Heil Sound, the Fairview Heights, Illinois-based manufacturer of professional microphones, has announced the successful transfer of ownership from Bob and Sarah Heil to current President and CEO, Ash Levitt, and Director of Operations, Steve Warford. Sarah Heil has retired, but Bob will continue to do outreach work and product design within the amateur radio space under the title Founder and CEO Emeritus.
When discussing the transition, Heil said, “My life has been about achieving great sound, whether on the concert stage or in the amateur radio world. I’ve watched Heil Sound go from a regional sound company to a world-class microphone manufacturer. This company has been my passion but it is time for me to step aside. There is no better team to carry the company forward than Ash and Steve, and I have the utmost confidence in them.”
Both Levitt and Warford started working with Heil Sound as teenagers building and packaging products. Levitt took a different career path in academia for a number of years but continued to regularly consult with Heil Sound during that time. Levitt returned to Heil Sound full-time in 2017 and assumed the role of president in 2020. Warford worked his way up in the company during his tenure and has been responsible for daily operations for the past several years.
“Steve and I are honored to carry forward the legacy of Heil Sound,” Levitt responded. “We care very deeply about Heil Sound’s role in the industry and intend to build on that going forward with new products and greater distribution. An important part of that role that we pride ourselves on is the connection we have with professionals and end-users. As a musician and former broadcaster, I have spent a lot of time on stages and in studios in front of a microphone and understand our users’ needs. I and everyone at Heil Sound share a passion for what we do because it helps others achieve their creative endeavors.”
I was just having a problem with a sound system at out church and sent in a question Bob called me the next day to suggest that I check for a grounding system and I found out that there wasn’t one. We corrected that and solve the problem. Thanks Bob I never would have thought you would have called me yourself you seem like an awful nice guy I wish you enjoyment in any new endeavors.
Good luck to you both
Hi Bob,
You’ve had the upper hand of the audio accessory industry, which I’ve been nipping at your heals.
I kind of wished we could have teamed on the enginnering/design side.
Best of luck in retirement, have a cold 807 soon!
Congratulations Bob on your retirement.
Bob,
I wish you well in the many years ahead. I am reminded of you every morning when using my PR781 on my new Flex 6400M. I also remember when I found that hard to get capacitor for your KWM-1 power supply.
Best of luck to you and Sarah
Jim Green WB3DJU
This is great Bob. You and Sarah have so much for the world of quality sound and it is good to see that the company has a great future! Will always treasure my visit with you.
Jim Stitzinger WA3CEX
Thank you Bob for your many contributions, you have truly been a moving force in the world of sound. Thank you
bravo on and Sarah
Bob, Thanks for all your support, the amateur community will miss you but always remember your GREAT WORK! 73
Dear Bob,
I truly hope that your transition from 24/7 corporate time to 24/7 Bob and Sarah time exceeds your most positive expectations. In my opinion, the retirement adventure is very underrated! Thank you for the contributions you and your team have made available to the Amateur Radio and Entertainment community.
73, Mike N7TLL
ICOM iCM and Collins GM-Vintage