Installation Manager Aims to Support UP-AND-COMING TECHNICIANS

WORDS BY LAURA KEMMERER

Like so many others in the mobile electronics industry, Angel Rivera, the installation manager for Laketown Speed and Sound, in Draper, Utah, knows the importance of giving back. Rivera was among the Top 50 Installers in 2022. He was also among the Top 5 for Rookie of the Year. This year, Rivera was named an alternate in the list of Top 12 Installers.

“Before my career in mobile electronics, I was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and served nine honorable years. I’ve been in the mobile electronics Industry for over 22 years and employed at Laketown Speed and Sound for 18 years,” Rivera said.

Rivera has an ongoing interest in helping young technicians find their place in the mobile electronics industry, providing support and educational opportunities whenever he can.

“Find others in the industry who are where you want to be, and try to learn about what got them there,” he advised. “More importantly, put these traits into practice. I, after all these years, still do this daily. I still have folks I look up to and I continually try to learn new skills to get me closer to their level.”

Rivera also emphasized the importance of building a career, rather than just chasing a paycheck. “People find themselves 10 or even 15 years into their career, bouncing around shops in town,” he said. “At times [they might] even find themselves after all these years back at the same shop where they started.”

Building on that solid foundation, Rivera also suggested focusing on developing a specific skillset. He emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge. “Joining industry-specific Facebook groups is a great way to gain knowledge from other professionals,” he added. “If it’s available to you, attending events like KnowledgeFest is another great resource.”

Rivera said young technicians should also work toward MECP certification, as a way for up-and-coming talent to get a handle on the basics. Additionally, he noted the importance of getting techs more involved in the 12-volt industry.

“I truly believe this is where we need to focus,” he said, adding, “In this ever-changing age of technology and our industry, it will be more difficult to get qualified young prospects who are willing to learn and put in the effort that it takes to be at the level needed to continue to do this work.”