Mobile Electronics Magazine March 2026

EDUCATIONAL CONTENT

CREATIVE TECH

12// What’s Happening: Nurturing an Industry of Support and Inspiration

KnowledgeFest Las Vegas continues to demonstrate the industry’s determination to grow and thrive.

18// Retailer of the Year: Enhancing the Experience

Retailer of the Year Laketown Speed and Sound aims to enhance the driving experience, educate the DIYer and strengthen the industry.

32// On the Show Floor: When Technology Meets Creativity

This year’s Las Vegas show featured a Tesla with a Mercedes body, new lines of plugand-play products for UTVs and many more solutions to help retailers meet clients’ needs.

48// Model Mentor: The Go-To Guy

When wiring and electronics came naturally to Jason Ewing, it sparked a lifelong career in car audio. At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, he won Support Tech of the Year for the second time.

Retailer of the Year Laketown Speed and Sound, in Draper, Utah, is committed to continued, education and training to stay ahead of rapid changes. They aim to bridge the gap between retail stores and DIY clients, demonstrating the importance of consulting

EDITOR’SFORUMROSASOPHIA• EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MAKING CLIENTS COMFORTABLE

Continued education and a willingness to share knowledge are two essential aspects to closing the sale.

In this month’s Industry Awards feature, John Mueller, owner of Retailer of the Year Laketown Speed and Sound, discusses how he and his team educate customers, offering knowledge which eventually transforms them into repeat clients. Thinking about my own experience as a customer, I felt heartened by this approach. Everyone has different needs, but we all want a positive experience. Creating that experience in a retail environment, especially when it comes to making clients comfortable and undoing damage from any previous negative experiences, takes hard work and continued education. In our industry, a retail store that invests in its employees and remains committed to attending trainings will be better poised to offer a positive experience. How does your store support its customers?

SHAPING A BUSINESS THROUGH CUSTOMER SUPPORT

I remember being met with silence one day when I asked a question in an automotive repair shop. I’d gone there because I needed something done that I couldn’t do myself at home. The man behind the counter admitted he didn’t want to answer my question because he preferred to keep information private to “the trade.” After I told him I used to work in a garage and had a degree in automotive technology, he warmed up a little, but as a customer, I no longer felt welcome. An immediate distrust of the business began to grow within me, and I questioned going there for support.

In our industry, a retail store that invests in its employees and remains committed to attending trainings will be better poised to offer a positive experience. How does your store support its customers? “ ”

How could this have been handled differently? What kind of support or education should a business offer to a DIY client? How might the way in which you respond shape a future relationship, and what kind of experience are you providing? It’s possible everyone has different answers, and that’s okay. What works for one business may not work for another. I tend to believe that when it comes to sharing information, a retailer shouldn’t be afraid to do so—after all, the client will only wind up feeling more comfortable with you, and they’ll keep coming back.

EDUCATION HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN IT IS NOW

John Mueller shared something else that stuck with me. In the Retailer of the Year cover feature, he relayed an experience in which an industry colleague said “no one cares” about training events any longer. It brought me back to previous KnowledgeFest events, when I met attendees who showed up on the very last day. I handed them badges and told them about the education sessions they still had a chance to attend. They shook their heads, indicating they weren’t interested. Did they feel they didn’t need it, that it wasn’t necessary? They’d only come to visit the show floor, they said. Where they might’ve seen a waste of time, I saw a missed opportunity. Take advantage of educational opportunities. The way in which you obtain new information will impact how you communicate with your clients—or, how you don’t.

BE OPEN TO NEW IDEAS

Meghan Watson applies strategies taught at KnowledgeFest; Ben Freeman notes the importance of proper procedures; Nicholas Frazier and Adam Devine share their thoughts on learning new skillsets.

“[Kevin Hallinan talks about ‘the success triangle’ in his classes.] Anytime I grappled with [selling from] my own pocket, I took the emotions I felt and applied them to the triangle and began to reverse the questioning internally. Kevin says to ask questions, and to answer those questions with more questions. I started asking myself, ‘How is my attitude toward this sale?’ Next, I ask myself, ‘Why do I feel this way?’ ‘What behaviors can I exhibit to ensure this customer is comfortable?’ ‘What techniques do I have in my arsenal to benefit this interaction and the customer?’ This has taken time and practice and putting myself in uncomfortable situations. My hope is that this becomes muscle memory, and over time, I will gather more communication skills to close sales with ease. I cannot thank Kevin enough.”

-Meghan Watson, Vernon’s Signature Audio, Lubbock, Texas

“After nearly three decades in this industry, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. That’s just part of learning and growing. One that stands out happened fairly recently. I got a little too comfortable and skipped over a basic step in protecting a vehicle before performing

any work on it. This is one of our procedures at Traffic Jams that we take very seriously. The result was some paint damage that could have been avoided with proper prep. It was a tough reminder that no matter how much experience you have, the fundamentals always matter. Procedures exist for a reason, and staying disciplined is what separates good work from great work.”

- Ben Freeman, Traffic Jams Motorsports, Buford, Ga.

“ Try to absorb knowledge from others. Be open to new or different ideas. Always try to grow.”

- Nicholas Frazier, iNNovative Concepts, Wilbraham, Mass.

“If you mak e learning part of your daily schedule, you’ll be surprised how fast you can grow if you give it your all and stay committed. Once you’ve landed the skillset you wish to acquire, don’t stop there. Keep learning, branch off that niche that will directly align with what your original goals were or move on to the next skillset you wish to add to your tool belt.”

- Adam Devine, Devine Concepts, Naples, Fla.

The Mobile Electronics Association reports on the specialty retailer channel category revenue performance.

CORE REVENUE

DRIVERS OF THE MOBILE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY

Represents the Percentage of Revenue for each Category as Compared to the Total Revenue

Aftermarket Head Units

Take-a-ways: The data shows a clear concentration of revenue in a few key categories, with head units and audio components dominating.

1

2

3

4

These categories represent the primary economic engine of the specialty retailer channel. The Strategic Implication is that the industry remains audio-centric, even as connected vehicle technologies grow. Retailers generating the highest ticket values are still those that are focused on complete audio system upgrades.

WHAT TO READ

Drownproof: Eight Life Lessons to Keep Your Head Above Water

BY ANDY STUMPF

COMING APRIL 14, 2026

Offering advice to empower readers to avoid costly mistakes and to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and purpose, retired Navy SEAL Andy Stumpf draws from his extensive military career to share his wisdom. From grueling training programs to intense combat situations, Stumpf shares the highs and lows, the challenges he faced, and pivotal moments that shaped his leadership abilities. Do you know how to manage the toughest situations in your life and make them the most formative moments you’ve ever had? Have you ever taken a leap of faith in your life? Are you able to combat fear? Stumpf addresses these questions and helps readers grasp how preparation leads to execution.

It’s that time of year when you’ll need to collect your receipts, review bank statements, and prepare for paying taxes. If you prefer to do them yourself versus paying an accountant or service, there is a stress-free and affordable solution with Tax Slayer software. You will find all the forms, calculations, and resources you need to file your federal and state taxes electronically with the IRS. Every TaxSlayer receives unlimited phone and email help from start to finish, and if you want some extra help, you can select an upgrade with the right type of support for your situation. File for your federal return with Simply Free if you have a simple tax situation. Suitable for all taxpayers is the classic for $29.99.

WHAT TO READ

Inside-Out Alignment: You’re Not Broken. Just Misaligned. Rewire Your Identity to Compel Right Action and Make Success Inevitable

BY MIKE FLEINER

According to author Mike Fleiner, there is a low-level humming of friction in your life. Maybe you have noticed it for months or possibly years. So what is it? It’s the invisible wall between the person you are and the person you know you’re supposed to be. Whether you have tried habit trackers, productivity blog, or pushed yourself until you’ve burned out, it is all no use. Your “Current Self” keeps pulling you back into the same old loops. It turns out there is a familiarity trap which programs you to stay stuck. Your brain is more concerned with survival rather than your potential—and that is why you repeat behaviors you dislike. To implement change, you need an operational manual for behavioral engineering. To achieve a technical override, this book will help you stop fighting yourself and start leading yourself.

WHERE TO VISIT

Jeep Beach 2026

WWW.JEEPBEACH.COM/SCHEDULE-2026

Road trip to Daytona Beach? Say yes to Jeep Beach which is held annually and returns to the Florida coast this spring from April 17–26. One of the premier, week-long Jeep-only events in the country, this family friendly show features a 300-vendor area (held at the Daytona International Speedway), obstacle course on the infield of the track, Jeep giveaway, and a beach parade. Check out the RV camping options at Lake Lloyd and the exclusive Summit Experience packages.

