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Ray C. Mullin - A Geezer Icon e
 

 


Subject - Ray C. Mullin - A Geezer Icon in the Electrical Industry

December 29, 2010
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Ray C. Mullin
A Geezer Icon in the Electrical Industry

Image1A few weeks ago, I had a very enjoyable dinner with Mike Holt. He was in town and gave me a call. He’s quite a guy…a true educator! There was lots of talk about the good old days around the circuit. Mike asked me to tell him "Who am I?" That was an interesting question and I never thought about it before. I guess all of us play many roles in life. Here are mine.

I am a common kind of person. I was born in Wisconsin, the state where they have eleven months of winter and one month of "tough sledding." My folks were common folks and taught me a lot about the virtues that make a good person. I studied hard and was a member of the National Honor Society. I’m married to my incredible wife Helen, and I’m the father of four children, the grandfather of eight grandchildren, and great grandfather of two great grandchildren.

I served a full apprenticeship followed by a number of years working at the trade and was a member of the IBEW.  I was hired full time by the State of Wisconsin to teach the electrical apprenticeship program and night classes for journeymen in various cities around the state. It didn't take long to learn that "things" are not the same in all communities relative to Code enforcement and how electrical installations are done.

Summers were spent attending summer school sessions at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, the University of Wisconsin, and the Colorado State University. After a lot of grunting and grueling studying, I received a Teaching Certificate from the State of Wisconsin.

I have always been active in industry organizations. I’m an Honorary Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a Life Member of the National Fire Protection association (NFPA), a Senior Member Retired of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI), and a past member of the Electronic Industry Association (EIA). I joined the IAEI in 1956 and I served on the NFPA Code-Making Panel 4. I also served on the Executive Board of the Western Section IAEI for 25 years and I was on the advisory committee of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) answering their members’ electrical related questions in their monthly publication.

Over all of those years, I tried to follow Thomas Edison’s phrase "There's a way to do it better - find it." Try writing a paragraph on how to tie shoe laces. Can you get the point across to the reader? If not, "There's a way to do it better - find it."

That phrase is quite appropriate when it comes to teaching, writing, illustrating, and so on.  One of my mentors...one of the great educators in adult education used to say "If the student hasn't learned, the teacher hasn't taught." He also was pretty abrupt during the interview process when he told me that if he hires me to teach the electrical adult education programs for the State of Wisconsin that "No matter how much you know about the electrical industry, the only part that is worth anything to the state is that part that you can teach someone else." That was a pretty profound statement.

Those words of wisdom carried over into my teaching, my writing of lesson material, examinations, and the writing of my textbooks: Electrical Wiring - Residential and Electrical Wiring - Commercial. I was also co-author of Electrical Wiring - Industrial, Smart House Wiring,  Agricultural Wiring, Illustrated Electrical Calculations, and other technical publications.

It’s interesting how I got involved with Delmar Publishers. In December of 1959, I was teaching an evening class for journeymen and contractors in Central Wisconsin. That was the year the National Electrical Code changed their numbering system from four digits (i.e. Section 2594) to a three-digit numbering for articles plus section numbers (i.e. Article 250-94). The textbook we were using in the class was based upon the four-digit system. I contacted the publisher, and told them I was keeping track of the numbering changes needed in the text, and asked if they would they be interested. I received a fast YES response...and the rest is history.

My Electrical Wiring - Residential and Electrical Wiring - Commercial books have sold over 1.50 million copies. It makes me feel proud that there are so many individuals across the country and Canada (yes, there is a Canadian version) that have or are still earning a good living as a result of studying these texts and becoming skilled electricians.

I know that Mike Holt shares my feelings about helping others become an asset to society. His educational material and his excellent manner of presenting it is an attribute most individuals wish they had.

I contributed a lot of time and effort as Chairman of the Electrical Commission in Northbrook and did all I could possibly do to keep those amperes flowing in the right direction.

I spent 33 years with Bussmann in different positions: District Manager, Regional Manager, Regional Vice President, and Director of Technical Liaison. There were many great co-workers to help me grow in my knowledge of the electrical arena.

I am now retired, and I’m looking forward to slowing down and smelling the flowers.

It has been a wonderful journey down the path of life. I still go fishing in Canada every year with a few of the guys I used to work with at Bussmann. They are a terrific group that shared their knowledge with me.

Although I am retired and trying to slow my pace, it’s hard not to pick up the National Electrical Code often. I can't get it out of my system.

As I look back, I come to realize that what I am is the result of rubbing shoulders with many truly remarkable individuals. No one can do it alone!

I am turning over future editions of my textbooks to Phil Simmons. Like Mike Holt, Phil is one of the country’s top Code experts and educators. The train will stay on the track. Not a beat will be missed as Phil takes over.

I like to think that there are two kinds of people in the world. "There are people that put things on the table, and there are people that take things off the table." My goal in life has been to do the best I can to contribute...not take.

Have I kept busy over the years? You betcha!

