The son of immigrants, William “Bill” Waytena is a great American inventor, businessman, and entrepreneur. While his name may not be familiar, his inventions and businesses are known worldwide. In 1961, Bill invented and patented the radar detector. Following on that success, Bill purchased a company named MuSonics, later renamed Moog Musonics, and proceeded to turn its technology—the electronic synthesizer—into one of the great innovations in musical instruments. When Bill started his career as an entrepreneur he charted a course that enhanced lives and employed thousands.
Inventor of the Radar Detector
Widespread use of “radar speed meters” began in earnest in the 1950s. A revenue boon for local governments, they quickly became the technology of choice for speed enforcement. From the very beginning radar traps were despised by consumers. It was a problem waiting for a solution. In 1961, Bill invented the solution when he introduced a new “radar detector” to the public under the name the Radar Sentry. Bill’s radar detector is still recognizable in today’s models which still use many of his features and inventions.
That Wa-Wa Sound
Innovation knows no bounds. True innovators move seamlessly from field to field. Bill Waytena was one. After inventing the radar detector Bill moved on to new opportunities and, while attending a music show in 1970 he found his next great opportunity—the electronic synthesizer. Hearing the bewitching sounds emanating from the new electronic keyboard, Bill instantly recognized the possibilities that a new, more streamlined, easier to use synthesizer could offer musicians. Bill built the product and the company that would make that Wa-Wa sound a key innovation in music, one we still enjoy today.
Resuscitating The Hotel Worth
Bill Waytena was a great product designer and inventor but his talent for spotting a market opportunity went beyond just electronics. Shortly after he invented the radar detector Bill’s keen eye spied a waterfront hotel in Buffalo. The Hotel Worth was struggling but, foreshadowing his future success with the synthesizer, Bill saw something most others missed—an opportunity to take a troubled asset and turn it into a market success. In 1962, Bill put together a group to buy the Hotel and then set about making it a success.
consumers. It was a problem waiting for a solution. In 1961, Bill invented the solution when he introduced a new “radar detector” to the public under the name the Radar Sentry. Bill’s radar detector is still recognizable in today’s models which still use many of his features and inventions. 
emanating from the new electronic keyboard, Bill instantly recognized the possibilities that a new, more streamlined, easier to use synthesizer could offer musicians. Bill built the product and the company that would make that Wa-Wa sound a key innovation in music, one we still enjoy today.
was struggling but, foreshadowing his future success with the synthesizer, Bill saw something most others missed—an opportunity to take a troubled asset and turn it into a market success. In 1962, Bill put together a group to buy the Hotel and then set about making it a success.