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Sommer Sound Systems Welcomes New Install Manager Florida-based Sommer Sound Systems recently brought Steven Thompson, a new installation manager, onto the team, who, according to shop CEO Bill Sommers, has enough experience to both keep the shop running smoothly and to jump on board where needed. “He’s got, I believe, 10 years of professional experience, and he has actually worked on several vehicles featured in the CES [International Consumer Electronics Show],” Sommers said. Sommers went on to add that Thompson brought a lot of experience with custom fabrication to the table. Thompson also has sales and other managerial skills that contribute to the success of the shop. “He’s a well-rounded installer and a great guy to work with, always positive,” he said. “We like to have good morale around the shop. We like to have a fun workplace.” For the remainder of 2018, Sommers noted that he may be hiring a part-time salesperson and potentially another installer. This all relies on how the business does in its fourth quarter, however.
Who’s Who
Faces in the Industry Nik Edmonds Handcrafted Car Audio Chandler, Ariz. Years of industry experience: 10 Hobbies: Car audio, guns and related activities What You’re Best At: Showing people why they should choose the Handcrafted Difference
Nathan Jeffries
Distinct Beat Audio Builds Biz Through Angie’s List Byron Smith, owner of North Carolina-based Distinct Beat Audio, has seen the shop win the Angie’s List Super Service Award five years in a row, with the latest 2017 award just announced. According to Angie’s List, the company gives the Super Service Award to A-rated companies in their category, within their market. Each year’s winner is determined by the positive reviews left by customers. After a customer has had work done at the shop, Smith makes sure to request a review, which has helped the shop net the Super Service Award for the past four years running. Smith has also taken advantage of the advertising opportunities that can be found through
14 Mobile Electronics February 2018
Angie’s List, such as coupons. “When [the prospective customer] looks up information about companies or projects they have in the area, of course we show up because of our rating, but we also show up differently in a list because we paid for advertising,” Smith noted. If an Angie’s List customer comes into the shop, “it’s pretty much a locked-down sale,” Smith said. “They’ve already done their research, they already know who you are as a company, they know what your ratings are prior to arriving, and they’ve already made a decision about you. That’s why they’re there. We worked hard for our award, but we couldn’t do it without our awesome customers!”
Global Parts Auto Group Wichita, Kan. Years of industry experience: 22 Hobbies: Love being a dad What You’re Best At: Remodeling homes and building custom furnitur
Melinton Benavides
Speed of Sound Technologies Milford, Conn. Years of industry experience: 23 Hobbies: Drawing and playing pool What You’re Best At: Wiring and troubleshooting