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On
the Move - Spring 2006
Issue
SPRING
is here and it’s time for new beginnings. This is a great time to
jump-start your career, or take it to the next level by taking the Basic,
Advanced, or Master Installer training and exams.
Spring
is also a time for change and growth and I am pleased to announce that CEA
has secured the services of Todd Ramsey of Ramsey Consulting Group as our
special MECP consultant. Please contact Todd with suggestions,
questions, and comments on MECP and On the
Move.
Nathan Ridnouer
Director, Member
Programs Strategy & Member Care
Consumer Electronics Association
(CEA)
MECP Basic
Installer Study Guide Available in Spanish!
We are
pleased to announce that the MECP Basic Installer study guide is now
available in Spanish. This new guide covers the same information contained
in the original English-language version and is available for $24.99 at www.mecp.com.
Note: All MECP tests are available as
supervised, computer-based tests at more than 1,000 Pro-Metric testing
centers nationwide. Additionally, proctored, computer-based testing
opportunities are available at select public libraries and mobile
electronic schools such as RITOP (MA), Installer Institute (FL), Mobile
Dynamics (AZ and Toronto), The Snake Pit (So CA), Acoustic
Edge (OK and TX), Luzerne Community College (PA), and others. For a list
of schools who offer MECP training and testing, please visit www.MECP.com/links.asp.
Meet the
Master!
 Featuring: Todd
Ramsey
Senior Consultant, Ramsey Consulting Group
Inc.
Phoenix, AZ
MECP Master Installer since
1996
On the
Move (OTM) would like to thank Todd Ramsey (TR) for
providing this insight into his business, professional path and
success.
OTM: How
long have you been in the Mobile Electronics business?
TR: For more than 20
years. I began installing as a part-time job when I was in high school.
Like many people in our business, I worked as an installer and then a
manager of a shop, before eventually owning my own retail stores. Since
then, I have worked for manufacturers and distributors and have also had
the opportunity to be involved in the training and educational side of our
industry.
OTM: When did you
first get your MECP Master Certification?
TR:
I became an Honorary Master Installer in 1996 when I joined the MECP Test
Writer’s Development Group. Because you couldn’t (in all fairness) take
the tests that you helped develop, MECP created the designation of
Honorary Master Installer for those who had something to contribute and
who, like myself, had already achieved MECP certification. Prior to being
an Honorary Master, I was First Class and Security Specialist certified in
1992.
OTM: Who (in the
industry) has been your greatest influence?
TR:
Rudy Sanders, Lee Fleishman, Dennis Deck, and Eric Abbiss of VSE (Vehicle
Security Electronics) helped me to see security and vehicle electrical
systems from an entirely different perspective. Through their training, I
developed a thorough understanding of electrical systems from diodes,
relays, and transistors to the ways sunroof, door lock, and window motors
worked. It helped me to realize that “how it’s done really DOES
matter”.
Regarding audio, and these days that includes
fabrication and video, it’s really a constant challenge to keep up and be
innovative. The entertainment side of our industry is constantly changing.
In the late 1980’s, Rockford Corporation was a really big influence on me.
They were doing RTTI fabrication training and just about everyone wanted
to go to that. Larry Frederick, resident expert at Phoenix Gold
really played up the importance of system design and the electrical
support needed for an audio system. These influences made all the
difference in the thought process I eventually developed, and still use
today.
For
custom installation and fabrication, I have been fortunate enough to
benefit from attending industry seminars, networking events, and extensive
travel. My thanks to the creative minds of Barry Ross, Mark Fukuda, Bryan
Schmitt, Chris Yato, Steve Yiu, and Bob Hobson (in the UK) who
have helped me to challenge my installation and fabrication
skills.
OTM: What is your
favorite industry event, and why?
TR: My favorite
industry event is International CES because it’s the hub of activity for
all things mobile electronic. It’s where we catch up with business
colleagues and old friends. Every aisle is a networking opportunity
and of course seeing the show cars is a bonus too. The days are long
and you do a lot of walking but it’s important enough to me, that I
haven’t missed a CES in 18 years.
