Mike Holt Video Team


Thank you to all the video team members who took time out of their busy schedules to participate in the live recording of my video programs and products. Your insight and interest in these projects has contributed to the end result: An outstanding series of programs that we can all take pride in. I hope to have the pleasure of working with all of you again.

—Mike Holt


Mike Holt Video Team Members

Larry Abernathy

Master Electrician/Instructor Ford Motor Company Research and Engineering Dearborn, Michigan

Larry Abernathy entered the U.S. Army after graduating from high school and received training in communications and electronics. He served in Korea, Germany, and three tours in Vietnam, where he was wounded twice. Larry was trained as an Army instructor and taught communications and electronics at the U.S. Army Southeastern Signal School at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He then served an IBEW apprenticeship and became licensed as a journeyman in 1976 and as a master in 1979.

Larry was employed in construction, industrial, commercial, and residential work until becoming the Electrical Inspector for the City of Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1986 with a promotion to Supervisor of Building Inspection in 1988. In 1995, he became employed by the Ford Motor Company and works in the Research and Engineering Center in Dearborn, Michigan. Larry has also taught National Electrical Code update classes. He is married with three grown sons, one of whom is an IBEW journeyman electrician.

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Jimmy Adams

Project Superintendent Electric Services, Inc. Leesburg, FL

I was born in Leesburg, Fl in 1973 and have resided in the area ever since. Throughout my child hood I was always fascinated with the way things worked, especially electricity. I graduated Leesburg High School in 1991 and proceeded into adult hood. I got my first official introduction to Electrical theory in the military learning Electronics repair. I worked in electronics repair for a short while before turning to industrial maintenance in 1994. I performed various electro-mechanical upgrades and modifications as well as much needed code compliance upgrades. I left maintenance to pursue my long sought after electrical career. I began working for Electric Services Inc. in 1998. I, from the beginning, was fascinated at the diversity of the trade and sought after knowing as much about the trade as possible. I earned my Master certificate of competency in 2000.

I have had the opportunity to perform such tasks as motor controls, design building, estimating, project management, security installations, access control systems with video integration, voice and data installations including fiber with the use of media converters, grounding and bonding projects, and fire alarm systems. Currently I am still employed with Electric Services, Inc. and I'm coordinating the ESI learning center and instructing on the topics of "Understanding the NEC" and "Exam Preparation". I am married and have three wonderful children. The part of my life not devoted to them is devoted to the electrical industry. My hobbies are computers and electronics. The ever-changing technology keeps me experimenting. I have lived my life with the belief that education is the suppression of ignorance with the constant application of knowledge. I have adhered to a life filled with the pursuit of knowledge.

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Victor Ammons

Senior Electrical Engineer Hillsborough, NJ

Victor Ammons was born in North Carolina, but has lived primarily in New Jersey since the age of five. He spent his high school and college vacation times working in a small, family owned electrical contracting firm. Vic married his high school sweetheart after his sophomore year at North Carolina State University, from which both graduated with honors two years later. After four years in the Army, during which time their first child was born in Germany, Vic and Anne alternated getting MBA degrees. They now have three married children and six grandchildren.

After a number of years of running the family electrical contracting business while his father’s health declined, Vic trained and turned the business over to his brother-in-law. He then returned to the engineering field in which he had been trained. Vic is a registered Professional Engineer in New Jersey and has served in an engineering management role for several engineering and architectural/engineering firms. He’s now a senior electrical engineer for Jacobs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Morristown, New Jersey.

Vic and Anne now reside in west central New Jersey in an area with a few dozen families among over a thousand acres of woodlands. Yes, there are still woodlands in New Jersey; we haven’t gotten around to paving them all yet. Vic and Anne, who will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2019, are avid square- and ballroom-dancers, and are presidents of their local cluband the Northern New Jersey Square Dance Association. Vic is also a woodworker and an amateur beekeeper. Both are active in several capacities in their church.

 

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Bruce Angeloszek

Electrical Contractor / Owner

Bruce Angeloszek holds his State of Connecticut Unlimited Electrical Contracting License, a State Electrical Inspector’s license and is personally involved on every project. Bruce is the proud owner of CT Electrical Services operating since 1994, representing the proven skills and expertise in all electrical areas, Generac Generators, solar PV systems, and battery back-up solar PV hybrid systems.

He has a passion for the NEC and attends as many seminars and classes as possible.  Since the 1990’s Bruce has been following Mike Holt’s career and contributes much of his electrical knowledge from Mike’s expertise.  Bruce knows the more code educated you are, the more you shall prosper in our electrical industry.

Bruce has been married to his lovely wife Lee for 27 years and has two children. When not working Bruce, takes long rides biking many scenic parts of New England.

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Steve Arne

Training Director AETech Electrical Training Center Rapid City, South Dakota www.ElectricianClass.com

Steve Arne has worked as an electrician, electrical contractor, and electrical instructor for 40 years. Nineteen years of his career were spent as a teacher and department head in post-secondary education. Since Steve retired from Western Dakota Tech in 2003, he has provided industry-direct training specializing in continuing education Electrical Code classes and Electrician Exam Preparation classes for Journeyman and Master's level exams.

In 2012, Steve and Deb's son Ryan returned to Rapid City South Dakota to help Steve expand his training business at AETech Electrical Training Center to include a 640 hour full-time pre-employment Apprentice Electrician Training Program. Steve is currently a Board Member of the SD Electrical Commission and serves on the State and Local Chapter Boards of the SD Electrical Council.

Steve worked with Mike Holt as a technical editor and video team participant beginning in 2002, and uses Mike’s books in his classes. He is very thankful to have been associated with an industry leader like Mike who has a real heart to help others and provides excellent training products to help students in the electrical industry.

Steve and his wife Deb live in Rapid City, South Dakota where they’re both active in their church and community, and love to spend time with their children and grandchildren. The highest priority for both of them is putting God first in both their home and business.

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Tarry L. Baker
Chief Electrical Code Compliance Officer Broward County Board of Rules & Appeals Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tarry has been the Chief Electrical Code Compliance Officer for the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (Florida) for the last twelve years, standardizing enforcement in 30 municipalities and the unincorporated area of Broward County. He has served on the Electrical Technical Committee to the Board of Rules and Appeals for over ten years, and as an advisor to the committee for nine years. He has been a member of National Electrical Code (NEC) Code-Making Panel-13 of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) since 2000 for the 2002 & 2005 NEC. He helped develop the NFPA & IAEI National Certified Residential Electrical Inspector and Master Electrical Inspector examinations. Tarry is currently a member of the Electrical/Alarms Technical Advisory Committee to the Florida Building Commission, and a former member of the Education, Disciple, and Licensing Work Group for the Governor's Building Code Study Commission for the State of Florida. Tarry has been married to his wife Beckie for 34 years. They have twin daughters and two grandchildren.
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Michael Bauerla

Master Electrician
Professional Educator / Prosser Career Education Center

Mike Bauerla is a master electrician and professional educator with over thirty years of experience in the electrical industry. He comes from a family with a heritage in the field and began as an apprentice electrician. He then worked his way up to journeyman, master, estimator, project manager, and is now a contractor. In 2010, he added education as a new era in his career by joining the staff at Prosser Career Education Center in New Albany, Indiana. He teaches first year electrical apprenticeship classes to high school juniors and seniors, along with motors, motor control, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automation, and of course the NEC.

Mike also is an instructor at the local electrical apprenticeship schools where he teaches apprenticeship and electrical exam preparation classes, and is certified by the state of Kentucky to teach continuing education courses for electrical licenses, which he does monthly.
In addition, Mike is currently a student at Ivy Tech Community College, and is studying for a degree in Industrial Technology with a concentration in electrical. He’s presently anticipating a position in the spring at Ivy Tech as an Adjunct Instructor.

Mike and his wife Nancy are richly blessed with their daughter Madelyn 17, and have enjoyed 28 years of marriage. In his off time, Mike is a musician and plays guitar regularly in the praise and worship team at his church each week. If he’s not working on his passion, the pursuit of education, he’s in church.

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Boyd Bindrup

Electrical Contractor/Instructor
Ogden, UT
bbindrup@gmail.com

Boyd Bindrup launched his electrical career at age 12 by working for his father’s company during the summers and earning $0.75 per hr. He began his electrical apprenticeship in Ogden Weber Technical College but left to attend Salt Lake Community College for his last two years of training. After finishing school, he obtained his Journeyman license and, 2 years later, his Master Electrician license. He later returned to Ogden Weber Tech and has been an instructor there teaching Electrical Apprentices since 1994

Boyd is an Electrical Contractor license holder for Creative Times Inc. (CTI Electric) which does primarily commercial and military electrical work. He has been teaching continuing education classes for over 20 years having taught over 2000 classes and trained thousands of electricians. He’s a Utah, Idaho and Colorado Master Electrician, and his credentials include LEED AP BD+C, Lightning Protection Master Installer/Designer, Vindicator Certified Security Installer, Cathodic Protection Installer CP1 NACE 56675, Fiber Optics Installer #FOIUT216, and SKM Arc Flash Power Tools trained.

Boyd is devoted to learning and passing on the knowledge to current and future electrical professionals. He is passionate about the direction of the profession and is active politically in the industry.

Boyd and his wife Rebecca reside in Ogden Canyon Utah and are parents to six children. His hobbies include CrossFit, Mountain biking, and Xterra triathlon

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Bill Brooks

Principal Engineer Vacaville, CA www.BrookSolar.com

bill@brooksolar.com

Bill Brooks has over 30 years of experience in designing, installing, and evaluating grid-connected PV systems. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University and is a registered Professional Mechanical and Electrical Engineer. More than 15,000 installers and inspectors have attended his courses throughout the U.S. and abroad. His field troubleshooting skills have been valuable in determining where problems occur, and to focus training on those issues of greatest need. He’s written several important technical manuals for the industry that are now widely used throughout the United States and beyond. His recent publications include the Expedited Permit Process for PV Systems, the Field Inspection Guidelines for PV Systems, and Understanding the CalFire Solar PV Installation Guidelines, as well as articles in IAEI and SolarPro magazines.

Bill is actively involved in the development of PV codes and standards including IEEE-929 and IEEE1547 (PV Utility Interconnection), the National Electrical Code Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems), and IEC TC82 (International PV Standards). He’s an active participant on many codes and standards panels including Code Making Panel 4 of the NEC, and UL1703 and UL1741 Standards Technical Panels. He was a member of the California Office of the State Fire Marshal’s (Cal Fire) PV Taskforce that developed the Solar Photovoltaic Installation Guideline, which became the model for national fire regulation. In addition, he chaired the NFPA Large-Scale PV Electric Supply Station task group, the NFPA Firefighter Safety, and PV systems task group, and two of the Article 690 task groups for Code Making Panel 4 for the 2020 NEC.

Bill enjoys helping people make progress toward reaching their God-given potential. His interests include sailing, motorcycle riding, performance automobiles, home theater, and all types of music.

