If you got an email from me lately, it’s legit. CEoutlook has teamed up with ME Magazine to spotlight this year’s award honorees, from the Top 50 Retailers and Top 50 Installers to the Top 20 Sales Professionals, Top 10 Trusted Techs, and Top 5 Rookies.
We sent each of them a few questions, and the first three Top 50 Installers have already answered. Here’s a quick peek behind the curtain.
BRYAN HUSTON, Stereo Installs
Proudest install this year?
Not one car, but a new way of building. His shop now mixes classic wood fabrication with CAD and 3D printing on custom under seat truck enclosures. “You still have to understand how to build something before you can effectively use a computer or machine to build it for you.”
What makes him Top 50?
He calls himself an integrator first. “You don’t show up with one club and expect to play the entire course.”
Key skill for 2027?
Understand the system before you modify it. Even Tesla’s outside speakers do a safety job, warning pedestrians.
Game changing tool?
A shop network that sends design files straight to the machine that builds the part. “The biggest efficiency improvement isn’t necessarily making a machine faster. It’s eliminating the wasted time between processes.”
Who shaped him?
His grandfather, a home builder who taught him what finished work should look like. Plus Dave Koz, Chris Pate, Matt Schaefer, Mark Richmond, and Ron Buffington.
Advice for young installers?
“The goal shouldn’t just be making a Top 50 list. It should be becoming the kind of installer whose work deserves to be recognized.”
BJ CURCIO, Broken Silence Car Audio
Proudest install this year?
A Ford Bronco Raptor with solid sound quality, big output, a factory look, and most of the cargo space intact. The customer liked it so much he brought in two more cars.
What makes him Top 50?
Attention to detail, right down to the wiring nobody sees. “Every install is treated as if it were going into my own vehicle.”
Key skill for 2027?
Learn how the factory does things. Pull info from ProDemand, then test with meters, scopes, and RTAs to find a solution that doesn’t interfere.
Game changing tool?
His 3D printers. Some parts are printed and ready before the car even shows up.
Who shaped him?
Too many to list, but this year’s Digital Fabrication training at Mobile Solutions, with Bryan, Ata, Tom, and Patrick from Musicar, made him faster in the bay.
Advice for young installers?
Treat every install like it’s driving straight to a competitor’s shop to be torn apart and inspected.
SHAUN JOHNSON, Mobile Toys Inc
Proudest install this year?
A 1990 Chevy S-10 Blazer named 2 Legit. A period correct theme build with USA Amps surfboards, four 15s, and a full custom interior. “It brought me back to my childhood. It was just a lot of fun.”
What makes him Top 50?
Technical skill, troubleshooting, and fab work, built on learning from every mistake.
Key skill for 2027?
Study the vehicle before you pull a single panel.
Game changing tool?
Every shop should now own AutoCAD and a laser.
Who shaped him?
John Marsh, for seeing what he was as an installer.
More responses are on the way. If you’re on one of this year’s lists, check your inbox (and your spam folder) and send your answers back. We want to tell your story.
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.
