Buena Park, CA – July 15, 2008… Orin L. Watkins, III, better known within the music and sound industries as Lee, passed away at the age of 57 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. In 2000, Watkins was diagnosed with Pseudo Myxoma Peritonei, a very uncommon tumor, and he had been battling the condition ever since. At 9:00 AM on July 12, 2008, he lost the long battle. Watkins was, most certainly, a fighter and he will be missed by many people.
Born on April 16, 1951 in Pennsylvania, Watkins graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in English Literature Creative Writing. As a keyboardist who doubled on guitar and bass, Watkins’ musical pursuits were quite varied and encompassed that of freelance performer and, from 1974 to 1976, salesman at M.V. Music in Fresno, California before starting a long and accomplished career with Hosa Technology, Inc. in 1988.
Watkins started at Hosa Technology in the company’s sales department in 1988. His exceptional skill set was valued greatly and, in 1998, he was promoted to the position of Vice President and General Manager. Being an excellent musician and a hard-working professional, Watkins understood the challenges musicians faced and, as a first-rate communicator and a dedicated perfectionist, set out to build Hosa’s dealer infrastructure into one of the most enviable models in the business. Watkins’ friendly, outgoing personality was a tremendous asset. He was liked by every dealer he met.
Watkins’ personality permeated the entire Hosa company culture. He taught everyone to answer the phone with, “Thanks for calling Hosa. How can I help you?� While it’s easy to have a smile in one’s voice when all is well, Watkins always went the extra mile when addressing a customer’s concern—especially the difficult ones. His stock in trade, “You know what, I would feel exactly the same way you do if this had happened to me,� diffused those rare but pointed callers and enabled an exchange that, ultimately, resulted in a more tempered discussion that was always to the customer’s benefit. No matter how great the challenge, Watkins consistently found the solution. This high degree of problem solving capability and excellent people skills are precisely the characteristics that made him a first-class Hosa company representative throughout his career.
Watkins will be missed beyond words. He was a staunch supporter of Hosa’s company initiatives and he made a significant contribution to the success of the company.
Watkins is survived by his common law wife, Mary Ann Waddell, of seventeen years, and three sisters. A small, private memorial service has been arranged.
About Hosa Technology
Headquartered in Buena Park, CA, Hosa Technology, Inc. is the leading supplier of analog and digital connectivity solutions to the musical-instrument and professional-audio industries. Since the company’s inception in 1984, Hosa Technology’s consumer-driven inventory has expanded to include a full line of audio, video, and computer products. Enthusiasts and professionals alike rely upon Hosa Technology to deliver world-class performance and value both on the stage and in the studio. For more information about Hosa Technology, please visit www.hosatech.com.
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