If you’ve worked in the electrical industry for any length of time, there’s an extremely good chance you already know who Mike Holt is… NEC expert, author, teacher, trainer, and EC&M Code consultant. President of Mike Holt Enterprises in Leesburg, Fla., Mike built his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade (read full bio). In addition to being a Code guru, Mike has many other interests. In our new online personality profile pieces, the EC&M editorial staff presents “10 things you didn’t know about” many of our experts and staff members. And who else would we start with than Mike Holt?
#1: Favorite TV Show?
I enjoy "Naked and Afraid" and imagine myself attempting to accomplish the challenge. "Blue Bloods" is another show that catches my interest. I enjoy the “family” and “honor” of the characters. Documentaries, where I get to learn new things, are my most favorite.
#2: Favorite Song?
“All of Me” is my all-time favorite song. I cry every time it plays. I dedicate this song to my wife whom I’ve been totally in love with for almost 30 years — she’s my dream girl. A second favorite is “When a Man Loves a Woman.” I feel the passion of love that I have for my wife in this song.
#3: Favorite Book?
I’ve loved the story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull from an early age — the one gull that did what no others said was possible. The “Slight Edge” is my current favorite. This book teaches how to be successful. “How to Eat that Frog” I love because it teaches how to manage limited time, and “E-Myth Revised” covers the concept of working in a “system.” If you read these four books, then you’ll really know more about who Mike Holt really is and why I’ve been so successful, despite my beginning as a high-school dropout kid.
#4: Favorite Movie?
I LOVE "The Princess Bride" movie. I just love “chick flicks” and romantic endings. Another movie I truly enjoy is “How to Train a Dragon,” about a young man who has a vision.
#5: Favorite Pastime?
Mentoring the next generation to greatness. I have a passion to help others succeed. This is the reason for my existence.
Click "next" to see 5 More Things About Mike Holt.
#6: Favorite Hobby?
Competitive barefoot waterskiing and competitive cross-country mountain biking
#7: Most Memorable Year and Why?
1988 was the year I won my first of seven National Barefoot Waterski championships. This championship stands out because I had dedicated seven years to hard training while providing for my family, running a business, and teaching.
#8: Hardest Job You’ve Ever Had?
There is no such thing as a “hard job.” If you enjoy what you’re doing and you’re learning, taking risks, and seeing success, then no job is “hard.”
#9: Who Inspired You to Become an Electrician?
Nobody. For some reason, I had an affinity for electricity — from sticking my fingers into a light socket to placing the terminals of a battery on my tongue. I had to lie that I had work experience to get my first job.
#10: Where You Received Your Training
I am self-taught. When I tried to get into an apprenticeship program, I was told there were no openings because I didn’t have a family member in the organization. It was much harder 40 years ago than it is today to get into the electrical trade.
