fire of his old aspiration continued to burn.
Clean En∙er∙gy Cham∙pi∙on
/klēn/ /ˈenərjē/ /ˈCHampēən/
noun
1. A person or group that takes action to support or join the transition to a renewable energy economy, with the knowledge that reducing carbon emissions provides daily benefits to every American so they can live happy and healthy lives.
Inspired by his oldest son's decision to attend Ball State, King revisited his dream of becoming an architect. He looked to friends for guidance. "I talked to those guys and was like, 'How hard would it be to get back into grad school?'" King says. Encouraged by their advice, he connected with Ball State professor of architecture Pamela Harwood and set off to complete his master's degree.
He was well positioned for success on account of his contracting experience. "I had a hands-on view of the inner workings of residences and seeing how residential structures are put together," King says. Contracting also set him on a path to working in clean energy and energy efficiency.
In one of his classes, it was a requirement to participate in the Solar Decathlon, a U.S. Department of Energy collegiate competition in which student teams design and build high-performance, low-carbon, renewable-powered buildings. King joined the Alley House project.
"That's where I started to learn about clean energy, net-zero energy, housing, and things of that nature," said King. "That class opened my eyes to how conscious we should be as contractors, builders, and architects in designing houses that are feasible and good for the environment."
After dedicating nearly two years to designing and constructing its zero-energy home, Ball State University won first place in the 2023 Build Challenge. The Alley House is a duplex home creatively using urban alleys for solar access. It features energy-efficient elements like advanced framing, low-carbon insulation, and high-performance windows.
King and his children.
"For me, the best thing is just being able to provide something for the environment, for my kids to come up behind me," said King. "I have a 14-year-old, a 17-year-old, and a 20-year-old. I think if we can stay on this mission, be responsible, and take accountability for a cleaner environment, then that's going to prolong their life, and there's sustainability as well. So that's what excites me."
Reflecting on his journey, King emphasizes the importance of perseverance and pursuing one's dreams, regardless of age.
"You can't give up; you must follow your dreams. I'm in my 40s, almost in my 50s, and still trying to move forward," says King. "You look at many musicians and actors—some don't break through until their 30s or 40s. So, keep going. If you have dreams and aspire to be something, don't let anybody steer you away from it or anything."