Dual Electronics Corporation announced today that 12 volt industry veteran Clyde Podraza passed away on February 2 at the age of 67. He was a founding partner at Dual and spent a decade as one of its top executives.
Podraza started his career at Motorola, he then moved on to work in executive positions at Panasonic, International Jensen, Recoton, Dual Electronics, and AAMP Global.
Jim Braun, President of Dual Electronics said “I worked alongside Clyde for almost 20 years. He was a pillar of the 12 volt industry during his time with Jensen and Dual. Clyde was one of the original founders of Dual Electronics, and we would certainly not be where we are today without the monumental efforts and influence Clyde brought to the marketplace.” Braun added, “More important than this, he was just a genuinely great person. Clyde would do almost anything to help any one of his large network of friends and colleagues. I’m going to miss Clyde, as I know many will.”
Podraza spent the last several years of his career at AAMP Global prior to retiring in 2020. Scott Forst, President and CEO of AAMP Global added “I personally started at AAMP with Clyde, and I couldn’t have been luckier to learn from such a wonderful and talented person. He spread his knowledge and joy to everyone at AAMP and he will be greatly missed.”
Podraza is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marj, his three grown children and three grandchildren.
Clyde took a chance on me, after Marantz was sold. Jim Gilbride and I both were competing for the job of East coast regional for Jensen. Clyde liked both of us so much that he made Jim the mid West regional and me the East coast one.
Clyde mentored both Jim and I through our years at Jensen and somehow manage to put up with me. I have a lifetime of incredible memories and tremendous gratitude for the life and business skills Clyde afforded me.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Clyde’s passing. Our families thoughts and prayers go out to Marg and Clyde’s family.
This news hit me hard. I’ve known Clyde for decades and worked closely with him for much of the past ten years. He had a unique way of looking at things and very detailed thoughts on how to approach opportunities and problems alike. I was lucky to have learned a lot from him, but luckier still to be able to call him my friend.
So sorry that he’s gone.
RIP Clyde, and my sincere deep sympathies to his family.
Awesome man and will be missed in many ways!!
Clyde was always a joy to be around. It’s been a long time since I worked with him. But, he is someone that I always remember when we reminisce about the 90s Best Buy days.
RIP Clyde.
I worked with Clyde in the very early 80s In Missouri. I was fortunate to be in touch with him throughout his and my own career in the audio industry until 2007.From my perspective he was one of the great ones and will surely be missed by many. RIP Clyde!!♥️
I worked directly with Clyde at AAMP Global for nearly 6 years and am better for it. My condolences to all his friends and family. God speed Clyde.
I worked for Clyde at Jensen and then Dual…He taught me so much about being a young father while dealing with the challenges of a growing career. ALWAYS the smartest guy in the room, but had a way of making everyone feel like they contributed to the idea he had all along, We have all lost many friends lately, but for me this one really hurts.
Godspeed my friend…thanks for the years of friendship and partnership. You will be missed.
I enjoyed working with Clyde as well as when we were competitors. He will be missed in the industry and his community. My condolences to his family.
RIP Clyde. Good guy, he will be missed.
Clyde was always great for AAMP and Marketing Pros when we represented them, God Speed Clyde!
We lost another great one!
Clyde was a very special individual and will be greatly missed. We are all better as a result of knowing him.
Clyde was one of those just genuinely wonderful people. Full of knowledge, great person to have a conversation with, and the experience he had was irreplaceable. I was privileged to get to know and work with him. He will be greatly missed.