Zounds was founded by Sam Thomasson, an Engineer and entrepreneur who has spent his career developing new technologies in the medical device and consumer electronics industries. Sam is also the father of a hearing-impaired daughter and has witnessed the problems associated with today’s hearing aids. Sam promised his daughter that he would develop a hearing aid to address the key problems common with other high-end hearing aids. Zounds’ breakthrough technology is the fulfillment of a father’s promise to his daughter and the solution for dissatisfied hearing aid users around the world.Zounds utilizes a combination of internally developed and exclusively licensed technology from Acoustic Technologies, Inc., where Sam Thomasson is the founder and former CEO. At Acoustic Technologies, Sam created high-performance semiconductor chips and related software with low power usage algorithms that dramatically improved voice and sound quality in cell phones, video phones, desktop phones, conference call phones and automotive communication systems. For Sam, it was a logical extension to leverage this superior technology at Zounds. Zounds’ goal is to offer a portfolio of hearing aids and wireless devices that provide the world’s best performing technology at an affordable price to anyone with a mild, moderate, or moderate/severe hearing loss.
Our long term customers often ask about Kate, and want to know how she is doing. The little girl who inspired the Zounds revolution is now a senior in college, studying electrical engineering. Inspired by her father, she wants to follow in his footsteps by helping others through technology. During school breaks, Kate works with the Zounds team on new technologies that she will someday benefit from herself.
CHRIS M. BROWNING
EDUCATION:
1986 Pfeiffer College, Misenheimer, North Carolina, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
1981 Page High School, Greensboro, North Carolina
PROFESSIONAL:
2004-2013 President, Darlington Raceway
1994-2004 Executive Vice President & General Manager, North Carolina Speedway
1992-1994 Director of Public Relations, North Carolina Speedway
1990-1992 Account Executive, Maxwell House Coffee Racing
1988-1990 Director of Public Relations for Penske Speedways (Michigan International Speedway, Nazareth Speedway and Budweiser Cleveland Grand Prix
1987-1988 Assistant Director of Public Relations/Marketing, Martinsville Speedway
1986-1987 Show car driver of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce Board
Forward Darlington County Board, Vice Chairman
Darlington County Tourism Board
South Carolina State Chamber Board
Former Rotarian
PERSONAL:
Born in Burlington, N.C and raised in Greensboro, N.C.; married to Lindsay Little Browning; two daughters, Ainsley and Mary Beth; interests include paddleboarding, surfing, cycling and music.
Hearing Instrument Specialist: Allen Matthews
North Carolina Hearing Instrument Specialist #1178
Email: allen@zoundswilmington.com