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Winners from first phase of Industry Awards are semifinalists for top honors
 
NORTH ANDOVER, MASS., August 26, 2020 (MEDIAWIRE) — The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced the winners from the first phase of the 2020 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. The announcement comes after industry nominees submitted videos describing their business or professions. Judges appointed by the association reviewed the videos and selected the winners, comprising the Top 50 Installers, Top 50 Retailers and Top 20 Sales Professionals. The complete list of winners is posted at the official Industry Awards website, meindustryawards.com.

“I’d like to thank our judges for their diligence, objectivity and hard work during the first phase of our industry’s most important tradition,” said Solomon Daniels, program administrator. “In an industry where it seems everyone knows or knows of everyone else, it’s especially difficult to put all that aside and make judgements based on the merits of each submission.”

The judges for the first phase were Tim Baillie, current Installer of the Year; Richard Basler, director of membership at MEA; Chris Pate, owner of Mobile Toys Inc. in College Station, Texas and former Installer of the Year; Matt Schaeffer, former Installer of the Year and lead fabricator at Sound FX and Musaic in Lewes, Del.; and George Smith, owner of Mobileworks in Santa Maria, Calif.

Judges follow a score sheet that matches the requirements of the video, and mark scores based on completeness and depth of knowledge for each answer. They can also award additional points for exceptional insight, creativity, or uniqueness in a submission.

Winners at this stage also qualify as semi-finalists the top honors of Retailer of the Year, Installer of the Year and Sales Pro of the year. Top 50 Installers award recipients can also opt to run for 2020 Trusted Tech, an award given to professional installers who excel more from an electronics standpoint than a design standpoint.

The next phase of the competition features voting by industry professionals and consumers to narrow the semifinalists list down to finalists. These categories are joined by other categories of which industry professionals vote to select top suppliers, reps and rep firms, distributors, and expeditors, as well as retail locations that excel in specific business practices. Voting will begin Thursday, August 27 and run for three weeks.

“Even though the ultimate competition is ongoing, we want to take this opportunity to congratulate our Top 50 and Top 20 winners,” said Chris Cook, president of MEA. “These are major accomplishments in themselves and represent the hard work and growth of stores and individuals over the past year. It’s great to see that, despite the unprecedented events of the past few months, our industry members continue to strive to be the best and set examples for their peers.”
Voting will take place at meindustryawards.com. Visit the website for additional information on the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards.

About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest™, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
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Winners from first phase of Industry Awards are semifinalists for top honors

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS., October 30 ,2022 — The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced the winners from the first phase of the 2023 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. The announcement comes after industry nominees submitted videos describing their business or professions. Judges appointed by the association reviewed the videos and selected the winners, comprising the Top 50 Installers, Top 50 Retailers and Top 20 Sales Professionals. The complete list of winners is posted at the official Industry Awards website, meindustryawards.com.

Winners at this stage also qualify as semi-finalists the top honors of Retailer of the Year, Installer of the Year and Sales Pro of the year. Top 50 Installers award recipients are also entered to run for 2023 Trusted Tech, an award given to professional installers who excel more from an electronics standpoint than a design standpoint.

The next phase of the competition features voting by industry professionals and consumers to narrow the semifinalists list down to finalists. These categories are joined by other categories of which industry professionals vote to select top suppliers, reps and rep firms, distributors, and expeditors, as well as the new vendor support tech award. Voting will begin Thursday, November 3, 2023 and run until Sunday, November 13, 2022 at midnight.

“Even though the ultimate competition is ongoing, we want to take this opportunity to congratulate our Top 50 and Top 20 winners,” said Chris Cook, president of MEA. “These are major accomplishments in themselves and represent the hard work and growth of stores and individuals over the past year. It’s great to see that, despite the unprecedented events of the past few months, our industry members continue to strive to be the best and set examples for their peers.”

Voting will take place at meindustryawards.com. Visit the website for additional information on the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards.

 

About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest™, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.

Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:

  • February 3-5, 2023 – Las Vegas, NV
  • May 19-21, 2023 – Orlando, FL
  • June 23-25, 2023 – Indianapolis, IN
  • August 25-27, 2023 – Dallas, TX

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About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest™, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
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Winners from first phase of Industry Awards are semifinalists for top honors

 

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS., October 11, 2023 — The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced the winners from the first phase of the 2024 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. The announcement comes after industry nominees submitted videos describing their business or professions. Judges appointed by the association reviewed the videos and selected the winners, comprising the Top 50 Installers, Top 50 Retailers and Top 20 Sales Professionals. The complete list of winners is posted at the official Industry Awards website, meindustryawards.com.

 

Winners at this stage also qualify as semi-finalists the top honors of Retailer of the Year, Installer of the Year and Sales Pro of the year. Top 50 Installers award recipients are also entered to run for 2024 Trusted Tech, an award given to professional installers who excel more from an electronics standpoint than a design standpoint.

 

The next phase of the competition features voting by industry professionals and consumers to narrow the semifinalists list down to finalists. These categories are joined by other categories of which industry professionals vote to select top suppliers, reps and rep firms, distributors, and expeditors, as well as the new vendor support tech award. Voting will begin Wednesday, October 12, 2023 and run until Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at midnight.

 

“Even though the ultimate competition is ongoing, we want to take this opportunity to congratulate our Top 50 and Top 20 winners,” said Chris Cook, president of MEA. “These are major accomplishments in themselves and represent the hard work and growth of stores and individuals over the past year. It’s great to see that our industry members continue to strive to be the best and set examples for their peers.”