NURTURING AN INDUSTRY OF SUPPORT AND INSPIRATION

KnowledgeFest Las Vegas continues to demonstrate the industry’s determination to grow and thrive.

WORDS BY ROSA SOPHIA

The 2026 Industry Awards took place in the Horseshoe Hotel at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, where Chris Cook, president of Mobile Electronics Association, offered words of advice to retailers who might be struggling. He recommended choosing three things to focus on post-KnowledgeFest. “Think about what you’d like to implement. Focus on what you feel would give you the greatest benefit, and let this

help your business. Follow it throughout the year.” But don’t try to do too much at once, he said, adding that this can lead to frustration and overwhelm. Most of all, take time for family and friends. “Don’t spend all your time in your business. Spend time with your family and your friends. Lastly, rely on others for help and encouragement—which is what KnowledgeFest is all about.” He also made mention of how many times since the 1980s people have claimed the industry won’t

survive: “We’re still here. Not only are we here, but we’re thriving and we’re looking for opportunities for growth.”

When he announced the Top 5 Sales Reps, Cook called the winner to the stage. Mike Blackwell of DOW Technologies went to the podium to accept his award. During his remarks, he noted that a person only has two choices: You can get better, or you can get worse. “But you never stay the same,” he said, adding, “Tonight, we’re all here [because we want to] get better.”

BUILD A HEALTHY BUSINESS, A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO BE

This year’s Retailer of the Year is Draper, Utah-based Laketown Speed and Sound, featured on this month’s cover. On the final afternoon of KnowledgeFest, John Mueller co-taught a workshop with Angel Rivera, his business partner and installation manager at Laketown Speed and Sound. The class, “Building the Dream Team: Hiring and Leading a HighPerformance Car Audio Crew,” presented hiring strategies and how to avoid common pitfalls.

During the class, Mueller said it’s essential to have a cohesive team—a team which inspires confidence. “The average time

on the job for our employees right now is nine and a half years,” he said. “We have a system in place that’s designed around retention and career building.”

A shop is only as strong as its team, Rivera noted. “Everyone has to be on the same page. Good hiring equals fewer comebacks, better customer service and higher profits. If you have a system in place, all this will fall in line.” When a business is operating as it should, there’s no need to worry about what the competition is doing, he added. “We don’t worry about other shops in our area.” Instead, when support is needed, Rivera said he reaches out to industry colleagues.

During the presentation, Rivera and Mueller discussed how to evaluate the

skills of a potential employee and how to build a workplace that people want to be involved in. They stressed the importance of enjoying one’s work, stating, “If you focus on the money, you’ll never make enough.” The more important thing, Rivera said, is store culture. If the store culture is nurtured, the money will come.

Rivera also said that he’d rather hire someone without skills and train them, instead of hiring someone who has skills but brings bad habits into the business. When a person comes in asking for a job, he said, “How do they present themselves? What were they doing before? Are they professional [in their presentation]?” He also discussed the traits of a good

Installer of the Year

T.J. Carlson

Musicar Northwest – Portland, Ore.

Retailer of the Year

Laketown Speed and Sound Draper, Utah

Sales Pro Award Winner

Parker Lopez Car Stereo One – Toledo, Ohio

Trusted Tech Award Winner

Fernando ‘Nando’ Lopez

Five Star Car Stereo – Clearwater, Fla.

Rookie of the Year Meghan Watson

Vernon’s Signature Audio – Lubbock, Texas

Most Improved Store or Chain

Sudbury Car Audio

Val Therese, Ontario

Best Online Presence

Traffic Jams Motorsports

Buford, Ga.

Best Customer Retention Program

KarTele Mobile Electronics Waterbury, Conn.

Best Customer Experience

Traffic Jams Motorsports

Buford, Ga.

Best Store Culture

Traffic Jams Motorsports

Buford, Ga.

installer and a skilled salesperson, like being a team player who is proactive and lends support to one’s teammates. For example, instead of simply doing nothing when there’s no project in the bay, a person might organize a shelf or clean up an area without being asked.

During the class, an audience member asked, “How do you handle it when someone isn’t a good fit? You’ve tried to develop them [but you need to let them go].” Rivera said Laketown Speed and Sound hasn’t been in this position recently, but he advised cutting ties as quickly as possible. Mueller suggested putting a process in place for discipline, with a verbal warning for first offence, a written warning for second offence and after a third incident, cutting ties. He

also advised seeking employees via high schools or trade schools, noting that a current Laketown team member originally came in as an intern from a high school.

During an interview, Mueller said there are two essential questions that should be asked: “Are you good with people? If someone looks you in the eye and you can meet them face to face, you get an idea of whether or not they’re good with people. Do you have a passion for automobiles or car audio? If you get someone with these two traits, it’s likely you’ll have a successful hire.”

FOCUSED ON DOING BETTER

When Mueller joined his team on stage to accept the Retailer of the Year award, he began by thanking

KEEP PUSHING FORWARD

At the Industry Awards, some of those who took to the stage offered encouragement and support to their colleagues. SONY’s Kris Bulla said, “Keep pushing forward. Keep getting better.”

Conrad Leduc of Sudbury Car Audio, whose store took home the award for Most Improved Store or Chain, said self-improvement is key. “Training makes you better, and it works. I came from a small store. It start-

ed at home, and we just had our first million-dollar season. Keep growing, keep training and train other people. Help the industry grow. That’s what it’s all about.”

Meghan Watson took home the Rookie of the Year Award. On stage, she said, “Being the first woman to receive the Rookie of the Year award is both humbling and empowering. I’m deeply grateful to my mentors, family, friends and every single person

at Vernon’s Signature Audio who challenged me, believed in me and encouraged me.” Her colleagues, she said, strengthened her confidence and reminded her of the power of community—“but also the power of our individual authenticity when we support each other. We redefine what success looks like for the next generation,” she said, adding, “I’m ready for whatever comes next.”

Customer Choice Award

Installer

Austin Moore

Team Witt Customs – Nashville, Tenn.

Customer Choice Award

Sales

Jeremy “Taco” Patterson

Speakerbox Autosound and Accessories – Huntsville, Ala.

Customer Choice Award

Retailer

Speakerbox Autosound and Accessories

Huntsville, Ala.

Expeditor of the Year

Titan Motoring

Distributor of the Year

DOW Technologies

Rep Firm of the Year 12 Volt Specialist

Sales Rep of the Year

Mike Blackwell

DOW Technologies

Top Vendor Support Tech

Jason Ewing

Firstech

Vendor of the Year

Kicker

Top Vendor: Autosound & Processing

SONY

his colleagues. “We call ourselves the dream team. Everyone is here to support one another. When you have that confidence, it feels amazing to [interact with] customers and know you’ll be able to do exactly what you say you can do.” Mueller also acknowledged other retailer finalists, noting, “You offer moral support, and also great ideas and ways to improve. We thank you for that.”

T.J. Carlson of Portland, Ore.-based Musicar Northwest took home the award for Installer of the Year, thanking his employer, Tom Miller, “for consistently inspiring me to do better.” He also thanked his fellow teammates at Musicar for supporting him and creating a

nurturing work environment committed to helping employees grow. “Congratulations to all of the other finalists who put themselves out there,” he said, before he thanked everyone present who continues to inspire him, as well as his family, wife and children: “Thank you for your love, support and words of encouragement every year. Receiving this award has been a goal of mine for many years.”

As the ceremony ended, Cook added a word of support to everyone who participated: “You competed. Keep working at it.” He encouraged everyone to look forward to the nominations for 2027, which will begin in the summer. In August,

Top Vendor: Security, Safety and Driver Assistance Firstech (Compustar,

Top Vendor: Accessories and Materials Metra Electronics

Top Vendor: Infotainment & Multimedia SONY

Top Vendor: Marine Kicker

Top Vendor: Motorcycle & Powersports Cicada Audio

Top Vendor: OEM Integration ADS (iDatalink Maestro)

Top Vendor: Lighting Lucas Lighting

the annual Mobile Electronics Hall of Fame awards will take place in Detroit, Michigan, he said, adding, “[You can] nominate someone who deserves recognition.” Visit www.meindustryawards. com for more information.

ENHANCING THE EXPERIENCE

Retailer of the Year Laketown Speed and Sound aims to enhance clients' experience, educate the DIYer and strengthen the industry through education and support.

