I agree with you that direct and masive ligthing hit will destroy anything.
Also, I have had NOAA storm spotter training, and here is the rule, if you can hear
you can be hit by it.

You are also...

Well, being a Ham operator, I do have some lightning protection at my house.
As soon as possible, I plan to put up lighting rods, and a full lighting protection system. I live near Raleigh, NC and...

You are probably not going to like my solution, but here it is
What you need, is a good lightning protection at your place of work.
1)this includes lighting rods,
2)Lightning arresters.

Here...