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 ability to sell—not just products, but solutions.” His skills, he said, come from hands-on experience responding to objections, understanding how to close a sale and appreciating the importance of strong relationships with customers.

The person who’s influenced him most is actually a customer named Fred Richards who shaped his perspective on business over the years. “I’ve learned a lot about building relationships from him. He taught me that the connections we create with our customers leave long-lasting effects. His example showed me that genuine relationships are often the foundation of long-term success.”

The biggest mistake Venable ever made during his career was overpromising on a deadline: “It taught me it’s far better to provide a realistic timeframe that you can meet—or even exceed—than to overcommit and fall short. Honesty and clarity build trust. Overpromising breaks it.”

Venable aims to continue improving sharpening his skills, adding, “Growth doesn’t stop just because you’ve been in the industry a long time.” Outside of work, he said he’s happiest when it’s out in the community and giving back. “Contributing to something bigger than myself keeps me grounded and reminds me why I do what I do.”

Angel Rivera, Jr., Laketown Speed and Sound, Draper, Utah

Angel Rivera, Jr. currently serves as a sales professional and social media manager at Draper, Utah-based Laketown Speed and Sound. This is his fifth year in the industry. “The greatest strength I have at work is my through communication with clients to ensure they feel good about a purchase and the shop they’re choosing,” he said.

Recently, Rivera made a mistake that required reinstalling the radio: “I didn’t know that the compatibility of a particular phone’s operating system wouldn’t work with the radio I recommended.” He added that he learned the importance of staying up to date on every new release. “Treat every client the same so you have a process and no one feels as if they’re being taken advantage of,” he said.

Rivera draws inspiration from his father, Angel Rivera, Sr., and from his customers, “because I’ve seen a lot of clients who I helped three or four-plus years ago.” Their continued patronage, he said, bolsters his confidence and inspires him to continue offering the best possible service. In the future, he hopes to grow to a management position.

Jeremy “Taco” Patterson, Speakerbox Autosound and Accessories, Huntsville, Ala.

Former Rookie of the Year Jeremy “Taco” Patterson has been in the industry for a little over four years and was featured on the cover of Mobile Electronics magazine in October of 2023. Patterson works as a sales professional for Speakerbox Autosound and Accessories, and he also posts content to the shop’s social media platforms. 

“I try my best to always be an asset and never a liability. I apply this mindset in every aspect, from being thorough in sales and customer qualification, to ordering and receiving product and ensuring our techs have the correct parts,” he said.

Patterson continues to draw inspiration from Robert Kowatch, Marty Adamscheck and Chris McNulty. This year, he said, he’s particularly inspired by Dustin Williams—a former Top 5 Sales Pro—who recently joined the team at Speakerbox. “He’s pushed me to take myself to a whole new level, from my approach to sales interactions to staying on top of my projects,” he said. “He’s also become a friend. With him at the sales counter beside me, we’re on pace to crush our goals for the year and set a new all-time high for annual sales.” Patterson added that he plans to continue learning and training, and hopes to win Sales Pro of the Year.

Outside of work, he said, he has very expensive hobbies: “I’ve been a semi-professional photographer for about 15 years, and more recently got into building gaming PCs for myself and my family and friends. These hobbies are insanely rewarding, and require plenty of dedication and attention to detail in order to succeed, so they are a perfect fit for my ‘almost be the best’ attitude.”

Parker Lopez, Car Stereo One, Toledo, Ohio

Parker Lopez has been in the industry professionally for 10 years—though his father is a technician, so he grew up around car audio. Today, he feels his strength lies in product knowledge, as well as building trust with clientele.

He finds encouragement through industry colleagues like Jayson Cook and Dan Bowman, adding that they’ve inspired him to be a better salesperson. “They give back to the industry by showing what works for them, and they’re always open to guiding others to succeed,” he said, adding that he aims to reciprocate by sharing and contributing his own knowledge in the future.

For the past three years, Lopez has been the owner of Car Stereo One. As some owners look toward retirement, he said, it could offer an opportunity for employees to step up and take over those businesses. “I feel like I could help guide those employees in terms of how it worked for me,” he said. “I started working in the industry at 16 years old and became the owner of the store at 23. I feel like I could offer some insight.”

This is Lopez’s third year in a row making the Top 5 Sales Pro list, he said, and it’s Car Stereo One’s second year making the Top 12 Retailers list.