 

Voting will take place at meindustryawards.com. Visit the website for additional information on the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards.

Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:

  • February 2-4, 2024 – Las Vegas, NV
  • April 19-21, 2024 - Nashville, TN
  • June 7-9, 2024 - Atlantic City, NJ
  • August 23-25, 2024 – Dallas, TX

About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest™, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.

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North Andover, Mass., – October 09, 2020 – Mobile Electronics announced the finalists for the 2020 Industry Awards yesterday, live on Zoom and its Facebook page. MEA President, Chris Cook held the Finalists Presentation, in which The Top 12 Retailers, Top 12 Installers, Top 5 Technicians and new Top 5 Sales Professionals and other awards were announced. Also noted were the "Top 3" and "Top 5" awards for finalists in the vendor, expeditor, sales rep, rep firm and distributor categories, as well as the top 5 Technicians denoting the finalists for the coveted Trusted Tech award. Each "Top" award recipient will receive a signed wall certificate.
 
While the final stage of the Industry Awards will be held in Dallas during KnowledgeFest, Cook noted that the announcement produced its own set of winners.
"It's important to recognize that making it to the Top 12, Top 5 and Top 3 categories signals a major achievement in this industry," he explained. "It means that these individuals, stores, brands and companies are part of a unique group that represents the best of our industry. We're overdue in recognizing the significance of their efforts, and I am proud to create a special event for that purpose.
 
Some of the award categories are decided solely on industry votes. For these, the top vote-getter will be announced at KnowledgeFest as the ultimate winner of the category. For the Top 12 retailers, Top 12 Installers, Top 5 Technicians and Top 5 Sales Professionals, each recipient will need to submit additional materials for judging to determine the winner in each category.
 
The finalists lists can be viewed at meindustryawards.com by clicking on the Winners tab and selecting '2020' winners. To view the 2020 Industry Awards Finalists Presentation, visit the Mobile Electronics magazine page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MobileElectronics. The final awards will be announced at the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebration during the KnowledgeFest trade show and conference in Dallas, December 4-6. For more information, visit www.meindustryawards.com.
 
2020 Top 12 Installers
Marty Adamschek – Andres Electronics – Courtenay, BC
Nick Apicella – Apicella Auto Sound – Stony Point, NY
Dean Beyett – Five Star Car Stereo – Clearwater, FL
Michael Bischoff – Traffic Jams Motorsports – Buford, GA
John Brettle – Cartunes of Atlanta – Atlanta, GA
Phillip Cantu – Elevated Audio – Lakewood, CO
Adam Devine – Devine Concepts – Naples, FL
Nicholas Frazier – iNNovative Concepts – Wilbraham, MA
Justin Kush – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
Jaime Palafox – Agoura Autosounds – Agoura Hills, CA
Dalton Trainer – Car-Tunes Inc. – Greenville, MS
Matt Vowell – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
Alternants:
#2: Christopher – Labonte Vibe Car Audio – Red Deer, AB
#1: Jesse Rhodes – Boomers Audio – Tulsa, OK
 
2020 Top 12 Retailers
Absolute Electronix – Rockville, MD
Apicella Auto Sound – Stony Point, NY
Audio Systems – Moreno Valley, CA
Car-Tunes – Greenville, MS
Devine Concepts – Naples, FL
Elevated Audio – Lakewood, CO
iNNovative Concepts – Wilbraham, MA
Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
NVS Audio – Roselle, NJ
Traffic Jams Motorsports – Buford, GA
Showtime Audio – Chicago, IL
Titan Motoring – Nashville, TN
Alternants:
#2: SoundsGood Auto – Burnaby, BC
#1: Foss Audio & Tint – Tukwila, WA
 
2020 Top 5 Sales Professionals
Donald Darouse Elevated Audio Lakewood, CO
Jason Kranitz Kingpin Car & Marine Audio Henderson, NV
Corbin May Visions Electronics Grand Prairie, AB
Jim Skaggs Mobile Toys Inc. College Station, TX
Ronald Venable Traffic Jams Motorsports Buford, GA
 
2020 Top 5 Technicians
Dean Beyett Five Star Car Stereo Clearwater, FL
John Brettle Cartunes of Atlanta Atlanta, GA
Phillip Cantu Elevated Audio Lakewood, CO
Nicholas Frazier – Innovative Concepts – West Springfield, MA
Matt Vowell Mobile Toys Inc. College Station, TX
 
2020 Rookie of the Year
Timothy Langevin Innovative Concepts – Wilbraham, MA
Oscar Rodriguez J’s Tint & Car Audio – Dallas
Saul Sanchez  NVS Audio – Roselle, NJ
 
2020 Performance Awards
Most Improved Location
806 Autoworks
Apicella Auto Sound
KarTele Mobile Electronics
 
Best Online Presence
Apicella Auto Sound
Elevated Audio
NVS Audio
 
Best Customer Retention Program
JML Audio of St. Louis
The Car Audio Shop
Tunes-N-Tint
 
Best Customer Experience
Apicella Auto Sound
Elevated Audio
JML Audio of St. Louis
 
Best Store Culture
Apicella Auto Sound
Ocala Car Audio
Traffic Jams Motorsports
 
2020 Top 3 Expeditors
American Radio
Sound FX
Titan Motoring
 
2020 Top 3 Distributors
Davis Distribution
DOW Electronics
GoFast Solutions
 
2020 Top 5 Rep Firms
12 Volt Marketing Group
12 Volt Specialist
Echo Sales
MAG Sales
Marketing Pros
 
2020 Top 5 Sales Reps
Nalaka Adikari ORCA Designe
Jon Brothers Metra Electronics
Mike Eckley AAMP Gloobal
Jonathan Mercado GoFast
Mike Rundel SONY
 
