From Stereo Systems to Smart Devices
When I graduated high school, I didn’t imagine my first job would spark a lifelong passion. Yet it did, by stepping into Dow Stereo & Video on El Cajon Blvd that first time in late 1990 as a newly assigned salesman, changed everything. I’ve always loved music, as it speaks to my soul, and the idea of assembling audio systems that fit someone’s needs and senses fascinated me. The design and performance of quality electronics intrigued me and began to love proving that affordable items could outperform the expensive ones.
Finding My Path
There wasn’t a single lightning-bolt moment when I decided to build a career in consumer electronics. It was more like a slow burn fueled by my passion for sound. I had spent years reading mobile electronics magazines and immersing myself in music, so when I saw a small “Help Wanted” ad in the San Diego Union-Tribune one fall morning, I jumped at the chance to apply. That call led to my first interview at Dow Stereo & Video’s offices in Miramar, ironically on Dowdy Street, and the start of a journey that would shape my life.
What hooked me wasn’t just the paycheck. It was the thrill of being surrounded by world-class audio equipment I couldn’t afford but could experience every day. I loved sharing that excitement with customers and helping them create systems that fit their lifestyle.
Early Days at Dow Stereo & Video
I started as a salesman, just shortly after turning 18, learning the art of customer service and the science behind sound. That store is now a drugstore, and Dow was eventually sold to Tweeter, which later closed its doors forever. It’s just a memory for most, but for me, it was the beginning of something deeper and profound. I became the #2 cellular sales rep in that first year and discovered that work didn’t have to feel hard when I am passionate about what I am doing.
Favorite product line at Dow: Boston Acoustics
Climbing the Ladder
After Dow, I joined MobilWorks, starting at the tiny Sports Arena location right next door to a Rubio’s Baja Mexican Restaurant on the corner of Midway and Rosecrans. That intersection was actually the busiest in San Diego at the time. Over the next few years, I worked my way up to assistant store manager in La Mesa and then off to the Kearny Mesa location. Twice, I ranked third in sales across the company, while getting some really cool prizes for that. Earning trips to Lake Tahoe to sky for the first win and then a Las Vegas adventure to visit the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) for the second win. Those experiences taught me the value of persistence and the thrill of making customers happy.
Favorite product line at MobilWorks: Hifornics
The Activator
During my time at MobilWorks La Mesa, I earned the nickname “the activator.” Month after month, I was either the top or second-highest in cellular phone activations, and the name just stuck. Back then, programming cell phones was a skill that set you apart as there were no SIM cards to do it for you, and I knew the codes and steps by heart for nearly at phones we sold. I could program phones without even looking at a instructions, which made me a go-to resource for both customers and coworkers.
One story that stands out is when the AirTouch representative would visit our store. She actually knew my name before we ever met in person, simply because my activation numbers were so consistently high. It was a small thing, but it showed how dedication and expertise could make a real impact on the reputation of the store as well and myself.
Being “the activator” was more than just a nickname; it was a point of pride and a reminder of how mastering your craft can open doors and create lasting connections.
Favorite mobile device products at MobilWorks: Motorola Cellular Phones
Next Phase
Later, I helped build Classic Sounds in El Cajon with a close friend. Transforming it into East County’s go-to shop for mobile electronics and pagers. I even tried my hand at entrepreneurship with Dialcomm, where that venture didn’t succeed but taught me invaluable lessons about partnerships and risk.
Favorite product line at Classic Sounds: Kenwood Mobile Electronics
Expanding Horizons
While earning my degree, I worked as a manufacturer’s rep for Proscan Televisions, a high-definition brand under the RCA umbrella. That role gave me insight into the corporate and international business side of electronics. I experienced aspects around financing, margins, and why loss leaders aren’t always best for customers or companies.
Proscan does not build TVs like those any further, I suggest these: TCL Toku TVs
Post Degree
I eventually returned to Classic Sounds before starting my post-college career at Satellite Security Systems (S3NA). S3NA sold and monitored satellite tracking systems for vehicles, mostly fleet systems. I innovated while there, working to create integrations with the GPS tracking systems and common car alarms. One special innovation was a collaboration with the San Diego Police Department where we created eight “Bait Cars” to help catch car these around the city.
