Q: How many years have you been in the industry?
A: 9
Q: How many years have you been MECP certified?
A: 8
Q: How long did it take you to become a MECP Master Installation Technician?
A: Well, I was first certified in February 1999 and I wanted to be one ever since. I was recertified in May 2001 as a Basic Installation Technician, then a Security Specialist in June 2004. In August 2005, while I was an instructor at the Installer Institute in Holly Hill, FL, I became an Advanced Installation Technician. And, finally, in October 2005 I acquired my Master Installation Technician Certification.
Q: How has becoming an MECP Master Installation Technician impacted your career?
A: I think that as a Master Installation Technician I have a greater understanding of the many aspects of our industry, such as troubleshooting and reading technical diagrams. I can't even begin to explain the amount of credibility that you gain by becoming one of less than one hundred people nationwide that can say they are a Master Installation Technician, especially with customers in the install bay.
Q: What do you feel are the big challenges facing the industry?
A: Integration. Whether it is Bluetooth, iPod, security, or any of the many other types of aftermarket products we deal with on a daily basis, integration is what sets apart those shops that will be around in the future and those that won’t.
Q: What do you feel are the big challenges technicians face while working in the install bay?
A: I think that installers are intimidated by the new technology in today's vehicles. Again, back to the ability to integrate, those who have the proper resources to do the job will be the shops that are still around in a few years. I think that people underestimate things like a proper education. I know that the information that I learned, even after years of experience in the industry, was invaluable. I don’t think that people who haven't been certified know how much they can still learn.
Q: What are your comments about other installers who feel like the certification does not apply to them?
A: I've heard it all, from, “I'm not a good test taker” to “It's just a piece of paper.” Part of the reason that there are so many tests is that MECP has something for everybody who wants to better himself/herself. The problem is that the installation technician who I know think that just because they have been doing it for a long time, they can just jump right into an Advanced Installation Technician test. But, most of them need to be refreshed on the fundamentals to pass the exam.
Q: As a Master Installation Technician, have you benefited financially in regard to salary, incentives or growth at your current employer?
A: Yes, being a Master Installation Technician is part of what got me my current job as Automotive Technical Content Manager at Victory Technologies. My boss, Kris, is also a Master Installation Technician. I think that most employers who have a firm grasp on where this industry is headed over the next few years are more than willing to give monetary incentives to those who are willing to better themselves through the MECP program at all levels.
Q: As a result of your certification, do you feel you have job security or better job prospects?
A: I feel that most people in our industry recognize the certification as one that is difficult to obtain. As a result, I think that most employers associate those who obtain Master Installation Technician status as leaders in the mobile industry. They are also more likely to offer the better paying, more technical jobs to those who chose to better themselves.
Q: Do you actively promote your Master Installation Technician Certification to your customers or retail audience? If so, how do your customers perceive you and your certification?
A: When I was in the retail environment, I had all of my current certifications on the wall for customers to see. I think that they are more relaxed about letting someone who has an industry-recognized certificate work on their vehicle. When they see “Master” on the certificate, they always wanted to know who was working on their car.
Q: What is your favorite tool and why?
A: My favorite tool is my Matco Butane Soldering Torch. Soldering is the best connection that you can make in the mobile environment. To be able to get into places without a cord is great.
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 think that so far my fiance's 07 VW GTI has been the most challenging. Very little information is available on it as far as wiring and technical info. And, it has proved difficult so far with no true VSS for navigation and some quirky stuff as far as security.
Q: What do you think of our terminology change from “Installer” to “Installation Technician”?
A: I think that it is better in tune with today's more challenging vehicles. The days of the “backyard” car stereo guy are over. The mobile industry has become more of vehicle integration industry than ever before and the new title is well suited.
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