Business Experience:  Beginning in 1962, he was active in the computer industry, first with Honeywell's computer division, and then with Scientific Data Systems (later acquired by Xerox).

 

He served as a computer systems and equipment designer, systems analyst, corporate planner, and marketing manager, before leaving Xerox in 1971 to form his first company, Visualtek (later renamed VTEK). Visualtek soon became the world leader in providing technology-based solutions for people with low vision (legal blindness), and later expanded into also serving people who are totally blind.

 

Prior to the sale of VTEK in 1989, Mr. Israel also found time to acquire a law degree, and to practice law while also managing a growing and successful electronics company. Following the sale of that company in 1989, Mr. Israel became involved with the formation and operation of a number of other companies in both manufacturing and service industries, include steel fabrication, health and personal fitness, office furniture manufacturing and catalog publication.

 

In 1993, Mr. Israel returned to the company which had acquired VTEK, and in 1994 became its Chairman, President and CEO until his retirement from that position in 1999, in part so that he could devote himself to the full-time practice of business law.

 

During his tenure as an electronics company CEO, the firm opened a manufacturing facility in Dublin, Ireland and sales offices in London and Paris.  He has extensive experience in development of  sales rep, dealer and distributor networks worldwide.

 

He served as the founding President of the Assistive Technology Industry Association (to learn more, see www.atia.org ) from its formation in 1998 through January 2001 and later served as the organization’s legal counsel until 2009

 

Civic:  He has served as a Planning Commissioner in the City of Santa Monica and the Town of Woodside. He has also been active in many other public-service and community activities, including pro-bono counsel for the Diablo Regional Arts Association (DRAA).  . He is a general aviation pilot and has a small vineyard with 500 cabernet vines.

Education:  Mr. Israel has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and a Juris Doctorate from Golden West University School of Law.

 

Legal:  He has been a member of the California Bar since 1981.  He is also a member of the Contra Cost County Bar Association.

 

 

Thirty years’ Experience owning and managing businesses makes Larry Israel uniquely qualified to advise your business.