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 ...

At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, Kevin Hallinan challenged attendees to think differently about sales by staging roleplays and remembering that when the client wins, so does the business. Words by Rosa Sophia According to Kevin Hallinan of WINNING, Inc., role playing continues to be an essential way of strengthening team strategy and working on weaknesses. “You’ve got to insist that your ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Continuous efforts to share and learn will ensure the industry’s longevity, according to Rookie of the Year Meghan Watson. Words by Rosa Sophia Rookie of the Year Meghan Watson grew up around engines, helping her father and grandfather work on their projects. “I think that primed me for the position I’m in now,” she said, adding that she joined the ...

Michael Betts—one of this year’s Top 5 Vendor Support Techs—says it’s best to know your strengths and focus on honing them. Words by Jamie Sorcher Before Michael Betts could talk, he was into cars. “My mother told me that when I was a toddler, if there was a car scene on TV, like a high-speed chase, I would stop, look ...