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Former JL Audio VP’s Next Role
Carl Kennedy, former Vice President of Global Sales at JL Audio, has taken the post of CEO at Fantazy Motorsports, a leading auto salon in California.
His task will be to expand beyond the two Fantazy locations in Thousand Oaks and Northridge, and refine the chain’s operations, said Fantazy Motorsports founder George Armanious.
The shop caters to exotic vehicles such as Ferrari, McLaren, Rolls Royce, and Porsche. It also has developed a leading foothold in the Tesla community, it said. It is a one-stop shop for high end audio, paint protection, ambient lighting, wheels and tires and bespoke customizing.
Fantazy Motorsports started out as a car audio shop and gradually expanded, said Kennedy. “That’s how I met these guys…We are a great car audio company. We make pretty jaw-dropping stuff. I’m excited about that. These guys have worked their tails off for nearly two decades and done an amazing job.”
Kennedy left JL Audio last year, following Garmin’s purchase of the audio company. He was hired originally to start JL’s home audio and professional audio divisions and later helped launch JL Audio’s marine business. Through the years, Kennedy also assisted in product development, marketing, manufacturing and other roles.
After leaving JL Audio, he did “a fair amount of consulting,” and then was approached by Fantazy Motorsports. “I took some time shadowing them and looking at their operation and it just really, really
appealed to me,” he said.
His challenge will be in expanding to other locations, as upscale communities can be particular about zoning for automotive services.
Kennedy said Fantazy has a few strengths in particular. “There’s no underestimating the value of time
in the market. They are coming into their 20th year. There’s a body of work out there that speaks well
of the operations and integrity. The other part is whether fully intentional or not, they put together a group of services that go together nicely and provide that one-stop shopping that, it turns out, is very valuable. Otherwise you go to one place for paint protection and another for engine modification and other for wheels and tires..”
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Congrats to Carl — who is the very definition of a “real Pro” and has been dating back to MK days. Good to see you that you have landed in a place where you can, once again, ‘make a difference’…
Thanks so much much for the kind words. The best part of my history in these related industries is great friends and colleagues like you!
This is why in my 40+ years I never wanted to work for a manufacturer. I am now 71 and ran my own destiny as an independent manufacturer’s rep. When you work for factories you never know what will happen. I can’t tell how many good people fell by the wayside because of this.