Building on her 16 years of diverse exhibit industry experience, Debbie Parrott has acquired Highmark TechSystems from her father, Mick Parrott, who started designing and producing exhibits over 38 years ago. As owner of ICON Exhibits, Parrott was an early adopter of systems thinking and modular exhibit architecture. In 1986, he introduced ExZact, a revolutionary modular panel system that gained widespread popularity due to its set up speed and panel interchangeability. In 1996, he introduced ExpoDeck with its unique QuicDecx connector and FlexRail railing system which combined with ExZact to form the US exhibit industry’s first fully integrated multi-level modular system. Two years later, he formed a new corporate entity, Highmark Technologies (now Highmark TechSystems), with the goal of partnering — rather than competing — with exhibit designers and producers to create, build and market these specialized modular products for the industry at large. This move sparked new innovation and a fast growing list of impressive customers.
And now, in 2016, two decades after he called upon the industry to “go up, not out” with ExpoDecks and an expanded offering of innovative modular wall panel systems, Mick has announced his intention to continue the Highmark culture of innovation and leadership by “passing the baton” to his Debbie who has been the company’s President for the past 2 years.
Commenting on this change in ownership, Parrott said, “As a father watching my daughter take the reins of this dynamic company, I am immensely proud of her and her spirit to carry on our family’s commitment to an industry that has captivated my imagination for so many years. I know Debbie will take Highmark TechSystems in new directions that are beyond what I ever envisioned. An important bonus for our customers will be their ability to leverage the value of Highmark TechSystems now being a woman-owned business.”
Ms. Parrott said, “I’m honored to take over ownership of this remarkable and rock-solid company at a point in its ascendancy where we can continue to partner with designers and producers as we bring on stream smart new products and services. I’m excited to build on my father’s legacy of business know-how and integrity, his entrepreneurial vision and drive and his attentiveness to customer and marketplace needs.”
The Parrotts invite colleagues and industry friends to celebrate this leadership transition at their EDPA Access booth in Orlando November 30-December 2.