A partner of ours at S3NA in the industry: Black Widow car alarm and DLC Electronics
Risks and Rewards
The biggest risk? Starting Dialcomm with a partner I knew I shouldn’t trust. It was a hard lesson in choosing business partners wisely. That failure taught me resilience and reinforced the importance of integrity over quick wins.
Culture Across Companies
Each stop had its own vibe:
- Dow Stereo & Video: A chain focused on profits and volume.
- MobilWorks: A scrappy, ambitious group aiming to carve out a niche with top talent.
- Classic Sounds: A family-run shop where customers felt like part of the family.
Favorite Gear
I loved selling Cerwin Vega subwoofers, Stinger mobile electronics and accessories, Kenwood In-dash Car Stereos, JL Audio products, Precision Power amplifiers, and Mitsubishi Diamondtel cellular phones. They weren’t the most expensive products on the market, but they delivered unbeatable performances and quality along with matching what I believed in.
Lessons That Last
Dow Stereo & Video
One piece of advice from Dow’s sales director stuck with me:
“Don’t bring work home, or home to work. If your dog died yesterday, don’t make the customer suffer because of it. If you had a bad day at work, don’t make your family suffer because of it.”
That wisdom taught me emotional some discipline. It is a skill that serves me wherever I am and I work to teach others the same.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Innovation
Every step in my career has come with its own set of challenges. Whether it was adapting to new sales models, learning about emerging technologies, or managing the transition from analog to digital, I’ve learned that flexibility is key. The most successful professionals in this field aren’t just experts in the latest gadgets, they’re lifelong learners, always ready to embrace the next wave of innovation. For me, this meant staying curious, attending trade shows like CES, and never shying away from asking questions or seeking mentorship.
Favorite products at CES: Samsung product lines
The Power of Adaptability
If there’s one lesson, I’d share with anyone entering the consumer electronics field, it’s the importance of adaptability. The brands, products, and even business models will change while your ability to learn, pivot, and stay positive will set you apart. Embrace new technologies, but don’t lose sight of the fundamentals: great service, ethical business practices, and a genuine passion for helping others.
A brand that won me over through the years: Panasonic (a Matsushita line)
Looking to the Future
As I look ahead, I’m excited by the possibilities. Artificial Intelligence (AI), augmented reality, and sustainable tech are reshaping the consumer electronics and computer landscape. I believe that this next generation of professionals will have opportunities we can only imagine of in years past. My advice? Stay curious, build your network, use AI whenever possible, and ultimately remember that your reputation is your most valuable asset. The consumer electronics industry will continue to evolve, but the need for passionate, adaptable, and service-oriented leaders will never go out of style.
Witnessing the Tech Revolution
When I started, cellular phones were bulky devices that barely fit in a suitcase. Today, smartphones are so advanced that people forget they can even make calls. Watching the evolution from analog stereos to connected ecosystems has been an incredible journey. The innovation that excites me most? The transformation of mobile phones into smartphones, redefining how we live and work.
Conclusion
What Keeps Me Passionate
Music still drives me but so does helping people get what they need without overspending. The name on the box matters less than the name you build for yourself by serving customers well.
Advice for Newcomers
If you’re starting out in this industry, remember integrity and service will take you further than any brand name. Stay curious, stay adaptable, and never stop learning.
Reflections on Industry Change
Looking back, the pace of change in consumer electronics has been nothing short of remarkable. When I first started, back in 1990, the idea of a “connected home” was literal science fiction. Today, smart devices seamlessly integrate with our daily routines, from voice-activated assistants to intelligent lighting and security systems. This shift hasn’t just changed what we sell, it’s transformed how we interact with technology and each other. I’ve witnessed firsthand how customers’ expectations have evolved, demanding not just products, but solutions that fit their lifestyles and anticipate their needs.
I actually dreamt of having my own HAL9000 and since 2015, I have lived with Google, Nest, and Gemini, the modern HAL.
Looking Ahead
The next 5-to-10 years will bring more consolidation among the smaller brand names in tech, as these manufacturers continue merging under the conglomerates’ umbrellas. But one thing that won’t change is that technology will keep evolving, perhaps faster than it needs to, and so will the opportunities for those passionate about it.