RICHARD THALHEIMER

Much of the success of Richard Thalheimer and The Sharper Image - the $750M, 200 store retail giant he founded in 1977 and led as CEO until 2006 - can be traced to Richard's preternatural ability to decide what people wanted often before they knew it themselves. This intuitive knack to drive market trends combined an ability to spot products that could produce millions, combined with his lawyer's precision, a healthy dose of entrepreneurial drive and an eternally playful outlook give Richard Thalheimer the well deserved title, "America's Gadget Guy."... Richard's business success story was launched by a $69 Realtime watch for runners, which he discovered at a 1977 Las Vegas trade show. Impressed to find a genuine chronograph that was waterproof and shock resistant, but still affordable, Richard was determined to acquire its exclusive US distribution... The Sharper Image Catalog is really just a reflection of a life style that is somewhat material goods, travel and leisure-time..