Monster Cable Products Inc., a company with revenues estimated in the $500 million range, had a humble start in 1979. Noel first discovered that wires of different constructions produced varying degrees of audio performance. From this initial discovery he developed a high performance speaker cable, literally creating an industry.

In 1979 he knew in order to make his business big, he had to get to CES. So off he went, driving to Chicago with nothing but cardboard boxes and a paper bag full of his Monster Cables. He was able to borrow a portion of an existing booth to demonstrate his product next to standard speaker cables. Needless to say, his product was creating a buzz at that year’s CES. Monster’s big break didn’t come until the next CES, when he got a monster order – 30,000 cables – which he had trouble meeting.

With direct access to people he would never meet otherwise, CES gave Noel and his small company endless opportunities. Now, Monster remains a privately held company, with revenues around $500 million, according to industry estimates. With a Big Idea and a passion for success, all Monster needed was a chance … and they found it at CES.

Interesting Facts:

- The Company’s first two employees, Tai Min and Shang Yu Chang, were hired in 1980 and are still with the company today.

- In 1996, Monster hosted a standing-room only concert at CES in Las Vegas featuring Blues Legend B.B. King.

- In 2000, Noel Lee was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst & Young.

- In 1971, Noel pursued his passion for music by joining the rock band “Asian Wood” as a drum player.

- When he was 28, Noel had a family, kids and a mortgage, but he left it all to go on a World Tour with “Asian Wood.”

- The band was almost kicked off the tour during at the first stop in Hawaii when the promoter hated their sound. But they got a second chance.

- On June 26th 1978, Noel, a Cal Poly graduate in Engineering, registered his company under the name “Monster Cable.”