OTM: Do you feel it’s
important for installers to go beyond the Basic Certification?
TR: It’s
particularly important for installers to go beyond Basic Certification
because this is, for lack of a better comparison, our industry’s
“apprentice level” certification. It demonstrates an understanding of
basic topics we regard as the fundamentals. The Advanced Installer
and Master Installer levels, however, call for experience in the install
bay, as well as what you learn from the study guides. Apart from the fact
that most employers will offer you an increase in pay or other comparable
benefits, it’s an opportunity to measure what you really do know, and also
to identify and remedy your areas of weakness. It allows you to
measure your know-how and improvement on a personal and a professional
level.
OTM: How has your
Master Certification benefited your career?
TR:
- Customers are more likely to
entrust their vehicle and their money, to an
expert.
- I have provided expert
witness testimony in car theft insurance litigation.
- I have been interviewed by
magazines and newspapers (inside and outside of the industry) on
installation-related topics.
- I have traveled extensively
(31 countries) on installation-related opportunities as an industry
expert.
- I’m now part of a consulting
company that depends upon the knowledge and expertise that Master
Certification brings.
Master
Certification is not only beneficial for you, but also allows you to lead
by example. It also makes you very employable and gives you a
certain level of job security with freedom to pick where you
work.
OTM:
Describe your current role with MECP?
TR:
My company, Ramsey Consulting Group Inc., has recently been selected to
manage the day-to-day business and program development of the MECP
program. Over the past year MECP has introduced more user-friendly tools
such as computer-based testing and online study guide supplements. These
enhancements will help the program better serve our industry and our
individual customers.
OTM: What is next for
the MECP program?
TR: We have just
released the Basic Installer study guide and exam in Spanish and the
MECP.com website launched at the end of 2005, providing a one-stop shop
for all things MECP, from study guides, to exams, to merchandise.
The
Master Installer Development Group is currently fast-tracking development
of the first-ever Master Installer Study Guide. Our thanks to
industry experts like: Chris Yato, Mark Eldridge, Chris Cook, Steve
Yiu, Kris Bulla, Kent Izuka, and others, who will soon be making this
vision a reality.
And
last, but definitely not least – is the development of an interactive MECP
installer database. Installers who have been in the MECP system
within the past year or more on computer-based, supervised testing can now
manage their own contact information. Stay tuned for further details
on how you can update your information in the database so that you always
stay current on MECP news and special offers. If your contact
information is always current we will also send you notices when your
certification is about to expire, as well as sending you your
certificates.
The 2006
International CES MECP Installer Challenge
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We are the
Champions! |
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Everyone was there!
West Coast Custom guys with CEA staffers Nathan Ridnouer
and Sharon
Means. |
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Sometimes
size does matter! |
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Installer
Challenge – where only the strong
survive! |
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Selling
Aftermarket Satellite Radio to the OEM Crowd
Satellite radio is hot. Five years after its
launch, consumer demand remains higher than ever. Now sporting
terrestrial broadcasting’s most successful acts, like Howard Stern and
Oprah, artist-centric channels from acts like Jimmy Buffett and the
Stones, sports programming galore and widespread availability of
receivers, satellite radio is poised for substantial growth over the
coming years. But with more and more new cars offering satellite
radio preparation from the factory, how will you convince these customers
to let you install an aftermarket tuner rather than spend their
hard-earned cash at the dealership’s parts counter? Here are a few
reasons for them to buy a satellite radio from
you:
Content:
The
biggest opportunity you have to convince a customer to go with one of your
aftermarket satellite radios centers around content. Only a handful
of OEMs (Audi and Nissan, for example) offer a choice of either XM or
Sirius pre-wiring, and the car on the lot may or may not have pre-wiring
for the service that they want. Since the draw of satellite radio
centers around its programming, here is your chance to create a new
customer. Use this opportunity to sell that baseball fan with
the new Sirius-ready Volvo S60 an aftermarket XM radio so he can tune into
Major League Baseball. Or, sell the Stern-loving soccer mom in the
new XM-equipped Honda Pilot an aftermarket Sirius radio so she can tune
into her favorite shock jock as she totes the kids to practice.
