A Baltimore/Virginia/Washington D.C.-area institution for nearly 50 years, Jack Luskin became a local celebrity known as "the cheapest guy in town," helping to pioneering low-price consumer electronics and appliance retailing. Luskin opened his first store in 1948, becoming one of the nation's first TV dealers. At its height, Luskin operated 48 stores. In 1996, Luskin's final stores closed, but a new six-store chain, Big Screen Store, was opened by his son, Cary, many in former Luskin locations. Luskin has a well-known civic and political presence as well, serving on many charity, state and local boards, including stints as a senior commissioner with the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland State Roads Commission under four governors and 15 years as commissioner of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission. He also was a vice president of NATM.