BUILDING A BRIDGE
THROUGH WARMTH AND PERSONAL CONNECTIONS, SALES PRO OF THE YEAR KIMBERLY TRAINER SEEKS TO MAKE CLIENTS COMFORTABLE WHILE OFFERING A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE.
FIND YOUR PEOPLE
Kaitlyn Young and Tomas Keenan share efficient hiring strategies.
PERSONAL INVESTMENT
Parker Lopez shares how attending industry events helps to grow knowledge and friendships.
FEATURES
12// Whats Happening: Here to Stay
While some remain concerned about the future of the industry, these retailers have an important reminder: Specialty electronics skills will always be relevant and car audio isn’t going anywhere.
22// Sales Pro of the Year: From the Heart
Sales Pro of the Year Kimberly Trainer aims to create an atmosphere in which clients can ask questions, feel at ease and find the answers they seek.
42// Model Mentor: Make the Investment
Are you a salesperson or technician whose company doesn’t send employees to trainings? Invest in yourself and go on your own, said Top 5 Sales Pro Parker Lopez, who emphasized the importance of expanding skillsets and building connections.
46// Strategy and Tactics: Simplifying Hiring, Improving Results
Kaitlyn Young and Tomas Keenan share strategies to help business owners implement systems and processes and hire the right team members.
Sales Pro of the Year Kimberly Trainer has owned Greenville, Miss.-based Car-Tunes, Inc. since 2001. These days, due to a lacking in customer service elsewhere, she feels that people may come into the store “expecting to be disappointed.” Trainer aims to counteract this expectation by building personal connections and making customers feel comfortable enough to ask questions.
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EDITOR’SFORUMROSASOPHIA• EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
WHEN YOU KNOW… YOU KNOW.
While car audio might be witnessing a decline, specialty electronics technicians remain in high demand due to their valuable skills.
When I was 20 and bought my first car—which I still have today, by the way!—I ran into some odd electrical issues. Local automotive technicians didn’t know what was wrong with my radio. I nicknamed it “PCSS,” or Pothole Controlled Stereo System. Hitting a bump on the disintegrating Pennsylvania roads would cause the volume on my CD player to shoot all the way up, and the only way to reduce the volume was aim for a rough patch of pavement. At that time in my life, I didn’t understand this, myself. (I hope it gives you a chuckle today.) I’d only just begun exploring my own interest in automotive technology. I didn’t know anything about the mobile electronics industry, and I didn’t know there were experts out there who probably could’ve explained this to me in seconds. Later, I remember thinking, why didn’t the garage where I took my car recommend a specialty electronics shop if they didn’t know how to fix it themselves? Is it possible they didn’t know about the 12-volt industry, either? Maybe.
MOBILE ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS WILL ALWAYS BE RELEVANT
Worried that your business won’t last? Take a piece of advice from Jim Rogers of Audio Innovations in Conway, Ark.: “Those who invest in trade shows, training and education are those who want to learn … And I think those are the people who are most flexible when it comes to diversifying. Those are the people who will be most successful.”
Many
my experience and wanting to understand automotive electrical to the best of my ability. I enjoyed looking at circuits on electrical schematics and trying to problem-solve. Today, I’m aware that nobody’s more qualified to solve electrical problems than specialty technicians in the mobile electronics industry. If you have any concerns about the longevity of 12-volt, let the techs and business owners in these pages assuage your fears.
opportunities are available to businesses that wish to diversify offerings; to technicians who want to learn new skills; and to salespeople who want to improve communication skills. Attend trainings hosted by manufacturers.
Go to trade shows. Sign up for training courses, and learn as much as you can. “
I didn’t enroll in automotive school until I was 24. Of course, when there, I placed a particular focus on electrical diagnostics, remembering
LEAN INTO YOUR SKILLS AND NEVER STOP LEARNING
Kimberly Trainer, owner of Car-Tunes, Inc. in Greenville, Miss. is featured on this month’s cover as Sales Pro of the Year for 2025. At KnowledgeFest Atlantic City this month, she’ll be sharing her customer service strategies. For fast-growing businesses looking to hire, Kaitlyn Young and Tomas Keenan share their knowledge regarding hiring practices in our Strategy & Tactics column. And in Model Mentor, Top 5 Sales Pro Parker Lopez also talks training, urging 12-volt professionals to seek opportunities for self-improvement—whether their employers support them or not.
Many opportunities are available to businesses that wish to diversify offerings; to technicians who want to learn new skills; and to salespeople who want to improve communication skills. Attend trainings hosted by manufacturers. Go to trade shows. Sign up for training courses, and learn as much as you can.
Today, professionals in our industry continue to solve problems that many automotive technicians and dealerships can’t. So, don’t worry. This industry’s not going anywhere.
“KEEP YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS.”
According to industry professionals, a few of the keys to continued growth include learning from mistakes, taking actionable steps and staying focused.
“I’ve made many mistakes in my career. Most importantly, I have learned how to deal with them. It’s not always about how you mess something up—it’s how you learned from it, and how you adapted.”
- Phil Cantu, Mobile Toys, College Station, Texas
“ The best advice I can give an installer is to keep your focus and vision. Keep your foot on the gas, no matter what the road looks like. There will be good times and bad, but if you keep your focus and your eye on the end result, it will all work out in your favor. Never stop learning.”
- Adam Devine, Devine Concepts Automotive Design, Naples, Fla.
“If you need this deal, your c ustomer knows. If you don’t need the deal, you’re actually going to be more successful. If you really
need it, chances are you’re not going to sell as much because you’re pressing too much, and the customer’s going to feel that. The abundance mindset will help you succeed at a higher level. Now, you might need to make that sale—but you have to act like you don’t.”
- Kevin Hallinan, WINNING, Inc.
“Have the patience to hold back, but learn to take small, yet positive steps. I’ve always progressed forward, but done so slowly. T his ensures you don’t take risks that could cause poor business results. Waiting until you have extra funds before making bigger business decisions allows you some comfort room if things do not go as planned.”
- Conrad Leduc, Sudbury Car Audio, Sudbury, Ontario
The Mobile Electronics Association recently surveyed specialty retailers nationwide to learn more about prevailing retail and wholesale labor rates.
