Bernie Sapienza

Bernie Sapienza

Executive Director, Vision Zero Automotive Network
Boston, Mass.
Bernie has a long history with aftermarket consumer electronics. At age 16, he bought an 8-track player to install in his 1971 Oldsmobile and his love for car gadgets, devices, and equipment has never waned. During college, he obtained an entry-level position in a stereo store. There, he learned the basics of consumer electronics and installation. After college, he got the “dream job” as the “head merchant” at a medium-sized retail chain selling consumer electronics called Tweeter. Over a 15-year period, Tweeter grew to become a national retailer and nearly $1B in annual sales with nearly 170 stores in over half of the United States. Shortly after Tweeter, Bernie left retail to pursue intellectual properties and spent over 12 years engaged in the digital radio roll-out of HD Radio. Today, HD Radio is found in over half of every new car sold. Today, as Executive Director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network, he’s engaged in saving lives. Armed with several decades of experience in aftermarket consumer electronics, Bernie is now applying his skills to a cause that is near and dear to his heart – saving lives through technology.