Brian

Mitchell LIQUID TRENDS MODESTO

Modesto, Calif.

The owner of Liquid Trends Modesto in Modesto, Calif. said his greatest strength is that he works well under pressure. Brian Mitchell has been in the industry for 38 years, and if he’s learned anything, he said, it’s that “my biggest mistake has been to not distance myself from work more when I’m not working. Work is not the only thing in life.”

Mitchell said his greatest influence in the industry is Eric Stevens: “He was one of the first people to expose me to true sound quality,” he said.

During the 2022 Car Audio Unified Finals, Mitchell won his 5th Triple Crown in IASCA. “This is three more than anyone else has ever won,” he said, adding, “The Triple Crown is the IASCA Best of Show. During the same 2022 Car Audio Unified Final, I also won the Zenner in MECA. The Zenner is MECAs Sound Quality Best of show. I also won the Install Best of show in MECA.”

His advice to other retailers? “Eat better during the day, take time to play—and get a shop dog.”

Phil Cantu MOBILE TOYS, INC., AUTOMOTIVE DESIGNS MTI College Station, Texas

With 16 years in the industry under his belt, Phil Cantu is currently a fabricator at Automotive Designs MTI in College Station, Texas. He said he maintains a positive attitude, is very good at collaborating with others and approaches everything with a willingness to learn. Cantu has certainly learned from his own mistakes:

“I wrecked an entire full system of a diesel truck a long time ago by using the wrong kind of hose in an install,” he said. “Needless to say, I now understand the difference in corrosive properties between gasoline and diesel.”

Some of his greatest influences include Bryan Schmitt, Jeremey Carlson, Chris Pate, Matt Schaffer and Tom Miller, all of whom have been instrumental to Cantu’s professional development.

Cantu advised other 12-volt professionals to never reject an opportunity to learn or experience something new. “Staying just outside your comfort zone allows you continue to progress, grow and move forward,” he explained. “Never be satisfied doing the same thing over and over.”

Devine Concepts Automotive Design

Naples, Fla.

Adam Devine, owner of Devine Concepts Automotive Design, is looking forward to continued growth in the future. He hopes to add space, incorporate new displays and create a new installation area and paint booth. He said he’ll also be adding 3D printers, with large format for rapid prototyping.

Earlier in his career, Devine said he learned that “without delegation, your team will not grow and learn, and you’re also stopping yourself from growing into a better leader.”

He advised other industry professionals to never “let off the gas,” adding, “Just because business is booming doesn’t mean you dial it back on your advertising or word-of-mouth that brought bodies through your door. Delegate that task and keep building your talent bench. It’s all part of the overall growth.”

Columbus Car Audio and Accessories

Columbus, Ohio

Todd Hays, president of Columbus Car Audio and Accessories, said it’s important to him to empower the business’s staff. “I want them to make decisions that best serve our customers,” he said.

About 17 years ago, the company experienced a difficult financial situation, which taught Hays an important lesson about business transparency. “The best advice I could give other retailers is to be transparent,” he said. “Through the process of getting to the other side of this situation, we were transparent with our employees and our vendors. We soon knew who was willing to ride the storm, and we are forever in debt to them.”

Throughout his time in the business, Hays said he’s learned “anyone can make a decision, and generally they come up with the same answer I would have.” In the beginning, he would provide the answer, not giving “them the opportunity to think for themselves.” Changing this, he said, “provided me the time to work on the business instead of in the business.”