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how’d you get your start?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=119319
Printed Date: March 29, 2024 at 3:50 AM


Topic: how’d you get your start?

Posted By: kr tony
Subject: how’d you get your start?
Date Posted: January 14, 2010 at 10:13 AM

I've been a part of the 12volt industry going on 2 years now, but I've never done installs. I used to work for Best Buy for quite some time and never had a chance to work in the bay, and the company I currently work for doesn't do installations right now.

However, I just talked to the owner of our company yesterday to suggest a new department for us and what does he say??

He wants an aftermarket alarm/remote start, fully functional nav system, and a "kickin" audio system! Ahhh! Kind of overwhelmed but I know he's giving me a chance to pull it off.

This got me thinking though ... how'd you get your start in the 12volt??

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-Tony



Replies:

Posted By: tommy...
Date Posted: January 14, 2010 at 10:49 AM
Started off as a service tech...Breaking down dashes,prepping alarms/remote starts,tagging all the wires,running antenna(windshield),putting them back up...Then i went to school...Got a couple certifications...That really helps get a foot in the door...Install a remote start on your vehicle...See if a local shop will let you be an intern/service tech/part-time employee...Experience is the most important...Stay up-to-date on electronics...Get magazines,visit websites...Learn how to use a DMM and practice to solder...Honestly it was a friend's devotion and pay scale that really got me geared towards a career in this field...!

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M.E.C.P & First-Class
Go slow and drink lots of water...Procrastinators' Unite...Tomorrow!




Posted By: kr tony
Date Posted: January 14, 2010 at 2:54 PM
From humble beginnings! LOL

I'm actually humbled that the owner of our company would give me a shot at installations on his personal truck! I've got an Avital 5303L system on the way to put on his 2002 Toyota Tundra.

Next I'm going to put in sound system (of which I know very little about), then a nav system (again, something I know almost nothing about!

I'm confident that from help on this site and my father in law (who's a master electrical engineer), I'll be able to get these tasks accomplished. I have a feeling like this could be my start in the 12volt installations industry! :)

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-Tony




Posted By: tommy...
Date Posted: January 14, 2010 at 3:03 PM
BatteryWHITE(+)IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS
posted_imageIgnition 1BLACK/ RED(+)IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS
posted_imageIgnition 2BLACK / YELLOW(+)IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS
posted_imageAccessory 1BLUE/RED(+)IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS
posted_imageStarter 1GREEN/ BLACK(+)IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS
posted_imageAnti-Theft DescriptNONE
posted_imageTachometerBLACK ON 6CYL A(AC)IGNITER LEFT SIDE ENGINE 8CYL INDIVIDUAL
posted_imageCrankshaft SensorGREEN(-)PIN 23 OF E7 ON ECM
posted_imageCamshaft SensorYELLOW(-)PIN 10 OF E7 ON ECM
posted_imageSpeed SenseGREEN/ ORANGE(AC)B-22 6CYL, B-5 8CLY AT ECM
posted_imageParking LightsGREEN(+)DRIVERS KICK PANEL
posted_imageLow Crr. Pk LightsRED / BLACK(-)AT LIGHT SWITCH
posted_imageBrake LightsGREEN / WHITE(+)SWITCH ABOVE BRAKE PEDAL
posted_imageReverse LightsRED / BLACK(+)5 PIN WHT. CONN.
posted_imageHornGREEN/ RED(-)STEERING COLUMN

So as far as the nav...He is looking for a portable unit? And the sound system...Are you replacing stereo,speakers...Nice set of components and a 10-12 inch woofer would probably be more then enough...Try to get a price range from him...will help out alot with what you can achieve with the budget you have...You will need a 4gauge amp kit...Stereo harness and mounting kit...Lets hard-wire the nav unit...It will then work with the key(on/off) as opposed to using the cig plug...And will make you look cool...Dont rush...Replace the stereo and speakers...Might want to go ahead and look at a 2-way ALARM and R/S unit if he is adding all these toys...



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M.E.C.P & First-Class
Go slow and drink lots of water...Procrastinators' Unite...Tomorrow!




