Chris Stout’s passion for electronics began at an early age. As the son of a small business owner, he spent his junior high years building networks and computers with his father. This early exposure to technology laid the foundation for his future career.

Chris enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Technician, where he received extensive training in electromechanical systems, electrical theory, power generation, and test equipment. His training, which went all the way down to the component level, gave him expertise in system integration and troubleshooting. He later served as a Course Curriculum Manager, Instructor, and Mentor, capping off his military career with a deep understanding of complex electronic systems.

In 2006, while on leave, Chris assisted Joe Hoonhout of Reno Cabinet and Lighting with the installation of a Homeworks Illumination system in his family’s new Lake Tahoe home. This experience ignited his passion for Lutron products, which would shape much of his career moving forward.

After leaving the Navy in 2012, Chris joined Lutron’s Field Service Team in the Southwestern U.S. He quickly became a subject matter expert in computer networks, troubleshooting, and both current and legacy Lutron commercial systems. His reputation for excellence led him to work closely with Lutron’s Elite Specifiers, serving high-profile clients, including members of the Forbes Billionaires List. Known for his ability to solve complex issues, Chris was the go-to person for many challenging projects.

Following his time at Lutron, Chris joined Western Lighting & Energy Controls, where he mentored specifiers, integrators, and electricians, helping to grow the San Diego County market by 30%. He was a key figure in training and providing deep-level troubleshooting expertise, particularly in Homeworks and RadioRa systems.

In 2023, Chris founded CH Stout Consulting, where he continues to leverage his extensive experience to support the industry. His education and certifications include:

• Vocational Teledata Technology Degree | Associated Technical College | San Diego, CA

• Associate of Arts, Electronics Technology | Coastline Community College | Fountain Valley, CA

• General Radio Operators License w/Radar Endorsement | Federal Communications Commission

• General Mobile Radio License | Federal Communications Commission