The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM, inducted 14
visionaries into the Consumer Technology (CT) Hall of Fame at its
annual awards dinner, held last night at Capitale in New York City.
CTA created the Hall of Fame in 2000 to honor industry pioneers and
entrepreneurs.
This year's honorees include John Briesch, the Sony executive
who led the launch of the compact disc (CD); Dr. John Cioffi, the
father of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL); Robert Cole, founder of
World Wide Stereo; Richard Doherty, an influential technology
journalist and industry analyst; Peter Lesser, smart home pioneer
and founder of X-10 USA; Mike Romagnolo, founder of DOW
Stereo/Video; and Edgar Villchur, inventor of the acoustic
suspension speaker.
In addition, two teams are also part of the 2018 class. First,
the co-founders of Thiel Audio, Kathy Gornik and Jim Thiel and the
co-founders of Skype, the person-to-person video phone platform:
Janus Friis, Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, Jaan Tallinn and Niklas
Zennstr�m.
Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CTA, praised the inductees
for their contributions that have helped to grow the U.S. economy.
He said, “Tonight, we honor the leaders that inspire us and
motivate us to think outside the box. The entrepreneurs in the CT
Hall of Fame are an extraordinary group. They inspire us to be
better and encourage us to reach for the stars."
The first inductee to accept his award was John Briesch who
advised attendees, “If you have a passion, a new technology or a
dream, seek out partners and instill in them your passion. Build
networks within your area of expertise to create a working team of
people who believe."
Next, Dr. Cioffi, thanked Stanford University for the support it
gave him during the development of the DSL high-speed data
technology. “With my Stanford affiliation, it has always been about
my students over the years. They propped me up and have been
involved in everything I've done," he said.
Robert Cole, founder of Worldwide Stereo said, "Nobody gets here
alone," as he recognized the inspiration his family has given him.
From his mother who shared her love of music, to his brother who
taught him the inner workings of speakers to his wife of 45 years
who stood by him. "It's hard to fail when you have that kind of
support."
Sabrina Doherty accepted the award on behalf of her late father,
industry analyst Richard Doherty. Sabrina recalled the many road
trips to tradeshows the Doherty family took. "It was at these tech
shows where we would walk the halls and he would point out people
and tell us how they made our world better and how their vision,
discoveries and guidance upgraded our lives."
Kathy Gornik, the co-founder of Thiel Audio and former CTA
Chairman as well as chair of multiple CTA boards, said, "We were a
little company in a garage in Kentucky and if it hadn't
been for CES, I really don't know how we would have grown this
company to become a worldwide player. We were not huge, but plenty
big enough for us."
Early smart home entrepreneur Peter Lesser shared his respect to
the industry he participated in for more than 40 years. "Just to be
on the same list as so many industry greats is a bit crazy,
certainly gratifying but above all very humbling," he said. "I will
never forget this night, this industry and the great people in
it."
Michael Romagnolo of DOW Stereo/Video thanked the many
people, manufacturers and businesses who helped his
independent electronics store grow into one of the largest in
the country. "I just want to let you know that this is one of the
biggest honors of my life," he said.
CEO and President of VOXX International, Pat Lavelle,
accepted the award on behalf of Edgar Villchur. Villchur founded
Acoustics Research (AR) whose products and inventions set the
standard for high-quality audio. "Being the current guardian
of AR, we strive to carry Edgar's goal of truth in listening,
building hi-res audio players and high fidelity
hi-res headphones that have won numerous awards and accolades
around the globe," Lavelle said.
Finally, the Honorable Darrell Issa surprised guests to accept
his 2017 award, after being unable to attend last year due to the
Congressional voting schedule. He helped establish pro-tech and
free market policies in Congress after a successful career as CEO
of Directed Electronics. During his speech, Congressman Issa shared
his experiences as a young businessman, driving from Cleveland to
Chicago on little sleep just for the opportunity in exhibit at
CES.
With the 2018 class, the CT Hall of Fame grows to 260 inventors,
engineers, retailers, journalists and entrepreneurs who conceived,
promoted and/or wrote about the innovative technologies, products
and services that connect and improve the lives of global
consumers.
The inductees were selected by media and industry professionals,
who judged the nominations submitted by manufacturers, retailers
and journalists. To learn more about the CT Hall of Fame program
and for information on the 2019 nomination process, visit CTA.tech.
Complete profiles of the honorees are in the November issue of
CTA’s magazine It Is Innovation (i3).
About Consumer Technology Association:
Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM is the trade association
representing the $377 billion U.S. consumer technology industry,
which supports more than 15 million U.S. jobs. More than 2,200
companies – 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others
are among the world’s best-known brands – enjoy the benefits of CTA
membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical
education, industry promotion, standards development and the
fostering of business and strategic relationships. CTA also owns
and produces CES® – the world’s gathering place for all who thrive
on the business of consumer technologies. Profits from CES are
reinvested into CTA’s industry services.
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Consumer Technology AssociationCindy Stevens,
703-907-7609cstevens@CTA.techCTA.techorMark
Chisholm, 703-907-5229mchisholm@CTA.tech