OMAHA, Neb. — Radio Engineering Industries Inc. (REI) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and the company is having festivities all year long to mark the milestone.  

REI started as a small family-owned radio shop and has grown into a global manufacturer of commercial transportation electronics for the motorcoach, transit, shuttle, school bus and agriculture markets. REI is owned and operated by the third generation of the Hays family.

REI was founded in 1938 by Clyde H. Hays as a local radio sales and repair store. Over the next few decades, the company expanded into a national distributor and service center for companies such as Panasonic, Sharp, Sony, Learjet and Delco Electronics. In 1970, Robert E. Hays inherited the business from his father. During Robert’s tenure, REI grew into the transportation electronics manufacturer it is today, officials said.

To celebrate its anniversary, REI has planned a number of special activities for customers, employees and friends.  

Officials said REI and the Hays family are honored to celebrate 75 years in business. They also said they are thankful for their loyal customers and look forward to supporting the industry for many more decades.

Today’s generation of the REI family includes Scott Hays, Terri Jukes, Jeff Hays and Lorri Taylor. Each is active in the day-to-day operations of the business they grew up in.  

The company said that when these members of the REI family were asked what the greatest lesson they learned from their father is, they all stated, “treating the customer like family.” 

Other news related to REI:

• David Ruback, president of REI, passes away