WHAT TO READ
The Let Them Theory
BY MEL ROBBINS
Everyone you talk to these days has heard about this book, seen it on TikTok, or scrolled by it on Instagram. According to this book, the key to happiness, success and love is as simple as two words—Let Them. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, it turns out the problem isn’t you. The problem is the power you give to other people. According to the author, the words “Let Them” will set you free. The Let Them Theory returns your power, allowing you to create and nurture your own life. Robbins shares experiences, highlights takeaways and research, and introduces you to world-renowned experts in psychology, neuroscience, relationships, happiness and ancient wisdom who all champion this theory. Learn how to stop wasting energy on things you can’t control, stop comparing yourself to other people, break free from fear and self-doubt, and release yourself from the grip of people’s expectations. If you want to advance your career, motivate others to change, take creative risks, find deeper connections, build better habits, or simply create more happiness in your life and relationships, this book gives you the mindset and tools to unlock your full potential.
Music festivals are great places to trend spot—find out firsthand what folks are listening to, wearing and driving. The longest-running country music festival in the world will take place June 5-8 in Nashville. This festival started back in 1972. Today, more than 250 acts will grace nine stages. Blake Shelton, Brooks & Dunn, Colbie Caillet, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and many more are scheduled to perform.
WHAT TO SEE
KnowledgeFest Atlantic City
KNOWLEDGEFEST.COM/EVENT-SCHEDULE
You can bet on having a great weekend, June 6-8, 2025, in Atlantic City, where KnowledgeFest takes place at Harrah’s Resort & Convention Center. There will be plenty of educational tracks and networking (don’t miss Beer & Business on Friday night), but also take time to enjoy this seaside gaming and resort destination. Atlantic City, once home to the Miss America pageant, and inspiration for the board game Monopoly, boasts an old-fashioned boardwalk, and a 227-foot high Wheel with 14,500 lights that you can ride. Check out the outlet stores and grab something from White House Subs. They’ve being doing these the “New Jersey Way” since 1946. You won’t be disappointed.
WHAT TO LISTEN TO
The Mel Robbins Podcast
AVAILABLE
ON: APPLE PODCASTS, YOUTUBE
If you prefer to listen rather than read, this podcast by the author of The Let Them Theory is perfect for the drive to or from work. Mel Robbins has spent the last 10 years helping people to change their lives. This podcast offers relatable stories and science-backed tools to inspire, motivate and empower you to create a better life. One recent episode was a masterclass in decision-making—the psychology, science and step-by-step framework Robbins uses to stop spinning and start moving. She shares how to trust your intuition, stop second-guessing yourself and handle the fallout from hard choices. Other episodes have tackled the following topics: Important Career Advice from Harvard Business School’s #1 Professor, Why Adult Friendship is So Hard, and The Sneaky Ways People Disrespect You.
While some remain concerned about the future of the industry, these retailers have an important reminder: Specialty electronics skills will always be relevant and car audio isn’t going anywhere.
WORDS BY ROSA SOPHIA
A HERE TO STAY
s vehicles evolve and become more complex, industry professionals agree there’s never been a more important time to stay on top of training. With KnowledgeFest Atlantic City coming up June 6-8,
Mobile Electronics magazine spoke with retailers about their perspectives on the future of the industry. With so much rapid change, how will retailers remain relevant?
Jim Rogers of Audio Innovations in Conway, Ark. feels the industry will remain
relevant due to specialized electronics skills. This is an area in which dealerships are usually weak, he said. While some businesses or dealerships might “throw parts at a car” and eventually “stumble across the problem,” mobile electronics
technicians often have the necessary skills to diagnose the issue.
RETAILERS: LEARN TO PIVOT AND STAY EDUCATED
There will always be work, according to Rogers, who said, “Those who pivot and move forward are the same people who are investing in their education by going to trainings. Those who don’t think they need to learn anything are the ones who will probably vanish because they’re not willing to change.”
James P. Smith of A.C.T. Audio in Vernon, Conn. reported a slower year for car audio. He added that the business has also had “the worst remote start season since I first started in 2004.” Smith feels people are more reluctant to spend money due to economic uncertainty, adding, “During an election year, people always tend to tighten their belts.”
What’s kept A.C.T. Audio afloat? Motorcycle season, according to
Smith. At the time of the interview, the shop—with its staff of five—had eight motorcycles in the back. Shops that are just “a deck and four speakers kind of place,” according to Smith, won’t be around much longer if they fail to bring on DSPs. Smith added that he’s had other shops refer work to him because the customer wanted a DSP and it was beyond their expertise.
Rogers said many shops are simply afraid of learning integration and DSPs. “With modern cars, you can’t just upgrade a radio anymore. You have to learn this. If you don’t,” he added, “I give you five years and you’re going to be obsolete. This is critical.”
As for new cars, factory systems don’t sound anywhere near as good, Smith said, giving mobile electronics retailers an opportunity if they choose to embrace newer technologies. “If you came into my shop and sat in my vehicle, you’d realize how awful your factory system sounds. I have a very nice
DSP-tuned system. With that DSP, I can create better results than any factory system. It just comes down to educating the customers,” he explained. At the end of the day, he added, if a person’s only experience is with a factory system, then that’s their reference point. “I’ve always said everything in car audio is relative. It’s relative to the best system you’ve had.”
12-VOLT SHOPS ARE MORE VALUABLE THAN EVER BEFORE
Kimberly Trainer of Car-Tunes, Inc. in Greenville, Miss. feels retailers shouldn’t be too concerned as long as they’re staying up-to-date with training. Technology may be changing, but “we’re actually becoming even more valuable to our clients because vehicles are more advanced and complicated,” she said. “What we do is a genuine skillset.”
Staying educated, Trainer said, is more important than ever. “I also think it’s more readily available than ever, too.
While car manufacturers certainly change the way retailers view the industry, Kimberly Trainer of Car-Tunes, Inc. believes professionals will continue to meet the challenge.
As long as mobile electronics professionals put the effort in, she added, “Nothing will limit us. That’s the way I look at it, and I like to motivate other businesses [in that direction], too.”
Smith agreed that if retailers can lean into skillsets—the knowledge which makes them more valuable than many dealerships or other automotive businesses—they will certainly remain relevant.
“It comes down to going to trade shows, learning and educating yourself. The first time I learned to tune a DSP, I must’ve spent 80 hours watching YouTube videos, talking to people at Focal and trying to understand. I figured it out. Now, me and my guys, we can tune a car in less than an hour with phenomenal results.”
Recently, A.C.T. Audio had a client who had gone to a dealership to have his amplifier replaced under warranty, but
after the amp was replaced, there wasn’t any sound.
“The dealership quoted him between eight and $12,000 to search through the car for a crossed wire,” Smith said, adding that he advised the customer to bring the car to his shop. “I told him I was pretty confident he had a speaker problem. I gave it to my tech, Ethan, and in about an hour he found a speaker that was grounding out and causing the amp to shut down,” he explained, adding, “We saved the guy $10,000.”
