CEoutlook and ME Magazine are back with another group of 2027 Top 50 Installers. Same six questions, six new voices, and a lot of 3D scanners. Here’s what they had to say.
ARCHIE SPEAKS, SAVANNAH CUSTOMS CAR AUDIO
Proudest install this year?
A 1971 Chevelle built with 3D scanning, CAD design and custom fabrication. The real payoff came months later on a 1972 Chevelle, when he pulled up the scan data and templates from the ’71, refined them, and cut fabrication time way down. “It showed me how the time we invest in design on one project can improve the work we do on the next.”
What makes him Top 50?
Precision, problem solving and repeatable processes. He documents what he learns so every build becomes the foundation for the next.
Key skill for 2027?
System integration. Understanding how every modification affects the vehicle as a whole, with ADAS and EV platforms in the mix.
Game changing tool?
3D scanning, CAD and fabrication templates. Less trial and error, less wasted material, parts that fit the first time.
Who shaped him?
He credits his faith in God for guiding him toward the right people, and Thatcher Vaughn for teaching him to value his time and see fabrication through a different set of eyes.
Advice for young installers?
“Stay humble, stay hungry.” Accept correction, and “the Top 50 recognition will follow when you make excellence your standard every day.”
CHRIS RUSK, PHANTOM ELECTRONICS
Proudest install this year?
Two of them. A 2025 Audi RS6 Avant with a Helix V18, where he figured out how to keep the factory motorized B&O tweeters moving with the aftermarket system. And a 1968 Chevy C10 with a 3D designed dash kit to fit a Sony XAV-AX6000.
What makes him Top 50?
Diagnostics. Tracking down problems is what keeps customers coming back.
Key skill for 2027?
Read the instructions. “As installers I think we get caught up thinking we know everything.” The vehicles and the products are both getting more complicated.
Game changing tool?
Fusion 360 paired with a 3D printer. It’s made things possible that weren’t before.
Who shaped him?
Tom Chung at Street Sound Plus in North Hills, California. Ten years learning wiring, diagnostics and tuning, building on his Mobile Dynamics training the right way.
Advice for young installers?
Ask questions, never stop learning, and know that your mistakes will make you better.
JARED SERNA, BENCHMARK MOTORING
Proudest install this year?
Hard to pick one. He’s proudest of the builds where everything looks like it belongs in the vehicle, with a lot of thought behind something that looks completely natural.
What makes him Top 50?
He won’t accept “that’s just the way it is” without knowing why. Resourceful, patient, and always digging for the answer.
Key skill for 2027?
Researching and verifying information. What worked on the last car may not work on the next one.
Game changing tool?
“My most valuable tool is my mind.” Stop, think it through, and plan before jumping in.
Who shaped him?
Installers past and present. He’ll see a photo, think “How did they do that?” and head into the shop to figure it out.
Advice for young installers?
Take pride in your work, but never let pride keep you from listening. “Don’t let someone convince you that you’re not good enough to pursue this.”
JASON SINGER, PDA ROAD GEAR
Proudest install this year?
A 2023 Ford Lightning SQ build. His first full competition ready SQ build, and a massive system integrated into a modern EV without a single problem.
What makes him Top 50?
He learns and adapts fast. Lately that’s meant DSP tuning, CAD design, 3D scanning and 3D printing.
Key skill for 2027?
Be tech savvy. Vehicles are more data driven than ever, and “the technician that doesn’t make an effort to learn these things will quickly get left behind.”
Game changing tool?
The 3D scanner. A digital copy of the vehicle on demand, and parts that fit without endless templates.
Who shaped him?
Phil Cantu, whose fabrication techniques and attention to detail pushed Jason to become a better fabricator.
Advice for young installers?
Never think you’ve perfected your craft. Learn from anyone and everyone, and challenge yourself with things you’ve never done.
MIKE MARTINEZ, VERNON’S SIGNATURE AUDIO
Proudest install this year?
A Metra Heise lighting kit on a 2026 wheelchair. A 24 volt system, a bypassed inhibitor plug, and a chair that still had to fold and work perfectly. What stood out most was the client, who said that if he had to be in a wheelchair, it was going to reflect his bright, upbeat personality.
What makes him Top 50?
Being obsessive about wiring. He’s had younger installers pull their work and reroute it away from moving parts and heat. If it could be a warranty issue later, he avoids it now.
Key skill for 2027?
Preparation. Map out the vehicle before you start. “You don’t want to drill a hole through a firewall to get to the battery when the battery is in the trunk.”
Game changing tool?
The Audiotec Fischer line. Compact chassis, flexible software, and a whole new world of mounting options.
Who shaped him?
Jason Hogan. Fresh out of the Army in 1998, Mike was handed a used alarm with no instructions and told to figure it out. Jason showed him the brown wire, and a lot more after that. “He taught me to do things right, not right now.”
Advice for young installers?
Invest in yourself. Get to training like MasterTech and KnowledgeFest, and network with the best. “This industry can’t keep moving forward without our youngsters taking the tools from our hands.”
ANGEL LOPEZ, RGV DYNAMIC
Proudest install this year?
Three way active systems in new GM trucks, with 3D scanned and printed A pillar pods that look OEM and sound amazing.
What makes him Top 50?
Training. Vehicles always come with new features, so he stays current.
Key skill for 2027?
OEM signal integration. Factory EQ, all pass filters, and features “you don’t know about until you analyze.”
Game changing tool?
Cordless everything. If it’s rechargeable, it speeds up the job.
Who shaped him?
Alfonso Trejo, who taught him new vehicle integration and custom work.
Advice for young installers?
“Treat the vehicle like if it was yours.” Skip the shortcuts and build it reliable.
More rounds are coming. If you’re a 2027 honoree and haven’t heard from us, check your inbox and your spam folder.
Get the news before your competitors do. CEoutlook is the daily brief read by over 6,500 dealers, reps and manufacturers across the mobile electronics industry. Subscribe free.
