Mr. Belden was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, attended high school in Birmingham, Alabama, served as an officer in the United States Navy and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Louisville's Speed School in 1947. Mr. Belden came to Florida in 1949, chosen as one of the first 50 employees of the Joint Long Range Proving Ground facility at Patrick Air Force Base, Cocoa Beach, later known as NASA. Following a two-year recall to active duty in the Navy, he was employed as the Florida representative of The Electric Storage Battery Company. In 1956, Mr. Belden joined Ward Engineering Company, in Orlando, as a manufacturer's representative for such products as pump controls for elevators, instruments and traffic signals. He became President of Ward Engineering in 1963.
In December of 1965, Mr. Belden and his wife Alice founded Control Specialists Company. In the Florida room of their Orlando home, the two established a solid foundation, and leaning on their faith and trust in God, built the business which continues to grow and flourish. Mr. Belden retired from his position of President and Chairman of the Board of Directors on December 31, 1990. Mrs. Belden, who worked as the company secretary, office manager, and bookkeeper throughout these years, now continues to serve on the corporation's Board of Directors. Mr. Belden's father, Colonel A.W. Belden, set up the accounting system for the company in 1965 and served as the company's Treasurer for many years. Although established as a sole proprietorship in 1965, the Company was incorporated in 1971.
In 1973, Control Specialists Company began their efforts in traffic signal installation and maintenance (using a pick-up truck with an adjustable ladder). The Company's first Florida DOT construction project was as a subcontractor to Hubbard Construction in 1974.
In 1977, Mr. and Mrs. Belden's son, Mr. W. Bruce O'Donoghue, joined the company having completed his requirements for a B.A. degree in History/Urban Studies from the University of Florida. While attending the University, in his senior year, Mr. O'Donoghue was inducted into the University of Florida's Hall of Fame.
Mr. O'Donoghue has served the Company as Director of Sales and Development, Sales Manager, Vice President of Sales and Vice President of Operations. Mr. O'Donoghue became President and Chief Executive Officer in 1990. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Section and District Five Institute of Transportation Engineers, AGC of Mid-Florida, the Florida D.O.T. Traffic Operations Quality Improvement Team, and the National Joint Committee of AGC-AASHTO-ARTBA. He was also appointed to the Governor's Conference of Small Business Affairs.
Mr. Belden's business philosophy has always been to "serve the customer first". This philosophy has proven successful, providing for long standing customer relations. Every employee, regardless of position, demonstrates this philosophy in their daily work.
Coping with the stress and daily activity can often change the character of a company and its owners. Fortunately for Control Specialists Company, Mr. Belden realized the need for outside guidance in his founding of this company. The principle foundation of the company is based on Christian principles with faith and trust in God. This one characteristic does not mean mistakes are not made within the company because, after all, we are human beings subject to error. However, this faith and trust in God provides a means for hope, grace for seeking wisdom and guidance in our business activity, and to offer thanksgiving for the success and prosperity of the company.
In America, we have the privilege of living in a country that provides us with "Freedom of Religion", where every American has the freedom to pursue his own religious choice. At Control Specialists Company, all employees are treated equally and with respect and dignity, regardless of religious belief. We have a wonderful opportunity for individual and corporate success at our company, and we do not take this opportunity for granted.
Given our founding and history, Control Specialists Company distinguishes itself from most other companies and we would be honored to demonstrate our abilities to serve you.