Awards

Terry Dawson

Cartronics

Madison, Tenn.

Terry Dawson currently works as an installation specialist at CarTronics in Madison, Tenn. He has been in the industry for six years, and prides himself on his attention to detail when it comes to designing and installing systems. Early on in his career, he recalled a mistake he made which taught him that even the smallest errors can severely damage a vehicle: “I didn’t fully snap in a rubber grommet in the hatch of a Grand Caravan while running a back-up camera, and it cost the customer time, it cost me a headliner and the boss was unhappy. I learned to slow down and focus on every tiny detail.”

Dawson said he draws inspiration from industry veteran Matt Schaeffer. He also added that his number one influence “is my uncle and shop foreman, Rob,” who is responsible for getting him interested in cars as a kid. “He also got me in the door at CarTronics and showed me the right ways to install before I had a chance to get a lot of the bad habits we see all the time in the industry.”

Earlier this year, Dawson said Chris Ott came into the store to help with a high-end build. “We have four stores surrounding Nashville. My company asked if I would go for a few weeks and help [Chris]. I learned so much throughout the build—not only in the car, but he also pushed me to make my Top 50 video and actually give it a go. I learned that even though it might be scary, [you have to] take the chance on yourself. You never know what might happen if you’re willing to put in the work.”

Jonathan

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Scott

Jaime Palafox AGOURA AUTOSOUNDS Agoura Hills, Calif.

As owner of Agoura Autosounds, Jaime Palafox manages the business’s daily operations, including designing and selling. “My most important job and my favorite is fabricating parts in order to build amazing sound systems and interiors,” he said. Palafox has been professionally installing for 28 years, but he first started installing when he was 16. “I had a bag of tools, a carport, and the biggest desire to be a professional installer.”

Today, he values his ability to create unique designs, presenting every client with a special work of art. He feels most inspired by the work of David “Fishman” Rivera and Bryan Schmitt. “The Fishman taught me that any sound system can be made into a work of art, and Bryan Schmitt taught me how to build it,” he explained, adding, “If you’re going to do something, do it well.”

He advised both newcomers and industry veterans to get plenty of training. “Don’t try to figure everything out on your own. Stop wasting time—it’s the only resource you can’t get back.” Looking back, Palafox said, “I beat myself up for 15 years before taking any kind of training in my field. After my first year taking Mobile Solutions courses and KnowledgeFest classes, my work went to the next level. Keep your shop clean and your techs up to date by training them. Our industry offers lots of resources: Don’t be too proud to ask others. You might learn a better way to do it.”

Outside of work, Palafox enjoys going to the beach and listening to his favorite music while driving a classic car.

Adam Devine DEVINE CONCEPTS AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN

Naples, Fla.

After 23 years in the industry, Adam Devine is now an Honorary MECP Expert Technician. He is also the owner of Devine Concepts Automotive Design. Through much of his time in business, he has been a sole proprietor, meaning that one of his greatest strengths, he said, is multi-tasking. In the past, Devine has been named a Top 12 Installer and Trusted Tech of the Year.

Dave Koz TITAN MOTORING Nashville, Tenn.

Dave Koz has been a fabricator and 12-volt technician for 17 years. Outside of work, he enjoys photography and exploring nature. He recalled the biggest mistake he ever made in his career: “I missed a deadline that cost the company a very big client,” he said. “In doing so, I learned—and I’m still learning—time management. Under-promise and over-deliver.” His greatest influences in the industry include Doug Dobson, Bryan Schmitt, Larry Penn and John Schwartz.

“Bryan Schmitt really has inspired me the most,” he said, adding, “He’s truly the reason I’m the fabricator I am today after attending his class a decade ago and seeing the standard that he held. He pushed me to elevate my career.”

When it comes to lessons learned, Koz emphasized the importance of time management. “It’s okay to ask for help and utilize your team,” he said. “Finally, spent time with those you love. Although this is our career and passion, we rely on those around us. If I could leave one piece of advice for retailers, it would be to treat your team as family. It’s goes a long way when someone knows they are not just a monetary value.”

Davis Distribution Systems

DOW Technologies

GoFast Solutions

Dean Beyett FIVE STAR CAR STEREO Clearwater, Fla.

Dean Beyett, an installer at Five Star Car Stereo in Clearwater, Fla., has been in the industry for 32 years. He feels one of his greatest strengths is staying on task and making sure everything is completed in a timely manner. Looking back, Beyett recalled a painful lesson: One of the biggest mistakes he ever made at work was “destroying the tip of my finger in a router.” From this, he learned, “Respect the tool.”

Additionally, he advised others in the industry to share their knowledge: “We’re a small community.”

Nicholas Frazier INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS Wilbraham, Mass.

After 16 years in the industry, Nicholas Frazier is the owner of iNNovative Concepts in Wilbraham, Mass. Things are very busy, he said, so he doesn’t have much time for hobbies outside of his work. He feels his strength is the ability to strategize, to “organize large projects, multitask and lead by example.”

It’s hard to pinpoint his greatest influences, Frazier noted, but one comes to mind. “One person’s work and vision in particular—Tom Miller—has always been a guiding light for me. We should make wrist bands for the design area that say ‘WWTD’ or ‘What would Tom do?’”