Posted By: kr tony
Date Posted: January 14, 2010 at 3:30 PM
Awesome, thanks for the tips Tommy! I've been working with aftermarket alarms (mostly tech support stuff -- not installing though) for quite some time so I'm pretty familiar to them. However, the nav and stereo system I know almost nothing about.

The Avital 5303L system I've ordered is two way remote start and alarm, so I'm good on that. As far as a budget, he's actually given me one of his personal cards and said to get whatever I'd like! :) A couple of speakers and a good 10"/12" sub would be good. I'm not going for anything really high end since these will be my first installs. As for the nav, he'd like something on the dash (not like a little Tom Tom). :)

I'm really stoked about the opportunity, I just need to soak up and learn as much as I can in these next few weeks. So, that being said, if you've got some cool resources for alarm/remote start/audio/nav training just let me know.

I'm also pretty certain that he'd let me get my MECP certs, and he'd probably pay for that as well!!

-------------
-Tony




Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: January 14, 2010 at 5:34 PM
I got my start working on my personal car when I was 15.  After messing around with it for a few years I applied at the local Circuit City.  They liked my application enough to interview me.  During the interview I mentioned that I installed everything in my car in my [parents] driveway.  Once the S&I manager saw my trunk he pretty much offered me a job.

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Kevin Pierson




Posted By: el ranchero
Date Posted: January 14, 2010 at 5:45 PM

I liked to fix car radios, i even tryied to design my own alarm, with a relay that everytime my friends car went over a bump the horn honked, after that my friend that i would fix his car radios started working for a alarm company, they were hiring and he called me up, that is how i started 25 years after im still doing it, but now i own my own company, my advise to any new installers is learn everything and get the most experience u can get,even if u dont get paid for it, later u will be thankful u did, i did the opppssiote i never learn to tint, autostarts,video systems, but now im all caught up, and now i got my own installers, hey good luck with your project, we are all here to help.



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rocker




Posted By: kr tony
Date Posted: January 15, 2010 at 9:56 AM
Thanks for sharing guys. I appreciate the help and support also. It's kind of a daunting task (considering I've got strictly entry knowledge about these things), but I know I can pull through it -- especially with the help of the guys and gals on this site!!

Looking forward to completing my project and getting a foot in the door to possibly start up an installation division at the company I currently work for.

Thanks again guys!

-------------
-Tony




Posted By: t&t tech
Date Posted: January 15, 2010 at 3:50 PM

Best of luck yo ya bro!

I started just being ot of a job, and job hunting i came across a shop hiring, didn't have a clue what i was gonna do, but couple years later, i have a job i've grown to really love, and i've gotten pretty ok at installing if i might say that about myself! lol! Some day i'll acquire the funds to start up on my own, til then it's endless days of 9 to 5 at thebay!  



-------------
JW.ORG.
COMMIT YOUR WAY TO JEHOVAH AND HE WILL ACT IN YOUR BEHALF.
PSALMS 37:5




Posted By: kr tony
Date Posted: January 15, 2010 at 4:10 PM
Thanks man! Hope you can get your own shop one day man, that'd be pretty cool.

My only issue is that there are about 2 other shops around that do installs around (one in my town and one down the road) so the competition's already here ... though it's going to be friendly competition especially considering one of my good buddies works at our local shop! :)

Still really excited though ... I think you guys have already determined that though, so I should probably knock it off, LOL!

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-Tony




Posted By: tommy...
Date Posted: January 15, 2010 at 6:49 PM

You might just want to look at a in-dash nav,dvd, combo unit...Not to much more and it is all-in-one...! Heres a Kenwood unit...There are plenty others... https://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/Mobile_Video_n_Navigation/Navigation/DNX9140 ... Is there a factory amp...? Here are the 2 harnesses available for your truck...One is non-amplified,other is for amplified...

Search Results

Click part for more detailed product information.

posted_image
Metra Electronics Corp. 70-1761
Toyota 1987-Up - Into Car
posted_image
Metra Electronics Corp. 70-8113
Factory amplifier integration harness



-------------
M.E.C.P & First-Class
Go slow and drink lots of water...Procrastinators' Unite...Tomorrow!




