“As far as getting expanded
PVC, you have to order stuff from out of state. Getting some of the more esoteric materials is a little harder,” he said. Competition with other stores is also not a problem considering the nearest stores are approxi- mately an hour away from Sound Shapers, according to Field. While the store benefits from less com- petition, the real value comes from the educational interactions the stores have with each other through email and with other stores across the country via the 12-volt Insider. “Being that we’re in such a remote location, we don’t see how other people are doing stuff. Between Mobile Electronics and the 12-volt Insider, that’s pretty much my exposure to how everybody else
works. It’s nice having resources like that to learn from.”
While using tips from forums and publications is helpful, Field knows that true knowledge comes from experience. All three employ- ees, including the part-time high school student installer, are MECP certified. The shop also has incorporated trainings into their schedule when time permits. “We went to one of the Mobile Solutions training classes last year. We’re doing more welding and fiberglass. Nobody around here is doing any of that at all,” he said. “Our clients are more in the high scale market. You’re not seeing any fiberglass, fiber-wrapped panels or illumination with other shops. There’s money out there.”
Who’s Who
Ted Stotz Directed Electronics Vista, Calif. Years of Industry experience: 35+ Hobbies: Music, cars, customizing classic motorcycles What you’re really good at: Rocking your ride, sharing my skills
Dale A. Lincoln David Levy Co. Inc Cerritos, Calif. Years of Industry experience: 39 Hobbies: Home audio What you’re really good at: Troubleshooting
Fixing the Leak
It’s easy to fix a problem when you have the right resources, but what if those resources are out of your price range? Hall’s Auto Sound & Accessories figured it out.
WORDS BY JOHN RIPMA I
n 1945, Mr. OV Hall built a Quonset hut in Pampa, Texas. Seventy years have gone by and his grandson, Rick Hall, is run- ning Hall’s Auto Sound and Accessories in the same building. Times have changed, and so has the old Quonset hut. For over 30 years, Rick has been fighting a leaky roof. “Unfortunately, the leaks started after
two roof extensions were added, and those extensions caused problems ever since.” In the early 1980s, when Rick’s business
was at its most profitable, the roof under- went costly repairs to fix the leaks. Rick explained, “Back in the 80s we were blowin’ and goin’. The roof was fixed, and I thought the good times would last forever.” That was not the case, as it turned out.
Dave Navone Navone Engineering, Inc./Autosound 2000, Inc. Stockton, Calif. Years of Industry experience: 50+ Hobbies: Ham radio, flying, hydroponics What you’re really good at: Can’t tell that here
Micah Sheveloff Audio Coupe Fairfield, Conn. Years of Industry experience: 32 Hobbies: LP records What you’re really good at: Design- ing and tuning aftermarket car audio systems
Christopher Swierkowski HAVIT Systems Corporation Carmel, N.Y. Years of Industry experience: 26 Hobbies: Working What you’re really good at: GPS installation, sales
me-mag.com 17
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