WORDS BY ROSA SOPHIA

Retailer of the Year

Draper, Utah-based Laketown Speed and Sound is always looking for ways to enhance customer experience, according to store owner John Mueller. What happens when a potential client brings in their own equipment—purchased on the Internet— and asks the team to install it? “We give them practical advice,” he said, adding that they’ve had experience with radios purchased on Amazon that don’t last or don’t have proper technical support. “The technology eventually fails. You’ll have a much better experience with a brand name like Sony, Pioneer, Alpine or Kenwood, something that’s built to last.”

His business, Mueller said, focuses on nurturing relationships with clients. “We don’t look at things as a one-off service,” he said. “We try to look at each vehicle and ask, how can we enhance this person’s driving experience?”

GET TO KNOW THE CLIENT AND DON’T RUSH THE SALE

Mueller has been in the industry for 36 years and opened Laketown Speed and Sound in 2001. Prior to that, he intended to become a doctor and studied pre-med at the University of Utah. But after returning from a two-year LDS mission in Germany, his brother asked for help getting a business going—a car audio business. “Once I started playing with cars, it was all over,” he said of his medical career. “I got married four months later and realized I’d have to support a household and a family. My focus changed to business.”

Laketown Speed and Sound began in a small house. Today, it’s in a much larger building with about 11,000 square feet and a prominent location. “This gives us the ability to do all types of vehicle customization,” he said.

Installation manager Angel Rivera has been with Laketown Speed and Sound for 22 years. Rivera’s son, Junior, also works for the business in sales. Mueller said Rivera attended MasterTech Expo in 2024, where his team won the event’s build-off competition. Mueller felt it time to involve Rivera in the business, and about a year and a half ago, the two became business partners.

Together, the Laketown team views each car as its own project, which Mueller said opens a multitude of possibilities and helps to raise the average ticket price. He stressed the importance of getting to know each client and to avoid rushing through a sale. “A client will come in with a brand new vehicle, and we can offer paint protection, window tint, a sound system, radar detector, a lift or wheels and tires. There’s so much we can do with a brand new car if a

client wants to build something that’s unique to them, so we aim to give them all the options—even if they can’t afford everything in one stop. They can always come back when they’re ready for the next thing. That’s been very positive for us, optimizing each client and vehicle to enhance the experience.”

SELLING VIA EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST WAY TO SELL

Instead of immediately turning away a client who brings in their own equipment, Mueller said they’ll install product a customer brought in, just once, requesting that next time they need something, they should come in and discuss it first. “We will also match online prices on the same products we carry and provide a lifetime warranty at no extra charge. We can provide a much better experience if they buy the product from us. Because if something goes wrong, they’ll have to pay us to pull the product and reinstall it, and they’ll have to deal with shipping it back.”

A lot of times, he added, customers don’t realize how expensive it is to have the products installed. Mueller and his team take the time to explain proper methods and wiring techniques, demonstrating why a professional installation with quality product is best. “We give them correct information so they know they can’t just plug any amp into any system and have it work.”

When it comes to using education to convince clients it’s better to buy from the store instead of online, Mueller said they have a good conversion rate, “about 80 to 90 percent.” They also have multiple ways to communicate with clients including via the store’s website. “We have a direct chat. Our salespeople know if we can get them in the store and provide that experience, we have about a 95 percent chance of closing that sale. We are not just giving out information, or giving them a price to go shop, but rather inviting them in to have an experience in one of our four demo vehicles,” he said, adding, “Selling via experience is a much better way to sell.”

The store’s demo vehicles include a Tesla Model Y, a Harley-Davidson Road

LAKETOWN AIMS TO REACH DIY COMMUNITY VIA DB DRAG EVENT

Last year, Meuller said Laketown Speed and Sound hosted a sound quality competition at its location, but it was poorly attended. The shop hopes to target the DIY market by holding a dB drag racing competition. “We want to let people know we can do these types of builds.” Mueller feels this will be more effective due to the new generation of up-and-coming bass enthusiasts. “A lot of these guys live and breathe on the Internet, and they’re getting all their information from other do-it-yourselfers. They’re not getting knowledge from shops anymore. There’s a paradigm shift in how people are buying car audio.” This, he said, has the potential to damage the industry.

“Some companies are marketing direct to clients now. They’re not dealing with retailers anymore, and that’s a problem.” This means quality retailers could disappear, he said, adding, “Typically, people won’t have a positive experience trying to do something on their own with the limited knowledge the Internet offers. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. About 50 percent of what I see isn’t true, and you have these people thinking it’s true and having a bad experience as a result.” Because of this, Mueller hopes a dB drag event will attract the DIYer, giving the team at Laketown an opportunity to provide them with an experience.

Retailer of the Year

Glide Limited, a Nissan 240SX and a Honda S2000, providing the opportunity to show clients what a quality sound system is like. Each system utilizes a DSP and is properly tuned to provide a unique experience: “Clients often say they had no idea this type of experience was possible. They always exit the vehicles smiling and laughing.”

Mueller believes this to be the biggest advantage the aftermarket has over OEM systems today. “We make sure every client gets to have this experience when they come into the store. Especially those clients who say, ‘My factory system is really good.’ We always want to leave the client wanting more and understanding the potential of their vehicle’s sound system. It’s a game changer.”

PRIORITIZE STORE CULTURE AND THE MONEY WILL FOLLOW

Mueller said it’s essential to invest in a store’s employees. “Your store culture should be the center of what you’re doing, and don’t be afraid to show that off,” he said. “For our Retailer of the Year video, we brought our staff in and interviewed them. We talked about who they were and their contribution [to the growth of the business]. Then we talked about our facility.”

Laketown Speed and Sound has been able to offer good benefits to its employees, he added. “A couple of years ago, I noticed we were getting hammered on credit card fees. We spent between $80,000 and $90,000 per year on credit card processing fees.” Based

on advice from a friend, Mueller started instituting a two-and-a-half percent fee for credit cards.

“We took the proceeds from what we had been paying in fees and used it to offer our employees a matched funds retirement account,” he explained. “This was a huge benefit to our longtime employees and gave us a way to build value into continued employment with our company. I took a lot of heat from people around the industry when I rolled this out, but I’ve never really lost a sale because of it. To date, we have banked over $380,000 in retirement savings for our employees. I believe that the most important job of a good store owner is to facilitate the success of its employees. This gave us a means by which to do this.”

FAST FACTS

LOCATION: Draper, Utah

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 1

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 11,000

TYPE: Traditional Retail

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 9

MAIN FOCUS

70% Mobile Electronics

20% Tint, PPF, Wrap, Ceramic Coating

10% Performance, Offroad, Accessories

KEY STAFF

FOUNDER, CEO: John Mueller

PARTNER, INSTALLATION MANAGER: Angel Rivera

SALES, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Junior Rivera

OPERATIONS MANAGER: Terri Hales

SHOP FOREMAN: Isai Hernandez

TECHNICIANS: Adam Eccles, Lucas Mueller

TINT TECH: Krysta Griffeth

SALES SPECIALIST: Randy Goyne

BRAX AND HELIX EXPERIENCE CENTER COMING TO LAKETOWN SPEED AND SOUND

Laketown Speed and Sound has been a Kicker dealer since 2016, Mueller said. “They have excellent price points and fantastic quality.” He added that the company protects the product, so they don’t have to worry about losing a sale due to the Internet. The store also works with MSC America and sells Brax and Helix products. Laketown is building a Brax and Helix Experience Center in the store, which Mueller said will strengthen the customer experience.

“There will be interactive displays with videos,” Mueller said, adding

that the Experience Center is being built in an under-utilized conference room. “It’s like a sound room, but on a whole different level,” he explained. “There are only three in the country, and ours will be the fourth. Those who’ve implemented that system of selling into their stores have had tremendous success, so we’re very excited about having a Brax Helix Experience Center and being one of their Focus 50 dealers.” The Experience Center should be complete in the next couple of months, he added.

Retailer of the Year

He added that good pay, medical and dental benefits ensure employees have a way to support themselves and their families. “They can come to work and love what they do, and that will be reflected in the quality of their work. It’s not just about building our dream team, but keeping our dream team. And that makes everything work. It also makes everything easier for me because I’m not spending my time hiring and training, and going over all those processes with new people every year or two.”

Laketown Speed and Sound aims to continue investing in the business by obtaining large-format 3D printers, a CNC and renovating the shop to make the space more productive. Mueller is heartened by continued increase in revenue, adding, “We’re seeing a lot of these $25-, $50-, $75,000 projects, and that’s positive.” He aims to continue growing the company, maintaining the same team.

RETAILERS MUST COMMIT TO EDUCATION, EVOLUTION

Mueller said he feels Laketown’s submission video for this round of the Industry Awards helped confirm the store’s win. “In the past, I didn’t really dedicate much time or effort to our submission video,” he admitted. “Angel shared a couple of things he’d done with his own videos to make them more exciting and interesting to watch.”

Mueller sings in the Tabernacle Choir, he said, and through that, he befriended a few cameramen and photographers. He called in a friend to film the video for the shop. “I wanted people to see the facility. We’ve worked very hard to get to the point where we have all the tools we need, the space, the talent, the exposure and the reputation. I wanted to capture that, and I think that’s what really grabbed the judges’ attention this year.”

SOUND DEADENING INCREASES OVERALL REVENUE IN-STORE

Sound deadening has been a very lucrative category, according to Mueller. “We do what we call three skins or three layers in doors. On average, it’s $1,200 to $1,500 for just the sound deadening in the doors.” While it can be an add-on sale, some clients come in just for sound deadening, he said, adding that the team tests it out by driving 40 miles per hour down the road in front of the shop with an RTA mic, listening to the amount of noise in the vehicle.

“We do that before and after installing the sound deadening, and we’ve seen dramatic decreases of noise in the vehicle—about 13 to 14 decibels less.”

SHARING DAILY PROJECTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA HELPS GROW CLIENT BASE

Laketown Speed and Sound receives a lot of business from referrals, who noted that customers often come in and mention that positive online reviews compelled them to visit. “We use SEO, we have a blog, Facebook and Instagram. We’ve had a couple of customers tell us they wish we were on TikTok, so that’s something we can improve in terms of our social media.”

Mueller said he and his team decided it was important to remind clients of the everyday builds they take on weekly—not just highend custom work, which Mueller noted will be unrealistic to the

One of the things that drew him to the industry, he said, was the opportunity to meet new people every day from all walks of life. “People want to be a part of that, and they like how it feels when they come into the store,” he said, adding, “If you can establish that connection with your clients, they’ll always come back, and they’ll tell other people about you.” Meuller noted that he loves his work, “not because of my position, but because of those I have the honor and privilege of working with—those who support the mobile electronics industry.”

He then stressed the importance of sharing information and learning from one another’s successes and failures in order to offer clients the best possible experience. “We are in a rapidly evolving industry,” he said. “Someone I once admired and looked up to in this industry made a comment to me stating, ‘No one cares anymore,’ in regard to training opportunities like KnowledgeFest and other industry events. It absolutely floored me. Not only do I vehemently disagree, but I would warn that having that attitude and being complacent is a dangerous slippery slope.”

The industry needs organizations like MEA, MECP, MasterTech and other

average customer. “We do what’s called ‘The Daily,’ and Junior will go around the store with his phone and [make a video], saying, ‘This is Junior with Laketown Speed and Sound and I just want to show you what we’re working on today.’”

The video will showcase five or six different vehicles, Mueller said— anything from a Ferrari to a Chevy truck, demonstrating the breadth and variety of projects.

“I’ve had people come in and say, for example, ‘I noticed you guys did sound deadening on that 4-Runner. Can you tell me what you did?’ That’s been really positive for us,” he said.

supporting vendors, he said. “The relationships forged at these events, and the knowledge we gather, will be an absolute necessity in the coming years.” It’s a simple decision, he added: “Learn and evolve, attend and internalize what’s being taught—or fail. Period.”

It’s impossible to think otherwise, Mueller concluded. “Technology will provide a means by which we will all thrive, but if we are foundationally ignorant and do not have the tools provided by these training opportunities, we will become obsolete.”

SkillsUSA Technical Chair Chris Jack and Graduate

Hit the Show Floor at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas

Chris Jack has been teaching with Skills USA for 17 years. This year, one of his students accompanied him to KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, where the two spoke with vendors and manufacturers on the show floor. Johann Orellana—who is a partner in the Los Angeles, Calif.-based mobile electronics shop A&F Auto Sounds—competed in SkillsUSA and is a graduate of the program. Orellana has been involved in the industry since age 18.

“I have served for two years on the SkillsUSA Mobile Electronics Technical

Committee, working alongside Mr. Christopher Jack, the Technical Chair,” he said. “Earlier in my career, I was a student of Mr. Jack during his tenure teaching Mobile Electronics at Harbor Occupational Center.”

A&F, he said, was originally established in 1985 and currently specializes in audio and electronics. When the founder passed away due to complications from COVID-19, Orellana joined Jose Barberena—the founder’s son—and Gerardo Escobar

to continue to grow the company. Orellana noted that his passion for mobile electronics has led him to contribute to the future of the industry through SkillsUSA.

“This experience, combined with the guidance of mentors like Mr. Jack, positions me for a potential future business expansion into Georgia,” he said, adding that he enjoyed his experience at KnowledgeFest, especially when it came to learning more about what’s possible with OEM integration.

WHEN TECHNOLOGY

CREATIVITY MEETS

This year’s Las Vegas show featured a Tesla with a Mercedes body, new lines of plug-and-play products for UTVs and many more solutions to help retailers meet clients’ needs.

“THE ALPINE TOUCH: FIRST 15 YEARS” DOCU-CAST NOW AVAILABLE ON WWW.THEALPINETOUCH.COM

“The Alpine Touch: First 15 Years” is now available for viewing. It’s been popular among enthusiasts, said David Black, president of On-Board Engineering and Sales, and one of the film’s creators. He and his wife Jan were on the show floor at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas speaking with attendees. “We’ve been going to a lot of auto shows,” Black said, noting the growing interest in the docu-cast, which provides an insider perspective on Alpine’s early days and how some of its products were created.

Topics also include Alpine’s co-branding relationship with Lamborghini, and how it helped establish the brand in the USA. The hope, he said, is that “The Alpine Touch” will in some way contribute to inspiring the next generation of car audio enthusiasts.

DB

DRIVE EUPHORIA XPERT EX200.4DSP 4-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER WITH BUILT-IN 6-CHANNEL DSP

The Euphoria XPERT EX200.4DSP 4-channel amplifier is shipping now. It has a frequency response of 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz; fully digital crossover; 31 bands of adjustable EQ; and quick disconnect terminals, to name some of its features. The DSP app supports Windows, Android and iOS platforms.

12V DASHBOARD OFFERS INTERACTIVE GUIDE FOR RETAIL SHOWROOMS

This new display item can help assist salespeople in a busy retail store. If a salesperson is occupied with another customer, a potential client can use the touchscreen to browse available products. It can be self-service, or a salesperson can interact with a customer at the display.

The hardware is $400 for the touchscreen and the device that runs it, and $50 per month for each store location. 12V Dashboard subscribers will receive this at half-price. The display runs off 12-volt power and will plug right into a current display. Finally, it can be customized depending on the store. A retailer may choose to display only remote start, only car audio or only lighting. There are also options for motorcycle audio.

S KLUB LA TESLA WITH SL 300 MERCEDES BODY STEALS THE SHOW AT KNOWLEDGEFEST

This unique Tesla was on display in the Audison booth at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas. It was built by S Klub LA—www.sklubla. com—a company which builds 20 to 30 vehicles a year, according to an Audison representative. The Tesla, with its vintage 1950s SL 300 Mercedes body, features Audison audio equipment and has been on display at SEMA for the last two years.

RECOIL AUDIO PRESENTS DII AMPLIFIER LINE AT KNOWLEDGEFEST

The affordable DII lineup from Recoil Audio offers everything from a 400-watt 4-channel amplifier to a 4,000-watt 4-channel. These amps also have a small footprint. Prioritizing brick-and-mortar stores, a Recoil representative noted the products are protected and offer a good margin for retailers. Pictured here is the DII1400.5 amplifier.

ZZ2 RELEASES SCREEN REPLACEMENT FOR 2004-2019 AUDI

This screen replacement for Audi features wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, rear camera input, USB playback and a threeyear warranty. It runs on a Linux-based system. It is more responsive and will boot up faster.

LINKSWELL PRESENTS BUDGET-FRIENDLY SCREEN UPGRADES, PLUS POWER MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS FOR THE GROWING RV CATEGORY

At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, LinksWell displayed the T-Style Radio LITE 2 line of screen upgrades, which offers budgetfriendly prices with more power and more features than its predecessor, the LITE 1. It is plug-and-play, with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Users are able to install all of their favorite apps due to a faster processer. According to a company representative, the LITE 2 offers a larger screen with a lower cost. Also at the show, the company featured a rolling display in the form of a trailer, with RV power management products. Retailers can look forward to more products in the future. For more information, speak to your LinksWell rep.

