This story appears in the
November 2005 issue of
Entrepreneur.
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As the world becomes increasingly wireless, Howard and Barbara
Melamed, 49 and 46, respectively, are equally receptive to the
needs of cell users. As founders of Cell-Antenna
Corp., a solutions provider for cellular communication
problems, this couple offers products ranging from cell antennas
for cars to systems that make underground facilities, office
buildings and even concert venues cell-friendly.
The Melameds were on the right wavelength when they decided to
channel their efforts and launch their Coral Springs, Florida,
business in 2002. Sales have increased from $450,000 in the first
year to a projected $8 million in 2005. Though high on success, the
Melameds are grounded by the knowledge that being too connected has
a Catch-22.
"Within 30 seconds, you can turn a cell phone into an
explosive device," explains Howard, who has written multiple
white papers against cell phone usage on planes and is working with
the government to prevent cellular communication in certain
situations. "On the one hand, we do the yin, which is cellular
communication, and the other is the yang, where we take it
away."