Bob Luther is the founder of LEX Products. At LDI this year he will be teaching LEX Basics Of Power: Demystifying Electricity, an essential class for anyone who needs the basics or a refresher course, and it is also geared towards those who want to achieve ETCP certification as a Portable Power Distribution Technician or an Entertainment Electrician.
Use promo code LEX20 for a 20% discount on this class.
Live Design: Can you describe yourself in less than 50 words?
Bob Luther: Professionally, I’m an entrepreneur who started Lex Products, now working on a new business venture. Very active in industry standards and the well being of the industry through ESTA. Personally I’m a husband, father and grandfather, active in my church and community. My passions outside of work are BBQ and fishing.
LD: Please give a brief overview of your training/education/career path.
BL: Before starting Lex I was in marketing with a business background. I learned power distribution by building it, first for the Film Studios in New York when they switched from DC to AC (yes, I’m that old). At one point I founded the electrical power working group, part of the technical standards program of ESTA. That (and UL) forced me to learn the value of standards and compliance. I’ve taught classed for LDI and others for decades, this also forces one to learn beyond one’s comfort zone.
LD: Please describe your most recent project
BL: I provided the power distro for the ESTA TSC plugfest in Minneapolis in October. Just a couple of small distros and cables but one I did on my own.
LD: What are you teaching at LDI and who is your target audience?
BL: It is the Basics of Power all-day class with my colleague Pat O’Keefe from Lex. It gives a firm foundation in single and three phase power distribution systems before layering in overcurrent protection, GFCI, cable ampacities, essential electrical formulas, National Electrical Code consideration and safe practices. One segment, “Demystifying Electricity” explains Delta and Wye systems in a way that anyone can understand, and goes a long way to unlock the additional concepts.
LD: What is the difference between your class and the electrical courses that carry ETCP renewal credits?
BL: ETCP renewal credits are for those who have already achieved ETCP certification. This class is geared towards those who want to achieve ETCP certification as a Portable Power Distribution Technician. It would also help for Entertainment Electician. This is the first course that the ETCP has deemed “content approved” for those interested in a specific Certification, in this case the Power Distribution Technician certification.
LD: What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?
BL: Like so many others, I have been affected by outside events effecting the industry out of our control. Covid and then the film industry slow down have affected so many, from business owners to crew technicians. It teaches us that we need to be resilient and creative, this goes both for individuals and businesses.
LD: What is your advice for people just getting into the industry?
BL: I just read a book titled “Let Them” by Mel Robbins. The premise of the book is that people are going to do things that annoy you, and there is little you can do about it, and it’s almost always not about you. Let them and don’t let it bother you. Read the book, it is life changing. Another great piece of advice is the mantra of Charles Koch, founder of Georgia Pacific. Safety and Compliance first. A must in out industry. If you don’t like someone, get to know them better (Abe Lincoln). Follow your passion, build a network of folks that you can help and that can help you. Have fun and laugh.