AMERICAN FIRST FINANCE OFFERS CONSUMER FINANCING, HELPING RETAILERS CLOSE MORE SALES

With flexible payment options and a high approval rate, American First Finance is able to assist a retail location in providing a great experience to clients, according to a company representative. Often, a customer who has been previously denied financing will be able to find help with American First, the rep said, adding, “[Retailers will often] see a spike in revenue if they do it right. It makes extra money and builds repeat customers.”

HERTZ TO COMPLETE LIVE BUILD AT MASTERTECH ON 2026 CVO ST HARLEY-DAVIDSON

In order to promote its motorcycle audio category, and demonstrate to retailers how lucrative and repeatable motorcycle audio can be, Hertz will be completing a live, timed build this month at MasterTech Expo, March 12-15. The 2026 CVO ST Harley-Davidson, on display in the booth at KnowledgeFest, will be used for the live build. Hertz representatives said the goal is to encourage retailers to expand their offerings into the motorcycle audio category.

ORCA BRINGS ON TWO NEW BRANDS: GOLDHORN AND EXILE

Orca recently acquired Exile, a line of marine audio products, as well as Goldhorn, a leading DSP and electronics manufacturer. Exile offers tower speakers, coaxial speakers and components. Goldhorn offers DSPs and DSP amplifiers. Contact your Orca representative for more information.

WĀVTECH INTRODUCES

8-CHANNEL LINK1400.8 PLUS AMPLIFIER

The 8-channel amplifier from the Wāvtech plus line features the company’s patent-pending autoBASS circuit for bass rolloff correction, and a set of inputs that can be converted to outputs. It also has RCA pass through with 10-volt line driver; bassFREQ processer, and more. Additionally, the company is introducing matrix summing, which is the most flexible and versatile summing technology offered by Wāvtech so far.

UTV STEREO DEMONSTRATES PLUG-AND- PLAY AUDIO KITS IN A 2026 KAWASAKI TERYX H2

At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, UTV Stereo presented its plug-and-play audio kits. “We are the first to market with aftermarket audio [for this vehicle],” said a company representative, adding that the kits are available in various levels or stages. For example, stage six includes tweeter replacements and a 10-inch subwoofer in the dash with a five-channel amplifier. “As you go up, you add an amplifier. On stage seven, you have two amplifiers. On stage eight, you have three.” The kits integrate into the factory Garmin head unit. Battery kits are also available which double the size of the battery. Visit www.utvstereo. com and navigate to the Kawasaki menu to view all the available products.

SUONO CAR AUDIO INTRODUCES TWO NEW PERFORMANCEDRIVEN SOLUTIONS: SLIM-10D4 SUBWOOFER AND OSX-6 PRO COAXIAL SPEAKER

As vehicle designs evolve and available installation space becomes increasingly limited, car audio manufacturers are challenged to deliver high-output, high-fidelity solutions without compromise. SUONO answers that challenge with the release of two new products aimed squarely at installers and enthusiasts who demand performance, durability, and flexibility: the SLIM-10D4 subwoofer and the OSX-6 PRO coaxial speaker. Together, these components offer a balanced approach to system design—powerful low-frequency impact paired with clear, controlled full-range reproduction.

VOXX ELECTRONICS BP1 REMOTE START INTERFACE MODULE FOR GM GLOBAL B PLATFORM

The BP1 module is designed to integrate into modern push-tostart ignition systems, including GM Global B vehicles, further expanding the DIRECTED digital ecosystem. The module stands in as another authorized key for the vehicle, allowing for a remote start system. It works with GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado, some Cadillacs, Buick and anything with the new GM Global B platform.

KENWOOD XM65BL 6.5-INCH TWO-WAY MARINE SPEAKERS WITH RGB LED ILLUMINATION

The XM65BL 6.5-inch marine speakers feature LED illumination and come with a remote control. Kenwood offers a 6.5-inch and a 7.7-inch. These tower speakers can be used for marine audio or UTVs. They come in black and white, work on a variety of piping sizes and up to eight pairs can be connected.

DIAMOND AUDIO HOSTS

SIDE-BY-SIDE TRAINING AT KNOWLEDGEFEST LAS VEGAS

At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, Diamond Audio hosted a side-by-side training on the show floor to demonstrate its newest products. According to company representative Ryan Klein, the category is totally new for Diamond Audio. “We are covering 17 vehicles and multiple platforms. It’s a considerable upgrade,” he said.

CICADA AUDIO DSP412PRO DSP PROCESSOR

This 4-channel input, 12-channel output DSP processor is new from Cicada Audio. According to a company representative, it might be the smallest DSP on the market. It is IP67 rated and comes with everything needed to complete a plug-and-play installation. It is also running on new software, allowing for full control via a soon-to-be-released Bluetooth app.

HEISE HE-ROCK-WHT WIDE- ANGLE WHITE ROCK LIGHT, WHITE LED

The wide-angle white rock light from Heise is easy to install. Each light has 30 LEDs, with an output angle of 160 degrees. It features a polycarbonate lens, aluminum alloy and an IP 67 rating. These are daisy-chainable.

MEMPHIS AUDIO CELEBRATES AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY WITH COMMEMORATIVE EDITIONS

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of America, Memphis Audio is offering three limited edition products from its bestselling Power Reference line and will be donating some of the proceeds to a military charity. The products are: 76PRX1000.1V2, 250th Anniversary Edition Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifier, 1000W RMS ×1 at 1 ohm; 76PRXL12FTV Power Reference 12-inch one-, two- or four-ohm RGB LED Selectable Impedance Subwoofer; and 76PRX500.4V2

4-Channel 500 Watt Amplifier, 125 Watts RMS x 4 at 2-ohm. The company is accepting preorders now, and products will launch in time for Independence Day. JVC KW-Z900W 9-INCH HIGHDEFINITION TOUCHSCREEN

In the past, JVC and Kenwood have offered similar receivers. In this case, the JVC KW-Z900W is exclusive to JVC. At a cost-effective price point, it has HDMI input for video and devices, and it’s wireless CarPlay and Android Auto ready. It is also HD camera compatible, with two camera inputs and rear parking guidelines, and it can mirror Apple and Android phones.

GROUND ZERO DEMONSTRATES ENTRY-LEVEL PRODUCT LINE IN 2017 KIA

Ground Zero often highlights its high-end product lines, but this time, the company chose to demonstrate its entrylevel equipment. The build features Titanian three-way components in the front and custom pillars, with Iridium 135.4 4-channel amplifiers and Iridium 1500.1 amplifiers. The Radioactive 10-inch subwoofer, GZRW10XSPL, has a full custom enclosure. The goal was to show that Ground Zero can also assist in budget builds.

PRECISION POWER HEAD UNIT FOR 1998 TO 2013 HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE AND ROAD GLIDE

At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, Precision Power displayed its new radio for older Street Glide and Road Glide motorcycles using a 2013 Street Glide demo vehicle. The head unit features wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. The company offers various adapters or gaskets to fit the motorcycles. This product is geared toward the biker who might not want a larger screen, which is something Precision Power also offers. However, it is important to note that it does not feature iDatalink Maestro as other units do. The driver retains full functionality via the handlebar control module. The unit is expected to be available in April.

KICKER SOLOXS L7XS SUBWOOFER

The new SoloXS L7XS subwoofers are available in 18-, 15- and 12-inch. At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, Kicker displayed a cutaway of an L7XS beside the previous iteration, the L7X, to demonstrate the improvements. This efficient subwoofer offers high power handling. The XS is a step up and has 4.5 inches of peak to peak travel on the cone, with a larger voice coil and larger motor structure. The L7XS handles 3,000 watts RMS on the 12-inch, compared to 2,000 on the L7X. The XS model also allows for changing the re-cone kits. If a two-ohm sub is damaged or it needs to be changed to a oneohm subwoofer, a re-coning kit can be placed in a two-ohm basket without any issues. The re-coning kit is sold separately.

