JS&J Storage is charting a course toward innovation in renewable energy storage in Houston, Texas. Specializing in energy-efficient storage and handling cutting-edge Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), JS&J aspires to become a leader in logistics for the clean energy industry.
For Shay Downing, founder of JS&J Storage, the vision for her company goes beyond logistics. It’s about sustainability and creating a lasting impact.
“Renewable energy is forward-looking,” Downing said. “It’s not about my generation. It’s about our children’s generation, our grandchildren’s generation. Having a company in this space is our little bit of impact on this earth.”
JS&J’s facility plays a crucial role in supporting grid infrastructure projects, offering solutions for storing and consolidating renewable energy components.
“You’re talking about batteries, solar panels, wind turbines — all kinds of components,” Downing said. “Consolidating all that work at an offsite facility before it’s ready for the project is where we come in.”
The inspiration for JS&J Storage was born from Downing’s and her husband’s firsthand experience in the port transportation industry.
“My husband was in port transportation, and I’m the engineer in our trade,” she said. “As we got into this space, we realized there was a lot of inefficiency. With my skill set in process efficiency and his expertise in transportation and safety, we said, ‘Hey, we can address these pain points.’ That’s how JS&J Storage was born.”
Since its inception, JS&J has become a vital part of the Gulf region’s logistics landscape. Their facility near the Port of Houston features a 200,000-square-foot indoor storage area and a 100,000-square-foot gravel yard. These spaces accommodate everything from traditional freight to components essential for renewable energy projects, such as EV batteries, solar panels, and heavy machinery. By focusing on efficiency, visibility, and customer service, JS&J has not only improved local port operations but has also positioned itself as a key player in the clean energy sector.
As JS&J transitioned into renewable energy logistics, they needed financial backing to stabilize and grow their operations.
Isaiah Coleman, founder of CDFI Friendly Tulsa, introduced Downing to the Lending Team at Communities Unlimited (CU). The connection began with CU’s Area Director of Lending, Debra Williams, whose passion for clean energy made an immediate impression.
“Her purpose, her values, her understanding of this space — it was really hard to find people who get it, especially in the financing space,” Downing said.
Williams introduced JS&J to CU Senior Economic Development Loan Officer Chris Ranniger, whose efforts to understand JS&J’s vision proved valuable.
“Chris has been pivotal,” Downing said. “He took the time and deep-dived into to understanding our industry, our growth trajectory, and us as a company. This partnership has been seamless.”
With CU’s financial support, JS&J secured two loans. The first was a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan which allowed JS&J to cover operational needs and support the company’s ability to service a major upcoming contract.
The funds allowed JS&J to pay their staff during the holidays while they waited on a shipment of BESS from China. After the holiday season, JS&J received a larger line of credit from CU to meet the demands of a new warehousing contract, positioning the company for even more growth. JS&J aspires to use this contract as a stepping stone to be a leader in the storage of BESS, EV batteries, and solar panels.
Downing was quick to credit the financial support from CU for making this happen.
“Communities Unlimited has been transformative for our organization. We get to expand on our capabilities, operations, and infrastructure, which will help us take on larger projects. But it’s also about stabilizing our operations first, ensuring stability before looking at incremental growth. Having the capital to stabilize and grow, with a partner supporting that vision, sets us up for our ultimate goal — to be one of the top logistics providers in the clean energy space. It’s a stepping stone for that vision.”
— Shay Downing, Owner of JS&J Storage
CU is diving into the clean energy sector, seeing it as a key driver for long-term growth and job creation. The partnership with JS&J marks CU’s first clean energy-focused loan, showing a real commitment to innovation that boosts local economies. By backing green initiatives, CU is not just setting the stage for future investments — it’s also solidifying its role as a leader in sustainable economic growth that benefits both businesses and communities.
“Personally, it’s an honor,” Downing said. “If you’re considering us the first, it means you see growth in this space. That opens the doors for other organizations like ours that want to enter this space. There’s so much opportunity in clean energy, but we don’t always have financing partners who understand that vision and are willing to stand with us as we grow. It’s an honor, most certainly, and I look forward to the growth. My team and I are beyond thankful for the partnership with CU.”
“Partnering with JS&J Storage is an exciting milestone for us as we deepen our commitment to the clean energy industry. This sector has incredible potential to transform communities and create lasting change. We’re excited to see how this partnership opens doors to even greater opportunities in the clean energy space.”

— Michael Rivera, CU’s Director of Lending