Asking questions is part of the journey, according to Trusted Tech Fernando Lopez, who encourages others to share knowledge and grow through connection. Words by Rosa Sophia This year’s Trusted Tech, Fernando “Nando” Lopez, worked various jobs before entering the mobile electronics industry. Lopez never finished school, he said. Although he hadn’t intended to get into 12-volt, he always enjoyed ...

Ken Koga’s technical, fantastical and unique journey through decades of car audio is highlighted by friends and colleagues who made his career colorful, successful and memorable. Words by Jamie Sorcher Talking with Ken Koga is like hyper-speed travel through a 12-volt time warp—the names, products, experiences. Koga is a 45-year industry veteran, with claims to 50 Grand Prix awards and ...

At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, 2025 Retailer of the Year Traffic Jams Motorsports shared lessons learned in growing the business. Words by Rosa Sophia When it came time to open the show floor at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas this past February, Mobile Electronics Association President Chris Cook invited Yamil Widy of Buford, Ga.-based Traffic Jams Motorsports to cut the ribbon. Widy and ...

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, ...

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 ...

These top-tier sales pros, techs and rookies offer inspiration and encouragement, reminding industry professionals to stay true to their craft.    Words by Rosa Sophia Ron Venable, Traffic Jams Motorsports, Buford, Ga. With 17 years of experience, Ron Venable said he’s learned the value of consistency, connection and a willingness to grow. “I’ve discovered that my greatest strength is my ...

Overcoming integration challenges. Words by Cabe Sipes When I started in the car audio industry, things were much simpler. It wasn’t uncommon to go to an audio shop and find one or two installers who weren’t there for a career—just a normal job like fast food or retail while attending school. That’s because car audio was straight-forward when it came ...

Presenters at KnowledgeFest offer the same advice: With a strong team, anything is possible. Words by Rosa Sophia We’ve often heard how important it is to share information in order to strengthen the industry. Within the pages of this publication, technicians and salespeople alike have said there are no secrets—just different methods of application. This is evident during industry trainings ...

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 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 ...

Never guess when it comes to pricing. Elias Ventura and Jason Kranitz discuss how retailers can charge with confidence. Words by Rosa Sophia At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, Jason Kranitz of Major League Fab teamed up with Elias Ventura of HKI USA to present a class called “Bidding the Job for Maximum Profit: Stop Guessing, Start Winning.” The two pointed out ...