2020 Top 3 Vendors - Autosound & Processing
AudioControl
JL Audio
Sony
 
2020 Top 3 Vendors - Accessories & Materials
AAMP Global
Metra Electronics
Mobile Solutions
 
2020 Top 3 Vendors - Infotainment & Multimedia
Alpine Electronics
KENWOOD
SONY
 
2020 Top 3 Vendors - Security, Safety & Driver Assistance
AAMP Global
Firstech
Voxx Electronics
 
2020 Top 3 Vendors - Powersports & Marine
JL Audio
Kicker
Rockford Fosgate
Finalists to submit materials for judging to determine winners
 
North Andover, Mass. – November 06, 2023 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced the finalists for the 2024 Industry Awards. MEA President, Chris Cook held the Finalists Presentation, in which The Top 12 Retailers, Top 12 Installers, Top 5 Technicians, and Top 5 Sales Pros and other awards were announced. Also noted were the “Top 3” and “Top 5” awards for finalists in the vendor, vendor tech support, expeditor, sales rep, rep firm and distributor categories, as well as the Top 5 Technicians denoting the finalists for the coveted Trusted Tech award. Each “Top” award recipient will receive a signed wall certificate. 
 
To view the list of finalists go to: https://meindustryawards.com/2024-winners/
 
While the final stage of the Industry Awards will be held in Las Vegas during KnowledgeFest, Cook noted that the announcement produced its own set of winners.
“It’s important to recognize that making it to the Top 12, Top 5 and Top 3 categories signals a major achievement in this industry,” he explained. “It means that these individuals, stores, brands and companies are part of a unique group that represents the best of our industry. We’re overdue in recognizing the significance of their efforts, and I am proud to create a special event for that purpose. 
 
Some of the award categories are decided solely on industry votes. For these, the top vote-getter will be announced at KnowledgeFest as the ultimate winner of the category. For the Top 12 retailers, Top 12 Installers, Top 5 Technicians, Top 5 Rookies, and Top 5 Sales Professionals, each recipient will need to submit additional materials for judging to determine the winner in each category. 
 
The finalists lists can be viewed at meindustryawards.com by clicking on the Winners tab and selecting ‘2024’ winners. To view the 2024 Industry Awards Finalists Presentation, visit the Mobile Electronics magazine page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MobileElectronics. The final awards will be announced at the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebration during the KnowledgeFest trade show and conference at the Paris Hotel & Convention Center in Las Vegas, February 4, 2024.
 
For more information, visit www.meindustryawards.com.
The virtual event was broadcast live to thousands of viewers
 
North Andover, Mass. – December 13, 2020 – The Mobile Electronics® Association (MEA) announced the winners of the 2020 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. The awards were presented Sunday evening at the conclusion of a successful KnowledgeFest.Live virtual event. The awards recognize and honor professionals in the mobile electronics industry that exhibit outstanding service, business ethics, professionalism, and expertise in their field.
 
Chris Cook, President of MEA, hosted the event which was viewed online by thousands of industry professionals, including family and friends, from the United States and around the globe. Top honors for Installer of the Year went to Justin Kush of Mobile Toys Inc. in College Station, Texas. Retailer of the Year (single store) was awarded to both Divine Concepts, Naples, Fla. and Car-Tunes, Greenville, Miss. Sales Pro of the Year went to Jason Kranitz of Kingpin Car & Marine Audio in Henderson, Nev. and Trusted Tech of the Year went to Chris McNulty of Kingpin University in Henderson, Nev. Vendor of the Year went to AudioControl and Distributor of the Year went to DOW Electronics.
 
Installer of the Year
Justin Kush – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
 
Installer of the Year – Runner-Up
Dean Beyett – Five Star Car Stereo – Clearwater, FL
 
Sales Pro Award Winner
Jason Kranitz – Kingpin Car & Marine Audio – Henderson, NV
 
Trusted Tech Award Winner
Chris McNulty – Kingpin Car & Marine Audio – Henderson, NV
 
Retailer of the Year
Car-Tunes Inc. – Greenville, MS
 
Retailer of the Year
Divine Concepts – Naples, FL
 
Retailer of the Year Runner-up
Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
 
Retailer of the Year Runner-up
Traffic Jams Motorsports – Buford, GA
 
Rookie of the Year
Oscar Rodriguez – J’s Tint & Car Audio – Dallas, TX
 
Most Improved Store or Chain
KarTele Mobile Electronics – Waterbury, CT
 
Best Online Presence
NVS Audio – Roselle, NJ
 
Best Customer Retention Program
JML Audio of St. Louis – Fenton, MO
 
Best Customer Experience
Elevated Audio – Denver, CO
 
Best Store Culture
Traffic Jams Motorsports – Buford, GA
 
Customer Choice Award
Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
 
Career Achievement Award
Tom Malone
 
Expeditor of the Year
American Radio
 
Distributor of the Year
DOW Electronics
 
Rep Firm of the Year
Marketing Pros – Arlington, TX
 
Rep of the Year
Mike Rundel, Sony
 
Vendor of the Year
AudioControl
 
Top Vendor: Autosound & Processing
Sony
 
Top Vendor: Security, Safety and Driver Assistance
AAMP
 
Top Vendor: Accessories and Materials
Metra Electronics
 
Top Vendor: Infotainment & Multimedia
Sony
 
Top Vendor: Powersports & Marine
JL Audio
 
About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
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5-3-2017 -- The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards 2017 are officially underway with nominations now open. The awards celebrate companies and individuals that best exemplify the highest standards of quality and service excellence. Winners represent the industry at-large to consumers and act as ideal examples to better their peers within the industry.

