CEoutlook and ME Magazine are back with three more 2027 Top 50 Installers. This round has an Aston Martin, a lot of motorcycles, and two installers from NVS Audio who learned from Round Two’s Carlos Ramirez. Here’s what they had to say.
ANGEL RIVERA, LAKETOWN SPEED AND SOUND
Proudest install this year?
A stealth radar system in a 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish. The car was so new there was little info on taking apart the front and rear clips. It’s also packed with factory ADAS systems that could not be disturbed, so every step took extreme care.
What makes him Top 50?
Working with his sales team and the client to build a game plan that fits that vehicle. He also brings more than 27 years of custom fabrication, CAD design, and problem solving.
Key skill for 2027?
The pursuit of knowledge. “You cannot in this day and age of integration stay stagnant.”
Game changing tool?
A new Peel 3D scanner. He scans the vehicle and works out the design before any fabrication starts, which makes the shop faster and more consistent.
Who shaped him?
Many mentors, but he gives the credit to his team. They work together every day to solve problems and find new solutions. “Shout out to my team.”
Advice for young installers?
Just do it. But don’t treat it as one more box to check. Use it to reflect and learn about your own growth.
JOSHUA KING, NVS AUDIO
Proudest install this year?
Three motorcycles. A Harley Davidson Street Glide with two 10 inch subwoofers and two 1200.4 amplifiers that still looks close to factory. Then two new Indian bikes back to back, one with eight speakers and one with six. Routing the wires was tough, but with the bikes off they look 100% stock. “When they played it put a big smile on my face.”
What makes him Top 50?
Being coachable and willing to redo work that doesn’t meet shop standards. When he makes a mistake, he wants to know why so he doesn’t repeat it.
Key skill for 2027?
Testing, and knowing the right tool and how to use it. A lot of the information out there isn’t 100% true, he said.
Game changing tool?
The tool truck. With the right tools, a two hour job takes a quarter of the time.
Who shaped him?
Carlos Ramirez. Watching how Carlos sells, installs, and fabricates every day shaped him. “I don’t think I could have landed at any better shop.”
Advice for young installers?
Find someone at the level you want to reach, or pass. If you can’t find a mentor, ask for help. “A no today is not a no tomorrow.”
KYLE SHAW, NVS AUDIO
Proudest install this year?
A Victory Magnum motorcycle that pushed every skill he has. He designed ported saddlebag enclosures and fit four lithium batteries, 20,000 watts of amplifier power, and two 12 inch subwoofers on the bike. “This build showed me how far I’ve come.”
What makes him Top 50?
Attention to detail, and never being happy with just getting it to work. He wants to know why it works and how to make it look as good as it performs. His strengths are tuning, integration, and fabrication.
Key skill for 2027?
The proper training and the proper tools.
Game changing tool?
An oscilloscope, an RTA, TermPRO enclosure software, and Fusion 360.
Who shaped him?
Carlos Ramirez, who taught him sales, tuning, and fabrication, plus how to run and grow a business.
Advice for young installers?
Network, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. “We are all here to make each other better.”
More rounds are coming. If you’re a 2027 honoree and haven’t heard from us, check your inbox and your spam folder.
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