California Congressman Darrel Issa and his wife Katharine, founders and former owners of Directed, stopped by Directed headquarters to help celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary.
It’s Issa’s voice we hear on a Viper security system when it says, “Please step away from the car.”
Issa has been a member of the House since he and his wife sold their controlling interest in Directed about a decade ago. He is now Chairman of the influential House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Issa said of Directed, “This company stays one, two, or three steps ahead of the competition. That’s what’s so exciting and that’s why I’m optimistic that there can be another 30 years.”
Directed President Mike Simmons added, “This company is about innovation…When we look at how we’re leading this industry into the era of the connected car with innovations like Viper SmartStart, we can proudly say that the ‘new Directed’ will look a lot like the ‘old Directed’ that Darrell and Kathy started.”
Directed was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1982 by the Issas. In 1986, Directed moved to Southern California. The Issas sold their interest in Directed in December of 1999 and Darrel stepped down from day-to-day operation of the company upon his election to Congress in 2000.
Also in attendance at the event to celebrate Directed’s 30th birthday were Vista, CA Mayor Judy Ritter and several members of the Vista Chamber of Commerce.
Source: Directed