To begin the nomination process, click the following link and follow the steps: CLICK HERE. 

This awards process begins with the selection of nominees through industry voting. The two main categories of retailers and installers are narrowed down to the "Top 50," then through peer and consumer voting, the list is narrowed to the “Top 12” retailers and installers, and these finalists submit materials to be judged by Mobile Electronics magazine’s editors and select industry judges. The winners are chosen and announced at a special awards ceremony during the Mobile Electronics Group KnowledgeFest event in August.

In addition to those categories, other industry professionals are recognized for their outstanding service. Those categories include Most Improved Retail Chain, Best Customer Retention Program, Expeditor of the Year and new to this year's awards, Salesperson of the Year. 

"It’s been a while coming, but as of this year, the Industry Awards will recognize the in-store individuals who are most responsible for bringing in the revenue and filling up the bay," according to a statement on the official website, meindustryawards.com. "Sales professionals can submit their nomination videos and let indusrty peers and their customers vote for them." 

Additional awards are given for vendors and sales representatives. Vendors and representatives nominate themselves to be included in the industry voting and submit videos and other materials to encourage industry professionals to vote for them. Then the three top vote-getters in each category are considered finalists, with the winner announced at KnowledgeFest.

To learn more about the Industry Awards, visit meindustryawards.com

North Andover, MA – July 21, 2020 – The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards for 2020 are officially underway with nominations closing today, Wednesday, July 22, 2020. The awards celebrate companies and individuals that best exemplify the highest standards of quality and service excellence. Winners represent the industry at-large to consumers and act as ideal examples to better their peers within the industry.

To sumbit your nomination, click the following link and follow the steps: CLICK HERE. 

This awards process begins with the selection of nominees through industry voting. The three main categories of retailers, sales professionals and installers are narrowed down to the "Top 50 (Top 20 for Sales Pros)," then through peer and consumer voting, the list is narrowed to the “Top 12” retailers, sales professionals and installers, and these finalists submit materials to be judged by a select and trusted panel of industry judges. The winners are chosen and announced at a special awards ceremony during the Mobile Electronics Association's KnowledgeFest event in September.

In addition to those categories, other industry professionals are recognized for their outstanding service. Those categories can be reviewed at https://meindustryawards.com/

"It’s been a while coming, but as of this year, the Industry Awards will recognize the in-store individuals who are most responsible for bringing in the revenue and filling up the bay," according to a statement on the official website, meindustryawards.com. "Sales professionals can submit their nomination videos and let indusrty peers and their customers vote for them." 

Additional awards are given for vendors and sales representatives. Vendors and representatives nominate themselves to be included in the industry voting and submit videos and other materials to encourage industry professionals to vote for them. Then the three top vote-getters in each category are considered finalists, with the winner announced at KnowledgeFest.

To learn more about the Industry Awards, visit https://meindustryawards.com/

The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards are now open for nominations. Those interested can vote for themselves or others and review submission criteria on the newly created www.meindustryawards.com. The deadline for nominations is May 22.

The website includes latest news, past winners, current criteria and awards to be included in this year's event. New categories for the event include Rookie of the Year, official voting category for Trusted Tech and Retail Performance awards like Most Improved Location or Chain and Best Online Presence.

The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards will take place at KnowledgeFest at the Hilton Anatole hotel in Dallas, Texas, which runs August 15-17, 2015.

Finalists to submit materials for judging to determine final winners

North Andover, Mass., – November 18, 2022 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced the finalists for the 2023 Industry Awards earlier today, live on its Facebook page. MEA President, Chris Cook held the Finalists Presentation, in which The Top 12 Retailers, Top 12 Installers, Top 5 Technicians, and Top 5 Sales Pros and other awards were announced. Also noted were the “Top 3” and “Top 5” awards for finalists in the vendor, vendor tech support, expeditor, sales rep, rep firm and distributor categories, as well as the top 5 Technicians denoting the finalists for the coveted Trusted Tech award. Each “Top” award recipient will receive a signed wall certificate. 

While the final stage of the Industry Awards will be held in Las Vegas during KnowledgeFest, Cook noted that the announcement produced its own set of winners.

“It’s important to recognize that making it to the Top 12, Top 5 and Top 3 categories signals a major achievement in this industry,” he explained. “It means that these individuals, stores, brands and companies are part of a unique group that represents the best of our industry. We’re overdue in recognizing the significance of their efforts, and I am proud to create a special event for that purpose. 

Some of the award categories are decided solely on industry votes. For these, the top vote-getter will be announced at KnowledgeFest as the ultimate winner of the category. For the Top 12 retailers, Top 12 Installers, Top 5 Technicians, Top 5 Rookies, and Top 5 Sales Professionals, each recipient will need to submit additional materials for judging to determine the winner in each category. 

The finalists lists can be viewed at meindustryawards.com by clicking on the Winners tab and selecting ‘2023’ winners. To view the 2023 Industry Awards Finalists Presentation, visit the Mobile Electronics magazine page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MobileElectronics. The final awards will be announced at the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebration during the KnowledgeFest trade show and conference at the Paris Hotel & Convention Center in Las Vegas, February 5, 2022.