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Michael Burleson

Electrical Contractor/ Instructor/IAEI-NCPCCI 2A & 2B Certified

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Michael Burleson began his apprenticeship in 1978 working on a variety of large electrical contracts and traveling the Southern United States working at multiple military bases and hospitals. After starting his family Michael returned home to Oklahoma and continued to work in the electrical trade.

With vast experience in both industrial and commercial aspects of the electrical field, he became an instructor. After being certified as a Special Matters Expert by Oklahoma City Public Schools, Michael began teaching the electrical apprenticeship program at ABC and then taught for several years for IEC. He subsequently started teaching continuing education classes for EMSCO Electric Supply and IEC.

During his career, he has held the Chairman’s seat on the Oklahoma City Electrical Board and sat on the Moore Oklahoma Electrical Board. He truly believes it’s important and vital to give back to the trade that he’s so passionate about.

Michael is an Electrical Associate / Project Manager for PRES, a Stark Tech Group Company, based in Upstate New York.  PRES is a design-build company specializing in customized, energy-efficient solutions from design to implementation.  Michael manages the scope of work, implementation and building solutions that maximize customer investments. He still makes it home every month to teach his electrical CEU classes at EMSCO.

When not traveling for work, Michael loves spending time with his wife of 40 years and when possible, they enjoy traveling to visit their grandchildren.

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Dennis Carlson

Master Electrician/Training Specialist
Steamboat Springs, CO

Dennis Carlson has been in the electrical trade for over 35 years, and has held the positions of Project Superintendent, Field Engineer, Start-up-Coordinator, General Fore¬man, Foreman, Journeyman, and Craft Training Manager. He’s certi¬fied with NCCER as a Master Trainer, and is a professor for Victoria University, Australia as a Master Trainer. In April 2013, he graduated from Salem International University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Dennis is a Master Electrician/Contractor licensed in several states, and a member of the NFPA and IAEI. He’s trained thousands of elec¬tricians in the last 25 years using Mike Holt’s material and has been working with Mike for the last 16 years on his Exam Prep courses.

Dennis and his wife, Cindy, live in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where they’re both active in enjoying God’s great outdoors, their church, and the community. They have two children, Brandy, a graphics arts designer who lives in Greeley Colorado, and Josh who is an electrical estimator in Denver Colorado. “Life is too short to do only one thing so you have to prepare yourself for the next challenge. Never stop learning and striving to achieve those goals that you have.”

 

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David Click

Program Director, PV Project Engineering Florida Solar Energy Center Cocoa, Florida www.floridaenergycenter.org

Dave Click, PE has worked in solar energy since the University of Virginia’s 2002 Solar Decathlon. After learning a lot from his time with Solar Design Associates and then the Florida Solar Energy Center, he joined ESA Renewables in 2015. With ESA, Dave leads the engineering team in design, interconnection, grid integration, project management, commissioning, and operations and maintenance. He’s worked on 200MW of utility-scale projects on the east coast of the U.S., and over 200 residential and commercial PV projects. Dave is a licensed Professional Engineer in seven states, a Florida-licensed Electrical Contractor and Solar Contractor, and a NABCEP-certified PV Installation Professional.

Dave and his family live under their 11 kW PV system in Orlando, where they’re in their eighth year of not paying an electric bill!

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Mark Cook

Master Electrician, Electrical Education Specialist
Neenah, WI

Mark Cook has been in the electrical trade since 1978. He completed his apprenticeship in South Florida through Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and earned his journeyman certification in 1987 with the help of Mike Holt’s Exam Preparation material. Mark spent time in the industry working in both high-voltage and low-voltage commercial and industrial businesses. He owned his own business after earning his Master’s license in 1994. He currently holds a Master’s license in Wisconsin and a Journeyman’s license for the state of Washington.

Mark was an adjunct instructor for Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of AZ while teaching for the Electric League of Arizona. He currently writes monthly Code articles for a trade publication circulated in Arizona. He continues to teach CEU training throughout the Midwest.

Mark joined Faith Technologies in 2015 as a Technical Training Consultant. The company is a leading electrical, engineering, and technology systems contractor that currently employs more than 800 apprentices nationwide and maintains training centers in Appleton, WI; Tulsa, OK; Kansas City, MO; and Atlanta GA.

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Daniel Craft

Electrical Foreman Westminster, CA

Daniel Craft a high school dropout had little confidence in amounting to anything of value in society. He found himself with little discipline and even less education. Daniel soon found himself desperate for something, anything. As a hard worker he had no problem keeping jobs that required a strong back.

At the young age of 20, he was offered a job as an electrician’s helper, where he learned fast that if he was going to survive in this technical world, he would have to go back to school. But where would he start? Realizing the necessary sacrifice of laziness and ignorance, for a life of dedication and discipline, he began taking electrical courses at Los Angeles Trade Tech.

While working as an electrician’s helper he applied for an apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 441 in Orange County, California. Over a year had passed from applying, before being accepted in the five year apprenticeship where he would complete structured electrical courses as well as extensive hands on training. Daniel is now recognized by the IBEW and the state of California as being a Journeyman Electrician.

He currently works as an Electrical Foreman for R.L. Douglass Electric, Inc. in Orange County, CA., and starting January 2008 will begin teaching continuing education courses at the Orange County Electrical Training Trust in Santa Ana, CA. At the age of twenty-eight he has held fast, excelling in areas such as electrical construction and the National Electrical Code.

He believes it’s crucial that one must maintain the position of a student if he/she is going to be successful, especially in the electrical industry. Daniel has a passion for helping others achieve confidence to grow into the person that God meant them to be. Contrary to the “dropout’’ Daniel now lives his life putting God first, family second, and career a close third.

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Mike Culbreath

Master Electrician, Graphic Artist–Mike Holt Enterprises

Mike Culbreath has devoted his career to the electrical industry and worked his way up from apprentice electrician to master electrician. He began by doing residential and light commercial construction, and later did service work and custom electrical installations. While working as a journeyman electrician, he suffered a serious on-the-job knee injury. As part of his rehabilitation, Mike completed courses at Mike Holt Enterprises, and then passed the exam to receive his Master Electrician’s license. ln 1986, with a keen interest in continuing education for electricians, he joined the staff to update material and began illustrating Mike Holt’s textbooks and magazine articles.

Mike started with simple hand-drawn diagrams and cut-and-paste graphics. When frustrated by the limitations of that style of illustrating, he took a company computer home to learn how to operate some basic computer graphic software. Realizing that computer graphics offered a lot of flexibility for creating illustrations, Mike took every computer graphics class and seminar he could to help develop his skills. He’s worked as an illustrator and editor with the company for over 30 years and, as Mike Holt has proudly acknowledged, has helped to transform his words and visions into lifelike graphics.

0riginally from south Florida, Mike now lives in northern lower Michigan where he enjoys hiking, kayaking, photography, gardening, and cooking; but his real passion is his horses. He also loves spending time with his children Dawn and Mac and his grandchildren Jonah, Kieley, and Scarlet

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Brad Darnell

Electrical Engineer/Designer
Indianapolis, IN

Brad Darnell is an Electrical Engineer and brings nearly 50 years of experience in the electrical trade. He started as an apprentice electrician in Albuquerque, New Mexico after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Viet Nam conflict. He gradually worked his way up and after four years was able to pass the New Mexico journeyman exam. Shortly thereafter, he relocated to Indiana, where he now resides.

 

Brad is currently licensed as a Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor in 25 states and continues to pursue licensing in additional states. In his role as the principal electrical designer for a nationwide MEP firm, he’s also the primary license holder for his firm. Brad has designed electrical systems for small commercial projects as well as projects in excess of 1.5 million square feet. He’s also designed several medium-voltage substations and distribution systems.

 

Brad has taught third-year apprentices in the local ABC chapter and is a NCCER Certified Instructor. An avid golfer, he and his wife live in a suburban community just outside Indianapolis and, when not working in the yard, he can usually be found on the golf course.

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John Paul David

Director of Corporate Safety and Training Staley, Inc. Little Rock, AR www.Staleyinc.com

John Paul David is responsible for training all Staley, Inc. employees on the industry’s safety policies and standards. Additionally, he’s the in-house instructor for Staley’s BICSI certified training center which is utilized company-wide by technicians. John also oversees the maintenance of facilities at the headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas.

John is a Master Electrician in multiple jurisdictions and is a certified trainer and Level 3 BICSI Technician in design, integration, installation, and infrastructure in the telecommunications industry. BICSI is a professional association that provides technical education, information, and knowledge assessment for the information and communications technology (ICT) community.

John began his career with Staley, Inc. as an Electrical Apprentice. After completing a four-year BAT Electrical Apprenticeship program, he went on to earn his Journeyman and Master licenses as well as his BICSI certifications. He resides in Little Rock with his wife. Together, they have a beautiful daughter, age 8, and son, age 5. John is an active member of his church where he works with the children’s group in a leadership position.

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Ken DeHart

Contractor/Administrator/Journeyman/Business Owner
Shelton, WA

Ken DeHart was 24 when he started his career as an electrical trainee and quickly discovered he had a real passion for the trade. Soon he became the "Go-to guy" for electrical troubleshooting, installations, NEC and Washington Administrative Code questions.
Dedicated to electrical safety, understanding the code and to his family, Ken worked full time and cared for his wife while she was disabled for 5 years due to cancer and multiple surgeries. Now in remission, they’ve opened their own electrical contracting business.  Ken’s wife also has her trainee license and works with Ken on the jobsite often. The two believe that the safety of so many depends on us being knowledgeable. We owe it to our customers, ourselves, and our children to be better and to know more every day.
 
Ken studied Mike Holt’s Ultimate Training Library diligently and passed the Washington State Administrator Test the first time with an overall 90%. He was later told that the test has a pass rate of only 3%.
 
When Ken isn’t working, or studying he is usually with his wife, Sarah, and their three active daughters Alexandria, Lydia and Clara enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest while hiking, climbing or kayaking.

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Vince Della Croce

Master Electrician, Electrical Inspector & Plans Examiner, Business Development Manager, Technical Committee Member NFPA 73, 99, and 1078

vincent.della_croce@siemens.com

Vince began his career in IBEW Local Union #3, New York City, as a helper and progressed to journeyman and foreman electrician before relocating to Florida. He’s licensed by the State of Florida as a master electrician and electrical inspector and plans examiner.

He holds an Associate of Science degree in Electronic Engineering and Electrical Maintenance Technology from Penn Foster College and represents Siemens in the role of Business Development Manager with a focus on supporting electrical inspectors throughout the country.

Vince serves the IAEI Florida Chapter and IAEI Southern Section as Education Chairman. He was an alternate member of Code Making Panels 7 and 12 for the 2017 NEC. He is an alternate member of Code Making Panel 17 for the 2023 NEC.  Vince is also a principal technical committee member of NFPA 73, 78, 99 and 1078. 

Vince has two sons. The oldest is serving the community as a police sergeant and holds a master’s degree in Business Administration. The youngest is working as a business developer and holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing

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Thomas Domitrovich

Electrical Engineer
Ellisville, Missouri

Thomas Domitrovich is an electrical engineer with Eaton Corporation’s Bussmann series solutions in the Circuit Protection Division. He has experienced in power systems engineering, sales and marketing, business development, and product management. Thomas is actively involved with the electrical industry through industry organizations including NFPA, NEMA, IEC, NECA, IBEW, the electrical training ALLIANCE, and more.

He’s the principle representative for NEMA on NFPA Code Making Panel 2 for the continued development of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). Thomas also represents NEMA on the NFPA committee for the continued development of NFPA 73, Standard for Electrical Inspections for Existing Dwellings. In addition, he’s a LEED® Accredited Professional, a licensed Professional Engineer, and holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Gannon University.

Thomas is passionate about saving lives through the continued growth of electrical safety and is an author with a wide range of trade magazine articles and technical white papers.

 

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Doug Douty

D & D Resources, Owner Fresno City College Fresno, California

Doug Douty has been a consultant in the electrical and building fields for many years. Doug’s vision is to help you maximize your talents and abilities and to provide solutions to difficult problems. He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association, the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, and a 2006 winner of Mike Holt’s Top Gun presentation award.

Doug holds a Master of Science degree in Industrial Technology from California State University, Fresno, and California State Contractor’s license in electrical general contracting. He is an instructor in the electronics department at Fresno City College, an Adjunct Professor at California State University, Fresno, and a nationally recognized speaker in the electrical industry.

Doug resides in Fresno in the Central Valley of California with his wife. He has four grown children and five grandchildren. Doug has a passion for helping people reach their full potential in life. He also enjoys cycling, running, reading, and continual learning as well as family vacations. Doug’s motivational style of teaching captures his audience’s attention.

At Doug’s seminars, students not only increase their knowledge, but their confidence as well. Seminar topics include Electrical Safety in the Workplace (NFPA 70E), the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), AC Fundamentals, AC Power Systems, Control Systems, Electrical Certification Preparation, and Continuing Education.

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Dr. Joe Engel

Dr. Joe Engel was born and raised in Cincinnati. He earned a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. As a co-op student, Joe first worked as an ac motor designer for Allis Chalmers and later as a home electronic organ designer for Baldwin Piano. He moved to Pittsburgh where he earned a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh.

For 30 years Joe worked for Westinghouse and, most recently, 15 years for Eaton Cutler-Hammer as the manager of an electronics R&D group. This group focuses on electrical metering, control, and protection products for the residential, commercial, industrial and utility markets. Awards include the Westinghouse Order of Merit (Westinghouse’s highest honor) and an Inventor of the Year award; He has 94 U.S. Patents.

Joe has been married to his wife Mary for 46 years. They have raised eight children and have seven grandchildren. Joe loves to travel, usually with his children, and most recently back-packed the Grand Canyon. Golf and bowling are his hobbies.

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David Engelhart

Electrical Inspector and Plans Examiner
Collier County, Florida

David was a carpenter right out of high school and first became an electrician Feb 24, 1986. He wanted to learn the electrical trade because his father was a tool maker in Detroit and did all the trades work for the additions he built on their home in Michigan before moving to Florida in June 1975 where he started high school.

David spent 14 years in the electrical field working for the same company. His experience included new multifamily building of 8 to 12 units, basic homes, a few light commercial jobs in between, and ending up in hi-end homes. He attended the local apprenticeship program and obtained his Journeyman’s license in April 1989. He procrastinated until 1996 and then obtained his Masters license. An opportunity to become an electrical inspector for the local jurisdiction January 10, 2000 presented itself and he obtained his Florida Inspectors license April 4, 2001 and his Electrical Plans Examiner license March 19, 2002. David has been working in the capacity of an electrical plans examiner since May 2005.

During his tenure with the local jurisdiction, he obtained his SBCCI (ICC) 1-2 Family Dwelling Inspector, Fire Safety Inspector I & II, and Fire Plans Examiner certifications. At present, he’s in his third and final year of cross training with BOAF for licensure as a Building Plans Examiner.
David also taught the first of the 4-year electrical apprenticeship for the local Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) from August 1997 to June 2001.
In his spare time, David enjoys enriching his knowledge base and spending time with his wife Angela, of 34 years, their two children, and their three grandchildren.

 

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Jason Fisher

Founder, Solar Technical Consulting Charlottesville, Virginia
www.solartechconsulting.com

jason@solartechconsulting.com

Jason Fisher has earned his living in the renewable energy industry for over 25 years. He is a licensed Master Electrician and founded the first fully licensed PV contracting firm in Maryland in 1996. There he designed and installed many of the District of Columbia region’s earliest utility-interconnected PV systems, including systems for the Pentagon, the Department of State, and the White House. 
He has broad experience in the development and application of codes and standards and currently serves as the principal representative for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on the NEC code making panel 4, as well as being an alternate representative for Solar Energy International (SEI) on the NEC code making panel 13. He is a member of several Standards Technical Panels applicable to renewable energy technologies including UL1741, UL 3741, UL9540, UL9741 and UL916. During the NEC 2023 revision cycle, Jason chaired the NEC Correlating Committee task group on Microgrids and was a member of the NEC Correlating Committee Energy Management Systems task group.
Jason obtained his NABCEP™ PV Installation Professional certification in 2003 and is a UL Certified PV System Installer. He has over 15 years of experience training thousands of engineers, installers, and inspectors in PV applications and the NEC. He’s also the author of several technical articles and textbooks on PV applications.
As an independent consultant, Jason provides technical services to organizations including product certification and compliance support, inspections and commissioning, technical training, design review, system optimization, and owner’s agent services.
Jason lives in Charlottesville Virginia with his wife and two children.

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Charles Fulmer
Electrical Inspector City of Little Rock Little Rock, Arkansas
Charles Fulmer is currently an Electrical Inspector for the City of Little Rock, Arkansas. He is also an Electrical Instructor for the Arkansas Electrical Apprenticeship Program and a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors. Before becoming an Inspector, Charles worked for 25 years in the commercial electrical trade, mostly as a supervisor over large jobs such as hospitals, high rise construction, hotels, and schools. Charles has been married to his wife Meryl for 28 years. They have raised three sons and one daughter and now have one grand-daughter who is two years old. Charles has been a leader in a church youth scouting organization called the Royal Rangers for 20 years, reaching, teaching, and keeping boys for Christ! Charles feels it is better to build men than to repair them.
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Wes Gerrans

Electrical Technology Instructor Northwest Kansas Technical College Goodland, Kansas

Wes Gerrans, upon obtaining a Bachelor’s degree from Andrews University in 1965, began his career as an Industrial Arts instructor at Eau Claire Michigan High School. After teaching for four years, he worked in the construction trades for the next 23 years. In 1992 he completed an Electrical Technology course at Northwest Kansas Technical School. It was at this time that he first had contact with Mike Holt when he helped with the editing of one of Mike’s earlier books. He then worked for Archer Daniels Midland as an industrial electrician until 2002, when he went back to NWKTC, now a college, as an instructor in the electrical program.

Wes remains happily married to his wife of 43 years, Jacque, who continues to be a source of strength and encouragement. She retired from being a school psychologist this year and is now enjoying a more leisurely pace at home. Their children are both married. Their son, Neil, is a teacher in Seattle, WA; their daughter, Lisa, teaches in Lincoln, NE.

Other areas of interest for Wes have included a commercial fishing business in Alaska, rebuilding wrecked vehicles, and restoring antique furniture. He is an active leader and teacher in his church. He enjoys participating in community projects, has a passion for teaching, and for sharing the Good News of Jesus.

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Ken F. Gordon
Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc. Northbrook, IL Instructor Chicago Electric Association
Ken Gordon has been involved in the electrical construction industry since 1974, starting with a family electrical firm owned primarily by uncles and cousins. First driving material delivery trucks, he was soon introduced to doing takeoffs and the estimating process. Ken became involved in project management, with a good deal of guidance from cousins Phil and Jim Gordon. Ken passed his Chicago Electrical Contractor's License exam in 1987. Ken is the Chief Estimator at Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc., a large commercial / industrial electrical contractor, primarily in the Health Care industry, but also involved in a variety of data center and other specialty projects. Previous work experience as an estimator / project manager at other firms also included preparing AutoCAD drawings for design/build projects and 'As-Builts'. Ken participates in the forums at MikeHolt.com, which he says have been essential to finding Code references and solutions to unusual problems. Ken developed an interest in teaching when he became a trainer with Trade Service Corporation for their A.L.E.C. Estimating System, travelling nationwide to conduct hands-on training classes for 3 years. He worked as a sales rep, did technical support, onsite training, and system installations for TRF Systems for 7 years. He continues to teach estimating and AutoCAD night classes at the Electric Association of Chicago, where he has for nearly 15 years. Ken has been happily married to his wife Maryann for 30 years, and they have four children together, Andy, Amy, Sean, and Megan. An ongoing project has been remodeling their home where they have lived for 25 years, doing much of the work themselves. Other interests include hypermiling (driving for maximum mpg), computer gaming, working on his 1965 Amphicar. and restoring an antique wooden runabout.
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Scott Harding

Electrical Contractor
Frederick, MD

Scott Harding began his electrical career as an electrician’s helper working part time in the family business. After graduating with an Electrical Engineering degree from Clemson University, he worked as an electrical engineer for RTKL Associates, a large design firm located in Baltimore, MD. 

After leaving RTKL, Scott went to work at F.B. Harding, Inc. an Electrical Contractor where he’s been for the last 34 years. He is a licensed Master Electrician in multiple jurisdictions and is the current President and CEO of F.B. Harding, Inc, making the family business a third generation company. Scott also serves on NEC Code-Making Panel Number 5 (Grounding and Bonding) and worked on the 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2020 cycles. He served as the panel chairman for the 2023 cycle.
Scott lives in Maryland and is married with two kids

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David Harsche

Electrical Contractor / Inspector

David Harsche is from Beachwood, NJ and has committed himself to the Electrical Industry. He worked his way up from an Apprentice Electrician to a Journeyman/Foreman Electrician during his 4 years while working in Commercial, Industrial and Residential. He became a Master Electrician during his 5th year and was promoted to Superintendent during his 6th year. He moved to Tampa, Florida where he worked for several years as a Project Manager and managed multimillion dollar electrical projects. He later worked as a Hillsborough County Electrical Inspector.

David has successfully started, marketed, and manages Team Electric in Tampa, Florida. He has been self-employed for several years working in lighting design, electrical investigation, commercial and residential electrical work. He recently competed in the NFPA National Electrical Code Championship and placed 2nd. David has become the Secretary of the IAEI Suncoast Division replacing Dick Widera who is an amazing man. I want to thank God, my wife Renee, and my daughter Katlin; without them I wouldn’t be where I am at today.

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Mike Holt

Author, businessman, educator, speaker, publisher, and National Electrical Code expert.

