Ken Koga’s technical, fantastical and unique journey through decades of car audio is highlighted by friends and colleagues who made his career colorful, successful and memorable. Words by Jamie Sorcher Talking with Ken Koga is like hyper-speed travel through a 12-volt time warp—the names, products, experiences. Koga is a 45-year industry veteran, with claims to 50 Grand Prix awards and ...

Asking questions is part of the journey, according to Trusted Tech Fernando Lopez, who encourages others to share knowledge and grow through connection. Words by Rosa Sophia This year’s Trusted Tech, Fernando “Nando” Lopez, worked various jobs before entering the mobile electronics industry. Lopez never finished school, he said. Although he hadn’t intended to get into 12-volt, he always enjoyed ...

Content marketing has the power to forge connections and build trust between a business and its clients. At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, Laura Moore offered strategies to get started. Words by Rosa Sophia What makes a customer choose one business over another? Laura Moore of Find the Foxx invited attendees at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas to consider this question during her class, ...

Words by Rosa Sophia This year’s Installer of the Year, T.J. Carlson, works at Portland, Ore.-based Musicar Northwest and he’s been in the industry for about 20 years. His love of music was sparked early on, he said, and he started playing the drums in seventh grade. “Music has always been important to me. Cars have always been fun and ...

Never guess when it comes to pricing. Elias Ventura and Jason Kranitz discuss how retailers can charge with confidence. Words by Rosa Sophia At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, Jason Kranitz of Major League Fab teamed up with Elias Ventura of HKI USA to present a class called “Bidding the Job for Maximum Profit: Stop Guessing, Start Winning.” The two pointed out ...

To strengthen communication and minimize issues, Sales Pro of the Year Parker Lopez said salespeople should understand the basics of installation and always ask for help when needed. Words by Rosa Sophia Parker Lopez grew up around the industry, watching his father work. His dad, he said, has always been an employee of Toledo, Ohio-based Car Stereo One—the shop Parker ...

At KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, Rob Ferro of DS18 and Fernando Lopez of Five Star Car Audio discussed the current needs of the industry’s Spanish-speaking professionals. Words by Rosa Sophia Some technicians in the Latin or Spanish-speaking community may be too embarrassed to approach another installer, a retailer, or even ask questions, said Rob Ferro of DS18. In today’s world, a ...

These top-tier sales pros, techs and rookies offer inspiration and encouragement, reminding industry professionals to stay true to their craft.    Words by Rosa Sophia Ron Venable, Traffic Jams Motorsports, Buford, Ga. With 17 years of experience, Ron Venable said he’s learned the value of consistency, connection and a willingness to grow. “I’ve discovered that my greatest strength is my ...