Complete information on the Industry Awards, including rules, award descriptions, past winners, eligibility requirements, instructions and submissions can be found at www.MEIndustryAwards.com.
 
About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
 
Media Contact:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(978) 645-6434

 

Nominations will open for select retail performance and vendor awards

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS., May 9, 2018 (MEDIAWIRE) – Mobile Electronics® magazine, the industry's premier trade publication, announced it will kick off the first phase of the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards on May 16. At that time, the publication will begin accepting nominations for several retail performance awards, as well as awards for vendors, rep firms, distributors and expeditors. Nominations for Retailer of the Year, Installer of the Year, Salesperson of the Year and Trusted tech will begin later.

The split nomination process is a change from last year, in which all awards began nominations simultaneously. The new format will attract a higher number of participants and enable candidates to focus on creating quality submissions.

"It's no secret that our Retailer of the Year and Installer of the Year awards garner the most attention during the awards process," said Solomon Daniels, editor-in-chief of Mobile Electronics and awards coordinator. "But we know there are quality stores, companies and individuals in other categories who perform at a high level and will make excellent examples for other industry professionals to follow. We want to give these categories a spotlight of their own so that the candidates, and ultimately the winners, get the recognition they deserve."

Also new this year is a realignment of the Top Vendor awards. As product categories shift toward after-the-head-unit solutions, recreational applications and a blending of vehicle sensing and notification technology, the categories have adjusted to reflect the changes.

Held annually, the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards recognize the best of the industry. Candidate companies and individuals submit video nominations and are narrowed to a list of finalists after a selection and/or voting process. In certain award categories, finalists submit materials that are then judged by a select panel to determine a winner. In other categories, final voting tallies determine the winner. All winners are announced at a special awards ceremony, held the last day of the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) KnowledgeFest tradeshow and conference in Dallas. This year's awards ceremony will take place August 19 at the Dallas Convention Center.

On May 16, Mobile Electronics will open nominations for the following award categories:

Retail Performance Awards

  • Most Improved Location or Chain
  • Best Online Presence
  • Best Customer Retention Program
  • Best Customer Experience
  • Best Store Culture (New for 2018)
  • Rookie of the Year

Vendor Awards

  • Distributor of the Year
  • Expeditor of the Year
  • Representative of the Year
  • Rep Firm of the Year
  • Top Vendor - Safety, Security and Driver Assistance
  • Top Vendor - Autosound and Processing
  • Top Vendor - Infotainment and Multimedia
  • Top Vendor - Powersports and Marine
  • Top Vendor - Accessories and Materials

For each award, candidates must submit a video based on the specifications listed under each award category at meindustryawards.com. All video submissions are due May 28. Visit meindustryawards.com to view submission requirements and awards updates throughout the process, and sign up to the Hotwire newsletter at me-mag.com.

Mobile Electronics strives to grow the mobile electronics industry by supporting its retailers, salespeople, technicians and manufacturers with integrated services built around the group’s 1,100-plus-member industry association, the Mobile Electronics Association™, its Mobile Electronics® magazine, KnowledgeFest® tradeshows, Partnership Program, point-of-sale system and data products. Through these offerings, Mobile Electronics delivers education, networking avenues, and business and marketing resources, and promotes partnership between retailers and manufacturers to increase sales and profits. For more information, contact Mobile Electronics at 85 Flagship Dr., Suite F, North Andover, MA, 01845, telephone: 800-949-6372, or visit mobile-electronics.com.

September 15, 2022, North Andover, Mass — The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), producer of Mobile Electronics magazine, announced that industry professionals can now submit their nominations for inclusion in the 2023 Industry Awards. Nominations will be accepted until October 16th.
The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebrate companies and individuals that best exemplify the highest standards of quality and service excellence. Winners represent the industry at-large to consumers and act as ideal examples to better peers within the industry. The process starts with nominations submitted online and via video. A panel of judges selects the Top 50 Retailers, Top 50 Installers, and Top 20 Sales Professionals, which are eligible to move on to the second phase of the awards process. In addition to the retailer nominations, the process for recognizing top vendors, sales reps and firms, and distributors is open for nominations as well. Final awards are given out at a special ceremony held on the last day of KnowledgeFest Las Vegas a the Paris Hotel & Convention Center held February 3-5, 2023.  
“The Industry Awards process is one of the most anticipated events in the mobile electronics industry,” said Chris Cook, MEA president. “It’s the one time when professionals are called on to promote themselves in one phase, then reach out to their peers and customers for support in the next phase. The final phase is a grueling preparation of materials for judging that often reveals aspects—both positive and negative—of a person’s character or work ethic, or a business’ focus and direction. Most who have gone through the process say it is as fulfilling as it is challenging.”
Mobile Electronics is accepting nominations through its special website at www.MEIndustryAwards.com. Nominees submit a short video outlining their qualifications. Retailers, installation technicians, vendors, distributors, and sales representatives have until October 16th to submit nominations.
Complete information on the Industry Awards, including rules, award descriptions, past winners, eligibility requirements, instructions and submissions can be found at www.MEIndustryAwards.com.
About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
 
Media Contact:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(978) 645-6434

 

The time has come for the best of the best of the Mobile Electronics Industry to step up and be recognized.
 
August 18, 2023, North Andover, Mass — The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), producer of Mobile Electronics magazine, announced that industry professionals can now submit their nominations for inclusion in the 2024 Industry Awards. Nominations will be accepted until September 13th.
 