Mike@MikeHolt.com

Mike Holt is an author, businessman, educator, speaker, publisher and National Electrical Code expert. He has written hundreds of electrical training books and articles, founded three successful businesses, and has taught thousands of electrical Code seminars across the US and internationally. 

His company, Mike Holt Enterprises, has been serving the electrical industry for almost 50 years, with a commitment to creating and publishing books, videos, online training, and curriculum support for electrical trainers, students, organizations, and electrical professionals. His devotion to the trade, coupled with the lessons he learned at the University of Miami’s MBA program, have helped him build one of the largest electrical training and publishing companies in the United States.

His broad experience has given him a unique perspective on building a profitable business that is committed to its customers and to quality. From an early age, Mike understood the need for working on your business, not just in your business. As a businessman, he understands the need for continuous education in order to keep current and stay relevant. As an educator, he has a commitment to help instructors improve their skills in the classroom and enrich the learning environment for their students. His deep understanding of the trade, dynamic presentation style, and ability to connect with students are some of the reasons that he is one of the most sought-after speakers in the industry.  

Mike is committed to changing lives and helping people take their careers to the next level. He has always felt a responsibility to provide education beyond the scope of just passing an exam. He draws on his previous experience as an electrician, inspector, contractor and instructor, to guide him in developing powerful training solutions that electricians understand and enjoy. He is always mindful of how hard learning can be for students who are intimidated by school, by their feelings towards learning, or by the complexity of the NEC. He’s mastered the art of simplifying and clarifying complicated technical concepts and his extensive use of illustrations helps students apply the content and relate the material to their work in the field. His ability to take the intimidation out of learning is reflected in the successful careers of his students. 

Mike’s commitment to pushing boundaries and setting high standards extends into his personal life as well. He’s an eight-time Overall National Barefoot Waterski Champion. Mike has more than 20 gold medals, many national records, and has competed in three World Barefoot Tournaments. In 2015, at the tender age of 64, he started a new adventure—competitive mountain bike racing. Every day he continues to find ways to motivate himself, both mentally and physically. 

Mike and his wife, Linda, reside in New Mexico and Florida, and are the parents of seven children and seven grandchildren. As his life has changed over the years, a few things have remained constant: his commitment to God, his love for his family, and doing what he can to change the lives of others through his products and seminars. 

 

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Michael Holt, Jr.

Owner Premier Power, Inc. Groveland, FL michael@premierpowerinc.com www.PremierPowerInc.com

Michael Holt, Jr. is the son of Mike Holt, and has been exposed to the electrical trade his whole life. He is a Florida State Certified Electrical Contractor, and has owned his own electrical service and repair business in Central Florida since 2008. Michael’s company does wiring, trouble-shooting, and reconfiguring for low voltage systems as well as building premise wiring for both residential and commercial. It’s a business that prides itself on providing safe and qual¬ity professional services. In fact, customer service and loyalty are the cornerstones of his business model that helped him build his reputation and can be attributed for much of his success.

Michael has embarked on a journey through life to not only improve his personal life, but also to affect the lives of others by way of men¬torship to young professionals of the world. His hobbies include jet skiing, motocross racing, and stand-up comedy, both as a performer and a member of the audience. He is very much a people person and is very active in his community. Michael has a daughter, Haylee, whom he absolutely adores.

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Daniel Brian House

Master Electrician, Instructor, VP of Digital and Technical Training, Mike Holt Enterprises

Brian@MikeHolt.com

Brian House is Vice President of Digital and Technical Training at Mike Holt Enterprises, and a Certified Mike Holt Instructor. Brian has worked in the trade since the ‘90s in residential, commercial and industrial settings. He opened a contracting firm in 2003 that designed energy-efficient lighting retrofits, explored “green” biomass generators, and partnered with residential PV companies in addition to traditional electrical installation and service. In 2007, Brian was personally selected by Mike for development and began teaching seminars for Mike Holt Enterprises after being named a Top Gun Presenter in Mike’s Train the Trainer boot camp. Brian travels around the country teaching electricians, instructors, the military personnel, and engineers. His experience in the trenches as an electrical contractor, along with Mike Holt’s instructor training, gives him a teaching style that is practical, straightforward, and refreshing.

Today, as Vice President of Digital and Technical Training at Mike Holt Enterprises, Brian leads the apprenticeship and digital product teams. They create cutting-edge training tools, and partner with in-house and apprenticeship training programs nation-wide to help them reach the next level. He is also part of the content team that helps Mike bring his products to market, assisting in the editing of the textbooks, coordinating the content and illustrations, and assuring the technical accuracy and flow of the information.
Brian is high-energy, with a passion for doing business the right way. He expresses his commitment to the industry and his love for its people in his teaching, working on books, and developing instructional programs and software tools. 

Brian and his wife Carissa have shared the joy of their four children and many foster children during 25 years of marriage. When not mentoring youth at work or church, he can be found racing mountain bikes or SCUBA diving with his kids. He’s passionate about helping others and regularly engages with the youth of his community to motivate them into exploring their future.

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Rebekah Hren

Electrical Contractor/PV Instructor
Winston-Salem, NC www.ippnc.com

Rebekah Hren rebekah@solarenergy.org

Rebekah Hren is a licensed unlimited electrical contractor and NABCEP-certified PV Installation Professional. She joined Code-Making Panel 4 of the NEC as a principal for Solar Energy International during the 2020 revision cycle. Rebekah has over 15 years of experience working in the PV industry. Since 2007 she’s enjoyed teaching PV system design and inspection classes to thousands of students and Code officials throughout the United States, both online and in person. Rebekah frequently authors technical articles for PV trade magazines, has co-authored two books on renewable energy, and has presented workshops at dozens of solar industry conferences around the world.
From 2019 to 2022 Rebekah worked as hardware engineer for an experimental product development team at Airbnb. Prior to that she was a system designer, consultant, and field service provider for large-scale ground-mounted PV farms. Her primary goal is ensuring that the design and construction of every project with which she’s involved meets and exceeds National Electrical Code requirements, as safety and reliability are her greatest concerns.
In her spare time, Rebekah enjoys off-road adventures in her converted 4x4 van.

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Bob Huddleston

Bob Huddleston is a licensed Professional Engineer. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, and is currently employed by Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, Tennessee where he is responsible for the electrical safety program. Bob has served a number of roles in the electrical industry, including an engineering supervisor, maintenance supervisor, plant engineer, and an instructor of electrical and electronic theory for the U.S. Navy at the Naval Nuclear Power School.

Before completing his degrees, Bob served an 8,000 hour electrician apprenticeship at a Tennessee Valley Authority nuclear plant, and worked for approximately nine years as a construction electrician. He was recognized as the Electrical Apprentice of the Year during this time. Bob serves as an adjunct faculty member at a local technical community college, and is the Chairman of the Electrical Curriculum Advisory Council. He is an instructor for an accredited apprenticeship program, and also represents the American Chemistry Council on Panel 6 as a principle voting member.

Bob enjoys boating, fishing, hunting, flying his Cessna 172, and serving the Lord.

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Ryan Jackson

Inspector/Instructor City of Draper, Utah

Ryan Jackson is a combination inspector in the Salt Lake City, Utah, area who began his career as a carpenter while in high school. He began doing electrical work when he was 18 and, at the age of 23, Ryan landed his first job as an electrical inspector and subsequently became certified in building, plumbing, and mechanical inspection (commercial and residential), as well as building and electrical plan review. Two years after becoming an inspector, he was approached by a friend in the area asking him to fill in at an electrical seminar for him. After his first class Ryan was hooked, and is now a highly sought after seminar instructor. He has taught in several states, and loves helping people increase their understanding of the Code.

In 2005, Ryan met Mike Holt in Salt Lake City, and they became friends immediately. He helped Mike with his Understanding the NEC, Volume 2 videos and began editing his books as well. He believes that there are only a small handful of opportunities that change a person’s life and career, and meeting Mike was one of them.

When Ryan isn’t working, he can often be found in his garage turning wood on his lathe, or in the kitchen where he enjoys wine making. Ryan married his high school sweetheart, Sharie, and they have two beautiful children together: Kaitlynn and Aaron.

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Lee Jolley

Electrical Inspector II, Baltimore County, Maryland Instructor, Hartford County, Maryland Airville, Pennsylvania

Lee Jolley began in the trade over 30 years ago, working for several companies in many aspects of the field. He feels fortunate to have worked with some great guys that taught him NEC requirements as much as the skills to do the work. Special thanks to Ronn, Chad, Dennis and Eddie for keeping me straight and arguing Code with me.

Lee went to work for the Baltimore County, Maryland government in 1990 as an electrical inspector. With great respect for the position, he strived to learn as much as he could about all the codes that are pertinent to our industry. In 1997 Lee started teaching at the Harford County Electrical Contractors Association apprenticeship program. There he learned how much he loved teaching. Leading electricians to doing their jobs in the safest methods possible was very rewarding. Lee also began doing seminars for electrical contractors several years ago. His seminars covered many of topics including the NEC changes since 2002, Grounding vs. Bonding, PV Systems changed by the NFPA 1, and many more. By using Mike Holt material, building power point programs from scratch, and adding his own sense of humor, he’s become a well-respected instructor and code official in the area.

Lee is first and foremost a very proud dad and grandfather. He loves his children as much as a man can. His daughter Lauren and granddaughter Ava are the lights of his life. His son Elijah joined the Marines in 2012 and works on F-18s and has his dad’s upmost respect. He also loves his Lord and Savior with all his heart.

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James E. Jones, Jr.

Electrical Instructor Oklahoma State University Okmulgee, Oklahoma

James E. Jones Jr. is an Instructor at Oklahoma State University. He teaches High Voltage Lineman and Electrical Construction courses at the OSU technical campus in Okmulgee, OK. James has been in the electrical construction/maintenance industry since 1979 when he joined the U.S. Air Force right after graduating from high school.

During his 21-year Air Force career James worked as a high voltage lineman, electrical instructor, and electrician. Going to school at night and on weekends, he received a Baccalaureate of Science Degree, with Honors, in Occupational Education, with specialization in Corporate Training Development, Electrical Power Systems, and Computer Business Information Systems. James is a licensed Master Electrician/Contractor and teaches several electrical, computer, and NEC courses. He previously served as the Director of Education & Training/Instructor for Mills Electrical Contractors in Dallas, TX.

James is on the Electrical Advisory Board for several electrical training programs throughout the state of Oklahoma. “Opportunity is waiting for whoever is ready to take advantage of it.”

