2002 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Technology, Todd Erdley

Videon Central Inc., a company specializing in cutting-edge digital video and digital audio design for the personal computer and consumer electronic market, is not Todd A. Erdley's first startup endeavor. In 1992, he founded Paragon Technology, a venture he sold in 1995. He continued working for that company until it was consolidated several years later,when he started Videon.

Erdley took away two lessons from his Paragon experience: 1) have a strong business model and 2) taking on outside financing can result in significant consequences. With Videon, Erdley devised and committed to a business model of his own creation and steered clear of venture capital. He overcame the constraints that resulted from his decision to refuse outside financing, and the company not only grew in its first year but also garnered the respect of Silicon Valley companies with which it does business.

Erdley has made sure that innovation becomes a company mission as technology in the digital industry advances. Videon has grown quickly and encompasses all phases of digital video and digital audio technology.