The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebrate companies and individuals that best exemplify the highest standards of quality and service excellence. Winners represent the industry at-large to consumers and act as ideal examples to better peers within the industry. The process starts with nominations submitted online and via video. A panel of judges selects the Top 50 Retailers, Top 50 Installers, and Top 20 Sales Professionals, which are eligible to move on to the second phase of the awards process. In addition to the retailer nominations, the process for recognizing top vendors, sales reps and firms, and distributors is open for nominations as well. Final awards are given out at a special ceremony held on the last day of KnowledgeFest Las Vegas at the Paris Hotel & Convention Center held February 2-4, 2024.
 
“The Industry Awards process is one of the most anticipated events in the mobile electronics industry,” said Chris Cook, MEA president. “It’s the one time when professionals are called on to promote themselves in one phase, then reach out to their peers and customers for support in the next phase. The final phase is a grueling preparation of materials for judging that often reveals aspects—both positive and negative—of a person’s character or work ethic, or a business’ focus and direction. Most who have gone through the process say it is as fulfilling as it is challenging.”
 
Mobile Electronics is accepting nominations through its special website at www.MEIndustryAwards.com. Nominees submit a short video outlining their qualifications. Retailers, installation technicians, vendors, distributors, and sales representatives have until September 13th to submit nominations.
Complete information on the Industry Awards, including rules, award descriptions, past winners, eligibility requirements, instructions and submissions can be found at MEIndustryAwards.com.
 
About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest, trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
 
Media Contact:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(978) 645-6434
 
###
October 28, 2021, North Andover, Mass — The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), producer of Mobile Electronics magazine, announced that industry professionals can now submit their nominations for inclusion in the 2022 Industry Awards. Nominations will be accepted until November 14th.
 
The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebrate companies and individuals that best exemplify the highest standards of quality and service excellence. Winners represent the industry at-large to consumers and act as ideal examples to better peers within the industry. The process starts with nominations submitted online and via video. A panel of judges selects the Top 50 Retailers, Top 50 Installers, and Top 20 Sales Professionals, which are eligible to move on to the second phase of the awards process. In addition to the retailer nominations, the process for recognizing top vendors, sales reps and firms, and distributors is open for nominations as well. Final awards are given out at a special ceremony held on the last day of KnowledgeFest Las Vegas held February 18-20.  
 
“The Industry Awards process is one of the most anticipated events in the mobile electronics industry,” said Chris Cook, MEA president. “It’s the one time when professionals are called on to promote themselves in one phase, then reach out to their peers and customers for support in the next phase. The final phase is a grueling preparation of materials for judging that often reveals aspects—both positive and negative—of a person’s character or work ethic, or a business’ focus and direction. Most who have gone through the process say it is as fulfilling as it is challenging.”
 
Mobile Electronics is accepting nominations through its special website at www.meindustryawards.com. Nominees submit a short video outlining their qualifications. Retailers, installation technicians, vendors, distributors, and sales representatives have until November 14th to submit nominations.
 
Complete information on the Industry Awards, including rules, award descriptions, past winners, eligibility requirements, instructions and submissions can be found at www.meindustryawards.com.
 
About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
Media Contact:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(978) 645-6434

 

Spots 2 and 3 switched places in the latest voting update for both retailers and installers. Absolute Electronix moves up 5 spots to break into the Top 10.

Retailer Standings (Industry votes only; highest to lowest)

Rank Retailers % Vote
1 Musicar Northwest – Portland, OR 9.5%
2 NVS Audio – Linden, NJ 5.1%
3 Soundscape Car Audio – Plano, TX 5.1%
4 Sound Depot and Performance – Gainesville, FL 4.2%
5 Prestige Car Audio & Marine – Metairie, LA 3.9%
6 Cartronix – Valparaiso, IN 3.7%
7 Kingpin Car & Marine Audio Inc – Wilsonville, OR 3.7%
8 GNC Customs – Goshen, IN 3.5%
9 Mobile Toys – College Station, TX 3.3%
10 Absolute Electronix – Rockville, MD 3.1%
11 Al & Ed’s Autosound – Los Angeles, CA 2.8%
12 Spokane Audio Video Experts – Greenacres, WA 2.7%
13 Cartunes – Atlanta, GA 2.5%
14 Driven Mobile Electronics – Chantilly, VA 2.4%
15 Stereo King Oregon – Portland, OR 2.4%
16 Dr Dashboard – Evansville, IN 2.2%
17 Explicit Customs – West Melbourne, FL 2.1%
18 Sound Wave Customs – Virginia Beach, VA 2.1%
19 JC Audio – Jackson, TN 1.9%
20 Westminster Speed & Sound – Westminster, MD 1.9%
21 Driven Audio Ltd. – Abbotsford, BC 1.8%
22 Radios Knobs Speakers and Things – Pontiac, MI 1.8%
23 Elite Audio – Spartanburg, SC 1.7%
24 Foss Audio & Tint – Tukwila, WA 1.6%
25 JML Audio of St. Louis – Fenton, MO 1.6%
26 Ocala Car Audio – Ocala, FL 1.6%
27 SRQ Customs – Sarasota, FL 1.6%
28 Stereo Solutions – Redding, CA 1.6%
29 Industry Auto Designs – Las Vegas, NV 1.4%
30 Tip Top Customs – Morris, IL 1.4%
31 Audio Solutions StL – St. Louis, MO 1.3%
32 Sound FX, Inc. – Lewes, DE 1.2%
33 Autosound Lab – Fresno, CA 1.1%
34 Blvd Customs of Lakeland – Lakeland, FL 1.1%
35 Extreme Audio – Mechanicsville, VA 1.1%
36 Greg’s Custom Audio, Video & Car Stereo – Pikeville, KY 1.0%
37 California Audio – WVC, UT 0.9%
38 The Car Audio Shop – High Ridge, MO 0.9%
39 Audio Designs & Custom Graphics – Jacksonville, FL 0.8%
40 Sound Auto – Hamilton, NJ 0.8%
41 Tunes-N-Tint – Lakeland, FL 0.8%
42 Sound Solutions – Gulfport, MS 0.8%
43 SoundsGood Auto – Coquitlam, BC 0.8%
44 Distinctive Car Toyz – Pleasantville, NJ 0.7%
45 Adrenaline Autosound – Clayton, NC 0.6%
46 Audio Expert Car Stereo – Clearwater, FL 0.5%
47 Auto Trim Design – Amarillo, TX 0.4%
48 Dreamworks Motorsports – Roxboro, NC 0.4%
49 The Sound Shop – Indian Trail, NC 0.4%
50 Cypress Auto Sound & Tint – Cypress, CA 0.1%