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Thomas Landa

Project Manager / Estimator Shelby Township, MI TNT8197@Yahoo.com

Tom Landa is a Project Manager/Estimator and has been involved in the electrical industry for the better part of 30 years. He worked his way up through the electrical ?eld, starting as an apprentice at an early age, following his family’s preceding path. Tom has been intrigued in this ever-changing business since day one and he’s continually striving to be the best at what he can do. Electricity and this business are his life and he feels that he’s been educated from an early age to provide a quality end result for his customers, family, friends, and everyone he’s had the bene?t of coming into contact with in this industry. Tom feels that this can be accomplished through dedication to your trade, along with a strong education base, honesty, and integrity. Tom continues to put forth everything he has every day of every week for his beautiful wife TinaAnne and their two amazing sons (Tommaso and Antonio) she and God have allowed him the luxury of having. Without the aforementioned, he could not be where he is in life today.

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Tom Landa

Electrical Director
Shelby Township, MI

Tom Landa is currently the Electrical Director for Conti Corporation, a large multi-national contractor. He’s been affiliated with the construction/electrical industry his entire life and has worked in the trades for thirty years. Tom began as an apprentice at an early age and worked his way up through the electrical field, following his family’s preceding path. He currently holds master and electrical contractor licenses in several states throughout North America.

Tom was intrigued by this ever-changing occupation early on, and he’s continually striving to be the best he can be. Electricity and this business are Tom’s life and he believes he’s been educated from an early age to provide quality results for his customers, family, friends, and everyone he’s had the benefit of encountering in this industry. Tom believes this goal can be accomplished through dedication to one’s trade, along with a strong education base, honesty, and integrity.

When he isn’t working, Tom can be found on the basketball court coaching and teaching young athletes about the sport and a strong work ethic. He puts forth everything that God has provided to him for his family, TinaAnne, Tommaso, and Antonio. Without his family, he couldn’t be where he is today.

 

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Jeff Larus

Electrical Inspector/Instructor Rapid City, SD

Jeff Larus started his electrical career by completing programs in Industrial Electronics and Electronics Technology at Western Dakota Vocational Technical School in Rapid City, South Dakota right after graduating from high school. Jeff completed his electrical apprenticeship and two years as a journeyman working in his father’s electrical contracting business. He tested for and received his South Dakota Electrical Inspector’s license as soon as he was eligible to test.

Since 1990, Jeff has worked for the City of Rapid City as an Electrical Inspector. As a combination inspector for the city, Jeff does primarily electrical and mechanical inspections. Over the years, he has acquired many certifications in all aspects of building inspection and plan review. He holds licenses from the State of South Dakota and the City of Rapid City as well as certifications from the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and the International Code Council. Jeff teaches electrical continuing education classes for Western Dakota Tech and local electrical trade groups. He has volunteered with the Pennington County Search and Rescue Team for the past 19 years.

Jeff and his wife Kae of 11 years live in Rapid City, South Dakota where they have two children Jessy and Tabitha in grade school. Jeff and Kae have been active in Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Black Hills and the Casey Family Foster Care Program.

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Chris Lohr

Senior Electrical Designer/Engineer
Broomall, Pennsylvania

Chris Lohr is a senior electrical designer/engineer at GSA in Broomall, Pennsylvania. His interest in electrical design and engineering began in high school when he built a VOX to control his room lights and stereo. He’s worked as an electrician in new homes and new commercial buildings. When he joined the USMC he was trained to be a C-130 electrical technician. Chris studied Electrical Engineering at Purdue after working at Smith, Seckman and Reid in Nashville, Tennessee designing electrical, fire alarm, and nurse call systems for hospitals all over the U.S.

He’s worked as an electrical department manager/designer at other companies designing electrical systems for schools, prisons, shopping malls, churches, Salvation Army facilities, Department of Government Service facilities, apartment complexes, and now casinos. Chris also has experience in the transmission and distribution field as a substation designer.

Chris first learned about Mike Holt while he was an electrical instructor. He used Mike’s books for many years teaching high school graduates and up to become electricians, and then another course to pass their Master Electricians’ exam. “There is no easier and better way to learn the Code than using Understanding the NEC”.

Chris spends his off time on the golf course, playing several instruments, reading, writing, and playing with his dogs. He’s a huge Boilermaker Fan and loves watching all the Philadelphia Pro sports teams. He’s also a very talented chef, having worked in 4-star restaurants as the Executive Chef.

 

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Jennifer Martin

Master Electrician, Instructor

Jennifer Martin is a third-generation wireman, IBEW Local #112 member that brings enthusiasm and charisma to the formal instruction and application of Electrical Codes and Safety Standards. She has been a vital part of electrical safety leadership within the Department of Energy (DOE) for nearly a decade. She is currently acting as the Chair of the Electrical Safety Task Team (ESTT) for Energy Facility Contractors Group (EFCOG), and is the assigned Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). She manages this workload all the while enjoying life’s most precious gift, her children. With a work/life balance, complemented with world-wide travel, one could say she is an incredibly busy woman.

A master electrician with electrical contractors’ licenses in multiple states, a Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP) and IEEE member that adds to her unbridled dedication to the electrical industry.  A message to all “WARNING may spontaneously start talking about electrical codes and safety standards”. Through her various industry memberships and representation of building trades there is always an opportunity learning and sharing her passion with others.

Jennifer when offered the opportunity to participate for another edition of Mike Holt’s brilliant series and quite honestly could not refuse. The experience to be a part of this series is an honor, the team remarkably clever, and the time together priceless.  

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Ryan Mayfield

President, Renewable Energy Associates
Corvallis, Oregon
www.renewableassociates.com

Ryan Mayfield has been working in the renewable energy field since 1999 and currently focuses on commercial photovoltaic (PV) system design and education. As the President at Renewable Energy Associates, he provides design, support, and educational services for contractors, architectural and engineering firms, manufacturers, and government agencies. Typical projects include commercial and residential PV system designs and training for PV system designers and installers. Ryan also works directly with manufacturers of PV-specific products, to help gain market acceptance and develop products that directly aid in the implementation and use of their products.

Ryan serves as Photovoltaic Systems Technical Editor for SolarPro magazine, and regularly writes feature articles in SolarPro and Home Power magazines. He’s also the author of PV Design and Installation for Dummies, published in 2010. In addition, Ryan teaches various PV courses across the country for electricians, existing solar professionals, code officials, inspectors, and individuals seeking to join the solar industry. He holds a Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT) license in Oregon.

Ryan lives in Corvallis, Oregon with his wife, Amy, and three children, A.J., Lauren and Kai. They enjoy being outdoors as much as possible, especially when they have the opportunity to spend a few days in the canoe.

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John Mills

Master Electrician/Electrical Instructor
Premier Electrical Company/Dade County School Board
Miami Springs, Florida

John Mills is an instructor for Mike Holt Enterprises and is a Certified Electrical Contractor, Certified Inspector, Plans Reviewer, and CBO, and currently holds 27 active licenses at the county, state and national level. He started in the electrical trade in 1980 as a helper and attended an ABC Apprenticeship Program, then worked his way up to Master Electrician. John has been an instructor for 30 years, teaching master and journeyman exam preparation courses and Florida State certification courses. John knows that taking an exam is more than just the technical questions—he not only teaches the technical aspects of taking the exam and how to approach each section in a systematic way, but also teaches his students how to really prepare 100% for the mental aspects of taking such a rigorous exam. 

John was born in Westport, Connecticut and has been living in Miami Springs, Florida for the last 40 years. He resides in Miami, Florida with his wife Corina and their four sons. He loves to spend time woodworking, fishing and building cool bikes with his boys. John enjoys spending quality time on family picnics and vacations with his family

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Ronald Nelson

Certified Engineering Technician

Ron was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, he was fascinated by the “miracle” of electricity from an early age. A hydro-electric plant was located nearby where Ron could see water being converted into electrical power. He began his electrical engineering career in 1965 which included design for a power supply ranging from 120V through 69,000V; plus, street lighting design for Owensboro, Kentucky’s municipal utility. After 21 years in engineering, he accepted a new position at Warren Rural Electric Cooperative in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Ron became the Technical Adviser to the agricultural, commercial and industrial customers for power quality issues and solutions. He retired in 2002 after serving the Cooperative as Vice President for 10 years.

Ron continues to provide technical services (including proper grounding/bonding), and training to the utility, electricians, vocational schools, and customers in the region.

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Gary L. Newton
Project Manager / Chief Estimator Consulting Electrical Engineers Sacramento, CA
Gary Newton entered the U.S. Army after completing high school. His time in the service of his country included a tour in Vietnam as a Combat Engineer. After the Army, Gary worked for telephone and cable TV companies. He completed an apprenticeship as a land surveyor, then a stint in the San Diego shipyards as a journeyman maintenance electrician. Gary spent 3 more years as a small, independent Electrical Contractor and estimator. In 1980, he went to work as an electrical designer for a local consulting engineering company. Since then, Gary has worked for consulting engineering companies in California, Nevada, and Colorado. Projects have included commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental, and public agencies. The past 7 years have been mostly school design for the State of California. Gary has worked on over 1,000 projects with development of over 18 million sq ft of space. His completed projects include: overhead and underground distribution systems (including sub-stations), building lighting and power layouts, telecom and data centers, large scale communication backbone systems, UPS and power conditioning projects, power generation with multiple generators and paralleling switchgear, special engineering projects, and graphics applications. Cost estimates have been an integral part of all projects; working with established budgets, setting construction budgets, or responding to change order and value engineering requests. In 1987, Gary was awarded the Certified Professional Estimator certificate by the American Society of Professional Estimators. He presently lives in Sacramento, CA, with his wife of 31 years, his two grown children, and a grandson. Gary has an older daughter living in San Diego, who has his other three grandsons.
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Lynn E. Palmer
Construction Supervisor State of California Sacramento, California
Lynn started his career as an electrician in 1979, became a licensed Electrical Contractor in 1985, and owned and operated L & B Palmer Electric. He later went to work as an Electrical Inspector for the County of Sacramento. Lynn is a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, Sacramento Valley Chapter, where he also served as Chairman, and was a member of IBEW Local 340 Sacramento. Lynn has taught a variety of apprenticeship, journeyman and Code training classes. Lynn currently teaches in the Building Inspection Technology Program at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento. After working for the County of Sacramento for 10 years, he went to work for the State of California as a Construction Supervisor. Lynn currently resides in Elk Grove, California, with his wife Brenda and two children, Christopher and Jennifer.
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Jerry Peck

Electrical Inspector

Jerry Peck started in electrical work about 45 years ago, pulling wire through attics and crawlspaces for his dad, an electrical contractor. Around 1965, he had his first personal contact with lightning, where he found lightning flashes across a surface. Lying on a cast iron drain pipe under a house, lightning struck 20-30 feet from him. He remembers hitting the bottom of the floor above and calling for help. After hours (so it seemed, really only a minute or so), he crawled out and went to where his dad and brother were working. His dad had been connecting the ground wire to the service panel when the lightning struck, it melted his screwdriver, burned the hair off his arm, and went out his foot burning a hole through his work boot’s toe.

Jerry has been working around, and learning about, electrical work ever since. In the early 1970s he calibrated oscilloscopes, volt meters, etc. in a defense plant’s Standards Lab. In the late 1970s, working for an electrical contractor, he designed, helped construct and install, lighting systems for several discos. He has mainly been around and involved with residential electrical work, leaving commercial and industrial work to others. Jerry has been a Certified Electrical Inspector for 15 years.

