Sorry to Report, Another Industry Exec Passes

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John Link passes

It is again with deep sadness that we announce the passing of another industry member, John Link, president of leading car audio chain Audio Express, AZ.

John worked at the chain since 1985 and was president of Audio Express for the past 10 years. He was a consummate professional and a great friend to many industry leaders.

John, 54, passed last Friday due to complications from an accident.  Audio Express has not yet named a successor.

“He will be missed. He’s been in the field for 34, 35 years with the company,” said Audio Express Purchasing Manager Aaron Burmeister.  “He worked his way up from the bottom to the top. He was loved by all; a larger than life character,” he added. “We’re still trying to absorb everything… He was a really good guy, loved by a lot of people. A great leader and a great guy.”

John started out on the sales floor at the car audio chain. “He loved people and he loved customers,” added Burmeister.

Jeff Fay, Vice President and GM Aftermarket Services at Harman expressed his sadness at John’s passing.  “I’ve had the opportunity to hang out with John many times both in and out of business roles.  John is, and always will be larger than life.  He was passionate about his business, and anything he undertook.  It wasn’t hard to know what John was thinking because he was always happy to share his opinion, coupled with how he might improve it, or how it could help his business.  I relish the opportunity to work with folks who are passionate about what they do, and showing the love for the industry like John did.  His laughter and passion will be missed.”

Aron Demers, Senior Vice President at VOXX Electronics said, “I have known John Link since I was a regional at VOXX  back in the late 90’s and he was managing the stores in the Tucson market. John had much love for our business and the Audio Express/Freight Sales family that allowed him the opportunity to become President, they couldn’t have made a better choice. I saw John transition from a store manager to a business leader in short order …I always enjoyed the banter we would have back and forth about a price or deal we were making. He was always fair but tough in our negotiations, understanding that both sides needed to win……..as long as Audio Express had the better end of the deal. I will always remember our Cucumber Margaritas at Javier’s in Vegas where I usually had to pay him for our standing bet against his Chiefs and my Raiders. Needless to say he definitely got the better end of that bet.  Miss you brother and God Speed.”

Joe Dentamaro, VP of Vehicle Security at VOXX added, “I am completely shocked and heartbroken.  I had the great pleasure of doing business with John, but also considered him a real friend.  I will miss our always enjoyable meetings together, dinners at SEMA and CES and the calls and Facebook messages from John cheering on his Kansas City Chiefs and Royals!  I’ll miss most of all the calls from him that always started out …. ‘Hey, brother Joe.'”

John is survived by his wife Sonya, daughter Kaylee and son Julian. A service is expected to be held after the first of the new year.

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4 Comments

  1. God bless you John I always called him JL. He gave me a job and took a chance on me. He was a great mentor, great friend and a great man to work for. I’ll always remember the laughe he had, cause of that dog blue. He cracked up when that dog scared the crap out of me.

  2. John was a true professional, partner, and a great guy. I’ve known him since 1987 shortly after he joined Audio Express. I’m at a loss for words — but wish heartfelt condolences to his family both at home and at Audio Express.

  3. John was a great friend and partner. He and I forged the relationship between Audio Express and JL Audio and have been “lightning in a bottle” ever since. To say that I am in shock is spot-on. I will miss him terribly.

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