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priorityhearing-hearingaids · 2 months ago

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Fueling a Fire": Bill Austin’s Lifelong Commitment to Service and Humanity

It’s 4 AM. Room 2316. The sprawling, electrifying glow of Times Square, New York City flickers through the windows of my room & I'm sitting at my desk in the heart of it all—the Marriot Marquis. This is the time when New York finally surrenders to sleep, and I had planned to do the same. But not tonight. Tonight, the city rests while my mind awakens.

In Indian spirituality, this time is called Brahma Muhurta—”ब्रह्म मुहूर्त” the divine hours. A sacred window that begins 1 hour and 36 minutes before sunrise and ends 48 minutes before dawn. It is believed to be the most powerful time for acquiring knowledge, a moment when the universe itself seems aligned with your thoughts. Perhaps that's why I find myself wide awake, unable to escape the gravitational pull of a realization that’s been lingering since my encounter earlier that day.

It's uncommon to meet someone who has transcended the usual measures of success—someone whose life’s work has not only impacted their own country but has rippled across the globe, breaking boundaries and redefining what it means to serve humanity. These are the individuals who, without seeking it, rise above the ordinary struggles of life. To them, it's not about wealth or fame—it's about BEING HUMAN in the truest sense of the word, giving every breath to a cause that benefits others.

I had the privilege of meeting such a personality, and that meeting left me restless, not ready to surrender to New York’s vibrant lull. Instead, I was compelled to sit here at 4 AM, drawn not to the city's noise but to the need to capture this moment, this man, in words.

Day back I visited Eden Prairie, Minnesota—where a sprawling 40-acre green corporate campus nestled in the Twin Cities metropolitan area—I had the privilege of meeting William F. Austin. His office, a testament to his life's work, reflects a journey built brick by brick, from humble beginnings to towering achievements, yet his essence remains unchanged. There is no trace of ego in his success, only purpose. His joy was unmistakable when he learned he was meeting someone from India. Perhaps he understands the depth of Indian culture—the dedication to a cause, the unwavering commitment to humanity.

Before meeting Bill Austin, I had done my research, poring over professional sources and public records. What I found painted a picture of a man who had not only shaped an industry but also transformed lives across the globe. William Franklin "Bill" Austin, born in 1942 in Nixa, Missouri, is more than just a businessman; he is a visionary. As the founder, principal owner, chairman, and CEO of Starkey Hearing Technologies, Bill Austin has built the largest hearing aid manufacturer in the United States, with a global reach. His success has earned him billionaire status, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $31 billion in 2024. Yet, beyond the numbers and accolades, he is known for his philanthropic heart—sharing his journey with his wife, Tani Austin, and dedicating much of his life to improving the quality of hearing health worldwide.

Armed with this knowledge, I was eager to meet the man behind the legacy. How could someone who had accomplished so much still radiate such humility and purpose? What drives a person to continue striving, long after they’ve achieved the kind of success most only dream of? These were the questions swirling in my mind as I prepared for what I knew would be an unforgettable conversation.

Moreover, The Difference between words and reality was experienced then, As he entered the room to greet us, his presence was magnetic. His eyes sparkled, and his smile was wide, radiating warmth. Even from a distance, we felt his aura—something almost tangible, immeasurable, but powerful. It reminded me of a friend’s experience when visiting our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who said he could sense his aura from kilometers away. Meeting Bill Austin felt no different; it was as if his very being embodied the selfless mission he dedicated his life to.

As he started speaking; something known, something not...

“You are so important to me. This is the fundamental of my life. In 1961, when I was headed to be a missionary doctor, I went to the University of Minnesota and decided that because of my job, I could help more people with hearing.

I didn't borrow money, I wasn't wealthy...

I have to keep reminding everyone why we go to work, and why we go to work in the first place. And then we have three important things. Our TIME, our TALENT, and our TREASURE. So you can't squander your treasure. You don't want to waste it. You want to use it efficiently, not like our government, which, if the government wants to do, helps people, if it takes 100 percent of the money gives you about 20 percent of the help, and it takes five times longer. Well, we want to do it five times faster and use every dollar efficiently because that's what you have to do in business. And so our investment in the future is exciting because it lets me be part of tomorrow.