Hardware:
It’s
no secret that OEM systems, despite their sophistication, actually limit
consumer choice. Take for example someone who just purchased a BMW
that is satellite radio-ready. In order to tune into satellite radio
with their factory system, they must purchase a BMW-branded tuner from the
dealership parts department. If they want it installed, they have no
choice but the dealership’s very expensive service department. To add
insult to injury, the $600 tuner that the dealership sells actually offers
fewer features than some of the least expensive radios you
sell. Here is your opportunity to sell the customer on the
features, functionality, portability and upgradeability that your products
offer. Does that expensive OEM radio show stock quotes and sports
scores on its display? Can in be upgraded or changed out
easily? Are there any OEM units that will “plug and play” in other
cars, home docks or even go portable like an iPod? The answer to all
is “no.”
Installation:
If
the price of the OEM hardware doesn’t get them, the cost for installation
will. Many dealerships won’t sell satellite radio tuners over the
counter and insist instead that their service departments install
them. This is bad for consumers in many ways, as there is no
guarantee that the mechanic who changes oil and rotates tires knows
anything about installing electronics. Further, dealerships often
charge two or three times what specialty mobile electronics retailers
would charge for an installation. Be sure to sell customers on
your certified installation team and your competitive prices for
installation.
Technical Q
& A with Chris Yato of Competition Soundworks
 ME-Mag’s Installer of the Year 2005-06 Chris
Yato, is one of the industry leaders in process-driven installation
techniques. Chris has built many well-known vehicles for both industry
companies, and private clients. Chris also contributes to MECP study and
exam materials as a member of the MECP Master’s Development Group. A
big OTM thanks to Chris for sharing his knowledge on setting up an
efficient shop.
OTM:
What kind of tools does today’s specialist need to have in their
shop?
CY: Beyond the basic
hand and power tools that all serious installers already own, investing in
quality metal and woodworking machinery that allows you to work safely and
efficiently should be a part of any serious shop. Beyond tools and
machinery, specialty retailers need to invest in their “mental toolboxes”
by keeping up with the latest fabrication materials and methods. I’ve seen
some “high end” shops that are no longer cutting-edge because they failed
to keep up with the times.
OTM:
What are your recommendations for tool and equipment placement and space
requirements?
CY: Laying out the
fabrication area so that the most frequently used machinery is closest to
the entrance is one way of improving efficiency. Placing machinery in a
way that complements workflow for common tasks makes a big difference too.
It shouldn’t be a big ordeal in a well-planned shop to rip a new sheet of
MDF in half during the middle of a project. You shouldn’t have to run
around the shop gathering supplies and materials to lay down some
fiberglass mat and resin. Even the smallest shops can lay out their
installation bays and workshops to minimize obstacles and maximize
workflow. Of course health and safety precautions like keeping flammable
chemicals away from metalworking areas and ensuring proper ventilation
when using hazardous chemicals are a must.
OTM:
What are the top two power tools, or pieces of equipment, needed to
complete high quality fabrication jobs?
CY:
For woodworking, a good table saw with a square and accurate rip fence is
a must as well as an inverted router station. It’s a good idea to invest
in a dual or triple inverted router table set up, for maximum efficiency.
“Router lifts” that allow precise control of router height adjustment have
been a very beneficial addition to our inverted router
workstation.
For
metalworking, a MIG welder and metal bender are needed for efficient
fabrication. Of course the person using the welder and bender must be
properly trained in their use.
OTM:
What are some of the mistakes in tool and equipment selection (or
placement) you have seen when you visit other shops?
CY:
The most common set up that I see in fabrication shops is the “all-in-one”
workstation. This is where the table saw, inverted router and workbench
are all combined into one. With this scenario, everyone is forced to work
in the same space. If someone is assembling a box, he is in the way of
someone cutting with the table saw. If someone is using the table saw, the
inverted router can’t be used, and so on. I believe that having a
moderately sized table saw table with a separate inverted router station
and separate assembly workbenches make better use of shop space.
