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How long have you been in the industry?
I was an installer for 3 years.
How many years have you been MECP certified? How long have you been Master certified?
I initially became MECP Basic Certified in August 2006. In May 2008 I became MECP Master Certified. So in total, I will be MECP certified for 3 years coming up August 2009.
What is the year, make and model of the most difficult car you've ever worked on?
Hmmm... I can't really recall the hardest ever because there have been so many tough cars in my recollection... Most cars you eventually figure out, and there are so many other great install techs out there that can assist you if you need it... For the most part, I can honestly say that the toughest vehicles are only as hard as you make them out to be, depending on your mood, or if you're the only installer in the shop that day and the phone's ringing off the hook and customers endlessly pour in, or you work on a car that requires a tool you don't have yet, or my favorite, the shop doesn't have the correct install kits.
Give us a rundown of the system installed in your vehicle right now.
I actually have a very modest system, as I have never been an intense audiophile, or a total basshead! I enjoy presence and quality in sound and performance. Nothing more, nothing less. So with that, my system: Alpine CDA-9884, Type S components in the front and Type S 6.5" in the rear. For Bass, I have a simple 10" Fosgate mounted in a small sealed enclosure, 300 Watt RMS Mono Amplifier with a 4AWG power kit connected to a yellow top battery. To protect it all, I have a Viper 350HV Security System.
Name the top five artists in your MP3 player at the moment.
DJ Hybrid, DJ Encore, Kaskade, Plain White T's, Red Hot Chili Peppers
What is your favorite tool to use in the installation bay and why?
I love the Dremel brand Rotary Tool. The Dremel has made so many impossible situations become possible with just a little grind in the corner here, or a little cut in the metal there. You can do so many seamless integrations with the Dremel that you couldn't dream of with an air saw or any other crude mechanical object.
What's the best advice you have ever gotten in your installation career?
Never garauntee time frames because something always nips you in the butt. If anything, over quote the amount of time you'll need so that way if you finish early you look like a total all-star.
Who inspires you to further your skills and your career in mobile electronics installation?
Not so much a who, as a what that inspires me. Initially I never strived to be the best of the best, but eventually I wanted more and more until there wasn't anything left to do but to teach others. So, always show integrity and humility in the install bay, Master or Trainee. You'll always learn something new from someone else.
There is always someone out there who looks up to you or respects and admires your abilities. Truth be told: the only way to be the best is to teach others to be just as good as you. Share your knowledge, tricks, and experiences.
It is my firm belief that any tech can become a Master, it just takes the patience through experience, learning through the observation and listening of yourself/others, and the will to continuously refine your approach.
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