MERA KnowledgeFest 2008 Wrap-up

Master Technicians, Successful Retailers, and MECP Prize Winners!

At the recent MERA KnowledgeFest in Louisville, KY., MECP was out in full force with a great presence. In addition to having a well stocked booth full of information and the latest MECP schwag, MECP Master Installation Technicians were on hand to provide real time examples of how MECP credentials at the highest levels can accelerate at technician’s career.

Masters Out in Force
This year, nine MECP Master Technicians and Honorary Masters participated in the MECP booth at the show.

• Chris Yato – California
• Dave Evans – North Carolina
• Todd Ramsey – Arizona
• Derek Pace – Hawaii
• Zack Flynn – Florida
• Kent Izuka – Hawaii
• Chris Cook – Arizona
• Bryan Schmitt – Arizona
• Kris Bulla – Tennessee

MECP Honorary Master Chris Yato said, “It’s exciting to see that when people are really taking another look at what MECP Advanced and Master materials have become, they are realizing it’s completely relevant to their job and to this industry.”

Dave Evans, the only MECP Master in North Carolina as of this newsletter added, “Being MECP Master certified has really allowed me to gain an edge in my business that my competitors just don’t have. It has definitely been worth the effort!”

In addition to the busy MECP booth and the participating Masters, many MECP certified technicians and supporting retailers were recognized for their industry contributions during the Mobile Electronics Magazine Industry Awards.

Single Store Retailers of the Year
The single store category Retailer of the Year winners both are MECP certified Master Installation Technicians. Representing Security and Sound Systems was Kent Izuka of Honolulu, HI. Izuka is an MECP Honorary Master because of his dedication and contributions to the Master Installation Technician study guide and exam revision project over the past several years. Representing Kingpin Car Audio was Jason Kranitz of Wilsonville, OR. Kranitz is an MECP certified Master Installation Technician and was also a Top 12 Installer of the Year nominee. It’s no accident that these owner/operators of specialist single store operations also see the value and camaraderie in the MECP Master certification. “Being involved with MECP has really allowed us to connect with other industry professionals that share our dedication to great installation with high value,” remarked Izuka at the awards banquet.

Multi-Store Retailer Supports MECP too
One of the multi-store Retailer of the Year recipients, Drive-In Autosound of Colorado Springs, CO., is an avid supporter of having their technicians MECP certified. They promote their MECP certified technicians on their website and in their marketing materials, which increases the visibility of their professional approach to installation. MECP congratulates Drive-In Autosound for their Retailer of the Year award!

Top 12 Installers who are also Masters!
This year, three of the 12 Installer of the Year candidates are MECP Masters. Chris Yato is an MECP Honorary Master because of his extensive work and dedication to ongoing MECP content and test question development. Yato was formerly with Competition Soundworks and has now struck out on his own to develop a high-end retail installation business in Corona, CA. Derek Pace is an MECP certified Master Installation Technician from Certified Sounds in Wailuku, HI (on the island of Maui). Finally, Jason Kranitz of Kingpin Car Audio in Wilsonville, OR is an MECP certified Master Installation Technician who also won a Retailer of the Year award. MECP Master Derek Pace said, “Being MECP Master certified has opened so many doors for me, not to mention the fact that I am the only one on my island to have that credential. It says to customers that I have the validation of my industry behind me, which is highly valuable in my market.”

MECP heard from many others in the Top 12 group that they too would be working toward MECP Master Installation Technician certification, which would make many of them the only Master in their entire state! It’s this kind of recognition that MECP feels is a retailer’s best asset to promote their specialist installation capabilities and professional achievements. Often, having an Advanced or Master level technician on staff is something few other area retailers can claim.

How About You?
For additional information on MECP certification at all levels, visit the MECP Exams page for details about each exam and where you can locate a Prometric or alternative testing site! It’s a proven fact that becoming MECP certified increases income for many technicians and reduces damage claims for employers. The higher the certification level, the better these benefits become!

Congratulations to our Winners!  Brian Smoyln of Precision Mobile Audio in Halfmoon, NY Matthew Antenucci of Auto Sound Security in Willoughby, OH Kip McLaughlin of Audiotronics in Vinton, VA They completed our 2008 MECP Survey and won these CE Products!