MODUS DEMONSTRATES MEZZO SERIES AMPLIFIERS IN 2024 TESLA CYBERTRUCK

The Modus Mezzo Series amplifiers feature patented technology, including PREACT, which is a current-averaging technology that allows for a wide operating voltage range, from nine to 58 volts. The Cybertruck is a 48-volt platform. A Modus representative explained that the amplifiers can be installed without any voltage inverters, and they are very efficient. An onboard energy reservoir stores energy. Instead of taking current from the vehicle, it is drawn from an internal source and averages the current over time. ACT EQ, another patented technology, is an internal audio feedback loop that monitors the amplifiers and the difference between input and output signal. If it sees a difference in distortion or clipping, for example, it will adjust for it. It also monitors temperature, voltage and current draw, protecting the amplifier and the speakers. Product from Modus, including car and marine applications, will begin shipping this month.

RDV FL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY OFFERS NEW SCREEN UPGRADE FOR FORD F-SERIES 2015-2021

RDV FL Automotive Technology now offers a new screen upgrade for Ford F-Series vehicles, 2015-2021, with all the new features but none of the drawbacks associated with changing out a radio. It allows the user to keep their radio intact as the factory amplifier continues communicating with the factory radio. The upgrade is a more reliable solution, according to the company, “because we aren’t relying on integrating into the factory amplifier, and we aren’t picking up the communication from the vehicle to the radio.” The product features a threeyear warranty and is available now.

STETSOM BRAVO RIDER AMPLIFIER 800.4 @ 2 OHMS

Designed for audio enthusiasts and developed for motorcycles, the Bravo Rider is a robust product intended to be flexible in tougher conditions. According to the company, it delivers peak performance, and its compact design features individual level adjustment for each pair of channels, along with lowpass and high-pass filter options which allow for precise tonal customization. For added convenience during installation, the amplifier includes RCA-standard input connections as well as high-input wire connections. This flexibility makes it compatible with a wide variety of setups, offering practicality and ease of installation.

VUEROID PRESENTS LINE OF DASH CAMERAS AT KNOWLEDGEFEST

Vueroid attended its first-ever KnowledgeFest in Las Vegas this past February. According to a company representative, people like the brand due to its high heat tolerance. Other dash cameras, he said, can shut down due to high heat in states like Arizona, California, Texas and Florida. Vueroid maximizes the camera’s performance, stays cool and continues to run. The S1 4K, pictured here, can be easily removed from the mount without disconnecting any wires. Instead of removing an SD card to view footage on a computer, this product has a mobile app that can be used for this purpose. If a phone features a USBC, the camera can also be plugged directly into the phone to view files. The same method can be used to view video on a laptop. In this way, it offers a lot of flexibility for personal preference. Finally, while the camera will go into sleep mode and can sit in the vehicle for weeks without draining the battery, it will wake up if there’s an impact and start recording.

INCRIMINATOR LINE OF AUDIO PRODUCTS OFFERS DISTRIBUTOR- DRIVEN, PREMIUM OFFERINGS

Incriminator Audio, in business for 24 years, will be offering distributor-driven, premium products in 2026. The line is protected from Internet sales and offers strong warranties.

LUCAS LIGHTING LINE OF

REDESIGNED MINI BULBS

Lucas Lighting has redesigned a family of mini bulbs, according to representative Steve Rogers, who said the bulbs are intended for reverse lights, turn signals and brake lights. Noting issues with other mini bulbs on the market, Rogers said the goal was to present something effective, long-lasting and vehicle-compatible. These bulbs, he noted, also eliminate the need for resistors in the majority of vehicles. “The position of the light source is crucial when it comes to getting a good light pattern from the housing,” he said. Lucas Lighting has tooled its own connectors to ensure they remain firmly installed. The bulbs also come with new packaging. The company has thought of everything, including the installation process itself: Gloves come with the product to protect the surface of the bulbs.

JL AUDIO AP SERIES AMPLIFIERS WITH BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY

Pictured here is the AP200 / 4BT, a fullrange 4-channel amplifier, IP67 rated, with Bluetooth technology. This line, featuring four models, is an upgrade from the MX line of amplifiers. They will work well in car audio, powersports and marine audio. The AP200 / 4BT comes with a source unit or control panel.

THE GO-TO GUY

When wiring and electronics came naturally to Jason Ewing, it sparked a lifelong career in car audio. At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, he won Support Tech of the Year for the second time.

WORDS BY JAMIE SORCHER

The joys of being young, having your driver’s license and living close to the coast—that’s what Jason Ewing remembers most about the late 1980s as a teenager in South Florida. Ewing got his license when he was 15, he said, adding that he started with a motorcycle and bought his first car a year later. “Back then, for me, it was about driving to the beach and listening to music—pretty loud, too, but not to today’s standards.”

During his senior year of high school, he moved from Florida to Pennsylvania and started hanging out at a car audio shop in Philadelphia called Traffic Jams. “I was trying to buy stuff for my car so it would sound better,” he said. “I offered to do light work, put tools away, sweep floors and take out the trash in exchange

Ewing’s oldest daughter, Jenee, joined him at the 2026 Industry Awards ceremony.

for product. I kept my eyes and ears open to learn how the business operated. Eventually, my responsibilities expanded to helping put gear into cars or holding a product while it was being installed.”

He was hooked. Over the years, he would discover his strengths in remote start and security and make several moves, as well as job changes. But throughout it all, he remained committed to the industry. By working well with others, being a strong communicator and relying on his instincts, he’s enjoyed his work over his 30-plus-year career. Today, Ewing is based in Pennsylvania where he works remotely for Firstech. Ewing is also a certified firefighter in his spare time, and an elected School Board Director in his home district where he serves as vice-president. In 2022, Ewing

was honored with the Mobile Electronics Support Tech Award. This year, at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, he accepted the award a second time.

A Little Motivation Goes a Long Way

After high school, Ewing entered the military and pursued car audio upon his return. Ewing said his Uncle Tony, who owned a service shop at a gas station, helped to motivate him. “He worked on our family’s cars, so it was natural for me to think I might work on cars, too,” he said. “I’m pretty sure my dad, my uncles and my cousins all worked there at one time. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Uncle Tony’s advice to me was, ‘Do what makes you happy. If it makes you happy working on cars and you enjoy it, then do it.’”

Ewing said the turning point came when he fixed his uncle’s broken balancing machine, a memory that remains fresh to him. “It came naturally to me. It would’ve cost $500 for a new board for the balancing machine so my uncle hoped I could repair it. He said to me, ‘I know you’re good with electrical stuff. See what you can do so I don’t have to buy a whole new board.’”

Ewing had already been dabbling with electrical work in vehicles, so he felt up to the challenge. Right away he figured out a capacitor had broken off the board. “This was when Radio Shack was still around. I distinctly remember going there, buying a new capacitor, soldering

it and the machine was like new again. It cost less than three dollars to fix.” As time went on, he said, his uncle would let him know the machine was still working well. “He believed in me, and even now, all these years down the road, he still talks about how I solved that problem for him.”

In 1991, Ewing met his wife, Amy. He said she’s been there for all the twists, turns and moves from one place to another as he’s followed various job opportunities. “I went to Sound of Tri State in Delaware and was there for quite a few years and then moved back to Philly in 1997,” he said. “Amy came with me. I worked at another shop for a few

years and then we got married. In 2001, we came back to Pittsburgh, and I took over a small shop for about a year.”

Ewing started competing on the professional level at IASCA events in sound quality and saw one of the general managers for Tweeter at a few of the Slap Shows the retailer was hosting. Not long after, he was offered a job as an installation manager at a Tweeter store in the Philadelphia area, prompting yet another move.

“I have to give credit to my wife,” he said. “She always told me to pursue my goals and that we would take the chance on whatever I wanted to do. She’s always stood by my decisions.”

BE THE KIND OF PERSON OTHERS CAN COUNT ON

While at Tweeter, Ewing got involved in Car Sound’s online forums. These reached peak influence in the late 90s to around 2008, predating Facebook groups and Reddit. Forums became hangouts for installers to discuss systems designs, share knowledge, research and troubleshoot challenges. “These were huge in 1997 and 1998 for me,” he said. “I got to see how other guys were doing things and what cars they worked on.”

One of the biggest benefits, he added, was that the online community gave him a broader view of what was happening in his own bay, as well as a chance to be part of a car audio industry in more than just a regional area.

“There were a ton of us on there, but we were all security and remote start guys, so we talked the same language. That was one of the most meaningful things to me—having access to all these other people across the country. They also had nicknames they used online which meant we were figuring out who’s who.”

There was one specific forum that Ewing found invaluable, one in which he was most active. “I read every word on the page because it was Todd Ramsey on security. He was my greatest influence over the years. He was willing to help everyone and he’s influential even now,” he said, noting that Ramsey’s impact affected how Ewing conducts himself in the industry to this day. “He is missed, and I hope to continue his legacy of always being someone everyone can count on.”

