Q: How many years have you been in the industry?
A: 16 Years
Q: How many years have you been MECP certified?
A: 14 Years
Q: How long did it take you to become a MECP certified Master Installation Technician?
A: It took me approximately six months after I decided that I wanted to become certified.
Q: How has becoming an MECP Master Installation Technician impacted your career?
A: The Master Installation Technician credentials lend more validity to the title of “Stereo Installer.” Working to gain the certification also illustrates an increased level of commitment to my job and the industry.
Q: What do you feel are the big challenges facing the industry?
A: The most significant “challenge” facing the industry is the constantly shrinking market due to the increased availability of upgraded factory options (e.g., navigation, Bluetooth, video and remote starts). These options require that we maintain our training on new technologies so that we can remain competitive in an ever shrinking market.
Q: What do you feel are the big challenges technicians face while working in the install bay?
A: The biggest challenges I see facing us are trying to stay in front of the 8–ball with O.E.M. integration and being able to effectively troubleshoot the advanced automotive electrical systems. It is essential that we are continually aiming to build the customers’ confidence that, as installation technicians, we can meet and go beyond their expectations.
Q: What are your comments about other installers who feel like the certification does not apply to them?
A: I truly believe that the certification is a show of the commitment you have to your craft and industry. It is like a degree to me, so it’s not about the paper or the words printed on it. Rather, it illustrates my determination toward being well–prepared for the industry.
Q: In what areas of your current position do you feel like you excel? What are your strengths or skill–sets?
A: My strength is being able delivering a product that leaves the customer genuinely happy. I truly enjoy securing a seamless transition between the car and the added gear.
Q: As a Master Installation Technician, have you benefited financially in regard to salary, incentives or growth at your current employer?
A: The certification has definitely been a source of positive things for my career. A great deal of shops still work on some form of commission–based structure and the company I work for offers a higher commission percentage for those willing to expand their certification level. They encourage the certification and commitment to our work.
Q: As a result of your certification, do you feel you have job security or better job prospects?
A: Yes. It only helps to make you more marketable. It is a bragging right for shops and can be used as a way to attract more customers. It gives both me and the shop I work for an upper hand.
Q: Do you actively promote your Master certification to your customers or retail audience?
A: Yes, it tends to give us a little more credibility with customers that might be teetering on the confidence ledge. It shows the customers the devotion that is put into the work that we do.
Q: If so, how do your customers perceive you and your certification?
A: Most seem to be happy that the person that is going to be taking apart their brand new car has the experience and training to do so. They are pleased to not be walking blindly into the process with someone that is equally blind.
Q: What is your favorite tool and why?
A: The computer because it is such a great resource. It can offer unlimited possibilities to help enhance your knowledge base.
Q: What is the most challenging car that you’ve worked on and why? (Include year, make, model and why was it difficult?)
A: I must say that exotics are always fun. But, I can’t name just one. A lot of the newer cars have either space or electrically related issues that make it challenging. So, there is always a challenge that keeps the job interesting. Technology keeps the cars changing so there is always a new challenge to fix.
Q: What do you think of our terminology change from “Installer” to “Installation Technician”?
A: I remember years back at RTTI Top Gun training in Tempe (AZ) they labeled us as “Car audio applications engineers.” It seemed funny at the time. However, I think it might help on some level to add credibility to our job. As our jobs become more complicated, it is nice to have a title that illustrates what we do.
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