In the fast-paced world of consumer electronics, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest technology and forget the human connections that truly drive success. My journey through this industry has taught me that building meaningful relationships is paramount. Relationships with customers, colleagues, representatives, and mentors are just as important as championing the products themselves. Trust, integrity, and genuine care from others shaped my career and enriched my life far beyond any technical or sales achievement. In this blog, I’ll share stories of the noteworthy people who have influenced me, the lessons I’ve learned from them, and how these relationships have become the foundation of my professional and personal growth
The People of Consumer Electronics
One of the most rewarding features of my journey has been the relationships I’ve built along the way. In an industry driven by rapid change, it’s simple to focus on the tech and disregard the social element. The truth is that trust and integrity are the foundation of lasting success both personal and professional. I’ve learned from these individuals that listening to customers, understanding their unique needs, and delivering honest advice creates loyalty that outlasts any product cycle. These connections I have built not only helped me grow professionally but have also enriched my personal life.
Martin Samo, a Mentor and Friend
Martin stands out as a mentor for how to do business and be a wonderful person too. Martin showed me the heart behind business. At Classic Sounds, he trusted my ideas and gave me space to grow while building a shop environment that felt like family. Those lessons shaped how I approach customer service and leadership even today. When I reflect on the people who have truly shaped my career and viewpoint, Martin Samo stands out as both a mentor and a friend.
From the very beginning at Classic Sounds, Martin recognized that I was more than just a salesman as I was passionate about the industry, the products, and most importantly, about advocating for customers. He shared those values, and it’s one of the reasons we became such good friends and coworkers. Martin’s mentorship went far beyond day-to-day business advice. One of the most memorable lessons he shared was about growth and ownership. He suggested that sometimes expanding a business isn’t optimal if “you’re renting” the location. Instead, he pointed to the McDonald’s model of owning the land and building so that even if the shop didn’t succeed, you’d still own valuable assets. That perspective on building lasting wealth and stability has stuck with me ever since.
His leadership style created a culture at Classic Sounds that was both fun and welcoming. Martin worked hard to adapt to east county culture, and I’ve rarely met anyone who has assimilated so well while staying true to their family roots. Over the years at Classic Sounds, I even became friends with his brothers, wife, son, and parents, which made my time at the shop feel even more like home.
As Martin’s business acumen evolved, I saw him transition from running Classic Sounds to helping his father with Elite Security. The recurring revenue model of paging reselling and car alarms from Classic Sounds naturally progressed into managing and owning the home and office security system provider, Elite Security & Surveillance (SD Elite). Today, Martin owns SD Elite and several buildings in El Cajon, continuing to make a positive impact on the community.
Martin’s approach to problem-solving and customer service was always memorable. He had a saying — “That’s dirt” — which always made me giggle every time I heard it. He’d leave off the word “cheap,” but everyone knew he meant it was a bargain, not something off the ground. It was just one of those quirks that made working with him enjoyable. Helping him with computer work on my days off was rewarding, but also a chance to support someone who had given me so much trust and friendship over the years. Martin’s mentorship, generosity, and example have shaped how I approach business, leadership, and life. I’m grateful for the lessons, the laughs, and the lasting friendship we’ve built. I truly appreciate everything Martin has done for me, especially rehiring me part time when I went back to college to get my degree.
Greg Gamble: A Mentor, Manager, and Friend
Greg Gamble is someone who made the consumer electronics industry feel less like work and more like a community. Greg always felt like a friend, not just a leader. In fact, he was the first person to ever sell me a car stereo, back when he worked at Mad Jack’s before those locations became a MobileWorks. He remembered me as a customer and later hired me at MobilWorks after I left Dow, which made the transition feel natural and welcoming.
Greg’s relaxed approach to the business was refreshing. He understood that the consumer electronics industry was meant to be fun, not overly serious, and he made sure to bring that spirit into the workplace. As my manager, Greg encouraged me to take on new challenges, recommending me for the assistant manager role when I moved to the La Mesa MobilWorks location. He also introduced me to sushi, which is a passion I’ve held since turning 21 and one example of how he helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Greg’s perspective on career growth was all about staying connected and supporting each other. Even after leaving MobilWorks, I found him at Progressive Audio near the Sports Arena, and our friendship continued. Greg was always there when I needed parts for my shop or office, helping me serve customers who were waiting. His dedication to the industry and willingness to help others made a lasting impression on me. I’m grateful for the time I spent working with Greg and for the lessons he taught me about enjoying the journey, supporting your colleagues, and building lasting relationships. I wonder where he is now, as we’ve lost touch, but his influence on my career and outlook remains strong.
Allen Johnston: Sharing Knowledge and Building Excellence
Allen Johnston is one of those rare professionals whose impact goes far beyond technical skill. When we worked together at MobilWorks, Allen stood out for his mastery of mobile electronics and his willingness to teach others the craft. He never kept secrets to himself, whether it was a new installation technique or troubleshooting a tricky issue, Allen shared his knowledge freely with both customers and employees. His philosophy was simple: making everyone better at what they do only makes him better too.
Some of my favorite memories with Allen come from our time at the La Mesa MobilWorks location. We were the go-to team for customers passionate about car audio competitions. If someone wanted an award-winning system, they came to us to buy it and get it installed. With Allen as store manager and two exceptional installers alongside me, we formed a dream team that set the standard for excellence in the industry.
