EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (February 10, 2026) — On Founder’s Day, Starkey honors William F. Austin and the enduring legacy he has built over 65 years in the hearing industry. His career represents far more than a milestone, reflecting a lifetime of leadership guided by compassion, service, and a deep belief in the power of hearing to change lives. Through his vision and love for humanity, Bill’s impact has extended far beyond Starkey, shaping lives and communities around the world in ways that continue to unfold.
For more than six decades, Bill has believed that hearing is fundamental to dignity, independence, and connection. Guided by that conviction, his life’s work has impacted millions of people worldwide, individuals whose lives are better, whose futures are brighter, and whose possibilities are greater because someone cared enough to act.
While Bill’s work has been recognized on global stages, the true depth of his impact is impossible to calculate. His legacy is not measured solely in milestones or achievements, but in lives improved, independence regained, relationships reconnected, and humanity renewed. Through the gift of hearing, people found their voices again and communities found hope.
Bill’s influence extends beyond those directly served. One of his greatest contributions is the path he created for others to follow. He opened doors with intention, clearing the way for new ideas, new leaders, and new dream. In doing so, he proved that meaningful work is not defined only by what we build, but by who we uplift along the way.
“Bill Austin showed us that leading with heart and purpose can change the world,” said Brandon Sawallich, 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.”
That legacy continues through Starkey, where Bill’s values of compassion, service, and responsibility remain at the core of the company’s culture. Through global philanthropic efforts, including Starkey Cares and Starkey Hearing Foundation, Starkey has helped deliver hearing care to more than one million people worldwide, including Mother Theresa, Popes and Presidents, a living extension of Mr. Austin’s belief that access to hearing changes lives.
On Founder’s Day, Starkey celebrates William F. Austin, a humanitarian, a leader, and a servant heart. Sixty-five years into his journey, his impact continues to grow, shaping Starkey, inspiring those around him, and driving the work still ahead.
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.