Smith also spoke of the fear of losing business, noting that this fear has always been an issue—and always will be.
“Twenty years ago,” he said, “people had the same fear. When cars started coming with remote starters, we said, we’re going to be out of business. In 2017, backup cameras were made mandatory
in cars, and we thought we’d lose out on backup cameras, too.”
Yes, business will decline to some extent, Smith said, but it will also take years before every car on the road has a backup camera. “People are still driving older cars that will need that upgrade. It’s like blind-spot detection. The more people who drive cars with the technology, the more people will want it who don’t already have it.”
Retailers just need to find additional ways to stay ahead, he said, adding, “There has to be something else we’ll do next.”
THOSE DEDICATED TO THE CRAFT REMAIN HUNGRY FOR EDUCATION
Rogers said he continues to observe an influx of mobile electronics professionals who want to learn, which
he feels is a good sign for the industry. “Those who invest in trade shows, training and education are those who want to learn and want to know the most modern ways. And I think those are the people who are most flexible when it comes to diversifying,” he said. “Those are the people who will be more successful in the coming months.”
Along with KnowledgeFest, Rogers also attended MasterTech Expo, which he stated is a significant investment. “MasterTech had roughly 40 percent first-time attendees, with a record number of people coming to the event. That is a sizable investment,” he said, because attendees must pay for entry. That means, he added, “the retention is there. People wanting to learn—it’s better than I’ve ever seen it. That’s good. That’s important.”
“Automobile manufacturers do change the way we look at things. But this is something our industry has always done. We always find a solution, so I have no reason to believe that it will ever be any different. Car audio isn’t going anywhere.”
– Kimberly
Trainer, CarTunes, Inc., Greenville, Miss.
Smith stressed that car audio shops have a great opportunity to best the manufacturers in terms of sound quality. “We can customize a system to the client’s liking. You can’t do that with a factory DSP. They’re also more limited on volume. A factory system might have amazing staging, but the volume and bass is just lackluster. I’m sure factory systems will get better. But at the end of the day, in my opinion, they’ll never make it customizable,” he explained, adding that he feels confident 12-volt shops will continue to have the advantage.
Mobile electronics shops that want to stay ahead will simply have to do what industry professionals have been advising all along, Smith said. “They’ll have
to learn to understand not only the DSPs, but the cars. For example, a lot of Toyotas have all-pass filters where speakers are flipping out of a phase between certain frequencies, and you need to know how to handle that if you have a DSP that doesn’t handle it for you. And then you need to know what’s available so you can assign the right DSP to that job.”
Trainer said that the entire industry will improve when everyone seeks a solution and shares that knowledge.
“That’s why I love participating in events like KnowledgeFest,” she said. “People often go there thinking, ‘What am I going to learn?’” They wind up learning things they never expected— things they never knew. “From a sales
perspective, it’s a great place to pick up techniques to incorporate into your sales process. Everyone’s different. We’re not all going to do things the same way, but we do need to help each other and then we’ll keep advancing.”
For anyone who is concerned about the future of the industry, she said there will always be ups and downs in retail. “Automobile manufacturers change the way we look at things. But this is something our industry has always done. We always find a solution, so I have no reason to believe that it will ever be any different,” she said, adding, “Car audio isn’t going anywhere.”
Despite uncertainty about the future, retailers continue attending educational events in record numbers in an effort to grow knowledge and expand skillsets.
FROM THE HEART
Sales Pro of the Year Kimberly Trainer aims to create an atmosphere in which clients can ask questions, feel at ease and find the answers they seek.
WORDS BY ROSA SOPHIA
Sales Pro of the Year
When Greenville, Miss.based Car-Tunes, Inc. was named Retailer of the Year in 2020, the awards ceremony was held virtually. This year at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, business owner Kimberly Trainer earned the Sales Pro of the Year award—a different feeling, she said, from the pandemic-era homebound event.
“This was very emotional. I think every sales professional can remember their first sale. I remember mine. If you really enjoy what you do, these things stand
out for you.” Making a personal connection, she added, is what keeps a business going. “Being given this honor means so much. I hope I won’t let anyone down. My goal is to keep encouraging everyone in our industry as much as I can.”
Car-Tunes, Inc. recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, and Trainer has owned the business since 2001. With a love of music and a background in business and accounting, mobile electronics was a natural fit for her. Over the years, the business has continued to evolve, and Trainer said this evolution will
always be an ongoing process.
“I’ve always got something in the back of my mind—something new to move us forward.” Honesty and offering a unique experience are essential to the way she runs her business, she added. Being named Sales Pro of the Year has been a very personal experience for her. “Instead of talking about all the moving parts of the business,” as she did while the store was in the running for Retailer of the Year, “I talked about what I do as a salesperson [during the awards process].”
She feels customer service has suffered in recent years, and so, “I think people come into the store expecting to be disappointed,” she said, adding, “I want to try to give them a unique experience that really sticks with them. If you become stagnant or complacent, you’re going to miss opportunities, and that’s not good for anyone.”
MEET THEM WHERE THEY ARE
Staying in tune with customers and paying attention to how they respond
to a shop’s processes is important, according to Trainer. She aims to view her business from the perspective of a customer—always considering the next improvement. The showroom has changed a lot over the years. One major improvement has been in the realm of communication. While they’ve always used the telephone as a contact point, the staff noticed a trend: Due to an influx in telemarketers, many clients set their cell phones to automatically reject calls from unknown numbers.
“We added an automated process. Our phone landline is now capable of connecting with clients through texting.” The premade text, she said, includes a picture of the business and says something like, “Your installation is complete and your vehicle’s ready for pick-up. Please call us if you have any questions.” Trainer and her team noticed that this method often garnered instant replies.
“We’ve always prided ourselves in connecting with people,” she said, adding that it’s important to find a
balance. Too much automation and a business might risk coming off as cold or disconnected. “Once we find out how a customer is comfortable, we can switch gears to whichever way they’d prefer to do business.”
For those customers who don’t like to have a lot of direct communication, the Car-Tunes showroom features iPads which can be used to sign up for the loyalty program or fill out a financing application. At the same time, Trainer said the sales team always mentions these opportunities to clients, making them aware they’re available to help in the process if needed. “Having these options available helps determine how the client likes to do things,” she said. “It also helps us save time.”
