EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA — On Founder’s Day, Starkey honored William F. Austin and the legacy he has built over more than 65 years in the hearing industry. The company said Austin’s career represents more than a professional milestone, reflecting decades of leadership shaped by compassion, service, and a belief in the life-changing impact of hearing. Through his vision and humanitarian focus, Starkey noted that Austin’s influence has extended beyond the company, touching individuals and communities around the world.
For more than six decades, Austin has emphasized that hearing is fundamental to dignity, independence, and human connection. Starkey said this philosophy has guided efforts that have reached millions of people globally, supporting improved communication, renewed independence, and expanded opportunities through access to hearing care.
While Austin’s work has received international recognition, the company described his broader impact as measured not only in milestones but also in lives improved, relationships reconnected, and communities strengthened through access to hearing. Starkey noted that hearing care can play a role in helping individuals reconnect with others and participate more fully in daily life.
Continuing Influence and Philanthropic Impact
The company also highlighted Austin’s role in shaping future leaders and encouraging innovation within the hearing care field. Starkey said his leadership helped open doors for new ideas, emerging professionals, and continued progress across the industry, reinforcing a culture focused on service and long-term impact.
“Bill Austin showed us that leading with heart and purpose can change the world,” said Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey. “
“His legacy lives on not just in the millions of lives touched through hearing care, but in the generations of people he inspired to dedicate their lives to making a difference.”
— Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO, Starkey
According to Starkey, Austin’s values continue to shape the company’s culture and global philanthropic initiatives, including Starkey Cares and the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Through these efforts, the organization said it has helped provide hearing care to more than one million people worldwide, including notable humanitarian outreach involving global leaders and communities in need.
On Founder’s Day, Starkey recognized William F. Austin as a humanitarian, industry leader, and advocate for hearing care. More than six decades into his career, the company said his influence continues to guide Starkey’s mission and future work in advancing access to hearing and improving quality of life.
About Starkey
Starkey is a leading global innovator in hearing technology and AI-powered hearing aids, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Since its founding by Bill Austin in 1967 and led today by Brandon Sawalich, Starkey has driven breakthroughs in unmatched sound clarity and machine learning and intelligent hearing technology. As the only American-owned hearing aid manufacturer, Starkey employs over 5,000 professionals across 29 facilities, delivering advanced hearing solutions to customers in 100+ markets worldwide. Explore our smart hearing devices and connected technologies at www.starkey.com.
Source: Starkey