Installer Standings (Industry votes only; highest to lowest)

Rank Installers % Vote
1 Matt Schaeffer – Safe & Sound Mobile Electronics – Chantilly, VA 12.0%
2 Carlos Ramirez – NVS Audio – Linden, NJ 4.7%
3 Miguel Vega – Titan Motoring – Nashville, TN 4.4%
4 Chris Ott – Amplified Autosports – Tampa, FL 4.2%
5 TJ Carlson – Kingpin Car & Marine Audio – WIlsonville, OR 3.4%
6 Bryan Piper – Resonance Auto Craft – Corpus Christi, TX 3.2%
7 Brent Leavitt – Low Notes Garage – Boise, ID 3.1%
8 Christerfer Pate – Mobile Toys Inc – College Station, TX 3.1%
9 Mike Schwitz – Sound Connection – St. Joseph, MN 3.0%
10 Barry Barth – Prestige Car Audio & Marine – Metairie, LA 2.9%
11 David Cruz – Soundscape Car Audio – Plano, TX 2.7%
12 Jeremiah Mojica – GNC Customs – Elkhart, IN 2.6%
13 Nicholas Frazier – Innovative Concepts – West Springfield, MA 2.5%
14 Steve Coogle – Discount Audio – Louisville, KY 2.5%
15 Aaron Garcia – Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security – Anchorage, AK 2.5%
16 Andrew Emelander – GNC Customs – Goshen, IN 2.5%
17 Charles Brazil – First Coast Auto Creations – Jacksonville, FL 2.4%
18 Scott Miller – Explicit Customs – West Melbourne, FL 2.4%
19 Tim Baillie – HzEmall – Surrey, BC 2.4%
20 Jeff Cantrell – JC Audio – Jackson, TN 2.2%
21 Warren Williams – Hi-Tech Car Audio – El Cerrito, CA 2.2%
22 Erick Markland – Markland Designs – Lithonia, GA 1.9%
23 Dan Macilwain – Sound Advantage – Rochester, MI 1.8%
24 Daniel DiCampli – Windward Audio – Kaneohe, HI 1.8%
25 David Kosakowski – Total image – McKees Rocks, PA 1.6%
26 Matt Cropper – Stereo King – Portland, OR 1.6%
27 Mike Sandoval – Sound Warehouse – Salt Lake City, UT 1.6%
28 B.J. Curcio – After FX Customs – Stamford, CT 1.6%
29 Tyler Wilson – Spokane Audio Video Experts – Greenacres, WA 1.4%
30 Adam Perkins – Sound Wave Customs – Virginia Beach, VA 1.3%
31 Brandon Green – The Car Audio Shop – High Ridge, MO 1.2%
32 Cj Silvey – Foss Audio and Tint – Puyallup, WA 1.2%
33 Jason Stone – Stereo Solutions – Redding, CA 1.2%
34 Andrew Evens – Industry Auto Designs – Las Vegas, NV 1.0%
35 John Schumacher – Audio Solutions StL – St. Louis, MO 1.0%
36 Bryan Turvaville – Auto Trim Design – Amarillo, TX 0.9%
37 John Cage – Spokane Audio Video Experts – Greenacres, WA 0.9%
38 Aaron Markwell – Godspeed Rides – Sarasota, FL 0.8%
39 Vinny Tullo – VIP Customs – Earlysville, VA 0.8%
40 Alan Hogan – Baileys Audio – Lake Charles, LA 0.7%
41 Michael Oechsner – Mobile Edge – Lehighton, PA 0.7%
42 Rob Miller – JML Audio of St. Louis – Fenton, MO 0.7%
43 Brandon Douglas – Adrenaline Autosound – Clayton, NC 0.7%
44 Alain Sainvil – NVS Audio – Linden, NJ 0.6%
45 Jon Schmitz – Mach 1 Audio – Washington, MO 0.6%
46 Dan Castro – The Car Audio Shop – High Ridge, MO 0.5%
47 Colton Wadley – Pro Audio – Provo, UT 0.3%
48 John Phillips – Stereo One Carbondale – Carbondale, IL 0.3%
49 Jonathan Moore – Dreamworks Motorsports – Roxboro, NC 0.2%
50 Sam Lee – Audio Xcellence – City of Industry, CA 0.2%
[Click Here] to Read the Latest Mobile Electronics magazine Editor Forum in the Digital Magazine
 
What’s New for 2022?
If you’re considering getting involved in the Industry Awards, there’s no better time than the present
 
The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards comprises a months-long process to recognize and honor those in the industry who best exemplify the professionalism, business ethics, service and expertise we want consumers to notice when they do business with us.

