For employee owners of Chatsworth Products, Inc. (CPI), the 20th anniversary of the company is the perfect time to look back on where we've been, where we are, and where we're going. But let's face it, the present and future are really nothing without the past, and here at CPI, our history as a company has come to define who we are - one of the leading global manufacturers providing voice, data and security products and service solutions that optimize, store and secure technology equipment.
So just what makes being an employee owner of Chatsworth Products so special? Don't take our word for it! Let's hear what CPI employees around the world have to say...
"In the beginning, we were a small company, but we had LOTS of pride. We worked hard to support each other - our quality was excellent, and when we opened the New Bern, NC facility in 1993, that's when we truly became a national company. I look back on our growth with an immense amount of pride, knowing that our culture comes from our core values." - Bill Crockett, Senior Vice President (retired) & Board Member, Westlake Village, CA - 20 years
"I remember when our catalog was really nothing more than anold note book, 20 pages long! That was when we only made racks and trays, but boy did we work hard. When a big order came in, everyone pitched in on the production floor to make it happen - even on Saturdays!" -Terry L. Tyndall, Customer Service Administrative Assistant, New Bern, NC - 15years
"This is the first organization I've worked for that truly cares about all of its dedicated, hard-working employees. I've learned a lot and continue to learn more every day. There's no stopping our success!" - Victor Rubio, Material ControlSpecialist/Jr. Buyer Planner, Chatsworth, CA - 4 years
Then and now. While we've made some changes over the years, it's still on the inside what counts: quality.
"I started in 1985, when CPI was still CPI/Harris Dracon. Many job titles over the years, including customer service, regional sales manager, product manager and director of custom engineering. CPI invented the 5/8, 5/8 ½ hole pattern modifying the old 1 ¼, ½ Telco pattern and we were one of the first to offer switching on keyboard and video, not to mention pioneering vertical cable managers with fingers at RMU spacing. It's amazing how fast the time goes, along with all the changes in the industry." - Dennis VanLith, Director of Custom & Sustaining Engineering, Georgetown, TX - 20 years
"What an honor it's been to have the opportunity to open the first international CPI location and develop the business in the Latin American region. It's great to be a part of this CPI family and work for a company where the most important part is the people." -Alfonso Santos, International Area Sales Director, Latin America - Mexico City - 11 years
"I've been honored to be a part of CPI's 20-year celebration. You can't ask for a better work environment, where all of the employee owners are willing to go the extra mile to keep our customers happy and to grow the company." - Paula Stem, Director of Customer Service, New Bern, NC - 15 years
"They say time flies and rightly so! Three years have passed since I joined the CPI family to look after the Middle East region. We've come a long way and it's certainly a special feeling to be apart of this 20th anniversary celebration. Looking forward to being a part of the 50th anniversary too!"- Sundeep Raina, International Regional Sales Manager, Middle East - 3 years
"For me, CPI's employee ownership structure means a real culture of cooperation. There's a genuine undercurrent of support, urgency and willingness to jump in and help overcome obstacles as a team." -Todd Heany, International Area SalesDirector, Asia Pacific - 1 year
From just racks & trays to multi-faceted high-tech displays, we've come a long way!
"I knew from day one that working at CPI would be totally different from any other place I had worked. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. I've made many close friends and I'm happy to say CPI is truly my second family. The words 'teamwork, caring and commitment' ring true." - Denise Bonicelli, Customer Service Supervisor, New Bern, NC - 15 years
"Having been with CPI for over 4 years, I can proudly say this is a great organization. Everyone works together, finds ways to make things happen and keep our customers happy - it really is all about teamwork!" - Stewart Munns, International Area Sales Director, Canada - 4 years
"How time flies. I think back over the years and it's amazing how far CPI has come after 20 years. One thing will hold true - that yesterday, today and tomorrow, we will be an organization that takes pride in our products and does our best to delight the customer. The business partnerships and friendships that I've established are what I cherish the most." - Jeff Steen, Area Vice President - Corporate Strategic Accounts, Remote, 16 years
"With this being the first ESOP company I've worked for, I've truly enjoyed the benefits of this unique structure, especially being able to watch our monthly owners meeting and have visibility to the financial side of our business. The openness within CPI really enhances the spirit within all of us." - Ian Cathcart, Technical Support Manager, Europe - 3 years Jeff Cihocki, eContent Specialist