In conversation with... William “Bill” Heideman

President and CEO of Viking Electronics Inc

“The electronic development sector is exploding, bringing with it huge opportunities for the global security industry.” So says Bill, whose passion for all things electronic has played a key role in the success of Viking Electronics, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of security and communication products.

Born in Northeast Minneapolis in the USA, Bill was an avid builder from as far back as he can remember. “As a kid, I was always building something. In grade school I thought I would be a carpenter, but in high school I discovered electronics thanks to my shop teacher Mr Hart. That’s when I knew I wanted to be an electrical engineer.”

No stranger to hard work, Bill worked shifts at his local McDonalds during high school – which was where he met his wife Patti, to whom he’s been married for more than 45 years.

He then attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1974.

Early career My first “real” job was with Aero Systems Engineering in St Paul, designing equipment for jet engine testing. I then left Aero Systems along with a colleague to start a new company in Stillwater, Minnesota, which we called Instrumentation Diversified. After a couple years of trying to manufacture and market digital instruments for cars, we realised that our products were just too expensive for the market, so we had to find other jobs. The saving grace was that we owned the mold for the plastic cases and Radio Shack bought the cases by the thousands.

With not much to do as vice president of engineering, I sold out to my partner and went to work for Micro Component Technology of Shoreview. That’s where I met George Nelms, head of the Handler Division.

George had been a software consultant before joining MCT and was still doing some consulting on the side. He introduced me to Don Springer, the founder of Viking Electronics. Don had lots of ideas for new products, but George didn’t have the time to help him, so I stepped in. Soon afterwards I left MCT to start my own consulting firm, MicroNetics. Meanwhile Viking grew from strength to strength and in 1988 I came on board full time.

A day at Viking Headquarters Patti and I live in Hudson, close to Viking headquarters, where we design and manufacture more than 500 security and communication products. Our range is huge: from emergency phones, entry systems, paging interfaces and amplifiers to mass notification systems, hot line phones, auto dialers and enclosures. In addition to an extensive analogue line, we also offer a large selection of IP-based solutions which are SIP compliant and come with enhanced features such as built-in relays and automatic noise cancelling. We are continually developing new ideas and working with cutting-edge technology .

Viking products are designed, manufactured and supported in the USA and backed by a two-year limited warranty, all of which set us apart from most of our competitors.

We learned a long time ago that when people need one of our products it has to work, period. Reliability and innovation have been at the core of the Viking blueprint for more than 50 years. We bring industryleading technology to the market, along with the “tough as nails” craftsmanship of the past.

Along with my corporate responsibilities, I’m still involved with the day-to-day design of new products that push the envelope, and I enjoy writing firmware.

And when I’m not at work, chances are you’ll find me in my cabin in our garden, building things.

Career goals I’ve reached my career goals, although that said, there’s always something new to learn, to create and to market.

Challenges As a manufacturer, we are always concerned with the health and safety of our employees while keeping production rolling. To get that right without risking the well-being of our staff is a real, ongoing challenge, and more so since the onset of Covid-19. Viking has remained open as an essential services provider of emergency products, communication systems and technical support to police stations, fire stations, healthcare facilities and public transportation.

Mentors I’ve had some amazing people in my life, people who helped shape me as a person and develop my career. Lou Welle of Welle Auto Supply taught me how to analyse a market and where a product needs to fall in as far as features and price. George Nelms taught me independent thinking, and Don Springer showed me the value of putting people first. I will always value their guidance.

Bucket list I don’t have one! I live for today.

What I admire most about people I have the highest regard for people who overcome obstacles in life, who don’t give up, who keep on trying until they succeed. Those are the real heroes for me.