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Michael Pillarella

Owner, Pillarella School of Electrical Code & Theory Assonet, Massachusetts www.pillarellaschool.com

Mike Pillarella holds a Master’s Degree in Education, a BA in Industrial Arts, and an AA in Electric and Electronics Engineering Technology. He became a Certified Electrical Related & Shop Instructor in the Massachusetts School system. In 1988, Mike established Electrical Contractors, Inc. (EMI) which provides electrical maintenance and installation services in the New England South Shore area.

In 2007, Mike established the proprietary Pillarella School of Electrical Code & Theory. While serving as an electrical inspector, he became increasingly aware of the areas in which more education was needed and structured his curriculum accordingly. His proudest moment as an instructor was when his son, Tim, earned his Master’s license—the first attendee of the school to do so. Mike holds master licenses in MA, RI, NH, VT and ME, and is an approved CEU provider and OSHA Outreach Construction instructor in these states. He’s President of the Massachusetts Electrical Contractors Association, Bristol Chapter, and President and Education Chairman of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, Roger Williams Chapter.

Mike served for several years as an instructor for the MA Firefighters’ Academy teaching Electrical Safety, Fire, and Arson Investigation. He served his community for 17 years as a firefighter, EMT, and finished as Fire Chief.

Mike is extremely proud of his wife, Valerie, and their three children, Amy, Michael and Tim.

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Jim Rogers

Instructor/Inspector/Chairman CMP-4/IAEI – Eastern Section
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts

james.rogers@bsia-fire.com

James J. Rogers is currently the inspector of wires for the town of Oak Bluffs, MA, the owner/operator of Bay State Inspectional Agency, and an active instructor of the National Electrical Code on a national basis. Jim currently represents IAEI as the principal member and Chairman of CMP-4 and is a principal member of the NFPA 303 committee on boatyards and marinas. He’s the Cape and Islands Chapter delegate and secretary to the Eastern Section, and serves on the Massachusetts Electrical Code Committee and the Massachusetts Electrical Interpretations Committee. Jim also conducts forensic investigations of electrical injury accidents and fire scenes and serves on multiple Underwriter’s Laboratories, Standard Technical Panels representing enforcement.
On a personal note, Jim has been married to his wife Kathy for 40 years. They have two sons; Adam, a Fire Protection Engineer at Georgetown University; and Jeremie, a Police Officer for the Town of West Tisbury. Jeremie is the proud father of Jim and Kathy’s first grandson, Greyson Rogers and granddaughter Lillianna. Adam has two sons Simon and Dean.
When time allows, Jim’s favorite hobby is playing golf and Kathy has now taken up the game as well.

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Merle D. Rogers

Electrical Instructor Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, California

Merle D. Rogers was an Organizer for Local 11 for three years and Local 47 for one year. He earned a California Electrical Inspection certificate through the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and worked for Kaiser Svervdrup Engineering as a Motor Control and Instrumentation Inspector.

Merle began teaching with the Los Angeles IBEW/NECA Training Trust and taught Process Instrumentation and Control for three years, and apprenticeship for one year. He helped begin an Instrumentation Program at the San Bernardino Training Trust. He became a full-time teacher at Los Angeles Trade Technical College three years ago and was recently certified by the U.S. Department of Labor as an OSHA Construction Outreach Trainer. He has created the curriculum for several new courses now taught at LATTC.

“Professor Rogers” appeared on the Discovery Channel’s, the Monster House television program, and was an expert witness on hand tools in one of the largest lawsuits involving hand tools in many years (In Re: Leatherman Tool Company).

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Samuel Rokowski

Electrican Contractor
Electrical Inspector / Plans Examiner

Samuel Rokowski is an outgoing, fun-loving, ambitious individual. His journey in the electrical field started began in 2003 as a JATC apprentice, and then he became a jJourneymean Wwireman. While Wworking at Walt Disney World, Sam has experienced a wide range of electrical installations including Motorsmotors, Mmotor Ccontrol Ccircuits, Ddistribution Ccenters, Transformerstransformers, Sservice work, Rremodeling, and Nnew Cconstruction. He now works as a professional electrical Pplans Eexaminer and Iinspector for the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the Municipality municipality for Walt Disney World, and on the he weekends teaches Electrical electrical Ccontractor exam preparation courses.
 
Samuel is licensed by the State of Florida as a Licensed Pplans Eexaminer and Iinspector and is certified by the International Code Council and the International Association of Electrical Inspectors as by the State of Florida, and also a Certified Nnational Pplans Eexaminer and Iinspector. by the International Code Council and the International Association of Electrical Inspectors. In addition, Sam He also is a Licensed licensed Eelectrical Ccontractor in Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama, and is currently working on obtaining licensingbeing licensed in several other Sstates. He i’s also in final stages of being licensed as a Florida Building Code Administrator.
 
Sam enjoys spending early mornings at the gym with his wife Rachelly, and the evenings relaxing with her and their dogs. Together they work with several ministries in their Parishparish, and keep God as the focal point of their relationship.

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Heinz Rosen

Electrical Engineer
Kissimmee, Florida

Heinz Rosen, P.E. is Director of Engineering at PDCS, a private company that provides code compliance services to Florida’s public agencies. He holds M.S. degrees in Bio-Engineering and Management from the Polytechnic Institute of New York (now Polytechnic University) and a B.S.E.E. from The Cooper Union. His experience includes 25 years at various engineering levels at Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. where he was responsible for the testing, inspection, and development of standards for a broad palette of products in the building, medical, scientific, and home appliance areas. Before joining UL he spent 14 years in industry in the research, development, and design of products in solid-state instrumentation, applied physics, and medical equipment. He was also an Adjunct Associate Professor teaching various electrical engineering subjects at the New York Institute of Technology and at the State University of NY (Farmingdale) for several years.

Heinz has served on several U.S. and international committees developing standards for electrical products and is a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) and of the NFPA.

Heinz is married, has two children and six grandchildren. When time permits, he enjoys playing tennis and reading nonfiction.

 

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Bill Ruffner

Founder and CEO TurboBid Chicago, IL www.TurboBid.net

Bill Ruffner is the founder and CEO of the award-winning TurboBid estimating software program. It was introduced to the marketplace in 2006 and has become one of the leading estimating software programs in the industry. TurboBid is designed to help contractors win more pro? table business by providing a systematic process to identify all costs, maximize crew productivity, and present a professional image.

In 1991, Bill started working as an apprentice for one of Chicagoland’s largest electrical contractors. During a 10 year period, hard work and dedication allowed him to quickly advance through the company. In 1997, Bill was offered and accepted the position of Vice President. During his four years in that position, he was responsible for increasing the company’s annual revenue from eight million dollars to over twenty two million dollars a year. In 2001, he started his own electrical contracting company. Bill knew that the company’s success would ultimately depend on his ability to quickly generate accurate estimates. He also understood that his customers would form an initial opinion of his company based on the quality and professional appearance of the proposals and bid package documents he presented to them. Bill believed that the fastest and most accurate method to estimate electrical jobs was undoubtedly with the use of a computer. Unfortunately, he couldn’t ?nd an estimating program that met his requirements. The available programs were either far too complicated, didn’t generate a quality bid package, or were much too expensive. “That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands,” says Ruffner. “The only way that I was going to get an estimating program that met all of my needs was if I created one myself.” Enter TurboBid.

In 2003, Bill hired the best software programmer in the industry to help take his estimating program from the design stage into a fully functioning software program. While he used his 20+ years of experience as an electrician and contractor to design the software, his skilled programming team brought the software to life in a powerful yet easy to use format. The end result was simply amazing. It quickly became one of the best-selling estimating programs available at any price.

Currently, whenever Bill isn’t busy conducting live on-line training classes with TurboBid users, he continues to design and add amazing new features to the program. He enjoys spending any free time that he may have with his beautiful wife of over 20 years. His son is currently enrolled in Arizona State University’s (ASU) School of Business with plans of joining the company upon graduation.

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Joel Sandel

Master Electrician/Instructor/Engineer/Member of CMP-5/NYC Electric Code Committee
Brooklyn, NY

Joel Sandel is the president of JRS Consulting with his lovely wife Raizy as the CEO. He manages a team of expert and highly trained electrical engineers who conduct protective device coordination studies and arc flash studies, and design electrical power and fire alarm systems for many large projects. Joel also runs electrical and fire alarm and safety classes, serves on the NYC Electrical Code Committee, serves on the NEC’s Code-Making Panel 5, and is engaged with IEEE standards such as the color books and 1584 standard. He is a Licensed Master Electrician, an OSHA Authorized Safety Instructor, a NYS Licensed Electrical Instructor, and a member of IEEE, NYFAA, NFPA, IAEI, and FBECA.

Joel began his adult life working in his father’s audio company where he learned to solve problems and get things done because as the saying goes, “the show must go on.” That’s where he had the opportunity to work with generators, temporary power, motors, and repairing electrical distribution systems and electronic equipment. Joel worked as a front of house (FOH) sound and systems engineer on several large events which were attended by as many as 35,000 people.

After that, Joel went to work for an electrical contractor in New York City where he worked in the field as a journeyman electrician for many years on residential, commercial, heath care, high-rise buildings, educational and industrial facilities, and retail projects. His duties included installing pipe and wire, large switchgear, electrical infrastructures, and fire alarm systems. He eventually began to do in-house engineering and training for the company to maintain the quality, safety, and code compliance which led him to his next endeavor.

Joel lives in Brooklyn, New York with his wife and three children. He volunteers on Sundays to play music to  entertain the sick and elderly.

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James Shafer
Harbor Marine Consultants, Inc. Stuart, FL
Jim Shafer, who holds the Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) designation from the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, as well as an American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Marine Electrical Technician Certificate, has an extensive background in the practical aspects of electrical problems in the marine environment. Applying his industrial and yacht electrical installation and repair experience to specific marina problems has allowed him to separate and identify recommendations for marina operations personnel to improve shore power safety and efficiency. Current efforts include developing a device for alerting the marina to AC ground faults in the dock wiring and on a yacht, and determining what effect these faults may have on underwater metals, as well as the potential to hann someone who falls into the water. Promoting an understanding of the importance of the dock ground system is currently his key area of interest.
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Martin Shoemaker

Martin Shoemaker has been involved in the electrical and electronics fields for over 35 years. Starting as the owner of an electronics repair shop, he’s worked as a broadcast engineer, field service engineer for heavy industry controls, facilities engineer for a petro- chemical complex, and instrumentation engineer for a jet engine manufacturer. Martin was registered as a Professional Engineer in 1985 and has been in private practice since 1995.

He’s been happily married to Joyce for over 23 years. They have two children and seven grandchildren. Martin has been a church worship leader for many years and enjoys cheering on his grandchildren in soccer, basketball, and cross country.

