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Words of Wisdom: Retailers share experiences that have shaped them into stronger, more profitable business owners
“The more knowledge you have about the product you are trying to sell, the better equipped you are to sell it to the consumer. Also, the installation should be done properly and professionally with no shortcuts. Always use the pre- and post-checklist when doing the install.” Gene Bell, Gene’s Audio Center, Havelock, N.C.
“During the Eddy Kay retail sales and management training, he said that if you want to make a million dollars then dress like a million dollars. He was implying that how you dress is how your customers will see you.” Chad Marra, Xtreme Audio & Design, Mesa, Ariz.
“Don’t be
afraid to try new things.” – Joey
Knapp, Sim-
plicity in Sound, Milpitas, Calif. “After 20 years in business we
were awarded by the Williston Economic Development for ‘Exist- ing Business Entrepreneur of the Year,’ which was a nice surprise after all these years. That puts a nice positive outlook on the car audio industry. Lesson learned: stick with something and be good at it, and you will be rewarded.” Greg Fuchs, Cartunz, Williston, N.D.
“I invented the stretched grill cloth fiberglass technique and sold the rights to the guys that used to make VHS videos. I’m the author of ‘Miracle door panels in
6 Mobile Electronics August 2014
less than two hours.’ The lesson is trust, but verify. I had to sue to get paid. I used the money to start Audio 2000 in 1991. I also strongly suggest looking at ways to diver- sify. The car audio industry is going to see rapid changes in cars of the future and I’m concerned that we won’t be able to keep up with it.” Bill Wyko, Audio 2000, Tucson, Ariz.
“Stick to doing it right all the time. Customer service is first. Nobody wins when you drop prices so low that you don’t bene- fit from it.” Gene Deguzman, Al & Ed’s Auto- sound, La Mesa, Calif.
“I see
the mobile electronics specialist moving to ‘automotive customizing specialist.’
We have put a heavy focus on adding vehicle accessories (jeep bumpers, fenders, lights, truck lifts, bed liners, etc.) to our mix. Many other retailers who do more custom than trunk slamming are also taking this approach.” Ryan Pepsin, SRQ Custom Autosound, Sarasota, Fla.
“Being part of the MESA buying group has been a great help with marketing, buying and daily oper- ation of our company. We would recommend any shop owner to try to take part in the group if possi- ble.” Shef Sadik, Proline Car Stereo, Brooklyn, N.Y.
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Mobile Electronics (USPS 957-170) (ISSN#1523-763X) is published monthly by Mobile Electronics Retailers Association, Inc. 85 Flagship Drive, Suite F, North Andover, MA 01845. Periodicals postage paid at Lawrence, MA 01842-8887 and additional mailing offices. POSTMAS- TER: Send address changes to Mobile Electronics PO Box 3186 Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Please allow 6-8 weeks for address changes to take effect. Subscription Prices - United States $35 per year, Canada $42 per year, Foreign $75 per year, Single copy price - $5; Buyer’s Guide $25. Please allow 6-8 weeks to receive your first issue.
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