Robert L. Luddy

Recognizing the demand for a quality manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation equipment, Bob Luddy purchased a sheet metal shop in 1981 and transformed it into CaptiveAire Systems. Today, CaptiveAire provides a wide range of commercial and industrial ventilation products and employs over 2,000 individuals, with over 100 sales offices and six manufacturing facilities nationwide.

A strong advocate of excellent education, Bob establishes schools that help youth develop good character and reasoning skills. In 1998, Bob established Franklin Academy, a public charter school in Wake Forest, NC and what is now one of the largest and most successful charter schools in North Carolina. In 2001, Bob founded St. Thomas More Academy, a classical, college preparatory middle school and high school in Raleigh. In 2007, Bob opened Thales Academy, a rapidly growing network of private schools offering a high quality Pre-K—12 education at an affordable tuition rate. The Luddy Schools are quickly growing, with over 6,000 students enrolled throughout North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. In 2019, Bob established Thales College, a classical college offering an affordable and accelerated undergraduate degree program that gives students the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the modern world.

Bob is an avid supporter of entrepreneurs and the free market system.