Posted By: tommy...
Date Posted: January 15, 2010 at 7:07 PM

The Kenwood  eXcelon line is pretty good all the way around...price , sound...! There are defitnely better speakers out there but i think you would be more then satisfied...! Memphis is another pretty good speaker with a decent price point...I believe you have 6.5 all the way around... I think a 4-channel amp from either 2 of those companies would be good...again plenty of others...!  A sub by either 2 would be good... Lots of great pricing from holiday left-overs...Are you buying locally or on-line...? If your friend works at a shop...See if he can come close to the internets pricing...If so go through him...Then warranty issues will be so much more efficient and less of a headache...! Especially if it is not much more...! Verify that you installing them does not void the warranty with that shop...Some do...! How i would go about it...Do the alarm-r/s first... Wouldnt it suck to put all the audio/nav equipment in and thats when his truck gets broke into...Then the stereo/nav/dvd/cd/etc...Then the interiors amps speakers,subs...Pay close attention to your amp's setting(gain setting) and read through that here on this site a few times...Theres a upgrade to the factory wiring called "The Big3" that you might want to do...At least pay attention to the ground lead from negative terminal to chassis(as well as the others)...TAKE YOUR TIME...And as a side note some insurance companies offer a discount with an installation of a car alarm(passive/active arming)...



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M.E.C.P & First-Class
Go slow and drink lots of water...Procrastinators' Unite...Tomorrow!




Posted By: t&t tech
Date Posted: January 16, 2010 at 1:32 PM

Competition can be tough when you're just starting out, and you have to build a reputation against competitors that already have theirs built, but, work diligently and skillfully, deal with your customers tactfully and strive to always deliver quality work, and, ALWAYS ensure the customer is satisfed, and before you know it you'll be right up there with the big guns!

At the start you will have to work harder but as your rep builds you'll find the word of mouth about good service just spreads, so customers will just come knowing that the quality being delivered is of standard, and you'll just have to focus on maintaining the rep!

P.S. I really hope i get my own shop one day! LOL!



-------------
JW.ORG.
COMMIT YOUR WAY TO JEHOVAH AND HE WILL ACT IN YOUR BEHALF.
PSALMS 37:5




Posted By: kr tony
Date Posted: January 16, 2010 at 3:13 PM
Man, you guys have been more than helpful! Thank you so much for the comments and tips!

@tommy: Thanks for the links to the audio equipment. Just like you said, I'd like something that's going to sound great, but i don't need anything high end or "top of the line," so I think that Kenwood product will suffice perfectly! I'll definitely consider going through my buddy for product, but my first consideration was to just purchase online so we'll see (I suppose it'll be who can offer the best deal, LOL).

@t&t tech: The one thing that our company is known for right now is superior customer service (not to sound prideful). If I can successfully pass this "test" and get an installation division going for us, I know the same attitude will transfer over, so as you said, I hope it's only a matter of time for positive customer referals.
PS: Keep me posted about that shop, hahaha! :)

-------------
-Tony




Posted By: blade7022
Date Posted: January 18, 2010 at 1:46 PM
Thats awesome, you should be excited. I have been doing installs for the last 9 years. Never worked for pay though, always for friends and family. But lately, been thinking about trying to do some on the side installs. So thats how I got started. Good luck to you!

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2001 Tahoe LT
JBL W15GTix2-JBL BP1200.1 Stinger 15 Farad Capacitor.
Sony MEX-BT5000-Kenwood KNA-G510-Kenwood LZ702W Touchscreen




Posted By: metz35
Date Posted: January 23, 2010 at 8:58 AM
my story is about the same, started working on my own car when i was 15/16, then in 1996 i had a friend who was selling audio equipment at circuit city(when they were booming), got me a job in the bay, been doing it ever since, i even remembering being only 17 and only allowed to do installs and not driving cars because i wasnt 18.lol pay was 8$ hour plus bonus. HAHAHA




Posted By: kr tony
Date Posted: January 23, 2010 at 10:57 PM
LOL, $8/hour back in '96 and only 17 years old?! You were bankin man! :)

Just to keep everyone posted:

Had a minor setback this weekend. One of my boss' family members borrowed his truck for the weekend and I didn't know. :(

Kind of bummed out that I didn't get to start today (was looking really forward to the alarm/remote start install). The good news is that I'll have more time to continue learning. I work with my father in law, so any chance I can break away from my desk I got to hang out in the engineering room with him to work on my soldering skills and electronics knowledge.

