"People have spent their careers at petroleum-based power plants, and I took a major paradigm shift when I moved to a renewable resource 10 years ago," said Tassainer.

He said when he talked to utility companies in the initial years about renewable fuel projects, they "thought I was crazy." He researched the success some European countries were having developing wind energy.

"Most of the technology comes out of Denmark, then Germany jumped on and probably the U.S. came along about 15 years ago," said Tassainer.

"It's been phenomenal. (But) a year ago it was depressing," he said.

Tassainer said last year he had a conversation with a neighbor who was a successful businessman who told him to re-evaluate his plans because he was spending too much money trying to pursue the wind energy project and jeopardizing his family's future. He advised Tassainer to return to his base business and get back to solvency.

In addition, Tassainer's eldest son, who is the company's accountant, also warned of impending financial ruin if changes weren't made.

After heeding their advice, Tasco was able to right itself and Tassainer was also able to fund his pet project, albeit a little less aggressively. The result was finally realized recently when Tasco was able to strike the deal to complete the wind farm project and find a buyer for the energy it produced.

Tassainer said for years he was unable to convince anyone to invest in his dream, but just a few weeks ago he was offered $150 million from a venture capitalist group to fund his next project.

He said, "I'll consider it."

After years of struggle and significant personal sacrifice, Tassainer said he is now able to enjoy the fruits of his "labor of love."

At 59, he said he plans to retire in three years knowing that his financial future and professional legacy will be secure.

"It's just been a dream come true, that's all there is to it," he said.

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E-mail: jlee@desnews.com