Pioneer And Global Leader

Imagine an international company that’s always one step ahead, setting trends rather than following them. That’s what being a pioneer and global leader is all about. And that’s what Group President Electronics has always strived to be from its inception, back in 1978.

 

Today, the PRESIDENT name is closely linked to the CB radio world. More than a name, PRESIDENT is the representative of the Citizen's Band which unites millions of CB users all over the world: drivers, industry professionals, recreational users and radio enthusiasts.

 

From its humble beginnings to the strong brand it represents today for millions of CB users, we sincerely dedicate our success to you. Thank you for your trust and support of the PRESIDENT brand.

Group President Electronics has been a global leader of the Citizens Band (CB) market for many decades. Founded in 1978, the company rapidly established itself as one of the primary manufacturers of CB radios in the world.

Today, the PRESIDENT Group continues to adapt its product offerings to the ever changing needs of its clientele while maintaining its unwavering commitment to product quality and reliability.

Below is a snapshot of the company’s historical timeline. It includes some of the significant dates and events that helped shape what the PRESIDENT brand has become today:

  1. 1969
  2. 1973
  3. 1975
  4. 1976
  5. 1978
  6. 1979
  7. 1980
  8. 1982
  9. 1988
  10. 1990
  11. 1991
  12. 1992
  13. 1994
  14. 1995
  15. 1996
  16. 2006
  17. 2008
  18. 2010
  19. 2014
  20. 2015
  21. 2016
  22. 2021
  23. 2022
  24. 2023
  25. 2024
  26. Today
 
  1. 1969

    Claude and Lysiane Schmitz founded their first radiocommunication company in Paris (France).

  2. 1973

    Albert Bertrana, Director of Technical Development, joined the company in Paris.

  3. 1975

    Creation of the first microphone manufacturing plant (SADELTA) in Barcelona, Spain.

  4. 1976

    Import of the PRESIDENT trademark (originally from the US) into Europe.

  5. 1978

    Creation of the EU head office of PRESIDENT ELECTRONICS (originally known as CS Import) in Balaruc (South of France).

  6. 1979

    Creation of the first subsidiary PRESIDENT ELECTRONICS IBERICA in Barcelona (Spain).

  7. 1980

    Beginning of the distribution of the PRESIDENT brand in Europe.

  8. 1982

    Production of the first PRESIDENT antennas by GPE IBERICA

  9. 1988

    Construction of the NEW state-of-the-art GPE headquarters – a nearly 13,000 square feet facility - located in front of the pond of Thau (Sète) on 25 acres.

  10. 1990

    GPE's first sales record: over 1 million CB radios sold in 12 months.

  11. 1991

    The production of PRESIDENT’s antennas exceeds 2 million units per year.

  12. 1992

    Creation of the subsidiary PRESIDENT POLAND in Czestochowa (Poland).

  13. 1994

    Marketing of the first multi-channel CB radios in Europe - the PRESIDENT JAMES and the PRESIDENT GEORGE.

  14. 1995

    Acquisition of STABO subsidiary in Hildesheim, Germany.

  15. 1996

    CSA Global Invention and Patent of ASC (Automatic Squelch Control) by Albert Bertrana.

  16. 2006

    Establishment of the subsidiary PRESIDENT ELECTRONICS UKRAINE in Kiev, Ukraine.

  17. 2008

    Creation of the subsidiary GROUPE PRESIDENT BALTIC in Lithuania.

  18. 2010

    Creation of the GROUP PRESIDENT ELECTRONICS INDIA in New Delhi, India.

  19. 2014

    Opening of the subsidiary PRESIDENT ELECTRONICS CZECH in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

  20. 2015

    Creation of the subsidiary CI-BI RADIO BEL in Minsk, Belarus.

  21. 2016

    PRESIDENT ELECTRONICS USA opened its doors in Naples, Florida for direct distribution in North America.

  22. 2021

    First FCC Approved AM+FM CB radio in the U.S.

  23. 2022

    The first fully digital noise-reducing microphone is introduced.

    First FCC approved portable and mini AM+FM CB radio in the U.S.

  24. 2023

    Introduction of President George, the most advanced CB radio in the market.

  25. 2024

    President Electronics announces its first wireless microphone for hands-free capability.

  26. Today

    PRESIDENT ELECTRONICS is proud to be recognized for the quality of its electronic products and its ability to meet the needs of its customers. It successfully continues to offer innovative products in the world of radiocommunication.

Founders Image
Lysiane & Claude Schmitz - Company Founders

In the summer of 1969, as the world held its breath watching Neil Armstrong take his historic steps on the moon, another couple was making their own mark on history in a different corner of the globe. Meet Claude and Lysiane Schmitz, a daring duo with a shared passion for business exploration and a thirst for adventure.

 

As Armstrong was doing his famous walk that year, Claude Schmitz, fresh out of the army and in his early 20s, discovered the two loves of his life -- his future wife Lysiane, and the world of CB radios.

 

Armed only with their passion for the CB world and absolute determination in their heart, Claude and Lysiane went on to found several CB radio-related companies in the US and Europe.  Zodiac and Sadelta were their first companies. THEIR FIRST STEPS... into the CB World.

 

The early years were unsuccessful, despite their best efforts and endless work hours. However, these became hard earned lessons that indirectly shaped their future success.

 
Zodiac - Kenya Rally 1975

Young, eager and fearless of the world, their aim was to share the wonders of CB radios with anyone that would listen, and nothing was going to stop them from doing so. And so, whether in the US, Europe or Africa, they went on to face all the obstacles head-on that were thrown in their path to finally achieve their life dream.

 

In 1978, they created CS Import and started to sell products under the registered brand name President. As the success of the brand grew, they decided to rename the company President Electronics and grew it over time into a global leader in the CB radiocommunication industry.

 
Founders Image
CS Import - Algeria Rally, 1981

The CB radio communication system (CBRS) was created in the United States in the mid-1940s, however the 27 Mhz band was not assigned to the CBRS until the late 1950s. The radios at the time were too bulky to be accepted by the general public. The CB and ham radios were mostly used by businesses and early adopters.

 

It was only in the late 1960s and early 1970s that CB radiocommunication really took off. As such, Mr. and Mrs. Schmitz were among a dedicated group of passionate CB pioneers that helped make CB radios such a success and enjoyed by so many in the 70s and 80s.

 

Today, the founders continue to be involved on a daily basis with the global operations of Group President Electronics. Their passion for CB and Ham radios never wavered. They hope to continue to transmit this passion to the new generation of CB radio fans for many years to come.