Most of all, though, the initial greeting is essential. During the greeting, Trainer said, you might ask, “‘What brings you in?’ Sometimes you’ll get, ‘Just looking.’ At that point, you decide, ‘Am I going to make this connection, or am I going to walk away?’ If you do walk away, you’re basically saying no to the sale. I like to start by asking questions. ‘Is that your GMC truck out there?’ Make comments on their vehicle. Make it more personal. One of my favorite things to do is just ask customers questions because people love to talk about themselves.”
As the conversation continues, she added, the salesperson will begin to get a good sense of how the process might flow. A personal anecdote can also
assist in helping the customer make a decision. Trainer used remote start and security as an example—a category which she said can be difficult to sell in the southern United States.
“One of my favorite stories to tell is about my own daughter, who’s at Mississippi State right now. She has one of our remote start and security packages on her vehicle. She was in class one day and a notification came up on her phone that said, ‘Tilt sensor.’ She thought her car was being towed, but she found out she had a flat tire. That’s not normally a feature you’d think of in terms of why you’d want a remote start.”
The intuitive security system, she said, detected when the level of the car changed due to the flat tire. “She
was able to get her tire fixed and come home that weekend. This is a personal, realistic situation that might help people think outside the box,” Trainer explained. Using a personal anecdote such as this one, “you start building a relationship. They’re going to listen and tell you a story in return or explain their own situation. At that point, you’re selling them the value of the product. You’re not even talking about price yet. They’ll think, ‘Wow, she thought of things I never would’ve thought about.’ Then it comes down to the confidence of being able to say, ‘This would be the best product to solve your problem.’” Only then, she added, does she begin to discuss price. Additionally, Car-Tunes offers multiple
EXPRESSING CREATIVITY THROUGH CUSTOM LABOR
When looking at how Car-Tunes, Inc. might do more to meet the needs of its client base, Kimberly Trainer decided she wanted to sell more custom labor. “If we’re selling a radio, we might say, ‘We can also do a custom panel here and laser the car’s logo into it.’ It adds a custom touch.”
This past year, an unusual project came into the shop. “Someone came in and asked about a family heirloom they had—a record player. They were out of state and they were familiar with our work. They thought we might be able to help.” The record player, she said, was actually a piece of furniture from the 1970s. “We redesigned it, put in new components and refinished it. It turned out beautifully. This is an example of thinking outside the box. People can buy things online, but they can’t buy that custom touch we can give them through our creative process.” Car-Tunes then delivered the finished project and showed the client how to operate it. According to Trainer, the shop has a lot of unique opportunities. A recent
project involved installing interior lights in a party bus. Another project, installing speaker systems in a school gymnasium. “That kind of customer is very different than the customer who comes into the store, because we had to measure everything and rent a scissor lift to install the speakers.”
While it means extra work, Trainer feels it’s worth it. The shop has also installed speakers at football fields. “It makes everyone happy. We’ve been fortunate to be able to do the majority of the local area schools.”
Also, they have the chance to work on a lot of older classic cars. “Whenever you have something like that—like the record player or even a school gymnasium—it’s like a blank canvas. We can be creative. Today, I’m putting together a proposal for some lighting on an 18-wheeler,” she said, adding, “We also get the opportunity to accent all the custom enclosures with different color combinations and logos. People notice that extra creative touch, I think.”
payment options which can make it easier for a client to make a decision to purchase.
“Once I begin the question process and get people loosened up, they begin asking questions, too,” Trainer said, adding, “Then I know I’ve crossed a barrier. I think that’s a key point in the sales process.”
Currently, Trainer is working on yet another way to reach potential clients—an online store component of the Car-Tunes website. Sometimes,
she said, clients like to preview what’s available before they come in. “I feel our products are best-suited for in-person purchasing, but again, we’re paying attention to our clients and the way they like to experience things,” she said. “There may be people who might not be able to come in right away.” At the same time, she still prioritizes the experience offered in the Car-Tunes showroom. “I want to share that same feeling as much as I possibly can in an online format, so people feel confident
and connected to who they’re dealing with—instead of just looking up a product and seeing who’s cheapest. I think you need expertise when they have questions. That’s really important to me.”
The website will debut sometime this year, she added, displaying a “certain number of products in particular categories. These will be products I feel comfortable selling over the counter to one of our clients when they come in the door.”
CULTIVATING PERSONAL AWARENESS IN COMMUNICATION
At KnowledgeFest Atlantic City, June 6-8, Trainer will be teaching a class together with Elias Ventura on the art of the sale. There’s an essential skillset salespeople must have in order to connect and communicate with clients, she said, adding, “In today’s world, too many people are just clerking—someone asks for something, and they ring it up.”
Trainer first met Ventura when Bryan Piper invited them both on Episode 12
of the podcast “Where Are They Now?” hosted by Mobile Electronics Association and focused on interviewing Mobile Electronics Industry Awards finalists. A good salesperson should always work on improving their product knowledge, according to Trainer, and be sure to use proper descriptions instead of vague words like “things” or “stuff.”
In the mobile electronics industry, she added, “We use so many abbreviations.” One day, in a class, she took the time to write down every time she heard
someone use an abbreviation. “When we use these words, our customers don’t understand and it makes them uncomfortable. I want to try to avoid that,” she explained. “You don’t want to talk down to a client, but you shouldn’t talk over their head, either. Find the sweet spot where they can identify. I tend to use language that explains what the product will do for them, not the technical side. They’ll connect with it better.”
Trainer is also very intentional about the atmosphere she cultivates in-store, paying close attention to details aimed at making customers comfortable. “We’re all about the music. We also sell musical instruments, keyboards and DJ equipment,” she said. “I might have someone from a local church come in to purchase something for their Sunday service, so we don’t want the music we play to offend anyone or they won’t come back.” For this reason, Car-Tunes only plays instrumental music. “Try to create a respectful atmosphere for everyone.”
In the future, Trainer aims to continue attending trainings and sharing what works for her with the rest of the industry. “If someone gets to a point where they think there’s nothing else they have to learn, then maybe it’s time to retire.”
Recently, she spoke to a sales rep who was moving into the territory and wanted to come to Car-Tunes to meet the staff. “Reps will tell me that other businesses will say, ‘We’re too busy. I don’t have time,’” she said, adding that mobile electronics professionals should always make time for important opportunities.
In preparation for her presentation at KnowledgeFest, Trainer looked up the number one trait of a sales professional. “The consistent answer was charisma. You need that connection so they’re drawn to what you’re saying. Then you can back it up with knowledge.” A salesperson might have less experience—less knowledge—but if they’re able to make that personal connection, Trainer feels they might be even more effective than someone with more experience and technical know-how, she said, adding, “because they’re paying attention to the right things.”