None of us can do it alone. Not one of us. But all of us working together can make a significant gift to humanity. And that's what this is about. It's serving. It's about being a good servant. And so we want to serve better today than yesterday. And we want to serve even better tomorrow. Because those we serve are worth it & then more ..."

Later, In those mesmerized moments of truth, Bill Austin, with his ever-present warmth, was carrying badge pins for us, eager to personally place them on our suit’s lapel. Akhil Chauhan, our Starkey India MD, stood tall, proudly anticipating the honor. As Mr.Austin attempted to pin it on, there was a small struggle—perhaps the collar was too thick, or the pin too blunt—but with quiet determination, he made it work. Akhil, filled with excitement, then tried to pin the lapel on our other friends, but as he did, a childlike desire stirred within me. This was a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and I wanted Mr. Austin to pin it on my suit too. I don’t know how, but somehow my silent wish manifested itself. Not long after, Bill Austin approached me, called me over, and placed the Starkey badge lapel pin on my chest himself. It was a memory etched into my heart forever.

As he stood before me, our eyes met, and my chest swelled with pride. But soon I realized it was difficult for him—though I won’t mention his age, it was clear the task wasn’t easy. The pin fell, but his unwavering spirit did not. I stood still, mesmerized by his resolve. In that simple moment, I witnessed his “NEVER GIVE UP” attitude—a powerful reminder of the strength that has carried him through his extraordinary life. I knew then not to interfere; instead, I focused on absorbing the lesson, evolving into a better leader under the influence of his remarkable aura.

Standing nearby was Paul Phillips Phillips, and in an instant, he recognized the situation. Without disrupting the moment or overstepping, he offered a gentle, thoughtful solution: “Sir, there is usually a small opening on the upper part of the left lapel ?.. there’s a lapel hole that could work !” And it did. It was a subtle gesture, but one that spoke volumes. I realized then that great leaders are not just those who inspire but those who solve, often unnoticed, yet with profound impact. It was a quiet, unspoken lesson in how effective managers handle even the smallest challenges—both in business and in life.

As I stood before, the founder of Starkey Hearing USA, I realized I had missed an essential question—one that often lingers in the minds of those who encounter greatness: How does one feel after accomplishing the objectives of life? It’s a question that reaches beyond mere success, probing the soul of someone who has carved an extraordinary path. In that moment, facing a man whose life’s work has touched millions, I felt the weight of this unspoken question. After all, not everyone becomes someone in their life. But for those who do—who transcend the ordinary and achieve something truly monumental—how does it feel to stand at the pinnacle of such a journey?

One common thread among those who lead extraordinary lives is the undeniable fire that drives them—their unwavering sense of purpose, or what some call their strong why. Mrs. Tani Austin, Bill’s devoted wife, articulated her own "why" with remarkable clarity. Quoting Mark Twain, she said, "The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." For her, the moment she met Bill Austin, her life partner, her purpose became crystal clear. She embraced her role in amplifying Bill’s vision and extending his mission of compassionate hearing care across the globe.

Their son, Brandon Sawalich, carries this torch with the same relentless passion. His mantra—*“No Rest for the Best”*—drives a team committed to making hearing care a universal right. Brandon’s words, “Caring for humanity and caring for our people is our greatest strength,” embody the ethos that runs deep within their family.

Yet, when it came to Bill Austin himself, the fire that fueled his drive was not immediately apparent to me. Amid conversations with counterparts and the hum of ambient noise, I humbly asked him what lit the spark that led to his remarkable journey. As he spoke, I realized his path was far from easy.

Born in February 1942 in Nixa, Missouri, Bill Austin’s childhood was shaped by hardship. His father, J. E. “Dutch” Austin, was a lumber trader for Georgia-Pacific, and his mother, Zola, worked tirelessly in a factory. To make ends meet, Bill and his mother would walk for hours, collecting bottles to recycle. In the summers, they foraged for blackberries and harvested medicinal plants like foxglove and cascara bark. These were humble beginnings, yet they instilled in him a sense of resilience and resourcefulness.

As he grew, so did his determination. He took on a paper route and countless part-time jobs to contribute to the family. Then, in 1961, at the age of 19, a pivotal opportunity presented itself. His uncle offered him a part-time job at his hearing aid shop, sparking Bill’s interest in the medical field. Initially, Bill aspired to become a doctor, attending the University of Minnesota with the hope of serving the underprivileged in the developing world. But his path soon took a different turn. After only a few weeks in college, Bill felt an even greater calling.

