PowerSpot: Larry Pitts

This is PowerSpot, Plug Power’s monthly blog series where we highlight the Plug Power employees who inspire us and, we hope, will inspire you, too. Today, we’re meeting Larry Pitts, our Director of Mechanical Design.

Please explain what you do for a living in 20 words or fewer.

I am responsible for the innovation, completion and success of Plug Power product designs.

What is one of the most extraordinary/unusual experiences you’ve had in your career?

Back in 2012, I was at a customer site to see our GenDrive units in use for the first time. Not long into the tour, an argument broke out between two forklift operators over who got to use the fuel cell truck. It turned out they preferred the GenDrive over a battery because it gave them a better chance to receive bonuses related to the amount of product they moved.  Seeing two bad-ass warehouse workers fight over something I designed was eye-opening. That day, Plug Power became more than just a job.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?  Why?

This is totally dorky, but I would go back to the 1960s (this time as an adult) and take part in designing the fuel cells that went to the moon on the Apollo missions. That may just be a bit cooler than forklifts and delivery trucks.

While there I might go to a Led Zeppelin concert and invest in lava lamps.

What is your favorite movie and why is it at the top of your list?

Without a doubt, the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It’s an epic adventure – escapism in its finest form.

From beginning to end, there are endless displays of courage, selflessness and companionship. It made me want to be a better person. But the core theme is that even the smallest person can make a giant difference.

Do you have a life philosophy?  What is it?

Yes, two of them.  The first is “have fun making a difference.”  The second is “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, C. S. Lewis…and I wouldn’t say a word.

Larry’s interview answers show why he’s such a valued part of the Plug Power team: his core values, commitment to excellence and sense of humor.

#InfiniteDrive