DES of Wilmington Hosts Second Motorcycle Event, Aims to Grow Business
WORDS BY ROSA SOPHIA
This past April, DES of Wilmington in North Carolina hosted its second motorcycle event. According to owner Branden Shuler, the event was a huge success. “Last year didn’t meet our expectations,” Shuler said, adding that demo bikes didn’t show, the food truck canceled, there was no live music and no systems were sold. “While the first year had challenges, it laid the foundation for our second year.”
He anticipates next year will be even better, adding that he learned from the first attempt and planned for any issues. “This time, we had backup plans
in place. The bikes arrived on time, the food truck and band were set up as scheduled, and we wrapped it up with a sound-off competition.”
For other retailers planning a similar event, Shuler advised them to consider their audience: “If you host a bike show, it’s essential to design it in a way that appeals to the biking community,” he said. “This year, we sold four systems right out of the gate.”
It’s taken time for DES to build an audience with motorcycle owners, he added. Much of the business’s motorcycle clientele came through referrals
from a friend who owns a clothing company for bikers called Behind Bars. While growth was slow-going, Shuler said, “After completing 10 to 15 bikes for a customer connected to that company, we started gaining real traction. Today, we handle most of their bikes, as well as the majority of the bikes in town. It’s taken about two years to steadily grow that segment of the business.”
Shuler added that he didn’t promote motorcycle audio until he felt confident in his team’s abilities and the brands the store carries. DES tried out a number of motorcycle audio brands before
coming to Cicada Audio and Hertz, which he added are two of his favorites. They also carry Kenwood and Infinity. For retailers who hope to expand into the category, Shuler recommended choosing a well-known, reliable brand. Motorcycle owners, he said, will share their experience with their friends, attracting more referrals.
In his continuous efforts to grow the company, Shuler also hired a consultant—Philip Lindsley of Titan Motoring in Nashville, Tenn. After Lindsley worked with the DES team, Shuler went to visit Titan Motoring. “We’ve learned a lot along the way. After attending Philip’s class at MasterTech Expo, I could tell our vision and approach were closely aligned,” Shuler said, adding that he recommends business owners hire a consultant to help them move forward. “Partner with someone who shares your vision and understands
your industry. Bringing that kind of expertise on board can uncover new opportunities. Philip has played a key role in helping our company grow.”
Shuler said he continues to refine
workflows and align them with Shop Monkey. “It’s taken a lot of effort, but it’s worth it,” he said, adding, “It’s rewarding to see the business evolving into what it’s truly meant to be.”
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THE PROOF IS IN THE DEMO
Mobile electronics retailers say that once clients understand the available benefits and have an opportunity to experience the end result, they’re often ready to buy.
KICKER PTRTP POWERED DOWNFIRING ENCLOSURES
Submitted by: Angel Rivera, Jr., Laketown Speed and Sound, Draper, Utah
Main Selling Features: “I’ve sold a ton of the passive downfiring enclosures from Kicker, and since the powered models have come back, I’ve sold a large number of those. I believe the main sales pitch on this product is that the enclosure down-fires, so there’s no risk of the subwoofer getting damaged. It’s a very versatile, daily-use kind of subwoofer. I explain to customers that this is an ideal setup for SUVs and trucks.”
Primary Objection: “When pitching these downfiring products, customers question the sound performance. You’d think going to a thinner subwoofer and smaller box would limit your performance, but I don’t think that’s the case for most people looking at a subwoofer enclosure if this type.”
How to Overcome: “One of the coolest things to do with a subwoofer is hook it up to the display and allow the speaker to do the talking. Yes, I know it’s a display, but even giving them that little taste of what the sound performance is like with a shallow subwoofer gets them every time!”
MOSCONI DSP AEROSPACE
Submitted by: Nicholas Frazier, iNNovative Concepts, Wilbraham, Mass.
Main Selling Features: “The explanation of the benefits of getting proper signal processing in their vehicle. Explaining the presentation of the music, like it was intended by the artist. Sitting in your car, shutting your eyes, and getting the overwhelming feeling that you’re attending a concert just for you.”
Primary Objection: “The main objections are price add-on and whether they feel they really need it.”
How to Overcome: “First we explain why they need it, what it accomplishes, and more importantly we bring them out to one of our demo vehicles, we ask for their favorite song, the song they’ve heard a million times. Then we play it. We play the shit out of it. We give them the listening experience they didn’t know they could get, they maybe didn’t even know was possible; then we ask if it’ll be cash, check, or charge.”
IGLA ALARM DIGITAL ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
Submitted by: Johnny Bouldin, Earmark Car Audio & Tint, Plano, Texas
Main Selling Features: “The Igla Alarm is the only product proven to provide protection against automobile theft. The customer can have comfort knowing their vehicle will be right where they left it, whether they’re at home or out of town.”
Primary Objection: “First and foremost, the price starts at $1,200. Secondly, customers are concerned with the serviceability of the vehicle after the install.”
How to Overcome: “I describe the value. You won’t have to file an insurance claim and pay a deductible, and your insurance rates won’t go up. Then I describe the service mode, which allows anyone to operate the vehicle when needed.”
SONY XAV-AX4000 DIGITAL MULTIMEDIA RECEIVER
Submitted by: Conrad Leduc, Sudbury Car Audio, Sudbury, Ontario
Main Selling Features: “This head unit, released September 2022, quickly became our best-selling unit. The price difference in the wired to wireless version along with the newly added iDatalink features makes this specific unit an easy and budget-friendly solution for any client’s needs. It offers a very reliable, safe solution for wireless voice-commanded text messaging without the need to own a cord, plug a cord into a phone or find a spot in the vehicle for the phone.”
Primary Objection: “The only real objection would total overall price when the head unit is combined with installation time and parts. Every client wants the newest and best technology but with many modern vehicles requiring hundreds of dollars of install parts and modules, the cost can sometimes increase well beyond the price tag of the unit itself that the client came in to buy. When a client comes into our store for a head unit upgrade, we start by looking up the parts required for the job, quote them along with install times and then find the head unit to complete their package for their chosen budget.”
SOUNDSHIELD CONTOUR SOUND SEALING SPEAKER STRIPS
Submitted by: Kimberly Trainer, Car-Tunes, Inc., Greenville, Miss.
Main Selling Features: “I use a better sound display that plays music on one speaker mounted in a simulated door panel, then plays the same music on the other speaker mounted on a simulated door panel treated with SoundShield and contour speaker rings. The sound difference is so remarkably evident that every client says, ‘Wow, I need that!’”
Primary Objection: “We don’t usually see objections.”
