About Gear Montana
Built by a Tradesman. Built for the Trade.
GEAR Montana was founded to bring structured, code-accurate electrical education to the Flathead Valley — taught by someone who has actually done the work.
Robert Ray
Master Electrician · Montana
Mike Holt Platinum Certified Instructor
Adjunct Professor · FVCC
Owner · GEAR Montana
GM · CMB Electric
Lead Instructor & Founder
Robert Ray
Robert Ray is a Master Electrician with 25 years of field experience spanning residential, commercial, and industrial work. His background includes nine years as a maintenance electrician and project manager at Microsoft, and four years as electrical foreman at McMurdo Station, Antarctica — one of the most demanding electrical environments on the planet.
Robert holds a Platinum-Level Mike Holt Certified Instructor certification and teaches as an adjunct professor at Flathead Valley Community College. He founded GEAR Montana to bring structured, code-accurate electrical education to the Flathead Valley.
Every course at GEAR is taught directly by Robert — not a substitute instructor. Students get 25 years of field experience in every class.
Our Story
From the Field to the Classroom.
GEAR Montana began as part of the Star Electric Apprenticeship Program, delivering structured NEC-based training to apprentices in the Flathead Valley. Built on the Mike Holt curriculum from day one, the program developed a reputation for producing code-ready, safety-conscious graduates.
In June 2024 GEAR opened its doors to the general public — extending state-approved apprenticeship training and CEU courses to electricians across Montana.
In January 2025 Robert Ray acquired GEAR Montana and expanded the program to a hybrid format, combining in-person instruction in Kalispell with live-stream access for students statewide.
Today GEAR is the only state-approved electrical apprenticeship school in the Flathead Valley — and the only one in the region taught by a Mike Holt Platinum Certified Instructor.
The Flathead Valley needed a school that teaches the code the way it's actually applied in the field — not just theory.
That's what GEAR does.
2023
GEAR founded as Star Electric RTI
2024
Opened to general public
2025
Acquired by Robert Ray · Hybrid format launched
Today
Only state-approved school in Flathead Valley
Certifications & Credentials
25+
Years Experience
Platinum
Mike Holt Certified
Master
Montana Electrician License
FVCC
Adjunct Professor
Ready to Train With Us?
Whether you're starting an apprenticeship or renewing your license — GEAR Montana has the course for you. Taught by a Master Electrician with 25 years in the field.