Chris Spencer Celebrates 10 Years, While Essential Business Keeps Things Moving at Car-Tunes Inc.

WORDS BY LAURA KEMMERER

Though Coronavirus is leaving many with questions and fears about business, some good news is circulating: Chris Spencer, an installation tech and sales associate with Car-Tunes, Inc., marked his 10th year with the company on Aug. 13, 2019. Car-Tunes, having been dubbed an essential business, is also keeping business somewhat as usual, according to owner Kimberly Trainer.

“[Chris] started as a tech in the shop and he advanced from that into sales as well, so he’s pretty versatile,” Trainer said. “Our store is very focused on a lot of teamwork. We’re not really separated like some other shops in the industry, where salespeople or installers work apart. We all work together daily. He’s pretty versatile, and that’s valuable.”

As far as Trainer recalls, Spencer was introduced to the company through a cousin who recommended him for an open position. The Car-Tunes president and owner went on to note that although he entered the field with no background, she preferred it that way. From a business perspective, she said, it’s better to train people on how you want things to be done.

“And, of course, over the years, techniques have evolved and products have evolved, so he changed right along with that,” Trainer said. “In our industry, it’s a learning process every day. It’s my 19th year doing this, and you learn something new every day.”

As for the business itself, things have been as close to normal as can be hoped for, given the conditions of the pandemic. Car-Tunes was dubbed essential due to carrying out certain

automotive procedures, and Trainer expressed her gratitude for being able to keep things moving.

“Our customer base has been fantastic. They’ve been following all the guidelines, such as with social distancing,” Trainer said. “They’re very respectful of people’s personal space. Customers [are also still bringing in] ATVs, boats and things like that,

Sometimes taking on young, fresh talent is just what the doctor ordered when it comes to maintaining good business. James P. Smith, owner of Vernon, Connecticut-based A.C.T. Audio, noted that when he needed to hire someone new, he put up a job post on Indeed, and 17-year-old Ethan Deer was one of three applicants he brought in to meet the team. From there, Smith let the team pick who the liked best, and Deer was selected. According to Smith, he began as a breathalyzer tech, a because they’re really enjoying the outdoors during this time.”

And though Car-Tunes has offered curbside pickup in order to help keep customers comfortable, Trainer noted that she hasn’t had a lot of people requesting that service. There have also been a lot of customers who still feel safe coming into the store, mainly because of the amount of space role that involved calibration and learning the basics. Deer soon proved his ability.

“I have the perfect position for testing out whether an employee will cut it as a technician. We do 12 breathalyzers a day for calibrations, so if I have a kid doing calibrations all day, I can observe them,” Smith said.

“I can look at their motivation level, and how fast they are picking it up, and I can judge them as a character. What do they do during their down time? If they are the kind of person who, when there are no calibrations to do, they have no available and the ability to maintain distance. Surfaces and other necessities are also wiped down often. One of the largest changes the business has had to make has been the length of time they need to schedule out appointments. When reopening measures are rolled out, Trainer noted that current operations in-store aren’t likely to change

Team Addition Moves Up Through A.C.T. Audio Ranks

much. interest helping other people on staff, then do I really want them to move on to a tech position?”

Within six weeks, Deer expressed interest in installing a remote starter on his girlfriend’s car. Smith had Deer come in on a Saturday in order to help him do it, but things got too busy. In the end, with some guidance from the team, Deer did the work on his own. Since then, Smith has been teaching him more complicated procedures, adding that he trusts the new member of the team with almost any job he can do.

“I have super high hopes for him being an all-star installer and a long-term part of this industry,” Smith said, noting, “He has no prior experience.”

Smith explained that he assigns new employees to the breathalyzer tech position first, and has them do calibrations. From there, he teaches them the basics; if it works out, the employee can be promoted to a full tech position.

“I haven’t found anyone who worked out prior to this,” Smith said. “I usually end up replacing people. Ethan is different. I quickly moved him into a tech position. I started looking for a new breathalyzer tech so I could move him up, because I felt it was a waste of his talent.” Smith hopes the new team member will pursue Rookie of the Year.

“I trust him completely,” he added. “He’s smart and he knows when to ask questions. I’m very glad I found him and grateful I hired him.”

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