How to Overcome: “If there is any cost concern, I overcome this by offering a lower cost speaker option while still including the SoundShield Contour Speaker treatment to ensure quality sound while lowering the overall ticket price.”
How to Overcome: “We have a financing option to help overcome price objections, or we can also offer to work on the radio upgrade and compensate elsewhere in the audio package. Most of our clients are coming to us for more than one item at a time, so we can help them choose a different model of speaker, subwoofer or amplifier that would still suit their needs, but open up some budget for the radio upgrade. Although we would make the same money either way, selling them a high-end speaker line versus the wireless radio, clients love the fact that they receive a safer product for themselves or their family.”
MAKE THE INVESTMENT
Do you work for a company that doesn’t send employees to trainings? Invest in yourself and go on your own, said Top 5 Sales Pro Parker Lopez, who emphasized the importance of building connections.
WORDS BY JAMIE SORCHER
Parker Lopez didn’t have look far to find his earliest inspiration. He grew up in Glass City— Toledo, Ohio—around the car stereo industry. One of his biggest influences and his first mentor is his father. His dad, he said, continues to be one of the lead technicians at Car Stereo One, the shop that Lopez has owned since 2022. Lopez’s dad has been in the industry as an installer for 26 years, and has worked with Car Stereo One for the last 12 years.
“I’ve been around the industry my whole life,” Lopez said. “During summer break, if I wasn’t playing sports, I was at work with my dad. Most of the time, I just wanted to be up front on the sales floor watching and learning.” In his early
teens, he started helping out with general tasks. If a customer came in and all the salespeople were busy, he’d direct them and await further assistance.
When he finished playing football and wrapped up his other commitments during his senior year of high school, he told his dad he wanted a job. “He asked me if I wanted to do something in car stereo and I said yes, but I didn’t want to be an installer. I wanted to be on the sales team. My dad introduced me to Steve Braun, the owner of Car Stereo One at time.” Lopez began helping out and hoping for a break—and got that break only a few days later.
“It was the biggest sale of the year, the Black Friday event, and I’d been helping with the prize table,” he said.
“Eventually, I came out from behind the counter to assist customers because things were so backed up and the sales team was overwhelmed. Right then and there, Steve hired me as a salesman.” After that, Lopez worked part time, from three to six p.m. during the week, and on Saturdays, until he graduated. After finishing high school, he become a commissioned salesperson.
Adopt What Works and Drop What Doesn’t
Having a mentor or a manager who can help you navigate your career options works best when there’s clear and open communication. After being a salesperson for two years, an opportunity arose. The general manager left the
company. Lopez stepped into the position and served in that role for five years.
“I built and grew my sales team. Early on, myself and other employees were told there would be an opportunity down the road for someone to buy the business.” Lopez told Braun that he’d always wanted to own his own business. At the time, Lopez was the lead salesperson. He took it upon himself to prepare for the next move.
“I started saving money and building credit,” he said. “After five years as the general manager, I was in a position to take over when Steve let me know that he was ready to sell. All the other people who might have been considered were either no longer interested or not with the company anymore.”
After another discussion on the purchase, Lopez applied for SBA loans. “I made a down payment and purchased
the company outright with no owner finance,” he said.
Lopez looked back on his beginnings as a salesperson, recalling how crucial it was to get a handle on the basics and learn skills from experienced and respected mentors. He said he felt fortunate to know Mike Couch—general manager and mentor—who set the tone with his team by encouraging healthy competition.
“Before I went full-time in sales, Mike was always the lead salesperson and had been for the previous 15 or 20 years,” Lopez said. While Lopez himself eventually broke all the sales records, he learned a lot from Couch, “including how to sell various categories, not just car audio, but marine audio and motorcycle audio. I was able to watch and learn from him. By adopting his tips, I turned those into my own to make it all work for me.”
Couch also set a high standard, he said, making for a motivating environment. “He was very competitive. I am, as well, so I always tried to compete with him. I wanted to be just as good as him and mirror the things he did.” Couch was open and responsive, too. “Whenever I had questions or I wanted a better understanding of how he was selling something or handling a particular situation, he would give me the information and share what to do and what not to do. He definitely mentored me along the way.”
The skills and techniques Lopez acquired led him to become a finalist in the Industry Awards Top 5 Sales Pros. He’s used this momentum to help elevate those around him, as well. The store was a Top 12 Retailer in 2025—a first—and technician Cody Warner was among the Top 12 Installers.
Owners and Managers: Invest in Personal Growth, Invest in the Team
Before Lopez purchased the business, he started attending industry events and went to his first KnowledgeFest. He said it’s easy to get stuck by staying in the store. Getting out and learning new skills and meeting new people will help anyone to evolve, regardless of where they are in their career. When he took over as owner, he said, he made it mandatory to attend KnowledgeFest Las Vegas each year.
“I take my whole team so they can benefit from the educational tracks and the trainings.” Lopez also takes all of his technicians to MasterTech Expo, “so they can learn the best training and techniques from the best of the best.” Additionally, the shop is a MESA member, so Lopez attends MESA trainings, as well.
Today, Lopez remains a full-time salesperson. “I still need to wear every hat in the business,” he said. “When I took over, I wanted to make sure I knew how to do everything from installing a car starter to installing an audio system. These trainings—even the ones which
aren’t sales- or business-focused—help me become better at what I do.” At one point, he added, he considered further education or even a degree program.
“When I said I might go to business school, Steve told me early on that business school might be good for learning terminology and technology, but to actually learn how to run a small business is by just doing it.” In a big corporation, he said, it can be harder to move from the bottom all the way to the top.
“In a small business, you get to see the ins and outs of everything. There can be more opportunity to move up. That helped me to grow from being just a regular part-time salesman to becoming the owner within six to seven years of working at Car Stereo One.”
Another benefit of attending MasterTech Expo, KnowledgeFest and MESA events, Lopez said, are the friendships one can establish. Lopez found Dan Bowman’s sales classes to be some of the most impactful. “I’ve also enjoyed classes by Jay Cook from Columbus Car Audio,” he said. “These guys show you that even the top folks around the country are having some of the same issues in their shops.”
Everyone, he added, is dealing with the same struggles. “Philip Lindsley from Titan Motoring also led some great business classes I’ve attended. And Larry Penn of Mobile Solutions, Calgary, has been a great resource for me.”
Lopez advised others in the industry to put themselves “in a position to succeed” and network. “KnowledgeFest and MasterTech are very beneficial,” he said, adding that the networking is just as important. “I’ve gone to these events for so many years now that I’ve networked with everyone at the top shops.” Due to these connections, he’s able to call people for their opinions, thoughts and feedback.