Conrad Leduc, Sudbury Car Audio, Sudbury, Ontario

Conrad Leduc’s greatest strength, he said, is his ability to adapt. He’s been in the industry for 12 years. Whether it’s problem-solving in the install bay, or interacting with clients, Leduc faces each situation with care and flexibility.

He continues to be influenced by a number of industry colleagues, including Keith McCumber and Tony Dehnke. During Zoom meetings, he said, Dehnke helped propel him on his journey: “A few of us would bounce ideas off one another to help each other grow.” Previous Top Sales Pros have also offered him advice and input over the years, among them Robert Kowatch, Dan Bowman, Elias Ventura and Jayson Cook.

Leduc aims to give back, too, “helping others grow themselves, their sales numbers and their stores.” He added that he believes in selling what’s proper for the client. “I let them choose speakers and then we design a system around that choice.”

Outside of work, Leduc enjoys spending time with his wife, Tina, and bringing their two children to hockey, ringette, soccer, baseball, piano, martial arts—“Yeah, we’re busy,” he said, adding, “I also partake in softball and martial arts, myself, so we’re on the go with activities.”

 

Scott Eisner, Traffic Jams Motorsports, Buford, Ga.

In the past, Eisner worked at another company for 14 years and felt exhausted. Ever since joining Traffic Jams, he said, “I’ve been able to work on incredible projects, and I’ve learned more here than I have in the past 10 years. I’ve been with Traffic Jams for almost four years, and every year, I grow.”

Eisner has made the Top 50 Installers list in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Making the Top 5 Trusted Tech list is huge for him, he said, adding, “I love to teach. Family and teamwork were the major things I was missing in my life, and this shop brought that. After my first year, I moved closer to the shop because I was fully invested.” Eiser feels included—not just as an employee or a co-worker, he said, but as a friend. “This is what I’ve needed for so long. I’m so grateful.”

Alan Lindgren, Speed of Sound, LLC, Memphis, Tenn.

Alan Lindgren, owner of Speed of Sound, LLC, has been in the industry for 25 years. He said that he hopes to raise his 3D design abilities and programming workflow to a more advanced level. “I love to create. The challenge of designing a new interior or parts is very rewarding to me,” he said. “All of the work I’ve done in the past 20 years has allowed me to approach these tasks with confidence, yet I still learn daily and have much more to learn. It’s an exciting process that doesn’t become tiresome.”

Lindgren feels a Trusted Tech should be available for others: “The Internet has become such a massive resource for sharing information, so any gatekeeping should be a thing of the past. Even with these many resources at our fingertips, those with experience should help guide the newer generation and help them determine what is useful versus useless information. Just because it’s on the internet doesn’t mean it’s true.”

He added that he does his best to guide people with real-world facts based on lessons he’s learned in his shop. “Some of these lessons came the hard way. It’s good to help spare someone else from a similar fate.”

His advice to other technicians is to simply commit to growing. “Don’t be afraid to try,” he said, adding that there’s wisdom in every failure if we allow ourselves to learn from them. “Invest in yourself. This is more than just buying tools, but also attending training and developing a network of like-minded friends.”

Fernando Lopez, Five Star Car Stereo, Clearwater, Fla.

In the industry for 13 years, Fernando Lopez said his biggest mistake was not utilizing new technology as often or as efficiently. “I’m fortunate to work with a friend who taught me everything I know,” he said as he thanked his colleague, Dean Beyett. Progress, he added, doesn’t come from the equipment itself, “It comes from the discipline and commitment to use it. Now, I set aside time to use the tools at the shop and at home to learn new features and stay consistent.”

Public speaking is another skill he’d like to improve upon, he said, adding that his nervousness in front of groups can make it difficult for him to express himself clearly. “I also want to continue learning more about sales. Sales skills are valuable in almost every environment—whether it’s understanding customer needs, building relationships, or communicating the value of a product or service.”

Lopez most enjoys collaborating with many different people in the industry. Being surrounded by experts, he said, “keeps the work exciting and constantly teaches me something new. I get to be involved not just in installation, but in understanding the industry from multiple angles.” He also finds a lot of meaning and fulfillment through his work with Dean Beyett on the production side of things. “I enjoy the variety, the people I work with, and the feeling that I’m contributing to different parts of an industry I really care about.”

A Trusted Tech, he said, should stay humble, stay connected and inspire the next generation “by always being willing to learn and to help others.” As for the future, Lopez said he’s just enjoying every moment: “That’s my main focus. Being able to see [my son Sebastian] grow. He loves being at the installation bay with me and Dean.”