In 2004, Ewing was tapped to do the Installer Challenge at SEMA. It was an opportunity to be part of a unique team that ultimately led to his being recruited in 2005 for a TV show called Rock the Boat, filmed in San Diego, Calif. It required a six-month commitment, launching Ewing to MTV’s Pimp My Ride based in Los Angeles.

“I remember calling my wife when this MTV opportunity happened,” he said. “It was just the right place and the right time.” Instead of heading home as planned, he said, “Within three days, I moved from San Diego to L.A. while Amy stayed home in Pittsburgh with our daughters. She held down the fort so I could go to Los Angeles and be a part of the show.”

Learn What You’re Good At, Then Hone It and Own It

When Ewing finished filming with MTV in 2007, he took a position with Autopage as one of their national trainers and

technical support agents. It turned out to be a perfect fit, fusing his knowledge and experience with his ability to advise.

“We started using Autopage on the show during the last season of Pimp My Ride,” he said. “When I left the show, Autopage hired me on the spot for tech support. I hadn’t done tech support before, but I was used to helping other people. Installers were always calling me asking for advice, wondering if I had seen a particular situation, or asking how I would handle something.”

Then he had an 18-month stint with Boeing, affording him the chance to sharpen his wiring skills. “I had the opportunity to be an aircraft electrician, and I jumped at it. I was working on the CH47 Chinook [heavy-lift helicopter used by the U.S. Army to transport troops, equipment and supplies] and I was doing the avionics from the electrical side. Things just clicked for me with wiring and electronics. It’s just something I understood.”

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After only six months, he became lead electrician for the area in which he was working. Unions and other issues made the airline less of a long-term proposition, though. He transitioned back to tech support for Montreal, Canada-based Automotive Data Solutions where he remained for the next nine years with iDatalink. The company makes industry-standard interface modules that enable seamless integration of aftermarket stereos, remote starts and security systems with factory vehicle electronics.

ADS had been putting together a U.S.-based team, Ewing noted, and the company chose him to handle tech support trainings in the field. “I started doing more trainings all over the country and I was frequently in the same places with Wade Beebe, the tech support manager for Firstech. We became good friends. At one point, Wade said to me, ‘Why don’t you just come work for our team?’ He said it in passing, but it was about three years later that I finally called Wade and asked if he was serious about me coming to work there. In 2019, I joined Firstech and it was a very easy transition.”

Headquartered in Seattle, and founded in 1995 by Jason Lee, Firstech provides a brand of remote starters designed with top-of-the-line features and a tech-friendly installation experience. The launch of this product line led to the creation of Firstech and the company’s flagship brand, Compustar.

“When I moved over to Compustar, I got more involved with other areas of support,” he said. “I wanted to help people in other ways. I ran for the school board in 2019 and I also became a firefighter.” Trying to help people in the industry, and through his professional life, led Ewing to feel he might be able to help people in other ways, too. “My career helping people on the phone expanded to helping my community,” he added.

Experience, he said, has turned out to be the best training when it comes to proficiency in tech support. Everything helps to improve oneself, he said.

One of the tools utilized is the Facebook support group just for Firstech

installers. Techs can use Facebook to get answers any time of day or night. “To get the most out of assisting someone, you need to have an open mind,” he said, adding that he’s told people on the phone to pretend he’s blind. “I can’t see what you see. You have to be my eyes. I even do this with my trainings out in the field. When you call me for tech support, don’t think of me as some guy on the other side of a phone. Think of me sitting in the car next to you, and you’re telling me what you’ve got going

on. The better someone communicates with me on the phone, the more I can help them.”

And to those coming up in the industry, Ewing emphasized the importance of being patient. “It takes time to learn things,” he said, adding, “Figure out what you’re good at, and then stick with it. If you’re happy building subwoofer boxes, then do it, and be the best at it. If you’re happy hooking up wires, then be the best at it. That’s how you’ll be a success.”

JASON EWING THANKS INDUSTRY AND TEAM AT AWARDS CEREMONY

At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, Jason Ewing acknowledged his friend Ray West, adding that he hoped to entertain him with his acceptance speech. Ewing went on to thank his team, adding, “Tech support is a team effort, and I’m lucky to work with the best group of people.” Ewing went on to share a few words with the audience, and we at Mobile Electronics magazine enjoyed it so much we’d like to share some of it here.

“Tech support is less of a job and more of a survival challenge. Remote start tech support isn’t just troubleshooting, it’s spending your day explaining why a car will not remote-start if you didn’t put the hood pin high enough, or the brake wires are in the wrong place, or the vehicle’s in gear, or the installer guessed on an ignition wire. That was just today,” Ewing said, pausing as the audience laughed.

“I want to thank all the installers who have called me and said, ‘It cranks, but it won’t start.’ That’s because you bypassed everything except the thing that makes it start. A special shoutout to everyone who

insists the module’s bad. No, sir. The module is fine. It’s just confused why it was wired into what appears to be a completely different vehicle. Also, thank you to the installers who call and open with, ‘I’ve been doing this for 15 years.’ Perfect. Then you should already know the difference between an ignition accessory and a starter. Remote starts are magical when done correctly, but most of my calls start with, ‘The module lights up really dim.’ Then they end with, ‘Oh, wait. I never connected to ground.’” Check your ground, Ewing said, adding, “This is the one wire the universe requires.”

The award, he said, “means so much because tech support for remote start installers is not just a job. It’s part electrician, part detective and part hostage negotiator. And don’t forget, part babysitter for people cutting wires like they’re defusing a bomb in an action movie. I really appreciate this recognition. I will cherish it right after I get back to doing what I do best—explaining that the car won’t remote start if the hood is open.”

BUILDING TRUST

Content marketing has the power to forge connections and build trust between a business and its clients. At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, Laura Moore offered strategies to get started.

WORDS BY ROSA SOPHIA

What makes a customer choose one business over another? Laura Moore of Find the Foxx invited attendees at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas to consider this question during her class, “Capture to Convert: A Hands-On Workshop for Creating Content that Sells.” Creative director

Jon Merlin joined her during the interactive presentation, in which Moore offered tips on content marketing using only a cell phone and a few affordable tools. She suggested acquiring a phone stand and light, video lights, additional storage and a Hollyland microphone. “What is the

culture like inside your shop?” she asked. “You might say, ‘If you come into my shop, we’re going to make you feel at home.’ We’re going to be respectful, educational and have integrity. Start capturing that in your content and make people want to come in. This is how marketing works.”

It begins, she said, with raising awareness. When the customer is interested in what a business is doing, they begin to consider spending money there. “Then, you really snag them, and they’re loyal to you.” Moore spoke of sustainable growth—bringing clients in simply by demonstrating a business’s offerings and values via its online platform.

#1: KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

She encouraged retailers to consider their strengths and weaknesses as they work to draw clients into their stores. Examples of strengths include “high-trust, high-skill work”—a business that knows its niche and has a local reputation. A weakness might be labor-related, Moore said, noting the difficulty in finding reliable, skilled labor.

She also referenced possible disconnect between the front and back of the store: “A salesperson doesn’t necessarily know what goes on in the back.” A person who is in charge of sales strategy might not be aware enough about the store’s revenue. “The data shows that sales perform better when salespeople have a sense of profit and they’re given a bonus based on profit,” Moore said, adding that the owner of a business has a responsibility to pay their employees well. “Figure out the business model so that you attract excellent salespeople who will be with you for a long time.”

#2: OFFER HONEST AND INFORMATIVE CONTENT

During the class, Moore invited attendees to share their own content marketing approaches. An audience member spoke about his experience with YouTube, and how customers have enjoyed seeing their vehicles featured on the store’s channel. The attendee said staff noticed an increase in potential clients coming into the shop based on a car being featured on the shop’s YouTube channel.

Moore said people need to be able to rely on businesses they can trust, especially considering the increased use of AI on social media platforms. Honest and informative content will “bring them to your brand, instead of the others you’re competing against. If you do a good job and you can show the process, people

will come to your channel or any platform where you share content.”

#3: ENGAGE AND BUILD SEO

If a business’s clientele is largely on Facebook, a retail owner might participate in forums or groups, as well. “You become a thought leader and an educator.” Mobile Electronics magazine wishes to note an example: The 12V Sales Pros group on Facebook seeks to educate on sales strategies within the industry and connect likeminded individuals. “Talk to people. Build your reputation,” Moore added.