“To those who are just starting out— and anyone who just needs to shake up their career—make that investment. If your shop isn’t investing to send you to these events, then invest in yourself and go. Surround yourself with others in the industry.” Go to trainings, he said, “so you can expand your skillset and your knowledge, but also so you can network and build relationships with people.”
Then, he added, “If you have an issue, or you need advice or information, you have someone you can call. It’ll be worth it.”
SIMPLIFYING HIRING, IMPROVING RESULTS
Kaitlyn Young and Tomas Keenan share strategies to help business owners implement efficient hiring systems and processes.
WORDS BY ROSA SOPHIA
Kaitlyn Young of Social Media Doctor and Tomas Keenan of Step it Up Academy joined forces at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas to present a class on hiring practices. Keenan spent over 22 years in the mobile electronics field, working in categories such as custom audio, fabrication, GPS tracking and dash cameras. Often, he said, business owners make mistakes—by not valuing one’s own time or efficiency, and working long, arduous hours. “We’re willing to do that,” he said, “but
ultimately, it’s not what we signed up for.” Implementing systems and processes, he added, will help a business owner break free of this unhealthy cycle. What’s part of the system? Hiring the right team members and learning to delegate.
To effectively hire the right people, he said, a business must have systems, processes and training platforms in place. In his book, Unf*ck Your Business , he emphasizes core values. “You have to have core values if you’re going
to hire right,” he said. “You have to know what you’re looking for. These core values become your guiding principles in hiring staff.”
USING ONLINE TOOLS TO ASSIST IN HIRING
When it comes to advertising for an available position, Young recommended using customizable ad copy with engaging fonts and emojis. While emojis will make a post stand out, and will actually increase the number of
applications received, she advised finding a good balance and not using too many.
“I write the copy ahead of time and then I run it through Chat GTP. We’re all human and misspell things. I ask Chat GTP to clean it up while keeping the voice and message authentic,” she said. “That way, it still sounds like our business and like me.” Perks such as vacation time and health insurance should also be included in the ad.
An audience member mentioned an ad that attracted applications from another country. To avoid this, Young advised limiting the area in which an ad posts. “Create a local audience,” she said. “Do a 25- to 30-mile radius around your shop because you never know who’s close to
where you are.”
Keenan said that studies have revealed “the average American commutes 45 minutes to an hour in each direction.” For that reason, he added, “Don’t be scared to expand your radius when you’re running ads to attract people who are a little farther away.”
When it comes to targeting an age range, Young recommended keeping it between 22 to 55, observing that—usually—people closer to 55 are looking for management positions, instead.
Canva is an easy-to-use platform business owners might use for ad creation. Young shared an ad showing a car being worked on in a shop, adding, “Use real photos from your shop. Take a picture of someone working on the install because
it shows them what to expect. We want to stand out. We want people to think, ‘Wow, that shop looks really cool,’ or ‘I want to work on a car like that, too.’”
Keenan recommended using retargeting pixels in ads: “Now it’s collecting more data about the audience who actually clicked on it and looked at your ad,” he said. “This allows you to run a retargeting ad. It actually lowers your ad spend cost and it’s a lot cheaper, so it’s a very important step that a lot of people skip over.”
Young pointed out another oftenmade mistake: “Not just in this industry, but in every industry, people say, ‘I’m going to spend a hundred dollars on ads in three days and get results.’ Instead, they get crickets.” Young said this is
IMPLEMENTING MANYCHAT
IN THE HIRING PROCESS
Kaitlyn Young of Social Media Doctor encouraged business owners to use a tool for Facebook Messenger called ManyChat, which allows businesses to automate interactions. The applicant clicks on the ad and it takes them to Messenger.
“ManyChat will initiate the conversation and take them through the steps. Only qualified applicants can move forward because all the responses are tracked.” If someone doesn’t provide all the requested information, the application won’t move forward.
When a completed application is submitted, the business owner can then reach out to schedule the first step in the interview process. “That person is showing initiative by following all those first steps you put in front of them,” Keenan said. “ManyChat is collecting data.
We’re asking for their name, email, phone number. This is lead capture—except in hiring, we call them applicants. You’ve started building a list of people you can potentially reach out to in the future. Maybe you hire the wrong person. You’ve got a database of other people, too. Send them a text, an email, or call them.”
Keenan pointed out that this database of information can feed into other things, too. “Who knows? Maybe a year from now, that person says, ‘I want to get my mom a remote start.’ You now have more people to market to in your everyday services.”
Young said users can download it for a 14-day trial and implement their own wording to get the conversation started. Most importantly, she said, “Make sure you activate it” to start collecting information.
because ads do better when they run for longer. “When it comes to hiring, be prepared to put $500 to $1,000 into ad spend to get a hundred to 150 qualified applicants.” Sometimes, “it can get a lot cheaper, but the average cost of hiring right now is high. Most people spend thousands and thousands of dollars to get the right people in the door. So, $500 to $1,000 isn’t bad at all.”
Keenan said services like Indeed and ZipRecruiter often don’t work. “I’d rather spend the same or similar amount of money on a custom solution that will bring people in,” he added, noting that— of course—not all will be a good fit, “but you’ll have a much higher possibility of getting someone to come work for you who has the qualifications and the skillsets.”
Perhaps they aren’t from the mobile electronics industry. Maybe they have experience in security or home audio and video, he said, adding, “and you’re presenting a possible career change.” They both advised running the ad for 30 days. That way, “you’re giving it enough data to get you the right people.”
AT THE HEART OF HIRING: SHOW YOU CARE
Traditional hiring tools—platforms such as Indeed, for example—can be very helpful for white-collar office positions, but they don’t do as well for the trades, according to Young, who added that the 12-volt industry is facing unique challenges in hiring. “We have an aging workforce,” she said. “Fewer younger people are entering the trades, and there’s a growing demand for the skills. The car audio industry may have shrunk, but there’s still a demand for people to do this kind of work.”
A business should also have processes in place for training, Young added. “What will training look like for you? What does the onboarding process look like to ensure this person will have a good experience?” She reminded class attendees that the onboarding process is also a vetting period. “You need to make sure they’re the right fit.”
In the initial hiring process, she said, “We need to make sure we put ‘hiring
hoops’ in place to filter out those who will just waste our time.”
