226 - Brandon Sawalich Reflects on 30 Years at Starkey and the Future of Hearing Care

Host Bob Traynor sits down with Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey, as he celebrates his 30th anniversary in the hearing industry. Brandon reflects on his journey from working summer jobs at Starkey to ultimately leading the company. He shares how hands-on experiences with hearing aids shaped his perspective, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, leadership, and curiosity. Brandon considers his greatest accomplishment to be the team he has built at Starkey and highlights his vision for the future of hearing care, focusing on AI and technological advancements to enhance both hearing and overall quality of life. Under Brandon's leadership, Starkey has pioneered the integration of sensors and AI in hearing aids, establishing the company as a leader in technical innovation. His extensive experience, having held ten positions at Starkey before becoming CEO, has given him a deep understanding of the industry. Committed to exceptional customer service, Brandon's approach combines customized service, professional evaluation, and cutting-edge technology, earning him the 2023 Executive of the Year award in the Excellence in Customer Service Awards. Beyond Starkey, Brandon serves on the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s Executive Advisory Council, Medical Alley’s Board of Directors, and supports Special Olympics Minnesota as a longtime board member. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest episodes each week, and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter): https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing/ https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing