Donald Horn
SSI Hall Of Fame: 2010
Current Status
President, The Horn Group LLC
Why He’s on the List
- More than 40 years as a true CCTV business and technology pioneer
- In 1967, founded Vicon Industries, an immensely important and influential CCTV products manufacturer
- Inventions introduced to the CCTV industry included the pan/tilt mechanism, motorized zoom lens and spot filter
- Instrumental in establishing CCTV as a cornerstone of the electronic security industry
- Helped internationalize the industry by traveling abroad and teaching Japanese companies about CCTV Technology
Keys to Success
“Willingness to put in the time and effort, and staying with a plan and goals. The greatest challenges were to keep the whole thing in perspective and to weather the challenges that came down the road. Tried to work with others in overcoming challenges as well as involve those who were involved — at every level.”
Roots of a CCTV Innovator
“Vicon was clearly a company in response to the void in the CCTV industry. The CCTV business in 1967 had those who were there for the quick kill, or those who thought they were the only show in town. People resented this situation, so there was a sigh of relief when we entered the field. We made it our mission to create a company offering legitimate products for CCTV systems. Vicon quickly grew to a position of leadership in the industry.”
Most Memorable Moments
“Vicon had its first public offering in 1969, a small effort on the OTC market. That offering helped us expand the company, and soon we were involved worldwide. At one point, Vicon private labeled products for a major number of companies in Japan and elsewhere in the world. As a pioneer in CCTV products we traveled to the orient teaching others about the technology we had developed. We understood we were opening up our innovations, but our interest was in furthering the industry.”
How Things Have Changed
“The early days in the industry were heavily populated by quick-scheme operators with little or no apparent interest in the future of CCTV. Companies like Vicon brought stability and legitimate business to the industry. Today’s industry reflects strong, well-recognized business entities. So the most profound changes in CCTV have been the entry of serious players to the industry, the evolution in technology, particularly cameras, and computer capabilities. The consequences are obvious at every turn today. It is difficult to go anywhere without seeing CCTV.”
What People Might Not Know
Spent four years at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Reported to and served two years on a destroyer in the Mediterranean, and later numerous amphibious ships.
Reaction to Being Inducted
“After so many years of me putting in the hardest work I can produce, it was a pleasant surprise that others’ interest was there to express the thought. I really wanted the CCTV industry to grow and I never considered financial success my primary goal. I go to bed at night comfortable in that thought.”
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About the Author
Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].
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