This special live recording of Dare to Disrupt, presented by Brandywine LaunchBox powered by Penn State, features CTDI founder and chairman Jerry Parsons.

Jerry shares how he and his family launched CTDI as a garage-based startup and scaled it into a global leader in the communications, mobility, and consumer devices service industries.

The conversation explores the early days of building CTDI, key moments of disruption and growth, and Jerry’s insights on leadership, innovation, and building a family-run business that thrives on the global stage.

At the end of the recording, in-person attendees had the chance to ask Jerry their own questions during a live audience Q&A session.

Episode Chapters

2:12 Fishing, budding love for electronics growing up

5:43 Choosing Penn State Brandywine, college experience

10:06 First job out of college at DuPont

11:30 Dad pitches Jerry on a small repair business

14:12 Acquiring first customers

17:07 Innovations and technological breakthroughs

18:29 Expanding nationally

19:52 Adapting to industry changes

26:11 The importance of tech testing

27:21 Family legacy and mentorship

29:26 Company culture and values

30:20 International expansion and growth

35:21 Advice for future generations

36:39 Rapid-fire questions

38:11 Audience questions

Download full episode transcript

About Jerry Parsons

Jerry Parsons is the chairman, co-founder, and former CEO of CTDI. He earned his associate degree in electrical engineering technology from Penn State Brandywine, and his bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Penn State Harrisburg.

The Dare to Disrupt podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Penn State Smeal College of Business.