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Trusted Tech Candidates With competition fierce for Installer
Tyler Neault
Vision Electronics Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada
of the Year, this category was created to give those with technical savvy a way to be highlighted. Each voter was given a chance to explain why they chose their tech in the list below. Aaron Garcia, Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security, Anchorage, Alaska Reason for nomination: “He is so professional and cares about the industry.” Ata Ehdaivand, Absolute Electronix, Rockville, Md. Reason for nomination: “Ata is one of the few technicians I would trust with my own vehicle.” Jesse Mitchell, Safe & Sound Mobile Electronics, Manassas, Va. Reason for nomination: “Very professional, trustworthy, great customer interface, does good work, customer oriented, great personality, great asset to the company, honest and truthful.” Bryan Turvaville, 806 Autoworks, Amarillo, Texas Reason for nomination: “Bryan is a competent, intelligent, and trustworthy installer. He has a high standard of ethics and is respected amongst his peers and customers.” Daniel DiCampli, Windward Audio, Kaneohe, Hawaii Reason for nomination: “He’s very easy to work with.” Jamie Palafox, Agoura Autosounds, Agoura Hills, Calif. Reason for nomination: “I’d trust Jamie with any vehicle.” John Brettle, Cartunes Inc., Atlanta, Ga. Reason for nomination: “John has always been willing to take the time to help out and offer up advice. He shares great information on our forums and has a great attitude. He’s someone you feel comfortable asking a question and that goes a long way.” Jonathan Ram, Paradyme Sound & Vision, Sacramento, Calif. Reason for nomination: “Jonathan has had years of experience as a installation tech dealing with all vehicle types for audio/video/security/mobile accessories. His eagerness to continually learn and grow as an installer make him a great candidate for this award.” Lee Bartels, Streetstyle, Carol Stream, Ill. Reason for nomination: “He goes to training year round.” Nik Edmonds, Handcrafted Car Audio, Chandler, Ariz. Reason for nomination: “He’s always willing to help anyone inside and outside the industry.” 32 Mobile Electronics August 2017
Years installing: 17 Other duties: I’m the install bay manager and only installer at my location. I do everything from parts ordering to installing and building, along with helping the sales floor in sales and bookings. Proudest moment, besides this award: Winning best I.C.E. (In Car Entertainment) at the biggest show around us for the stereo and install job I did on my 1962 Chevy Impala. Biggest mistake ever made as an installer: Shoving power into a BCM where power shouldn’t be. Three favorite activities besides work: I’m a car nut, so I love building cars. I’m on my second full-frame-off restoration. I love playing basketball, especially with my 17-year-old daughter. Biggest influence with regard to expertise, professionalism and work ethic: My best friend Craig Davey, who suddenly and tragically past away three years ago. He got me started in this industry, mentored me along the way, gave me my first couple jobs and taught me to work for whatever I wanted. No one will give it to you. Secondly would be Jason Kranitz. I attended his Kingpin University just over a year ago and wow, I will never look at doing anything the same. He opened my eyes and changed my entire thought process on everything. Vision of life five years from now: In five years, I’d like to see myself in a larger shop taking on bigger projects and doing better quality/looking installs. And growing my skill set to be among the greats.