Audio Express Enters New Era

Audio Express, one of the nation’s largest independent automotive electronics and consumer technology retailers, is entering an exciting new chapter in its 50-year history following the full acquisition of operating assets by veteran leaders Robert Valdez and James Bustamante from founder Ed Santacruz.

Founded in 1974 out of a modest fishing bait shop in Phoenix, Audio Express grew under Santacruz’s visionary direction into a multi-state retail network spanning more than 50 locations across 10 states. Throughout five decades of growth and store acquisitions, the company established an industry-wide reputation grounded in team-first leadership and a commitment to promoting talent from within.

Fulfilling that founding philosophy, stewardship and operation of the brand have been entrusted directly to two long-time executive leaders who bring a combined six decades of hands-on operational mastery to the helm.

Robert Valdez, who served as Chief Operating Officer for the past five years, assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer and Co-Owner. Valdez began his career with Audio Express over 30 years ago on the sales floor, progressing through every level of store management and executive leadership.

President and Co-Owner James Bustamante, who also brings over 30 years of dedicated tenure with the brand, most recently served as Senior Regional Manager. In this role, Bustamante directed multi-store performance across Arizona—the company’s flagship and largest market—while providing executive oversight and strategic guidance to the regional management team nationwide. Bustamante’s trajectory from installation bay helper to top-tier operational executive exemplifies the company’s core ethos.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with James and lead this next era for Audio Express,” said Robert Valdez, CEO and Co-Owner. “Ed built an incredible pioneer legacy in this industry, and the lessons and culture he established over five decades remain the backbone of our company. James and I are honored that Ed has entrusted us with the future of Audio Express, and we look forward to keeping his teachings alive while executing our plans to take the business to even greater heights.”

“It has been an amazing three decades under Ed’s leadership, and I’m beyond grateful that he has trusted Rob and me to continue his legacy,” added James Bustamante, Co-Owner. “The main thing we wanted to accomplish with this asset acquisition was to keep our entire team in place with zero disruption. We did just that, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team. This isn’t the end of the book—just the start of the next chapter. Thank you, Ed, for all you have done to enrich the lives of so many.”

Under the new entity, MWA Legacy Group, Valdez and Bustamante will jointly drive the company’s strategic expansion, multi-unit retail operations, and team development initiatives, ensuring the organization’s founding principles remain central to its next phase of growth.

About Audio Express

Founded in 1974 in Phoenix, Arizona, Audio Express is a premier independent retailer specializing in automotive electronics, audio systems, and custom vehicle installation services. Operating across multi-state locations, Audio Express is dedicated to delivering high-quality mobile electronics, expert installation, and exceptional customer service.