How Rigging Lab Academy Began: Uncovering Hidden Treasures in Team Leadership

The journey of Rigging Lab Academy began with a simple but profound mystery: “Why are retention and recall missing from technical rope rescue training?” Inspired by Sherlock Holmes, the search for answers led to transformative insights that reshaped how individuals and teams approached rigging and rescue.

The Pioneers Behind the Vision

To solve this puzzle, three experts were brought into the fold:

• Reed Thorne: A trailblazer in technical rope rescue whose innovations redefined the industry.
• Pat Rhodes: A methodical thinker whose rigging systems are as harmonious as a symphony.
• Rick Johnson: Known for his iconic work on films like Titanic, Rick brought creativity and precision from his extensive experience in stunts, concerts, and commercial projects.

Through collaborative meetings, these pioneers identified the core issue: Retention and recall were the missing elements in most training programs.

The A/B Project That Changed the Game

The team devised an A/B project list to address these gaps, leading to the creation of training systems that set new standards. Tower Rescue, for example, revolutionized how the fire service and utility sectors approached their programs. This became a benchmark for future endeavors.

Over 15 years, Rigging Lab Academy expanded its reach, becoming a global platform for transformation. Leaders and teams from around the world shared stories of how they transitioned from scattered visions to cohesive, high-functioning units.

Empowering Leaders: The Hidden Treasure

At the heart of Rigging Lab Academy’s mission is the belief that rigging skills alone are not enough. True transformation happens when leaders are equipped to train and inspire others. The focus shifted to building courageous leaders capable of fostering the next generation of technical riggers.

A critical question posed to training teams became:
“Are you pushing your team to understand Two-Tension Systems and High Directionals?”

The answer often revealed whether a team was ready to uncover the hidden treasures within its members—leaders who could drive innovation and maintain excellence.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders

The ultimate goal of Rigging Lab Academy is clear: To equip courageous leaders to build other courageous leaders for tomorrow. This mission underscores every program and training offered, ensuring that teams not only excel in technical rigging but also in cultivating visionary leadership.

As Lance says,
“Hidden in the vastness of information is vision and a courageous soul, and to this, I have undertaken.”

Take Action Today

Hidden treasures lie within your team, waiting to be discovered and developed. The time to act is now—invest in your training officers and equip them to lead the next generation.

Peace on your Days

Lance