In the end I know it'll all work out (just looking forward to showing my boss the final product)!

-------------
-Tony




Posted By: jeepindonny
Date Posted: January 24, 2010 at 7:44 PM
I started around 15 or so tinkering with friend's cars. At age 19 I had a friend that owned a shop. Started working with him doing heads and fours. Worked for another shop for about a year and then got out of it and started doing it out of my home. Had some of my work featured in Minitruckin' mag so started to get a following. Was at the local HiFi buys ( Tweeter ) one day picking up some equipment for an install. They asked who was installing it. I told them I was and they jokingly asked if I wanted a job. I said yeah. They gave me a one day trial. At the end of the day I was hired. Worked there for years, but now back on my own working part-time out of my home and part-time doing automotive upholstery.

I'm excited for you too man! It's so rewarding to see a nice install that sounds good, that the customer loves and you can stand back and say; " I did that. "

Donny

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Life is a series of temporary situations.




Posted By: tommy...
Date Posted: January 24, 2010 at 8:02 PM

kr tony wrote:

Man, you guys have been more than helpful! Thank you so much for the comments and tips!

@tommy: Thanks for the links to the audio equipment. Just like you said, I'd like something that's going to sound great, but i don't need anything high end or "top of the line," so I think that Kenwood product will suffice perfectly! I'll definitely consider going through my buddy for product, but my first consideration was to just purchase online so we'll see (I suppose it'll be who can offer the best deal, LOL).

@t&t tech: The one thing that our company is known for right now is superior customer service (not to sound prideful). If I can successfully pass this "test" and get an installation division going for us, I know the same attitude will transfer over, so as you said, I hope it's only a matter of time for positive customer referals.
PS: Keep me posted about that shop, hahaha! :)

My point was that you will have to send the unit back...pay for shipping...then wait 5-15 business days to get it back...then re-install...Possibly even reconnect factory wires so he at least has a radio to listen to during repair/replacement...(if the radio or amp or etc...was what went bad)...It is just easier to have the warranty done locally...especially if the prices are close...!



-------------
M.E.C.P & First-Class
Go slow and drink lots of water...Procrastinators' Unite...Tomorrow!




Posted By: kr tony
Date Posted: January 25, 2010 at 1:42 PM
@Donny: That's a really cool story man! I'm stoked about the opportunity and hope I can pull through, LOL! :)

@tommy: Point taken, I completely agree (didn't think much about returns and such, good point). I'm supposed to meet with my buddy for lunch tomorrow so I'll def. mention this stuff to him to see what kind of deal he can work for me.

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-Tony




Posted By: jeepindonny
Date Posted: January 25, 2010 at 7:10 PM
"@Donny: That's a really cool story man! I'm stoked about the opportunity and hope I can pull through, LOL! :) "

Thanks man. You will do fine. You know if you ever have a question there is infinite knowledge here. The12volt is one of my valuable tools!

Donny

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Life is a series of temporary situations.




Posted By: kr tony
Date Posted: January 26, 2010 at 2:18 PM
Most definitely man.

I've learned so much here it's just crazy ... and I'm not stoppin any time soon, haha! :)

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-Tony




Posted By: jeepindonny
Date Posted: January 26, 2010 at 6:28 PM
hey where in Texas r u from? I am from irving, just outside of Dallas, but I'm in GA now

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Life is a series of temporary situations.




Posted By: kr tony
Date Posted: January 27, 2010 at 10:43 AM
I'm actually in central Texas about 20 minutes north of Austin (about 2 1/2 hours from Irving). Moved here when I was about 4 so I pretty much consider it my hometown.

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-Tony





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