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Phil Simmons

Simmons Electrical Services PO Box 2377, Olympia, WA 98507

Phil Simmons is self-employed as Simmons Electrical Services. Services include consulting on the National Electrical Code and other Codes, writing, editing, illustrating and producing technical publications and inspection of complex electrical installations. He develops training programs related to electrical codes and safety and has been a presenter at numerous seminars and conferences. Phil also provides plan review of electrical construction documents.

Phil began his electrical career in a light-industrial plant. He is licensed as a master electrician and was owner and manager of Simmons Electric Inc., an electrical contracting company. Phil previously served as Chief Electrical Inspector for the State of Washington from 1984 to 1990. He also served as Executive Director for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors as Executive Director and as Education, Codes and Standards Coordinator. He was International President in 1987. He also served as Editor of IAEI News and updated the Electrical Inspection Certification Study Guides as well as the Neon Installations Manual. He served Underwriters Laboratories, as a Corporate Member and on the Electrical Council and on the UL Board of Directors.

Phil presently serves NFPA on Code Making Panel-5 of the National Electrical Code Committee. He previously served on the NEC CMP-1, as Chair of CMP-19 and member of CMP-17. He served six years on the NFPA Standards Council, as NFPA Electrical Section President and on the NEC Technical Correlating Committee.

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George Stolz

Master Electrician Quicksilver Electrical Training Pierce, CO www.qstrain.com

George Stolz began his electrical career by tinkering around with machines in the Production Department of the Fort Collins Coloradoan. He began his apprenticeship in 2002 and developed a keen interest in the Code shortly after joining the trade. George currently serves as a construction foreman for Gregory Electric in Loveland, Colorado. His work experience includes single- and multi-family dwellings, hospitals, schools, grocery stores, aircraft hangars, office buildings, maintenance, estimating, and project management.

George is a moderator on Mike Holt’s Internet Code Forum, which he asserts is the best place to go for technical discussion on the web. He teaches classes at the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter and enjoys a symbiotic relationship with the NFPA. He gleefully provides them with proposals to the NEC every cycle; the Code-Making Panels derive equal joy in rejecting them.

George lives near Pierce, Colorado with his wife Shana and their two boys. Their hobbies include camping, target shooting, bicycling, and trying to predict what the kids will get into next!

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Richard Stovall

CEO, SolPowerPeople, Inc.
Austin, Texas

Richard Stovall has been actively involved in the Solar Industry since 2008, and is motivated by his belief that solar technology will be an engine for economic growth for at least the next century. He’s worked in two different accredited and industry-recognized solar training organizations. Richard has been involved in developing state-of-the-art hands-on training labs for on-site and mobile education, developing curriculum, and training thousands of electricians, firefighters, solar installers, and utility workers. His company, SolPowerPeople, is known for the SolarMOOC Academy, which features free live lectures by industry experts (Mike Holt being the very first) that have been viewed by over 50,000 people globally. Since 2014 Richard and SolPowerPeople’s focus has been on residential PV quality control and inspection, with over 7,000 residential PV inspections (company-wide), in addition to developing a fully integrated mobile platform (app, web portal, and hardware) for onsite solar inspection and shade analysis.

His professional experience includes: CEO and owner of SolPowerPeople, Inc. (since 2011); Director of Operations and Lead Instructor for a leading solar training organization (2009 to 2011); IREC Certified Master Trainer in Photovoltaics; Certified NABCEP PV Installation Professional; LEED AP (Legacy); NABCEP’s technical committees for Solar PV Installation Professional and Solar PV Inspector Credential; IAFF National Trainer for Firefighter PV Safety Training; and assisting other organizations in developing interactive online content, including IREC’s Online Fire Safety Program.

Richard lives with his wife, Leanne, and two children, Piper and Levi, on a ranch just outside Austin, Texas.

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Eric Stromberg

Master Electrician, Electrical Engineer, Instructor

Eric@MikeHolt.com

Eric Stromberg has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and is a professional engineer. He started in the electrical industry when he was a teenager helping the neighborhood electrician. After high school, and a year of college, Eric worked for a couple of different audio companies, installing sound systems in a variety of locations from small buildings to baseball stadiums. After returning to college he worked as a journeyman wireman for an electrical contractor.

After graduating from the University of Houston, Eric took a job as an electronic technician and installed and serviced life safety systems in high-rise buildings. After seven years he went to work for Dow Chemical as a power distribution engineer. His work with audio systems had made him very sensitive to grounding issues and he took this experience with him into power distribution. Because of this expertise, Eric became one of Dow’s grounding subject matter experts. This is also how Eric met Mike Holt, as Mike was looking for grounding experts for his 2002 Grounding vs. Bonding video.

Eric taught the National Electrical Code for professional engineering exam preparation for over 20 years, and has held continuing education teacher certificates for the states of Texas and New Mexico. He was on the electrical licensing and advisory board for the State of Texas, as well as on their electrician licensing exam board. Eric now consults for a Department of Energy research laboratory in New Mexico, where he’s responsible for the electrical standards as well as assisting the laboratory’s AHJ.

Eric’s oldest daughter lives with her husband in Zurich, Switzerland, where she teaches for an international school. His son served in the Air Force, has a degree in Aviation logistics, and is a pilot and owner of an aerial photography business. His youngest daughter is a singer/songwriter in Los Angeles.

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James Thomas

Master Electrician/Electrical Instructor James Sprunt Community College Kenansville, North Carolina

James Thomas has been working in the electrical field since 1985 and is licensed in the State of North Carolina. He has worked in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical jobs. James has been an instructor teaching electrical and electronic courses (including the National Electrical Code) full time at James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville, NC for over 16 years and has taught thousands of individuals. He has taught at Pitt Community College in Greenville NC; Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC; and Sampson Community College in Clinton, NC.

James earned a diploma in Electrical Installation and Maintenance; a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Mount Olive College in Mount Olive, NC; and a Master’s degree in Industrial Technology from East Carolina University in Greenville NC. James also served in the Air Force Reserve in Goldsboro NC for over 22 years.

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John Travers

Electrical Inspector and Instructor, Electric Code Class Hialeah, FL http://electriccodeclass.com

John Travers completed the Joint NECA/IBEW Apprenticeship-Training program in 1977, after a tour of duty in the Air Force. He worked at various jobsites in the South Florida and Illinois areas until becom- ing a contractor in 1984. He began his career as an inspector in 1985 serving Hialeah Gardens. In 1988, he added the Town of Medley to his responsibilities, and became a full-time Chief Electrical Inspector for the City of Hialeah in 1990. He served in that position until 2005. He now serves as the Director of Community Development for Hialeah. His responsibilities include managing the Building, Zoning, Code Compliance and Occupational License Divisions of the City of Hialeah. He joined the IAEI in June of 1988 and was the project chairman for the 1996 Annual Meeting in Key West, Florida.

He currently serves as the Treasurer and Director of Codes & Education for the Miami- Dade Division. John oversees an aggressive Continuing Education program for the electrical industry in the South Florida area, where he is a certified Education Sponsor for electrical contractors, inspec- tors, engineers and tradesmen. In 2003, he began teaching nationwide, assisting the I.C.C. with seminars in Denver and Salt Lake City.

John is a family man, who has been married to Barbara for over 35 years, with three children and seven grandchildren. His hobbies include fishing, diving, philately, golf and photography. He is a martial artist in GOJU Karate, where he received his third degree black belt in 2006.

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Mario Valdes

Master Electrician, Electrical Inspector, Plans Examiner, Instructor, Electrical Content Editor, Mike Holt Enterprises

Mario@MikeHolt.com

Mario Valdes Jr. is a member of the technical team at Mike Holt Enterprises, working directly with Mike Holt in researching, re-writing, and coordinating content, to assure the technical accuracy of the information in the products. 

Mario is licensed as an electrical contractor, most recently having worked as an electrical inspector and plans examiner for an engineering firm in South Florida. Additionally, he was an electrical instructor for a technical college, teaching students pursuing an associate degree in electricity. He taught subjects such as ac/dc fundamentals, residential and commercial wiring, blueprint reading, and electrical estimating. He brings to the Mike Holt team a wealth of knowledge and devotion for the NEC.  

He started his career at 16 years old in his father’s electrical contracting company. Once he got his Florida State contractor’s license, he ran the company as project manager and estimator. Mario’s passion for the NEC prompted him to get his inspector and plans review certifications and embark on a new journey in electrical Code compliance. He’s worked on complex projects such as hospitals, casinos, hotels and multi-family high rise buildings. Mario is very passionate on educating electrical professionals about electrical safety and the National Electrical Code.

Mario’s a member of the IAEI, NFPA, and ICC, and enjoys participating in the meetings; he believes that by staying active in these organizations he’ll be ahead of the game, with cutting-edge knowledge pertaining to safety codes.

When not immersed in the electrical world Mario enjoys fitness training. He resides in Pembroke Pines, Florida with his beautiful family, which includes his wife and his two sons. They enjoy family trip getaways to Disney World and other amusement parks.

 

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Rod Van Wart

Chief Electrician - US Navy Ret.
Electrical Code Official / Instructor / Owner

Rod Van Wart has 50 years of electrical experience and a passion for teaching. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a Chief Electrician. His last tour of duty, at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, found him as a curriculum developer and an instructor, and during his time there, he taught over 600 students.

 

After leaving the service Rod became an electrical inspector and ultimately a Certified Building Official. During his tenure as an inspector, he served as the Chair for the development of the International Code Council’s Electrical Certification Exams for Electrical Inspectors having oversight of their 8,000 question bank. Rod’s career path led him to Des Moines, Iowa where he was the Deputy Building Official until he retired in 2010. During that time Governor Chet Culver appointed him to the new Electrical Examining Board. His job was to help in the formation of the state-wide electrical permitting and inspection programs. Through his leadership and direction the State of Iowa holds an A+ rating for its electrical programs.

 

After his retirement, Rod established the Omega Institute for Continuing Education which provides electrical safety and Code education classes for license renewal in Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Missouri. This experience led him to provide classes nationwide for NASA, the U.S. Mint, the FAA, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, Barilla, Caterpillar, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taylor Commercial Equipment, and BP (British Petroleum) to name a few.

Rod recently sat as Vice Chair under Dennis Neitzel for the development of the IEEE Marine Electrical Safety standards; a document that reflects personal electrical safety for longshoremen and dock workers. He has delivered white papers to National Electrical Testing Association (NETA) on power quality and harmonics as well as battery maintenance and testing issues.

 

Rod and his wife Tammy, a licensed Journeyman electrician with a Level 1 Instrumentation certification, live in Boone, Iowa, and own a gentleman's farm on small acreage. They have a blended family of two sons and a daughter who is a zookeeper at the Dallas Zoo. They’ve been blessed with seven grandchildren ranging in age from 22 on down to a 10-month-old infant. They love to travel, especially if it can be done while riding their motorcycles.

