Management - About Us - High End Systems

Since our founding in the 1970s, High End Systems has become a leader and innovative force in the entertainment lighting industry.

Based in Austin, TX, we are led by a diverse management team recruited from various fields to accommodate exponential global growth in a rapidly changing industry.

Merritt Belisle Chairman	Works closely with the executive team on evaluating financing alternatives, product strategy and overall strategic development. Prior to HES, Belisle was founder/CEO of Classic Communications, the 13th largest cable television operator in the U.S. He has worked on M&A activity for mid-market customers and has previous experience as a securities attorney with Baker Botts, LLP. Belisle earned his B.A. in Business, M.S. in Accounting and Doctor of Jurisprudence, all from the University of Texas.
Frank Gordon Chief Executive Officer	Joined HES in March 1998 to head up the senior management team It is under Gordon�s leadership that the executive team was expanded to ensure future growth and professional leadership. Gordon also successfully settled the patent infringement lawsuit with Vari*Lite and has closed several significant sub-licensing and cross-licensing agreements since that time. Gordon�s background includes consulting, turnaround experience, M&A and manufacturing. He earned his BA and MBA from Northwestern University.
Peter Duff Chief Financial Officer	Joined HES in 2002. Prior to that time, Duff served as CFO for Pfizer Canada and transferred to Pfizer’s corporate headquarters in New York in the mid-1980s. He pursued a 10-year career with Hanson Plc and held a number of CFO assignments. In 1999, Duff left Hanson to establish the electronics company International Flex Technologies, an IBM spinoff. He earned an B.A. from Bradford University of London. Shortly after, he joined PriceWaterhouse Coopers in London before relocating to the U.S.
Richard Belliveau Chief Technology Officer & co-founder	Belliveau, along with his partner Lowell Fowler had a vision in the early years that has evolved into developing a company built on technological innovation. Known by most as the "technology pioneer," Belliveau has developed many lighting instruments that revolutionized the industry. The most recent developments of the digital lighting products, (DL.1 and DL.2), followed by Showgun have once again reinforced High End's position as industry innovator. Belliveau holds over 64 U.S. patents and is a recipient of the industry's "Wally" award for lifetime achievement.
Lowell Fowler Founder	Currently serves as a director for HES. In 1972, along with wife Sue, he founded Blackstone Audio Visual, a production company marketing to touring groups and special events. In 1986, along with partner Belliveau, High End Systems began wholesaling lighting products to the entertainment industry on a global basis. Shortly thereafter, the company moved into the design and manufacturing of microprocessor-based lighting fixtures and control systems. In addition to serving as CEO and/or President of the company for over 25 years Fowler has held various capacities primarily in the sales and marketing organizations. He is currently a member of the senior management group and serves on the Board of Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Texas.
David Hansen Director of Operations	Joined HES in January 1995 after establishing his career with Martin Decker/Totco and Pioneer Standard in the areas of materials and planning. Initially, Hansen was on the implementation team that built High End's metal fabrication facility. He also served as Manager of the Thin Film Coating operation, prior to moving into his current role. Hansen is responsible for leading HES in adopting lean manufacturing principles, focused on low inventory levels and short customer delivery times.
Becky Koester Director of Human Resources	Joined HES in 1991 with responsibility for the development and implementation of an HR organization. Prior to HES, Koester was a Director of Human Resources for Dell Computer Corporation and worked for Electronic Data Systems in the areas of training, staffing and corporate communications for a 10-year period. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of Tennessee.
Bill Morris Executive Vice-President, Sales & Marketing	Joined HES in March 2003. Since that time, Morris has been responsible for implementing strategic channel development programs with focus on new business development. Most recently, he has focused on the rejuvenation of European sales, delivering the largest revenue increase in company history. Prior to HES, Morris held various executive level positions with Dell Computer Corporation and also was founder and Managing Partner of CoMark Technologies Inc., a marketing consulting company serving the software and telecommunications industry.
Jeff Pelzl Vice-President Sales & Service	Began with HES in the manufacturing organization as a Production Supervisor in 1990. He quickly moved into a Product Manager role and from there he moved into the Service organization, where in 1997 he was ultimately named Director of Worldwide Customer Service. In January 2006, Pelzl assumed additional responsibilities for all sales efforts. Most recently, along with Morris, the sales organization delivered the most successful year recorded during the past 10-year performance history.