History

Idle Free was founded by Robert Jordan, a former over-the-road truck owner operator. Having spent over 6,200 nights in a bunk during his 20 year career, Jordan knew that discretionary idling is an easy way to make bunks livable for drivers when they take a break from the road. But he also knew that discretionary idling is expensive in terms of fuel costs, routine engine maintenance, and engine wear and tear.

In 2003, Mr. Jordan began building and selling the first Idle Free electric APU for drivers pulling refrigerated trailers. This system, built with patented Reefer Link™ technology, allows drivers to use energy from the reefer unit to heat or cool the bunk or cab, warm the engine or fuel tanks, and meet their hotel needs with 120 volt AC electricity. Today, the Idle Free electric APU with Reefer Link technology is the only reefer-based idle elimination system on the market.

In 2007, Idle Free introduced a battery-based Idle Free electric APU that also works with trucks pulling a dry van, not just refrigerated trailers. The battery-based system captures and stores energy produced by the alternator when a truck engine is on and the truck is in motion. When the engine is off, this energy can be used to power A/C, heat, and onboard components such as televisions and microwaves. Idle Free tested the battery-based system with Mack Trucks, which agreed to offer it on its 2008 trucks. Today, the Idle Free electric APU is the recommended idle elimination system of Mack Trucks and is the standard idle elimination solution on its Pinnacle™ SmartWay-verified series of sleeper trucks.

In 2008, Idle Free hired Robert Hopton to serve as President and CEO. The addition of Mr. Hopton, a graduate of the University of Chicago–Booth School of Business with executive experience at firms such as Kraft Foods, Spectrum Brands Inc., ConAgra Foods Inc. and CIGNA Corp., allowed Mr. Jordan to focus on continued system innovation as Chief Technology Officer.

Also in 2008, Idle Free was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund. Idle Free intends to use the funds to further research into its Biodiesel Flow system, a breakthrough technology that allows the use of biodiesel year round, regardless of temperature, by ensuring its consistent flow throughout a vehicle system regardless of temperature or biodiesel blend.

In 2009, Idle Free introduced a new patent-pending A/C unit for the Idle Free electric APU. The new A/C unit delivers 10,000 BTUs, more than twice the power of the A/C unit offered by the largest battery-based competitor. Even with this performance boost, the new system is more efficient than its predecessor, running 10 hours or more (instead of 8-10) on fewer batteries (four instead of five). In addition, the new A/C unit reduced overall system installation time to approximately eight hours—half the installation time required for other systems.

Leadership Team

Robert Hopton

Robert Hopton is the President and CEO of Idle Free Systems, Inc.

Mr. Hopton is a proven general manager with executive experience in a variety of businesses and industries, including startup and early stage companies. Prior to joining Idle Free, Mr. Hopton served as Senior Vice President for Spectrum Brands, Inc., where he managed the company's $1.4 billion, 3,000 product North American portfolio. Mr. Hopton has held senior positions in companies as diverse as Spectrum Brands, Kraft Foods, ConAgra Foods, and CIGNA Corporation. He also received an MBA from the University of Chicago–Booth School of Business in Finance and Marketing. Mr. Hopton also holds a BA from the University of Michigan in Economics and Political Science.

As President and CEO of Idle Free, Mr. Hopton is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's operations, including fundraising, marketing and sales of Idle Free's system portfolio.

Robert Jordan

Robert Jordan is founder and CTO of Idle Free Systems, Inc. He also serves as a member of the Idle Free Board of Directors.

Mr. Jordan is a former over-the-road trucker who spent over 6,200 nights in a bunk during his 20 year career. His insight as a driver and his gifts as an inventor led to the invention of the first Idle Free electric APU and the founding of Idle Free in 2003. In 2006, Mr. Jordan received a patent for the Reefer Link technology.

As CTO of Idle Free, Mr. Jordan is responsible for managing and expanding the company's portfolio of patented and patent-pending technology. He is also responsible for ensuring that Idle Free remains focused on the unique needs of drivers and fleet operators.