Lopez also highlighted the importance of creating an environment in which both new and experienced technicians feel supported. “Sometimes we criticize the new technicians, and then they don’t want to ask questions. I was that person before I started working at Five Star. Then, I met Dean, and he told me to ask questions [because] that’s how you learn,” he said, adding, “When younger technicians see that even experienced professionals are still learning, it encourages them to do the same.”

He also takes pride in being a Mexican technician who represents and supports the Spanish-speaking community in the industry. “There aren’t many of us in this space, so I do my best to show up, be visible, and make sure others feel welcomed and included. Whenever someone needs help or guidance, I’m there for them—whether it’s explaining something, translating, or simply giving them confidence.”

Dalton Trainer, Car-Tunes, Inc., Greenville, Miss.

In the industry for 15 years, Dalton Trainer said he’s always looking for new ways to improve himself. He serves as lead technician and fabricator at Greenville, Miss.-based Car-Tunes, Inc. When it comes to the responsibilities of a Trusted Tech, Trainer feels a key aspect involves making connections and giving back to the industry.

“I personally take time out of every day to help other professionals who reach out to me, whether it’s by phone call, FaceTime, or any other form of communication. I always try my best to help others overcome their obstacles because that’s what I would want if I were in their shoes,” he said, adding that he believes it’s important to “stay hungry for knowledge” and be humble.

“Always seek out the next challenge by attending trainings, do your own research hands-on in the bay and reach out to other professionals when you come across something you need help with. We can always learn from each other,” he said, adding, “Don’t hesitate to contact me.” Trainer added that he aims to continue his work in the future, staying relevant in the industry he loves.

Jim Rogers, Audio Innovations, Conway, Ark.

As owner of Conway, Ark.-based Audio Innovations, Jim Rogers looked back at the past year and noted a few missed opportunities “to improve myself and bring the best version of myself to my clients,” he said. “Networking time is important, but it should be secondary to education.” Rogers has been in the industry for 35 years. He noted that he wants to work more on the technology side of the job, learn Fusion360 and become more efficient in 3D printing.

He feels it’s essential for a Trusted Tech to share information, skillsets, time and a positive attitude in a way that inspires others. “Too many talk down to others or make fun of mistakes, when they should be helping to educate. This is especially important with young techs, as many are easily discouraged or get defensive about their mistakes.” To that end, Rogers urged technicians to invest in themselves.

“Take classes, invest in tools and try new techniques. There’s no such thing as free time in the shop. Go to the woodshop and try something you saw online. Figure it out. In my opinion, this is how you grow both personally and in the industry.”

He said he hopes to be teaching more in the future and sharing the skills he’s learned. “I’ve been lucky to be mentored by amazing people,” he noting, adding that he hopes to share his own knowledge with the next generation.

 

Errol Chisholm III, DES of Wilmington, Wilmington, NC

In the industry for one year, Errol Chisholm III currently works as a sales consultant at DES of Wilmington. He said he’s enjoyed learning more about the products the business carries, as well as getting to see incredible vehicles every day. He noted that he’ll continue to work on improving his skills and his efficiency.

Chisholm especially wants to continue to improve his work on designing and delivering “top-of-the-line systems for high-end clients.” His biggest mistake, he said, “was a lapse in communication with customers.” The experience reinforced something for him: “Precise and proactive communication is critical because clients depend on the expertise and guidance of the salesperson they trust.”

He offered a piece of advice to other rookies in the industry: “Take a leap of faith and you won’t regret it. This industry may seem daunting at first, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you help a customer achieve the exact build they envisioned.”

Jonathan Lopez, RGV Dynamic, Harlingen, Texas

Jonathan Lopez has been in the industry for a year and a half. He looks forward to learning more about 3D scanning, and he said he enjoys transforming his ideas into reality. He added that the biggest mistake he’s made so far was “avoiding learning new techniques and relying on what’s worked for me in the past.”

In the future, he sees himself providing training in Spanish. “I feel the industry is lacking in that area,” he noted, adding that it’s important for people to experiment and accept failure. “That’s an indicator of genuine success.”