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Laura Vergeront

IBEW Journeyman/State Licensed Electrician/Vocational Instructor Riverside, CA Vergeront@msn.com

After Laura completed the Joint NECA/IBEW Apprenticeship-Training program in 1986, she worked as a journeyman electrician in new construction for 8 years. She was then hired by the California Department of Corrections to head the electrical maintenance department of Chino Men’s Prison, a position she has held for 13 years.

For the last two years she has been instructing inmates fulltime at the California Rehabilitation Center, Norco California in the basic safety and electrical skills needed to acquire a job once they are released.

At night her passion for the last ten years has been in teaching “Bonding and Grounding” to apprentices at the NECA/IBEW Apprenticeship School in her area. Saturdays are filled with OSHA-10 certification classes that she teaches to apprentices and journeyman. Laura has been married to her handsome husband Mike for 29 years. She and Mike share hobbies that include fly-fishing, backpacking and photography.

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Kevin Vogel

Professional Engineer/Instructor, Crescent Electric Supply Coeur d'Alene, ID www.cesco.com and www.trindera.com

Kevin Vogel graduated from Santa Clara University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. A licensed Professional Engineer since 1969, he worked as Chief Engineer for a division of Square D Company that manufactured electric heaters and thermoplastic outlet boxes. He also was employed as an electrician and holds a Master Electrician’s license.

In 1978, Kevin co-founded an electrical wholesale distribution business that was acquired in 1991 by Crescent Electric Supply Company. Kevin continues to work in that part of the industry, and is a certified instructor for National Electrical Code classes in the states of Idaho and Washington. He also serves as a consultant to Trindera Engineering, an electrical engineering firm located in Coeur d’Alene.

Kevin and his beloved wife Linda have been married since 1966, and have been blessed with 13 wonderful children and 20 (so far) grandchildren. Kevin is extremely grateful to God for all of the gifts He has bestowed on him and his loved ones

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Perry D. Vogler
Done Right Electric, Inc. Wildwood, FL donerightelect@aol.com www.solar-dr.com
Perry Vogler is a State certified Master Electrician in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and Missouri, and is NABCEP solar certified. He and his family moved to Central Florida in 2001 and started Done Right Electric shortly after that. They work on custom residential and small to mid-size commercial jobs, design/build and electrical engineering, and also specialize in solar power and building efficiency. Perry has spent his entire life in the electrical and building trades, learning work in all trades so he can incorporate this with building efficiency. This often gives him the edge he needs to win the job, and expand the work he does for his customers. Perry is happily married and has two boys. He is currently training his oldest to be an electrician and a solar installer. His hobbies are solar and building efficiency as well as playing and coaching fast-pitch softball, playing guitar, and studying electric and solar power.
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Dan Webb

Electrical Supervisor Timber Products Company Medford, Oregon

Dan Webb has been involved in the wood products industry for over 30 years with over 20 years as an electrician. As a teenager Dan started as a maintenance “shop-boy” helping the millwrights with the day-to-day tasks. He spent the next several years as a millwright and then moved in to the electrical side of maintenance. Dan specialized in process control becoming an integrator in advanced PLC, computer based operator interfaces, shift reporting, and other data acquisition or control processes.

Currently Dan is an Electrical Supervisor for Timber Products Company at the Medford complex which consists of a Hardwood Plywood Plant and a Particleboard Plant. He’s also highly involved in the local apprenticeship program as committee chair for the local apprenticeship training council and as an instructor for the related training coordinated by the local community college. Dan is also an Oregon State approved continuing education instructor providing the necessary training required by the Oregon Licensing requirements.

Dan and his lovely wife Cindy enjoy living in the beautiful Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon. He and Cindy are ATV enthusiasts and members of the Oregon Dune Patrol. They also enjoy motorcycling, fishing, and just enjoying the great outdoors. Dan says that he became involved in apprenticeship and continuing education to give back to the process that has enriched his life and helped him grow his “work-life” into a challenging and satisfying career.

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James Wescott

Electrical Contractor Aston, PA

Jim Wescott, after serving for 4 years in Germany (1960 through 1964) with the Signal Corps, returned home and worked in the family business for 2 years as an electrician doing commercial and industrial electrical work. From 1966 to 1978, he worked for four large electrical contractors in Philadelphia learning estimating and project management skills by day and attending school for Business Administration at night. Jim attained his Associates degree in Business Administration in 1974.

In 1978, he formed a partnership with his father and a brother. While they continued doing commercial and industrial work, they decided to turn their greater efforts to the Public Works market, which is their niche today. They currently have about 50 employees and work in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Jim learned estimating at a NECA estimating course in 1967. In 1978, he and his family purchased the first desktop Electrical Estimating program on the market developed by Trade Service, which ran on a Radio Shack Model II desktop computer.

James taught an estimating course for the Southeast Pennsylvania Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors. The first lesson he learned from a trade organization at the age of 15 was that, “your best friends in the construction industry are your competitors.” That experience prompted him to live with the philosophy that the more you help your peers, the better the industry, and the more you educate the competition, the more competitive you become. James has a strong desire to help educate young contractors so they can be legitimate, successful competitors. An ignorant, uneducated competitor is our worst enemy.

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Sean White

PV Professor and Solar Entrepreneur Orinda CA and Manila Philippines www.pvstudent.com

Sean White is an Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC/ISPQ) Certified PV Independent Master Trainer, is NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certified, NABCEP PV Technical Sales Certified, a NABCEP PV Entry Level Program Provider, a California Licensed Electrician, a California Licensed Solar Contractor, a professor at Diablo Valley College and PV instructor who has taught thousands of students in the USA, Canada, China, Philippines, Mongolia and Qatar.

Sean excels at making difficult concepts easy to understand. He is a fun and entertaining speaker. Sean is always working on many projects. Whatever time it is, there is always PV system that is producing power that Sean has worked on around the world. The latest solar companies he has co-founded are a residential installation company White House Solar in California and a commercial installation company Solar Philippines in Manila.

Sean has a big commute and spends his time living with his wife in the Philippines, with his awesome mother in California or often at a solar event somewhere in between. He is currently installing a 0.0001 MW (do the math) PV system on his sailboat “Stella” in the San Francisco Bay.

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Chuck Williams

Master Electrician/Instructor North Idaho College Post Falls, Idaho

Chuck Williams resides in Hauser, Idaho with his wife of 33 years. After serving with the U.S. Navy, he worked as a civilian on U.S. Navy aircraft and associated systems for 17 years before relocating to Idaho. He entered the Electrical Apprenticeship program in 1991 at the age of 41. He has worked in Idaho and Washington as a journeyman electrician and electrical administrator, as well as an electrical contractor.

He is in his seventh year as an electrical apprenticeship instructor at the Workforce Training Center, North Idaho College, and also teaches several courses in continuing education for electricians and contractors, including tutoring and electrical exam preparation.

To help fill a shortage of instructors, Chuck began teaching electrical students and instantly fell in love with this aspect of his vocation. He considers the rewards of teaching the most significant experience of his life. “We all contribute to our industry in different ways. Teaching is only one of the many opportunities afforded electricians, as ours is a trade that is constantly evolving and moving forward to utilize new technologies, methods, and equipment. To help others see the opportunities available is a joy and I will never tire of it.”

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David A. Williams

Master Electrician, Instructor, Electrical Inspector

daw1422@gmail.com

David Williams is an electrical inspector for Delta Township, Lansing, Michigan and has been an Adjunct Associate Professor at Lansing Community College in the Electrical Technology Program since 1995. He began his electrical career as an apprentice in 1974 at U.S. Steel, started inspecting for the State of Michigan in 1988, and has been inspecting for Delta Township since 1994.

Dave is a Licensed Master Electrician, Registered Electrical Inspector, Plan Reviewer, and Instructor. He holds a Certified Electrical Inspector—Master, Electrical Inspector General, and Electrical Inspector 1-2 Family through the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, IAEI.

He’s served on a Technical Committee for the National Electrical Code since 2007 and is currently serving on the NEC Correlating Committee for the 2023 and 2020 Code and CMP-10 covering Articles 215, 225, 230, 240, and the new Article 242. Dave Chaired CMP-7 for the 2017 NEC and served on CMP-5 covering Grounding and Bonding for the 2008, 2011, and 2014 Code cycles.

Dave also serves on seven UL Standards Technical Panels; UL-111, Standard for Multi-Outlet Assemblies; UL-414, Meter Mounting Equipment; UL-1081, Swimming Pumps and Filters; UL-2200, Stationary Engine Generator Assemblies; UL-2201, Portable Engine Generators; UL-2743, Portable Power Packs; and UL-3001, Distributed Energy Generation and Storage Systems. He’s served on the UL Electrical Council since 2010.

Dave is Chairman  of  the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, International Board of Directors. He’s currently the IAEI Michigan Chapter Secretary and serves on the Western Section Board of Directors. He’s Past President of the IAEI Michigan Chapter and Past President of the IAEI Western Section.

Dave and his wife Marie have two children (Christina and Aaron) and reside in Delta Township. He likes pickleball, golfing and they enjoy spending time at their family cottage.

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Ronny Williams

Master Electrician / Instructor
Leander, Texas

Ronny Williams is an electrical instructor at Leander High School in Leander, Texas and at the Centex Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors Association (IEC). He’s worked in the electrical industry since 1991 as a journeyman and master electrician in all aspects of the business including residential, commercial, light industrial, and service work. Ronny wears his tool pouch as well as being in the office as an estimator, purchasing agent, bookkeeper, and project manager.
In 2000 He served on the City of Austin Electrical Board from 2000 until 2015, and on the State Exam Development Committee for Electricians Licensing from 2004 until 2014.
Ronny began teaching in the IEC Apprenticeship Program in 2004 and currently still teaches the 1st Year Accelerated Program in the Spring Semester.
In August 2007 he was offered the opportunity he had dreamed about as a child. Ronny began teaching the Electrical Technology program at Leander High School which has allowed him to live out his dream of being a high school teacher and high school football coach.
In January of 2016 Ronny joined his uncle’s (Jimmy) company (Integrated Environmental) as his master electrician of record.
When not teaching or coaching football, you’ll find Ronny along with his wife of 25 years Cora, at or on a body of water fishing.

 

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Ray Winkel
Electrical Technology Department Chair, North Central Kansas Technical College Beloit, Kansas
Ray completed an electronics program at a trade school immediately after high school. He started his career in the consumer electronics industry servicing electronic products. Ray and partner Randy Paxson started their own electrical contracting business. As contractors, their company did all types of wiring: residential, commercial, and industrial. After 10 years in the contracting business, he began teach electricity at North Central Kansas Technical College. Ray is a licensed Professional Engineer and a licensed Master Electrician and is currently department chair in the Electrical Technology Department at North Central Kansas Area Vocational Technical College (NCKAVTC) in Beloit, Kansas. Ray gets a great deal of satisfaction from teaching and seeing students succeed. Ray is currently working on a Masters degree. Ray and his wife Ilene enjoy traveling and restoring antique jukeboxes in their spare time.
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