*Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, and Fellow Human.
*Global Business Leader, Visionary and Thought Leader, Board Chair and Director. Over 40 years of experience and passion in,
Consumer Electronics, Mobility, Technology, Sporting goods, and the Extreme Sports industries. My primary focus has been and still is on accessory and enhancement related products and services.
*Consumer Electronics industry with over 40 years of experience, growth, and exposure in retail, distribution. The last 30 years in manufacturing, sales, marketing, product development, and global supply chain.
*Designed, developed and manufactured over 400-500 individual products and product lines. This was our brands as well as our client’s Brands who were and are some of the largest and Premier leading Consumer Electronics, Technology, and Sporting goods brands and retailers around the globe.
* 10 Patents, 8 Patents related to Consumer Electronics & Cellular products. 2 Patents related to Extreme Sports products.
* From 1990 -2010 I was mentioned and considered one of the top leaders and visionaries in the CE Accessory global marketplace. It has been said, that I was one of a few people who truly lead and changed the industry. I was very humbled. It is also humbling when your wife asks, who are they talking about? Do we know him? Yes, Life is Real!
* During this time span, I was lucky enough to lead in the key market categories such as Video, Camcorder, Digital Photo, and Cellular accessories. I tried to revolutionized the products and how they performed as well as merchandised and brought to market. This enabled me to also lead in many industry firsts, here are just a few.
* In 1992, I introduced the first Licensed Accessory product. The 1957 Chevy VHS rewinder. This was followed in 1993 with the 1963 Corvette Stingray VHS rewinder.
* That same year in 1992 with the emerging mobile cellular business still in its infancy, I expanded into the cellular accessories. We launched at CES 1993 with the first comprehensive full retail ready accessory line. With color-coded sub-categories and 100% recycled packaging. At the same show, We also introduced another industry first. The first dual bay desktop charger. It would charge your flip phone in the front slot and your extra battery in the rear slot.
* Keeping up with innovative industry firsts, at CES1995 we introduced the first cellular phone Plug and Play hands-free system with wireless mic for the car. This was the most innovative and hottest item at CES 1995 and the cellular accessory marketplace. I was able to secure the North & South American exclusive with the vendor ( and still my good friend) with a handshake and our word and commitment! It was a market and game changer.
* At Grand Destiny, we were known as a leader in our ability to innovate and create in design and product development. In most cases (not all) we did this for our customers under their brands.
*I’ll mention a few accolades I received from a few other industry leaders and friends. Ilana Diamond, Former President, and CEO of Sima Products once referred to me as our industries, “Accessory Idol” .John LaRagina of PC Richard fame once introduced me to one of his vendors at a CES show as the Father of camcorder and video accessory business.
* Founded Grand Destiny Group in Hong Kong and Scottsdale in 1997. In 2004 I founded NXe Paintball with my son and built it into the #1 Brand w/ 65% global market share in softgoods, enhancement, and protective products. We sponsored over 150 over teams around the world. Including 75% of all Pro players and teams globally.
* I have flown and traveled over 5 million miles during my career. Only God knows how many nights in a hotel and away from home I have actually spent! More nights in Hong Kong and China than anywhere else. I have missed things that you should never miss. Sometimes as time goes by, sacrifices you may question.
*CE and Technology Historian 1977- Present
I have made it! I have been a part of it! I have lived it and I am still living it!
*Giving Back to the Industry. An active member of the Consumer Technology Association since 2003.
CTA Executive Board 2014.
CTA Board of Industry Leaders 2012 – 2018
CTA Division Executive Board 2012 – 2016
CTA Accessory Board member- 2003- Present
CTA Accessory Board Chair – 2014-2015.
CTA Accessory Board – Vice Chair 2011-2013
Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association – Board member- Extreme Sports Development Board. 2006-2009 .
There will more information about John and his career in his Bio.
Off to a good start….
Thanks, Rich.