Candidate companies and individuals submit video nominations and are narrowed to a list of finalists after a selection or voting process. In certain award categories, finalists submit material that’s judged by a select panel to determine a winner. In other categories, final voting tallies determine the winner. In past years, the awards ceremony has been held on the last day of KnowledgeFest in Dallas, hosted by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA). But as you probably know by now, this coming year will see the industry’s return to Las Vegas.
 
Refreshing the awards process
Many in the industry have expressed a wish that the Industry Awards undergo a refresh. You let us know, and we listened. We’ve gathered a committee of past award winners in various categories to discuss the best way to evolve and to honor our industry participants. This fresh presentation of the Industry Awards allows for clear progression from one award to the next, further encouraging winners to continue pursuing excellence as they advance in their careers.

As part of this refresh, we’ve engaged some of the new committee members to help explain what’s new for 2022 via online video presentation. Kicking it off are Jeff Smith and Dean Beyett—both of whom have won Industry Awards in the past—to preview the changes. The entire video presentation can be found on the Mobile Electronics magazine Facebook page [Click Here]. To help us all stay on track and aware of our deadlines, we’ve created a clear timeline that’s now listed on the homepage at www.meindustryawards.com. In addition, the submission process has been refined to make it easier to create your submission and video. Most of the changes are related to the retailer and installer awards, with a couple of new awards for the vendor community.
 
Here’s a summary of the changes
The Installer of the Year will consist of one award with no runner-up. All of the questions for the initial video submission have also been streamlined and presented in order. We also reduced the number of years of experience required from five to two years.
 
The Trusted Tech will now be selected by the judges from the Top 50 Installers and no longer requires a separate nomination.
 
The Rookie of the Year Award will allow submissions for both installers and salespeople with up to two years of experience.
 
The Retailer of the Year will have two categories: Single Store and Multi-Store, with no runners-up.
 
Finally, Retailer Performance Awards will now be selected by the judges from the Top 12 Retailers. Alternates will be included in the selection. In the past, awards such as Best Online Presence and Best Customer Retention required their own nomination. This time, if you’re a retailer and you get picked into the Top 12—including alternates—when you make your second video, those questions will be included to allow the judges to recognize retailers who excel in specific areas.
 
For the Top Vendor Awards there are two new categories:
Lighting – products or technology related to lighting and appearance for automotive, marine, and power sports, lighting solutions.
 
OEM Integration – products or technology that integrates into an automobile’s electrical/data systems for audio, video, steering wheel control, remote start, and or any product or technology that allows for integration for an installed product.
 
Also, we will recognize the Top Vendor Support Technician who best exemplifies the characteristics of professionalism, service, and expertise, as voted by peers, staff and judges throughout the Industry Awards process.
 
All retailer awards will allow for self-nominations with a second, as well as blind nominations. Once you’ve been selected for Top 12 and Top 5, there will be a new outline and set of questions. Turn in your nominations by midnight on November 14 for consideration. On the deadline, all nominations must be received along with the videos. Be on the lookout for on the Top 50 and Top 20 announcements on December 3. We’ll make these announcements via video, and we’ll list them on the Industry Awards website.
 
Spread the Word at KnowledgeFest
KnowledgeFest Dallas will be held December 10-12. If you attend, you’ll get an additional ribbon to display on your badge that recognizes your place on the Top 50 or Top 20. This is a great way to encourage peers to vote for you during the event. Voting for that round ends on December 19 at midnight.
 
Recognition for the Committee
The Mobile Electronics Association would like to extend a special thank you to all the Industry Awards committee members for their time and contributions.
 
Dean Beyett: IOTY Runner Up 2020, Five Star Car Stereo, Clearwater, Fla. Top 12 Installer 2019. Top 5 Trusted Tech 2019.
 
Bryan Piper: Trusted Tech winner 2015. He was also a Top 50 Installer in 2015. He worked at Bay Area Audio Visions, Corpus Christi, Texas. Top 12 Installer in 2016 while at Resonance Auto Craft, Corpus Christi, Texas. He now works for Cerwin Vega and Diamond Audio.
 
Kris Bulla: Rep of the Year winner 2016, while working for DOW Electronics. He now works for Sony (Actionlink) and is the president of MECP.
 
Ata Ehdaivand: Top 50 Retailer 2016, Absolute Electronix, Rockville, Md. Trusted Tech winner 2017. Most Improved Store winner 2017. Top 12 Installer 2017, 2018. Top 12 Retailer 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Best Online Presence winner 2019. Top 50 Installer 2019.
 
Elias Ventura: Sales Pro winner 2017 while working for Sound FX, Lewes, Del. He now works for HKI, SounDigital and Ground Zero.
 
Jayson Cook: Sales Pro winner 2019 Columbus Car Audio and Accessories, Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Car Audio and accessories, Best Customer Experience winner 2018.
 
Jason Kranitz: Two-time Retailer of the Year winner 2011 and 2017, Kingpin Car and Marine Audio. Retailer of the Year runner-up winner 2016. Top 12 Retailer 2015. Installer of the Year winner. Top 12 Installer 2015. Top 100 Installer 2014. Best Customer Experience winner 2017. Sales Pro winner 2020. Top 5 Sales Pro 2018.
 
Jeff Smith: Installer of the Year winner 2009.
 
We’ll explain the rest of the process as the Industry Awards roll out.
 
The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards will be presented on the last day of KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, February 18-20, 2022. See you there!

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