Brentan Adams, Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security, Anchorage, Alaska

With two years of industry experience, Brentan Adams currently serves as sales manager at Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security. This past year, he said, he made the mistake of trying to make customer-supplied parts work. “While my intention was to help, it ultimately created more work for my installation team and pushed out completion times,” he said. “I learned that this approach, though well-meaning, can cause more problems than it solves.” Now, he added, he makes sure to clearly communicate what a vehicle needs versus what a customer might already have. “Setting proper expectations ensures a smooth workflow and a better customer experience.”

Adams said he wants to improve his ability to slow down and complete a project fully before moving on to the next. He said he has a tendency to move quickly for customers and the team, but as a result, he sometimes misses small details. “When that happens, my team has to carry the extra burden. Becoming more methodical will make me a better leader and a more reliable part of the workflow.”

He added that he most enjoys seeing people’s dreams come true. “Our industry is all about turning imagination into reality. As a salesperson, I’m on the front line ensuring every detail is captured accurately so my installation team can execute flawlessly. Without their skill and dedication, none of this would be possible.”

He advised others to listen to their team members and coworkers. “Write things down so you don’t forget. When a customer walks in excited about what they want for their vehicle, don’t let their budget intimidate you. They’re not spending your money,” he said, adding, “Meet them at their energy level, understand their vision and help them achieve the build they’ve been dreaming about.”

Joshua King, NVS Audio, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Joshua King works as an installer at NVS Audio in Daytona Beach, Fla. He has been in the industry for about two years. “My biggest mistake this year was not setting deadlines for goals I wanted to achieve. I kept telling myself I would do it tomorrow or next week, and that date didn’t come until months later. I learned that time is very precious and valuable. Wasting time left me with some regrets.” King wants to work on “being okay with being uncomfortable” by getting into new things like drawing in CAD, learning how to program a CNC and being able to use a 3D printer. “I see myself working on bigger projects in the future.”

His favorite aspect of his work is seeing the customer’s reaction to a completed build. “It’s a great feeling to be able to give someone the sound they envisioned or just simply surpassing their expectations, especially when other shops have failed them,” he said.

He advised others in the industry to never quit. “If you’re truly passionate about this, don’t ever give up.”

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

At Vernon’s Signature Audio, Meghan Watson handles a variety of tasks, though she works primarily as a technician. “My job is to make sure we are functioning up to par, and when we fall short, [I help to] implement new organizational skills for task management or quality control to ensure it doesn’t happen again.” She’s been in the industry for two years.

“I love to attack my weaknesses,” she said, adding that she’s been working on her abilities as a salesperson and trying to overcome her urge to sell out of her own pocket. “I dug deep in my psyche and I asked myself why I felt this way when some customers feel indifferent about the cost.” Watson discovered helpful advice in the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. “It helps you to understand financial literacy. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it.”

She has also learned a lot from Kevin Hallinan’s classes at KnowledgeFest. His presentations helped her to see these flaws in herself and work through them with more confidence: “When he says to tell yourself every day, ‘I am worth’ a certain amount, I thought of a number I thought was ridiculous and I soon realized [I only saw it that way] because I [decided] it was. His techniques work. Utilizing those tools changed my life.”

Watson is determined to improve in all areas of her work. “This year, I want to focus on diagnostics. Being able to properly diagnose is such a valuable skill. It takes experience and exposure to unseen problems to be able to find issues with pinpoint accuracy.” She said she often recalls tips and tricks learned from other technicians, as well as through MECP, but added that she has much more to learn.

“I want to fine-tune these skills and educate customers in the process. I want to be able to do this better, no matter what the car’s issue is,” she said, adding that she wants the customer to feel comfortable and confident in her ability to help them solve the problem that led them to the store in the first place.

“My advice is to open your mind and don’t be discouraged by challenges. Take them in stride and use them as a lesson,” she said, extending a special invitation and encouraging women to get involved, adding, “Your detail orientated minds and sensitive ears are an absolute asset to this industry.”

When it comes to working with the team at VSA, Watson said she can always turn to someone else for help or to answer a question. “I am grateful and appreciative for the strong internal connection we all have to the common goal that is our mission and philosophy. This environment only makes the losses speed bumps along the way, and the wins even bigger.”

“Sometimes we criticize the new technicians, and then they don’t want to ask questions. I was that person before I started working at Five Star. Then, I met Dean Beyett, and he told me to ask questions [because] that’s how you learn. When younger technicians see that even experienced professionals are still learning, it encourages them to do the same.”  – Fernando Lopez, Five Star Car Audio, Clearwater, Fla.