“As a doctor, I could help maybe 20, 25 people a day,” Bill said. “But I realized that through the hearing aid business, I could impact thousands.” That singular decision became the foundation of what would eventually become Starkey Hearing Technologies—a global force in hearing care, and a beacon of hope for millions worldwide.

Gradually, As Bill Austin spoke passionately about his unwavering commitment to humanity and the profound power of giving, I was reminded of the timeless wisdom I encountered in the “वेद” Vedas and A. Parthasarathy's Vedanta Treatise - In The Code of Right Living, Chapter IV, it is said that the first duty of a righteous life is Service. From the moment we are born, we are indebted to the world, and with that comes the responsibility to give back—to serve our nation, society, family, and, ultimately, ourselves. This fundamental principle of service perfectly aligns with the life Bill has dedicated himself.

The Bhagavad Gita “भगवत-गीता” echoes this sentiment, cautioning that it is wrong to consume the world's resources without contributing in return. The dignity of humanity rests upon the principle of giving—a universal truth that transcends time, culture, and faith. Victor Hugo, in his classic Les Misérables, also affirmed this idea, writing, “Life is to give, not to take.” True harmony, peace, and happiness lie in the act of giving.

In Bill Austin, I saw this ancient wisdom embodied. His life is not about taking, but about uplifting others, and every word he spoke reflected this truth: that true fulfillment and purpose come from selfless service, without expectation. In that moment, I felt a deep connection to my roots, to the ageless wisdom that teaches us the path to a higher purpose through giving.

As our conversation deepened, I took the opportunity to ask gently, “The world is vast, and we need more individuals like you, Bill Austin. After all, no university teaches how to become someone of your caliber.” He listened with a soft smile, his eyes reflecting a quiet humility. I continued, “Have you ever considered writing a biography? It could serve as an invaluable resource for future clinicians—helping them learn, grow, and contribute.” His smile broadened, but he remained silent, though his expression seemed to suggest that the idea resonated with him.

The discussion brought to mind my recent book, 13 Things You Should Know Before You Buy Hearing Aids, which I had written to help patients navigate the often overwhelming complexities of choosing the right hearing aid. My wife, Mani, had suggested I share a copy with Bill as a token of my small contribution toward empowering others. Mani Bansal, who co-founded Priority Hearing with me, is a passionate audiology professional. She excelled during her time at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi and later at the All India Institute of Speech & Hearing in Mysuru, where she became the only double Gold Medalist.

When I handed Bill the book, he glanced over it thoughtfully, then looked up with a nod of approval. “Keep doing good work,” he said warmly. “Patients should always be cared for and helped. Your responsibility is to understand what they truly need, and fulfill that need.” His words struck me deeply, reaffirming the core mission of our work: to serve patients with empathy, understanding, and integrity.

Amidst our thoughtful one-on-one conversation, surrounded by the cheerful energy of the room, our colleague Priya leaned in and softly whispered, “Sir, when can we see you in the Hall of Fame, alongside other Nobel Laureates?” It was a lighthearted question that reflected the admiration we all felt for him. Bill paused momentarily, then replied with his trademark humility, “Recognition is secondary. What matters most is that we keep doing our best.”

In that instant, the depth of his character became even clearer. Here was a man whose achievements had touched millions across the globe, yet his focus remained on the work—on serving humanity—rather than seeking accolades. For him, it was never about the recognition, but about making a difference.

As he spoke, we couldn’t help but quietly manifest the thought of him one day receiving the Nobel Prize for his unparalleled contribution to humanity. But what struck us most wasn’t his potential for such a high honor; it was his steadfast belief that real fulfillment comes not from awards or titles, but from giving everything you have to the cause you believe in.

In that moment, we all felt the greatness of a man whose true legacy would always be measured by the lives he improved, not by the recognition he received.

As I sit here in the quiet of New York City, reflecting on that meeting, I understand now that Bill Austin’s greatness lies not just in what he has accomplished, but in his unwavering commitment to serve. His life is a powerful reminder that the real legacy we leave behind is measured not in wealth or recognition, but in the lives we touch and the difference we make.

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