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Directed Electronics was founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1982 by Darrell Issa (now a U.S. Congressman representing
California’s 49th District) and his wife Kathy, as a maker of vehicle security products. In 1986 Directed Electronics
moved to Southern California, where the business began to expand rapidly. Automobile theft was rising dramatically,
especially in major metropolitan areas, and Directed’s commitment to research and development led to advances in
integrated circuit-controlled security systems that propelled the company to the forefront of the field. The Viper
and Python brands were introduced, and sales more than doubled between 1989 and 1990, leading to Directed’s inclusion
in the Inc. 500 the following year.
During the 1990s, Directed’s sales grew substantially, as the company won dozens of awards, developed the first
PC-programmable security systems, achieved quarter-mile range from keychain remote controls, and entered the
burgeoning car audio business. In the year 2000, Directed purchased the Clifford and Avital brands and became
the unrivalled leader in consumer branded vehicle security and remote start, which continues to this day.
At the end of 2000, Darrell and Kathy Issa sold controlling interest in the company to Trivest, Inc., a private equity
firm based in Miami, Florida, and stepped down from day-to-day operation of the company. In January 2001, Jim Minarik,
formerly President and CEO of Clarion Corporation of America, took the helm, and since then Directed’s sales have grown
nearly 500%. These are some recent company milestones:
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| Recent Milestones |
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| 2007 |
Directed Electronics extends contract with Sirius Satellite Radio
Directed Electronics Charitable Foundation raises $300,000+ at sixth annual Charity Golf Tournament
Directed Acquires Trilogix
Directed launches sweeping redesign of online presence
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| 2006 |
Directed acquires Astroflex
Directed acquires Polk Audio, becomes #1 supplier of Home Theater Loudspeakers
Directed Electronics Charitable Foundation raises $300,000+ at fifth annual Charity Golf Tournament
Directed acquires Autostart
Directed acquires MTP, our exclusive Canadian distributor
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| 2005 |
Directed becomes #1 supplier of Aftermarket Satellite Radios
First classes held at The Snake Pit
Directed acquires DesignTech brands AutoCommand and Ready Remote
Initial public offering, traded on the NASDAQ as DEIX
Directed Electronics Charitable Foundation raises $300,000 at fourth annual Charity Golf Tournament
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| 2004 |
Directed acquires Definitive Technology
Directed becomes Key Supplier to SIRIUS
Directed wins 14 major awards including four Innovations Awards
Directed Electronics Charitable Foundation raises $250,000 at third annual Charity Golf Tournament
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| 2003 |
Directed introduces 300 new products at Consumer Electronics Show
Directed expands facilities with new 50,000 square foot finished goods warehouse
Responder featured in Time Magazine: "The Mother of All Remotes"
Directed wins five Innovations Awards and a Telly Award for "The Coldest Day" remote start TV commercial
Directed Electronics Charitable Foundation debuts
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| 2002 |
Directed designs and engineers Responder 2-Way remote controls
Directed wins 14 major awards including MECP Manufacturer of the Year
Directed raises $115,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Vista, California
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| 2001 |
Directed acquired the Orion, Precision Power and a/d/s/ audio brands
Directed raised and donated $113,000 to the United Way 9/11 Fund
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