It’s helpful to automate repetitive tasks, Keenan said. “In my classes, we talk about eliminating, automating and delegating. In other words, can I eliminate it? And if I can’t, can I automate it? If not, can I delegate it? Have you ever targeted the wrong candidates with tools like Indeed, attracting someone who had no business whatsoever applying for that role? Hiring is no different than marketing and sales. It’s just positioned differently. Communication is
different with hiring. We want as few people to come through as possible. Whereas in the sales process, we want as many as possible.”
Young encouraged business owners to be aware of how potential employees prefer to communicate. “Hiring is no different than marketing,” she said. “Communicate where they’re comfortable.” She also touched on retention challenges in businesses, stating, “You’ll hire someone and it’ll last a little while and then they leave. This is where a good onboarding process comes in.”
A lot of retailers have no “documented progression path for a technician. Let’s say you find someone who’s working for you, but they want more. The business can’t afford to pay them more. If you were to put yourselves in the shoes of that employee, your boss just told you—without telling you—that you have a dead-end job. There’s no room for growth or advancement. If you were the employee, would you be okay with that? I wouldn’t.”
Keenan spoke of ensuring that responsibilities are clear to new hires: “Do they
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need to understand fabrication, or just wiring? We have to give them a very clear path on how they can advance inside our organization.” Keenan and Young agreed this is a weak point for many businesses. “This is one of the reasons we lose people. Everything needs to be clear and there should be mutual accountability. As a manager or a leader in that company, you have to check in on your people. Go to their work area. Go into their space and see how they’re doing.”
An audience member joined the conversation: “You have to make people feel like they’re important to you. They want to be a name, not a number. You have to hold everyone accountable, but they want to know you care about them as a person— not just what they produce for you.”
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RUGGED BEAUTY
This customized 1948 Chevy pickup takes its inspiration from World War II-era fighter planes. Featured at SEMA 2024, it was also on display at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas.
SUBMITTED
BY:
SHAWN SPEDDING, HARMAN AUDIO; BEN CAREY @BENCAREYMUSIC
At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, in the JBL Audio booth, visitors listened to a full JBL system in a 1948 Chevy pickup truck. The truck was built by Gary Fisher of Resurrected Rust in Hood River, Oregon. Ben Carey—of Savage Garden and Lifehouse—is the vehicle owner. Today, Carey’s main band is called Radio XX. Learn more by following @radioxxoffical and @bencareymusic.
Carey said he’s a big fan of World War II-era P51 Mustang planes as well as the Spitfire, an English plane from the same era. “Spitfire is my favorite plane,” he said. “I wanted the interior to be like a World War II fighter plane.”
Because he drives it almost every day, the build needed to be functional and easy to clean. “I love metal and brass and those kinds of old-school things, so that was the design concept. It wasn’t meant to be pretty. It was meant to be rugged and usable.”
Carey partnered with Shawn Spedding of Harman JBL for the sound. The two connected over a mutual love of music, and Spedding designed the system.
“Working together was an absolute dream for me,” Carey noted, adding that when it came to equipment, “I said, ‘Whatever you think, I trust you.’”
The Chevy was designed and prepared for display at SEMA 2024, displaying the new JBL Legends 700 7-inch Double-DIN Wireless Apple CarPlay unit. “We’re showcasing our flagship Arena component speakers in the front, Stadium 6.5’s in the back with the Arena cast basket woofers behind the seat,” Spedding said. “It has two amplifiers, so there’s a lot of gear in a very small compact cabin. Just for fun, we have the rally bar in the back. It can be removed to get a fully functioning truck bed.”
He added that a number of people at KnowledgeFest stopped by and said they’d seen the truck at SEMA, as well.
“The things I love are not ideal for audio because of the hard, flat, metal surfaces,” Carey said, adding, “It makes for a difficult audio environment. The stereo in this truck sounds so good, it’s inspiring. It’s a lot of fun driving it to shows.”
FROM THE PRESIDENT
“ Don’t just talk—connect. Look for common ground. Share your wins and your lessons. And when you find someone you really vibe with, exchange info.
MAKING CONNECTIONS THAT MATTER
Feeling nervous about networking at KnowledgeFest? You’re not alone.
Let’s be honest—walking into a room full of people and trying to strike up a conversation isn’t easy for everyone. If you’re heading to KnowledgeFest for the first time (or even for your tenth time) networking might feel a little overwhelming. But here’s the good news: You’re showing up, and that’s the first step. Let’s talk about how to make the rest of it a little easier.
Networking is About Real Conversations
At its core, networking is just having conversations—some with people you’ve known forever, and others with folks you’re meeting for the first time. The goal is to share ideas, learn from each other and maybe even find ways to help one another. Everyone has their own approach, and that’s okay. Some people are natural talkers. Others prefer to listen. To make connections that really matter, you’ll need to be ready to chat, listen and engage. Not too much, not too little. It’s all about finding that balance.
Start Simple: Who Are You?
A good intro goes a long way. Say who you are, what you do and ask the same in return. Keep it friendly, not sales-y. Be curious. Ask about their work, what brought them to KnowledgeFest, or even what sessions they’re excited about. And if there’s a way you can help—maybe with advice, a resource, or a connection—offer it.
Break Out of the Bubble
It’s easy to stick with your usual crew, especially if you only see each other a couple of times a year. But don’t spend the whole event with the same group. Make it a goal to meet at least a few new people each day. You never know who you’ll click with or what you might learn from someone new.
Don’t Be the Tagalong
We’ve all seen it—people who seem permanently attached at the hip with one person the entire event. And hey, it’s great to hang with your friends, but if you’re glued to them the whole time, you’ll miss out. KnowledgeFest is about expanding your circle. Say hi to someone new, listen to their response and share something about yourself. You may be surprised at what you can learn. Most importantly, you may gain a new friend.
Stay Positive
Sometimes conversations drift into gossip or complaints. If that happens, especially with someone you’ve just met, steer it back to neutral ground. You never know who you’re talking to—or who they know. Better to be remembered as the positive, helpful one than the person who trashed someone they might partner with someday.
Make It Count
Don’t just talk—connect. Look for common ground. Share your wins and your lessons. And when you find someone you really vibe with, exchange info. A quick follow-up email or message after the event goes a long way. If there’s something to follow up on, go ahead and schedule it.
And Most of All… Enjoy It!
Networking doesn’t have to feel like work. At KnowledgeFest, you’re surrounded by passionate, like-minded people who care about the same industry you do. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn, share, and grow. With over 40 hours of educational sessions, 70 hours of vendor trainings, and a ton of chances to connect, this is the place to level up—both personally and professionally.
So relax, be yourself and soak it all in. I hope to see you at KnowledgeFest!
Never Before Eyes on Your Car Like