Ah yes, "It's a Wonderful Life."

One final thought for everyone: "When you're through learning....you're through!"

Ray C.Mullin
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Comments
  • Ray:

    Congratulations on all your contributions to the electrical industry. Your keen knowledge, your ability to effectively communicate and educate, and your sterling ethics have contributed to your well deserved "icon" status. It has been my privilege to associate and work with you over many years.

    George Ockuly  January 18 2011, 4:57 pm EST
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  • Ray, quite a resume. It has been and continues to be a pleasure knowing you. After having been in the fishing boat in Canada for 25+ years with Ray I think I have to warn Rick Bovie about his wish to be stuck in a fishing boat all day with Ray. Man your ears get worn out. Keep learning Ray, because you are a long way from being through. Dean

    Dean H. Klohr, PE  January 18 2011, 2:41 pm EST
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  • I have had the honor of working with Ray for many years. There are few people with his knowledge, ability to teach, curiosity, discipline, and work ethic. Yet the things that really distinguish Ray are his outlook, his kindness, and his humanity. Who could count the many people he’s touched and enlightened in his life? Ray is such a special gentleman and I’m honored to know him.

    Sandy Clark  January 17 2011, 9:19 am EST
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  • As trhe oldest daughter, Dad has always been an inspiration to all of us. He definately taught us about the importance of hard work and taking pride in the job that you do. Thanks, Dad for everything that you have done for us over the years. Love you.

    Mary

    Mary McMahan  January 16 2011, 11:14 am EST
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  • I have been privileged to serve along side Ray for years on our local Electrical Commission as well as a Building Committee at our church and I can only think how fortunate I have been for this experience. Ray will never shy away from answering a question. If he doesn't know the answer, fat chance, he will get back to you and make sure you fully understand his response. Ray, I hope you are able to slow down as you wish. I can assure you that all of us that have relied on your experience will keep you in the loop. Like you said once in your blood it's hard to get out of your system. See you at church!

    Joe Ellwanger  January 7 2011, 8:40 am EST
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  • Ray is truly one of a kind. We are pretty sure he taught my Dad back in the day. It has been a real pleasure knowing Ray and calling him my friend. It is amazing how someone so intelligent can pass along information to those of us who are not. We need more Ray Mullins in this world. This was a great story about a wonderful person. Thanks for sharing.

    Bill Neitzel  January 6 2011, 6:35 pm EST
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  • In world full of so much gloom and doom and strong feelings of hopelessness for many, it's so good to hear about good people doing good things. A long time ago and with occasional reminders, I was given two challenges that often seem impossible. One is "to love the unlovable" and two is "to forgive the unforgivable". I think another good challenge might be is "to teach the "unteachable". Sometimes I've had some very patient teachers hang in there with me continuing to save my pride treating me with respect when it was so hard for me to "get it". It is these teachers who take the extra effort to give good explanations and excellent illustrations in their books and in their speech. Thanks for the extra care you people take when helping others to learn. Ralph Greene, the "slow learner"

    Ralph Greene  January 6 2011, 12:53 pm EST
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  • One of my charges as a director for the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee over the past twelve years was to provide an NEC-current training curriculum for all IBEW apprentice residential wiremen throughout the US and Canada. The use of Ray's excellent textbook, Electrical Wiring, Residential, around which the curriculum is built, sure made my job a lot easier. Thanks, Ray, for a great training resource and thanks for giving yourself as freely as you have in providing an excellent role model for the professionals out there in our electrical industry. You have much of which to be proud, and we are proud of you. Enjoy you down time.

    Ken Haden Director (retired) National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry

    Kenneth Haden  January 6 2011, 12:41 pm EST
    Reply to this comment

  • I have had the good fortune to be Ray's friend and colleague for many years. I have learned a lot from him - so, I guess that means "he taught!" I felt honored and humbled that Ray selected me to assume the authorship of Electrical Wiring Commercial and Electrical Wiring Residential. Both books are recognized as classics in the electrical industry. Big shoes to fill? You're right!

    Phil Simmons  January 5 2011, 1:03 pm EST
    Reply to this comment

  • WHEM YOU STOP LEARNING YOU BECOME USELESS YOU YOUR COUSTOMERS. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS HAS BEEN MY RULE SENCE I BECAME A P.E.

    EARL COFFIN P.E.  January 5 2011, 12:46 pm EST
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  • Mr. Mullin,

    Thank you for your story, it was very inspiring. I wish you a very happy retirement and God's blessing on you and your family. The more I learn about Wisconson the more I am convinced of the good stock there. Your Badgers put up a good fight against TCU on Saturday, sorry they lost! Best, Lee Barden

    Lee Barden  January 3 2011, 4:31 pm EST
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  • Ray is one of the guys that you can describe as a "gentleman and a scholar" and really mean it. He has enjoyed training tens of thousands of electricians, contractors, engineers, and inspectors directly and over a million through his books. Humble. Expert. Witty. Fun to be around.