OTM:
What are your recommendations on dust collection? Many retailers seem to
put it low on the list of priorities when setting up
shop
CY: The long-term
health risks of dust inhalation can be very serious. Most dust collection
systems merely re-circulate dust or have poor suction. I was lucky enough
to come across Bill Pentz’s website on dust collection. Bill is a
pioneer of small shop dust collection and his site contains a wealth of
information that is beyond what I can cover here and would be very
valuable for any small fabrication shop.
OTM:
How can the shop manager increase efficiency in every day installation
tasks like panel removal or trial fitting equipment?
CY:
Disassembling an interior in a methodical and systematic way, including
labeling of parts, makes reassembly much faster and easier. It’s also
reassuring for customers to see that their vehicle is being properly and
professionally treated throughout the process. I use foam-padded racks for
interior panels to be stored safely during the installation process. The
cost of repairing or replacing a damaged part or panel, especially on
higher end cars, can easily eat up the profit of an entire job.
OTM:
How have safety and efficiency issues affected your work habits over the
last several years?
CY: I always
seek new and better ways of doing things but efficiency is not just about
speed. Maintaining a high standard of workmanship and safety is
paramount. Fortunately, I’ve been able to exchange information and
ideas with many of the top installers in our industry and have improved
efficiency considerably by incorporating different techniques and
materials. I have a team of guys working with me, so getting everyone up
to speed on all aspects of installation and fabrication is very important
to the success of our shop.
 OTM: What advice can
you offer retailers who need to be convinced that they should take a
serious look at their shop configurations and processes?
CY: I recommend
beginning with improvements that offer the most immediate return on
investment. If you are unsure of where to start, consider hiring a
qualified consultant to assess the goals and needs of your business and to
make recommendations. Our industry is constantly evolving and so are
the installation challenges so it’s important to stay current or even
ahead of the game.
OTM:
Chris, how can retailers and installers contact you if they need
additional pointers on shop setup, fabrication tools, or why Advanced or
Master MECP Certification will help their careers?
CY:
The best way to reach me is by e-mail, that way I can respond as I
get time. I’m sure you can imagine I’m always involved in multiple
projects, but I also still find time to learn about what other installers
and shops are doing.
MECP
On-The-Job
This
issue’s featured school is The Snake Pit Training School in Vista, CA.
 Beginning in the third quarter of 2006,
Snake Pit will be offering some new, compressed, advanced classes for
experienced mobile technicians. Jeff Burt, manager of The Snake Pit and
Directed’s technical support team, feels that “these new shorter advanced
classes offer an ideal opportunity for experienced installers to learn new
skills that will make them more valuable to their employers, and able to
offer more customized installs to their customers. They can also be a
great first step towards MECP Advanced and MECP Master Certification.”
The
classes, shown below, begin where the customary curriculum leaves
off:
SW 100: Advanced
Construction with Fiber, Metal, Exotic Materials (5
days)
- Get ready to think "outside
the box"
- Build off-the-hook custom
fabricated pieces
- Advanced router techniques
- Basic welding instruction and
metal work
- Motorization and lighting
techniques
- Advanced Plexiglas and vinyl
- Advanced fiberglass, paint
and body prep
SW 200: Advanced Security
and Remote Start (3 days)
- Go beyond the basics of
security installation
- Learn how to control vehicle
accessories
- Design and install unique
security applications
- Practice installations on
tough vehicles and cars with today's newest technology
- Learn the latest on bypass
modules and data modules
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Quality
hands-on training is the order of the day at the Snake
Pit |
Visit
www.directedsnakepit.com for more info on the new
classes.
Upcoming
Industry Events
MERA-CEA Regional Workshop (Boston, MA)
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Sheraton
Colonial Hotel and Golf Club
Wakefield, MA
MERA-CEA Regional Workshop (Seattle, WA)
Date and location TBD, please
check website for details.
MERA-CEA Regional Workshop (Los Angeles, CA)
Date and location TBD, please
check website for details.
Industry
Links
ITSA
MERA
YourRideYourWay
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