Dan Belmont
Top Consultant Honoree – Industry-Specialization
Dan Belmont cofounded and today leads West Monroe's Energy & Utilities industry practice, one of the firm's largest and most coveted. A respected and trusted thought partner to energy and utility executives, he also serves as a client strategy leader, focusing on strengthening relationships with West Monroe's largest and long-standing clients, including the nation's top utilities. He is known for helping energy and utility organizations navigate large-scale transformation amid technological and regulatory change.
Over nearly 20 years with West Monroe, he has played a significant role in shaping how utilities modernize operations, improve reliability, and better serve customers while balancing cost, risk, and sustainability goals. He advises top investor-owned utilities on initiatives ranging from grid modernization and advanced metering to operational efficiency, digital enablement, and regulatory strategy. He is particularly recognized for bridging strategy and execution – working closely with E & U leaders to turn complex visions into measurable outcomes. Dan currently serves on the Utilities Technology Council board of advisors.
Before joining West Monroe in 2008, Dan founded and sold db3 Broadband, LLC, one of the fastest-growing wireless internet service providers in Chicagoland. He holds a degree from Northern Illinois University and certifications from the University of Chicago and Yale.
What would you say has been the biggest factor in your success so far?
A big factor in my success has been hiring people who are smarter than I am and then letting them do what they do best. Of course, I listen and support them, especially in areas where they want to grow. I've helped career consultants develop into industry specialists, and I've helped the industry experts I've recruited to become successful consultants themselves. Today, our team includes as many energy and utility experts turned consultants as experienced consultants who have become energy and utility experts.
What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?
The aspects of consulting I value most are working with talented people, the constantly changing environment in which we operate, and the meaningful impact our work has – not just on our clients' businesses but also on the economy, climate, and society. Over the past decade, we've focused on grid modernization and decarbonization. Today, new challenges include rising energy demand driven by AI growth and increased investment in data centers. Additionally, current economic conditions put affordability at the center of decision-making. Our E & U clients are prioritizing investments that offer the greatest potential for cost reduction, reflecting the importance of practical solutions in today's landscape.
What is your proudest achievement to date?
I'm most proud of growing a consulting team from two people with a vision into a team of more than 200 energy professionals and 15+ partners. It has been especially gratifying to see people who started with us as interns become partners in our firm. Eighteen years ago, we were unknown. Today, leaders across the energy and utility sector recognize and respect us for the impact we deliver – and consider our value to exceed the cost of our services.
What's the best advice you've ever been given?
I mentioned this earlier: Hire people smarter than you and get out of their way. Early in my career, a general manager shared this advice with me. I took it to heart, and since coming to West Monroe and its "People First" culture, it's been central to my leadership style ever since.
What does this recognition mean to you?
I have participated in team sports throughout my life. Just as in sports, consulting depends heavily on teamwork – and especially on energy and utility industry consulting projects, which are very large in scope. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of hundreds. It honors everything we have accomplished over the past 18 years – building a respected and impactful business from the ground up. Our work has made significant contributions to helping the electric industry modernize for greater efficiency – lowering costs for consumers, reducing our carbon footprint, and ensuring essential infrastructure for everything from your lights and heat to cellphones and electric vehicles.
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