    My first boss at Cooper Bussmann. Mentor. Friend. Thanks Ray for all that you have done for me personally and the Electrical Industry as a whole.

    Vince Saporita  January 3 2011, 10:44 am EST
    Reply to this comment

  • wow.... Thank you....I too love to teach and help others understand the NEC......... People like you give me inspiration to make sure that I help the next generation of electricians understand and use the code. My next goal is to teach the 70E from a retired IBEW Journeyman

    Laura Vergeront  January 2 2011, 5:35 pm EST
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  • Being a member of the Wisconsin Chapter of the IAEI and being fortunate enough to have been a member back when Ray was employed by Bussman, Ray would attend the Wisconsin Chapter IAEI meetings every year and everybody would benefit from his knowledge of the Electrical Code & Electrical theory. Ray was always willing to take the time to discuss Electrical Code with whoever asked him a questions, a true gentleman. And Ray's wife Helen is also a great person, the 1st year my wife & myself attended the Wisconsin Chapter IAEI meeting, Helen took my wife under her wing and made her feel as if she had been a friend for years, myself & my wife have always remembered this kind gesture of the Mullins.

    Bob Fahey - Janesville WI  December 30 2010, 9:45 pm EST
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  • One of the first two books on technical NEC issues I recall reading were Mr. Mullins' books on Commercial and Residential wiring. I kept the paperback copies and re-read them and referenced them many times. They helped me understand the strange and confusing rules of the NEC.

    My career has entered its forth decade. Years as an electrician, and an electrical contractor, as an electrical inspector, and now as a supervisor of electrical inspectors and an instructor in IAEI Division sponsored educational seminars.

    Thank you THANK YOU! Mr. Mullin. And Thank you mike Holt for letting us know that Mr. Mullin is enjoying a well deserved retirement!

    Lynn Adams  December 30 2010, 8:46 pm EST
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  • thank you for sharing your knowledge through the years. enjoy your retirement and god bless.

    gene senter,instructor  December 30 2010, 5:08 pm EST
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  • Loved reading the article on Mr. Mullin. I to am getting into the GEEZER age and as he states - it has been a wonderful life.

    Tom Giordano  December 30 2010, 1:16 pm EST
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  • What a pedigree. What a list of accomplishments to be proud of! The IBEW sure picked a winner! Your story is an inspiration for anyone to learn from. Outstanding Ray - Best wishes in your retirement !

    Dave Eaton  December 30 2010, 11:26 am EST
    Reply to this comment

  • HI, Ray - it was great to read your resume! What a fulfilling life you've had and continue to have. I miss running into you from time to time and I'm happy to hear you are enjoying retirement.

    Elaine Thompson  December 30 2010, 10:37 am EST
    Reply to this comment

  • THANK YOU FORTHE GREAT INSPIRING STORY

    JOE PINO  December 30 2010, 8:58 am EST
    Reply to this comment

  • I 'd love to go fishing with that guy and just listen to him all day, sounds like a great man.

    Rick Bove  December 30 2010, 8:41 am EST
    Reply to this comment

  • You think you work so hard and so long until you read something like this that brings tears to yours eyes and say no you did not work hard enough or long enough in the trade. good luck and God speed.

    stephen Tate  December 30 2010, 8:32 am EST
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  • It 's a wonderful story!

    Double T Electric Inc.  December 30 2010, 8:26 am EST
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  • This was an excellent newsletter. One of the first electrical books I purchased was Rays Residential and Electrical Wiring. Thank you Ray for your contribution to the industry. More news letters from giants in the industry like Ray would be cool.

    Joe Bellantoni  December 30 2010, 8:22 am EST
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  • As an instructor I have found your Residential text book to be one of the best available resources for my students. It is extremely thorough and well written. Phil Simmons has big shoes to fill. Thank you for sharing your story and enjoy your well deserved retirement.

    Tracey A Arvin  December 30 2010, 7:06 am EST
    Reply to this comment

  • I enjoyed reading Ray Mullin's textbook on residential wiring. They are well illustrated and well written.

    robert ball  December 30 2010, 3:06 am EST
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  • Happy Holidays from Riverside California MR RAY YOU ARE A GREAT MOTIVATOR

    JOSE A GUILLEN  December 30 2010, 1:24 am EST
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  • Ray, I have heard great things about you over the years from my dad (Mike). It was nice to get to know you through this newsletter. Love your photo on top - looks like you are going to have lots of great fishing adventures on the horizon. Your quote about the table is one of the best pieces of advice in a single line I have heard. Thanks for sharing it. Much luck!

    Belynda Holt  December 29 2010, 11:45 pm EST
    Reply to this comment

  • I am an Electrical Contractor's wife and I enjoy reading Mike Holt's articles... and I enjoyed reading about Ray C. Mullin. I only wish you were local so we could enjoy you and your knowledge personally. God Bless You!

    Terese  December 29 2010, 11:27 pm EST
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