Ryan Pepsin SRQ Custom Autosound Sarasota, Fla.
Time in the Mobile Electronics Industry: 15 years
Career Summary: “Started in ‘99 at Best Buy with no experience, switched to Sound Advice/Tweeter in ‘00, eventually became
manager of their largest store until bankruptcy in 2007. Ran a small store, M&M Audio for a year, moved to work at Blvd Customs for a year, made no money, almost went bankrupt and finally opened my own store in 2009.”
Description of Duties: “Primary fabricator, including 100% of the sub-enclosures. I also install DUI interlock devices, sales, accounting, marketing, janitorial, and more.”
Proudest professional career moment: “Building a concept car for Mercedes Benz during my time at Blvd Customs.”
Biggest mistake ever made as a business owner or manager: “Participating in a reality TV show.”
Tree biggest loves, other than 12-volt: “Watching movies, spending time with friends and family, traveling.”
Biggest influence in terms of expertise, professionalism and work ethic: Bryan Schmitt
Vision for business in five years: “Diversity. I want to be building complete mini RV coaches, restoring hot rods, lifting trucks, lowering Euros. I want to capture every facet of customization in our town.”
Autosound in San Marcos, Calif. From there, managed the tech support department for Directed Electronics for years, moved to Oregon, worked in retail at a few places, opened a single-store on my own and closed it after three years. Did a second tour at Directed in the last decade, then returned to Oregon and opened Musicar with Tom Miller in 2010.”
Tom Miller/Kenneth Ward Musicar Northwest Portland, Ore.
Time in the Mobile Electronics Industry: 25 years (Miller)/28 years (Ward)
Career Summary: Miller - “I started as a driver at an expeditor company in Santa Clara, Calif. in 1988. From there I went to a couple of other expeditor companies, where I would install stereos, alarms, or just about anything 12-volt related. In 1996 I made the move to Portland, and in 1998 I started my own expeditor company which I ran that three years and then sold the accounts to a local retail chain (Stereo King) where I stayed on to manage their dealer business. Tis is where I was introduced to custom audio and fabrication.” Ward - “I started in sales at Mad Jack’s Sound Center in San Diego in the early days of digital. Ten managed Ultimate
Description of Duties: Miller - “In addition to being the lead installer/fabricator, I normally spend lots of time on sales and marketing, doing payroll, and sweeping the floors...lots of sweeping.” Ward - “Sales, System Design, Acoustic Tuner, Chief Marketing Officer, Internal Trainer, and Operations Manager.”
Proudest professional career moment: Miller - “Without question my proudest moment was making Top 12 last year. It was my second time making Top 12 (first was in 2008), but it was the first time I felt worthy to have my name on that plaque.” Ward - “Seeing our new store location come into being.”
Biggest mistake ever made as a business owner or manager: Miller - “My first business failed after three years. It was an extremely tough time for me and my family,
but I learned some valuable lessons from the experience. Te biggest mistake I made in that venture was hiring too many people too quickly.” Ward - “Taking on too much in my previous solo store operation.”
Tree biggest loves, other than 12-volt: Miller -“I love to spend time with my kids. Doesn’t matter what. Playing video games, camping, skateboarding, or just goofing around.” Ward - “Listen to live music, read, speak in public.”
Biggest influence in terms of expertise, professionalism and work ethic: Miller - “Expertise: Andy Day, Chris Church, and Kenny Karst. Professionalism: my clients (both retail and dealership). I inherited work ethic from my dad.” Ward - “Tom Miller, Darrell Issa, and my father.”
Vision for business in five years: Miller - “In five years we will likely be offering more solutions-based kits and packages, such as our BMW offerings and iPad mini mounts, that we ship all over the world.” Ward - “A mature organization with infrastructure and culture in line with our roots.”
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