To strengthen communication and minimize issues, Sales Pro of the Year Parker Lopez said salespeople should understand the basics of installation and always ask for help when needed. Words by Rosa Sophia Parker Lopez grew up around the industry, watching his father work. His dad, he said, has always been an employee of Toledo, Ohio-based Car Stereo One—the shop Parker ...

How should a retailer decide what to stock? Kimberly Trainer shares the inventory strategy she employs at Car-Tunes, Inc. Words by Rosa Sophia Through careful inventory planning, a business can reach its target audience and increase its profits, according to Car-Tunes, Inc. owner Kimberly Trainer, who taught a class on the subject at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas. “The separation between good ...

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 ...

Words by Rosa Sophia This year’s Installer of the Year, T.J. Carlson, works at Portland, Ore.-based Musicar Northwest and he’s been in the industry for about 20 years. His love of music was sparked early on, he said, and he started playing the drums in seventh grade. “Music has always been important to me. Cars have always been fun and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...