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Lincolnshire resident has a lot to celebrate
Lincolnshire resident Don Roth, CEO of AmpliVox Sound Systems, shows a circuit board from one of the many products his company makes out of its Northbrook facility. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: November 7, 2012 7:36AM
LINCOLNSHIRE — It’s been an exciting last few months for longtime Lincolnshire resident Don Roth, who is the CEO of Northbrook-based AmpliVox Sound Systems.
On Tuesday, he hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at his company’s new facility, 650 Anthony Trail in Northbrook. A leading manufacturer of high-quality sound systems and presentation equipment, AmpliVox reported that it needed the 60 percent larger space to keep pace with growing demand. Earlier this year, the company’s “Pink Podium Promise” program donated 40 pink megaphones to organizers of the Susan G. Komen Greater Race for the Cure, which was held in September in New York City. Roth also proudly shared news of his daughter’s recent engagement. “We’re having a ball,” Roth said. “I’m passionate about my business and my life.”
Q: How long have you lived in Lincolnshire?
A: 37 years.
Q: Where are you from originally?
A: Northwest side of Chicago
Q: Why did you choose Lincolnshire?
A: Because of the great school system.
Q: Share a bit about your family.
A: I’ve been married 46 years to Nancy “with the smiling face.” My adult daughter and two sons all have great success and did well in sports.
Q: What about Lincolnshire makes you proud?
A: It has a very congenial spirit and attitude. People are very friendly. It’s a community that reaches out to one another and supports each other. I’ve also known several of the mayors over the years and they’ve been very, very good.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant or entertainment venue in town?
A: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Egg Harbor Cafe, and Viper Alley. Cubby Bear North is a great place. (Owner) George Loukas is the best. We have both been on the North Suburban YMCA board for many years.
Q: If you were mayor for the day, what would you do?
A: I would continue our great arbor and green-spirited activities.
Q: What has changed in Lincolnshire since you moved here?
A: We’re not the small, intimate community we used to be but the atmosphere is still there. I have always had wonderful neighbors. The spirit, attitude and camaraderie have not really changed with the town’s growth.
Q: What got you interested in the electronics industry?
A: Because of Xerox I became interested in electronics. I’m not an engineer. By trade I know marketing and finance. It was a great foundation for my career to be at Xerox for all those years. (Prior to purchasing AmpliVox in 1995, Roth was regional vice president for Xerox and executive vice president of Apeco and Numeridex Cad/Cam systems.)
Q: What inspired you to launch AmpliVox’s Pink Podium Promise?
A: I had prostate cancer four years ago and I’m now cancer free. I also have friends and relatives with cancer.
Q: What are your future career goals?
A: I have somewhat of an exit strategy but I’m really having a lot of fun. I combine business with pleasure and that keeps me engaged at all levels.
Q: What is your proudest moment or greatest achievement?
A: My epiphany along the way was recognizing the relationships you have with people in terms of serving them, supporting them, and making a difference in their lives. It’s more about people than other rewards. We achieved a good level of success materially and financially but the real value is in what we’re able to impart on other people and charitable organizations.
Q: What’s on your iPod?
A: Classical music and jazz. Also more than ever are pictures of my family.
Q: Are you a summer or winter person?
A: I’m a four seasons guy.
Q: What is your favorite Chicago sports team?
A: I would have said the Bears are my favorite team but after Sunday’s game… I’ve been a passionate Cubs fan all these years. I grew up on Addison Street not far from Wrigley Field. I’m in for a lifetime.
