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Jon Kowanetz Handcrafted Car Audio


Chandler, Ariz.


Time in the Mobile Electronics Industry: 13


Career Summary: “I have held every position imaginable from DIY to professional installer, from sales associate to department manager, from one man show to a business owner with four employees. At every step of the way, I always wished I was at the next step already and I still do. But the journey has been irreplaceable and unforgettable.”


Description of Duties: “In addition to all of the tasks an owner must do, paying bills, writing checks and planning the future of the business, I also help out with sales and installations.


A sales position at Handcrafted is very tough work because we require so much of our interactions with customers in terms of


Darren Fettik Audio Designs & Custom Graphics Jacksonville, Fla.


Time in the Mobile Electronics Industry: 20 years


Career Summary:


“Lived in Buffalo NY, where I started installing my own equipment in my personal vehicle in 1994, fell in love with it, followed by installing for a lot of friends for a few years. Looked for a job in 1996, nobody would hire me since I didn’t have professional experience. Flew to Holly Hill, FL, and went to Installer Institute. Came back and was hired at Car Audio Sensations in Lockport, NY. Competed and won in many, many competitions at Custom Radio in Williamsville, NY, and was hired there in 1997. Worked under Scott Seeley who was MER Top 12, 3 years in a row. Learned a lot on the custom side. Moved to FL at


52 Mobile Electronics August 2014


properly qualifying customers and provid- ing excellent service after the sale. Installation here is no walk in the park either because we are always pushing the bound- aries of what we can do and how well we can do it. We also take a lot of steps to pro- tect the vehicle and document our work, so cars don’t just come in and out.”


Proudest professional career moment: “Te day I realized this is not only something I do well, or can make money at, but something I was meant to do because I can use my talents to make people’s lives more safe, happy, and fun. I’ve found purpose, and it’s all the difference.”


Biggest mistake ever made as a business owner or manager: “Losing my temper with a customer or two. Tey deserved it absolutely, but I wish I had the patience to not blow up on them and just walk away.” Tree biggest loves, other than 12-volt: “I love snowboarding, spending time with my daughter, and going to concerts.” Biggest influence in terms of exper- tise, professionalism and work ethic: John Schwartz.”


the end of 1997, worked for Rollin’ Sound. Bought one of the franchise stores in 1998 with a partner. Left my partner in 2004 over issues and started a mobile business, Audio Designs & Custom Graphics. Opened a shop on San Jose Blvd in 2005 while still running a mobile business. In 2007, I closed the shop with the economy falling and went back to being strictly mobile. In 2010, I opened a shop on Beach Blvd and on Jan 1st 2013 I moved to our larger, current location on Atlantic Blvd.”


Description of Duties: “Sales, Installs, Graphic design and application, marketing.”


Proudest professional career moment: “We were voted #1 in Jacksonville by News4Jax the local news station.”


Biggest mistake ever made as a business owner or manager: “Hiring too many employees when we were busy, trying to grow too fast.”


Vision for business in five years: “In 5 years, I would like to see Handcrafted Car Audio be a more comprehensive automotive lifestyle type of shop. I love acquiring new skills and adding new and exciting products to our line of offerings. I’d also like to try to take our way of doing things into other audio categories. Or I might just sell it and move to Hawaii!”


Tree biggest loves, other than 12-volt: “Spending time with my children and girlfriend, Golfing and working out.”


Biggest influence in terms of expertise, professionalism and work ethic: “Tere are many important influences I’ve had: Scott Seeley, Darrin “Pokie” Battle, 12-volt Insiders and all the instructors of any trainings I’ve been to throughout the years.”


Vision for business in five years: “In a very nice larger (10,000 square feet) building, doing more categories than we currently do.”


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