Retail Observer

JANUARY 2019 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 45 father, industry analyst Richard Doherty. She recalled the many road trips to tradeshows the Doherty family took together. "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, co-founder of Thiel Audio and former CTA Chairman and 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 for the industry he was part of 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. 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 that helped his independent electronics store grow into one of the country's largest. "I just want to let you know that this is one of the biggest honors of my life," he said. Pat Lavelle, CEO and President of VOXX International, accepted the award on behalf of Edgar Villchur. Villchur founded Acoustics Research (AR) whose products and inventions set the standard for high-quality audio. Lavelle said, "Being the current guardians 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." Finally, the Honorable Darrell Issa surprised the guests by accepting his 2017 award in person after being unable to attend last year due to the Congressional voting schedule. Congressman Issa helped establish pro-tech and free market policies in Congress after a successful career as CEO of Directed Electronics. During his speech, he shared his experiences as a young businessman, driving from Cleveland to Chicago on little sleep for the opportunity to exhibit at CES. With its 2018 class, the CT Hall of Fame has grown 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 nominations submitted by manufacturers, retailers and journalists. Visit CTA.tech to learn more about the CT Hall of Fame program, and for information on the 2019 nomination process. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! THE RETAIL AN EYE ON THE INDUSTRY SINCE 1970 Industry News • Tradeshow Events • Buying Groups • Retail Views • Trends • and more Essential resources for the independent retailer For more info: 800.393.0509 | retailobserver.com/subscribe | Print & Digital Access RO

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