Brian Layton Sound FX, Inc. Lewes, Del.
Time in the Mobile Electronics Industry: 16 years
Career Summary: “Growing up, the
guys with the loud stereos were cool. I wanted to be just like them. At 16 years old, I realized I had an addiction. My car simply had to rattle the pavement a few miles away! While attaining my accounting degree in college, I had an opportunity to start as a salesman at Sound FX. For the first 13 years or so, I was a very successful one-man sales army. As business grew, so did the need for additional staff. Te transition to being one of two owners happened ‘on paper’ in 2005. I am now a co-leader of a great team of 25 people.”
Description of Duties: “I am the lead 12-volt salesman. I am the lead negotiator. I am the lead marketer. I am the lead delegator. I am the lead trainer. Tis list is endless. Tat is what makes this job so exciting.” Proudest professional career moment: “Team building. Finding great people is half the battle. Finding great people to walk alongside you is the other. My mission is to show my team that I care about their indi- vidual well-being. I am proud that our team is supremely strong.”
Biggest mistake ever made as a business owner or manager: “I am bull-headed, hopefully to a lesser degree now than in years’ past. I was pre-programmed as a one-man army, pushing others out of the way. Now I try to praise others more and more each day for their hard work.” Tree biggest loves, other than 12-volt: “I love a quiet night out to dinner and movies with my wife. I am a sports fanatic and a HUGE Washington Redskins fan, attending
Ed Weber Foss Car Audio and Tint Kent, Wash.
Time in the Mobile Electronics Industry: 21 years
Career Summary:
“I began my professional career as an Airman in the United States Air Force where I learned the importance of a well- maintained balance of professionalism and discipline in the workplace. At the end of my military career I pursued my interest in the field of electronics. After working for several large companies, I became the official owner of Foss Audio on December 23, 2000. Now, 14 years later we have almost four store locations and I have gone from a single store owner to owner and regional manager of a successful and continually growing business in the Pacific Northwest.” Description of Duties: “In addition to being the owner of Foss Car Audio, I also serve as our company’s buyer, merchandiser, and regional manager.”
50 Mobile Electronics August 2014
Proudest professional career moment: “Nomination for top car audio retailer is an incredible honor, for myself and the company as a whole, and is difficult to beat. However, during my military career I received the Air Force Achievement Medal for recognition of outstanding achievement within my unit, exceptional work and dedication to my career. Receiving this medal was a personal reminder that hard work and dedication are not only recognized but appreciated by others and are important contributors to ’one’s success and growth.”
Biggest mistake ever made as a business owner or manager: “Te biggest mistake I made was not letting people that were a poor fit for the company faster.” Tree biggest loves, other than 12-volt: “Outside of my work I love to spend time with my son, my love at home or out on the waterfront, and working out or playing sports.”
Biggest influence in terms of expertise, professionalism and work ethic: “John Coleman, now owner of Stereo King, and
most home games. I also collect all things printed by Benjamin Franklin. Every day is a treasure hunt.”
Biggest influence in terms of expertise, professionalism and work ethic: “My work ethic was taught to me by my mother. My passion for music was handed down to me by my father. He is a self-taught drummer. Finally, words cannot express the deep friendship I share with my business partner, Mike Wright. Mike is the most selfless human being on the planet, a selling machine with compassion—a deadly combination. My expertise and professionalism are a direct result of my 16 years of interaction with him.”
Vision for business in five years: “Our team brings many career traits to the table, traits that enable us to succeed at conquering any obstacle placed in front of us. Our employees define our success. Our future remains very bright because of them.”
I were both sales representatives for the same company. I replaced him when he purchased Stereo King, and I have been following in his footsteps ever since. He has shown me a path that provides motivation to continue pursuing my dreams. Mike Cofield, president of Mesa and owner of Custom Autosound, is another admirable business man. To me, Mike represents what it means to be an expert when it comes to car audio and portrays an excellent sense of professionalism and fun within the industry. Together, these men have served as the most influential people in regards to who I have become as a business owner and how I have shaped my business.”
Vision for business in five years: “We are currently in the last steps of a large expansion, opening a new anchor location, making Foss Car Audio four stores strong. We’ve met the biggest business goal I had set. I, as well as my team, am beyond excited to get our new location up and running. From there we will set new goals! In five years I hope we are stronger, more successful and continually sustainable.”
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