When images are uploaded to a website, Moore said it’s important to write metadata for photographs. SEO is essential. This gets a business noticed on search engines. Facebook and Instagram is now readable, she added, which means that Google is able to mine the content. “It’s not really reading hashtags anymore,” she said. “Some tagging allows the algorithm to favor you, but I’m not interested in a popularity contest. I’m interested in making sure people can find you. The content you write on captions [helps people to find you].”

Additionally, the way people engage in messaging is readable now, too, according to Moore. She also encouraged attendees to set up a Google Biz profile. “This is where reviews come in. SEO is reading your reviews.” This

means it’s important to make sure the business is responding to reviews, too. “Go to the negative ones if you have any. Hopefully, you don’t. If you do, just tend to them. Nurture them. It’s reading that, and it will say that you’re showing a pattern of customer care on Google reviews. Give them a reason to stick with you because you’re actually nurturing while you’re engaging.”

#4: CRAFT A REPOSITORY OF IMAGES AND VIDEO

Moore suggested taking 15 minutes to photograph or film something on a Monday morning, or a time that’s convenient for a retail owner, salesperson or other staff member. “Record something. Put it on

YouTube or Facebook. It’s not about perfection. You have content and it’ll leverage you. This is about saying, ‘I’m real.’ That’s what your customers and your audience are looking for,” she explained. “You just need to exist. After running data analysis and doing market research, this is what I’ve observed.” She advised retailers keep a collection of content and images.

“People respond to this and they will trust you,” she said. She also suggested taking time on the channel to discuss customers’ objections and how the staff handles them. This is an opportunity to connect with clients, educate them and inform them before the objection even occurs. “Trust is also a way to honor your colleagues. Do you speak well of other shops or other people who are

trustworthy? If you say, ‘I want good work to be done, whether it’s me or someone else,’ that’s a good sales pitch.”

Other topics for potential content, she said, include tuning, before and after an installation or even clean wiring. “Film it and have people talk about it. This helps people to trust you.”

#5: USE PHOTOGRAPHY, REELS AND SHORTS TO GET NOTICED

While high-quality photography has its place, Moore noted that the focus of the presentation was about simply trying to get in front of people. “Your phone setting should be high-quality, though. On iPhone, if you open the camera, the settings are at the very top. You want 4K at 30 FPS, which is Frames

Per Second. If you are shooting movement, you’d want 60 FSP, which means 60 frames per second for higher quality and less blur.”

Algorithms, she said, prefer shorter videos. “There are several software platforms. You can put [your video] in the software and it will create five vertical magic clips that are under 60 seconds. Now you have five short videos and you put them on YouTube and it’s done in ten minutes. Three minutes is pushing attention, but you have to think about your target audience. Be casual. It performs well and it’s powerful.”

To keep from running out of storage, Moore advised cleaning up the cell phone and syncing it to cloud storage. This can be used to store albums and videos without taking up space on the phone itself. When it comes to the set-up, Moore noted that an easy-to-set-up tripod and cheap light stands—which she said cost about $20 apiece—will greatly improve results. “Start recording what you’re doing so you have content,” she said, adding, “You want people to see you and know that you’re trustworthy.”

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CLEAN AND LOUD

This one-of-a-kind DS18 build serves as a demo car for Lito Customs in Tulare, Calif.

SUBMITTED BY: MIGUEL VELAZCO,

This 2002 Ford F-150 Lightning—on display at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas— was built by Miguel Velazco of Tulare, Calif.-based Lito Customs. The vehicle, a demo car for the shop, features a full DS18 build. The intention, Velazco said, is to attract more truck owners as well as younger clients. “The younger generation wants something that looks nice and sounds loud,” he added. “My goal was to catch people’s attention.”

The build features two EXL-XX 12’s; eight PRO-ZT eight-inch mid-range speakers; and sixteen 6.5-inch speakers; and eight horn tweeters in the cab. Due to the truck’s custom design aside from the audio, Velazco said, “I’ve been told this truck is one of a kind.”

The tailgate and the bed of the truck feature a shiny surface which mimics a mirror. He explained that it’s all epoxy. There’s also an insert to cover these decorate features, making the truck bed usable and protecting the build.

Velazco is also a member of Team Billet, a nationwide truck club. To be in the club, he said, a truck must meet certain requirements. “I’ve been in the club for about four years,” he added.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

“ Your energy, engagement and commitment to excellence are what make this community extraordinary. Let’s carry the momentum forward into 2026 and beyond.

KNOWLEDGEFEST LAS VEGAS 2026

Igniting growth, connection and action.

For more than two decades, KnowledgeFest has stood as the cornerstone educational experience for the mobile electronics industry. A place where entrepreneurs, technicians and sales professionals gather not just to learn, but to transform their businesses for measurable growth. From February 3 - 5, 2026, the Paris Hotel & Convention Center in Las Vegas was once again the epicenter of high-impact education, deep industry connection and real-world business insight. KnowledgeFest Las Vegas didn’t just deliver on its promise, it elevated it.

Structured Education with Purpose

What sets KnowledgeFest apart is its unwavering focus on structured, role-specific education. In today’s fast-paced market, generic seminars and one-sizefits-all sessions simply don’t move the needle. That’s why our workshops are designed around the critical functions that define success in a modern mobile electronics operation for Owners & Managers, Technicians & Fabricators, and Sales & Marketing Professionals. Attendees repeatedly told us they appreciated this thoughtful segmentation. Owners mapped a strategic roadmap for 2026, technicians refined their craft with advanced installation and fabrication techniques, and sales teams walked away with frameworks to deepen conversations and close higher-margin business. This isn’t theory, it’s applied education that leads to action.

Real Conversations, Real Lessons

One thing that social media made abundantly clear was the energy in the room. Posts on the KnowledgeFest Facebook page echoed a common theme: “Three days. Real conversations. New lessons that will stick with us as we go through 2026.” Engagement wasn’t confined to the classroom, it spilled into the halls, the expo floor and networking areas, where peer-to-peer exchange and vendor insights created an environment that encouraged growth at every level. This blending of formal instruction and informal exchange is no accident. Learning happens best when it’s grounded in community. And community was alive and active throughout the event.

Spotlight on Business Growth

Across workshops, several topics rose to the top as essential across roles: understanding consumer psychology, leveraging data and metrics for business decisions, enhancing the customer experience, and adopting industry best practices for sales and technician efficiency. Attendees shared on social platforms that these sessions didn’t just educate, they equipped them with tools and tactics they could implement immediately in their daily operations. One notable theme was the emphasis on profit-driven conversations. In an environment in which competition is fierce and customers value

expertise, sessions that helped sales teams focus on value, not price, resonated strongly and were among the most discussed online.

Industry Recognition and Celebration

The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards ceremony, held during the event at the Horseshoe Hotel’s Skyview Ballroom, recognized top performers across the industry. These accolades aren’t handed out lightly. They reflect countless hours of hard work, commitment to quality, and a passion for elevating the standards of our industry. Seeing industry peers honored and celebrated by their community energized the entire event and reinforced the value of striving not just to be good, but to be the best.

The Expo Floor, Innovation in Action

While workshops and awards are cornerstone elements, the KnowledgeFest expo floor remains a hub of innovation. Manufacturers and service providers showcased the latest products, technologies, and solutions shaping the industry’s future. Attendees had the chance to engage directly with vendors, ask technical questions, and see product demonstrations that bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. This year’s expo floor buzzed with conversations about emerging trends, new integration solutions, and tools that help shops operate smarter and more profitably—from advanced DSP tuning software to streamlined fabrication systems.

Reflections from the Community

Across press releases, participant interviews, and social posts, a consistent message emerged: KnowledgeFest Las Vegas was more than an event. It was an experience that reconnected professionals with purpose, reinforced best practices, and rekindled the drive to grow both personally and professionally. One attendee summed it up perfectly on social media: “Being here with my team, absorbing the sessions, connecting with peers—this is exactly the reset we needed for 2026.” That sentiment reflects the deeper value of KnowledgeFest, not just knowledge, but renewed passion for the work we do every day.

Looking Ahead

As we close the books on another successful KnowledgeFest, we’re already looking toward the future, with plans to expand regional events, deepen curriculum relevance, and continue building tools that empower every segment of our profession. The industry is changing rapidly, and KnowledgeFest ensures that retailers are not just keeping up, but leading the charge. To everyone who attended, presented, exhibited and contributed—thank you. Your energy, engagement and commitment to excellence are what make this community extraordinary. Let’s carry the momentum forward into 2026 and beyond.