Allen also shaped my perspective on what it means to be a great salesperson. He taught me that success isn’t about pushing products on customers, it’s about having real conversations, understanding what the customer truly needs, and then making sure they get what they want. That approach has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to influence how I work with clients today.
Working with Joel Hinson
Throughout my journey in consumer electronics, I’ve been fortunate to cross paths with some genuinely notable people. One who stands out is Joel Hinson, who was a top mobile electronics installer and Jeep Wrangler enthusiast. We first met at Dow Stereo & Video, where his reputation for quality installations was well known. Joel’s attention to efficiency at and enthusiasm for his craft made him one of the best in the business.
Later, when I moved on to MobilWorks, I was delighted when Joel joined our installation team at Sports Arena as well. He brought the same energy and knowledge, and his love for Jeeps was as strong as ever. Joel’s ability to tackle complex installs and his disposition to help others made him valuable part of the team.
Our paths crossed again after I started working at Satellite Security Systems. I reached out to Joel to help with the installation of our GlobalGuard products. He played a key role in designing and deploying our Bait Car program with the San Diego Police Department. Together, we even figured out how to fit a satellite tracking unit inside an ATM, a project that still makes me smile when I think about it.
A few years later, while I was teaching Computer Applications courses at New Horizons, I found myself needing some extra income. I reconnected with Joel, who had opportunities for me to install car alarms on weekends. Thanks to him, I was able to pick up one or two installs on a Saturday, earning a little extra cash and keeping my hands in the industry.
Joel eventually opened his own mobile electronics shop again, this time called Cutting Edge. Our friendship continued, and he helped me out with window tinting for my vehicles and my father’s as well. Some of my favorite memories are the great BBQs we had at his shop, sharing stories and good food with friends.
Joel has since moved to Colorado, and although we haven’t had a chance to reconnect in person, I’m grateful for the years we worked together and the friendship we built along the way.
Bobby (Robert) Gray
Bobby is a friend and a highly skilled professional who leads with both his mind and his hands. We first met while working together at Classic Sounds. Bobby was the installation tech supporting neighboring car dealerships with installing radios in used vehicles, while I worked within the store. Our friendship began with a funny coincidence: one day, we both brought in the same Auto Trader Magazine and pointed out the exact same car we were interested in buying. Bobby ended up with that white Honda Accord 2-door, from the ad, and I later opted for an old BMW 525 4-door.
What truly stands out about Bobby is his constant drive for self-improvement. Even back at Classic Sounds, he was always looking for ways to grow, both personally and professionally because he knew things could always get better. Bobby later started a company installing power gate openers, working in parallel with his father’s fencing business. It was a perfect match with Bobby’s wiring expertise and his father’s fence-building skills complemented each other. When brainstorming a name for the company, I jokingly suggested “The Gate Keeper,” after seeing Ghostbusters the previous weekend, which Bobby liked and adapted to TGK Enterprises.
Bobby’s approach to problem-solving and teamwork left a lasting impression on me. He never gave up, believing that giving 100% effort, 100% of the time, was the only way to succeed in both his personal and professional life. He was always willing to help when needed and kept an open mind, even when faced with opposing views. Bobby’s determination and collaborative spirit continue to inspire me today.
Honorable Mentions
While my journey in consumer electronics has been shaped by a handful of remarkable mentors, close colleagues and friends, there are many others whose support, expertise, and leadership have left a lasting impression on me along with the industry. This section is dedicated to those honorable mentions, those individuals who may not have appeared in the main sections above, but whose contributions have helped me grow, learn, and succeed along the way. Whether through a shared strategy, helpful pieces of advice, or simply by making the workplace a more driven environment, these people need to be mentioned for the impact they’ve had on my career and life.
Rob (Robert) Linton: Rob Linton | LinkedIn
I first met Rob Linton during my time at Dow, where we worked at different locations but were in sales training together. Our paths crossed again when I moved to MobilWorks, with his backing during the hiring process, where he served as the assistant manager at the Sports Arena location. Rob quickly became more than just a colleague, he was a friend and, for a period in my early twenties, a roommate. What set Rob apart was his ability to balance professionalism with genuine camaraderie. He had a knack for making the workplace feel welcoming, and his leadership style encouraged everyone to bring their best to the table.
Rob’s attention to detail and commitment to customer service made a lasting impression on me. Whether we were troubleshooting a challenging customer issue or brainstorming ways to improve store operations, Rob approached every task with a positive attitude and a willingness to collaborate. Rooming together outside of work gave me a deeper appreciation for his character as he was supportive, reliable, and always up for a good laugh. Rob’s friendship and mentorship helped me navigate the ups and downs of the industry, and I’m grateful for the time we spent working and living side by side.
Dave Sprosty: David Sprosty | LinkedIn
Dave Sprosty was a corporate officer at MobilWorks during my tenure there, leading the company’s sales team with vision and drive. Dave had a unique ability to recognize and celebrate individual achievements, making everyone on the team feel valued. His leadership style was both motivating and inclusive as he clearly understood that success was built on the strengths of each person, and he made it a point to acknowledge those contributions.
Working with Dave taught me the importance of understanding the business from multiple perspectives. He encouraged me to think strategically, not just about sales numbers but about building lasting relationships. Dave’s guidance helped me develop a more holistic view of the mobile electronics industry, and his encouragement pushed me to pursue new challenges and opportunities. His recognition of my efforts and those of others fostered a culture of excellence at MobilWorks, and I continue to draw inspiration from his approach to leadership and teamwork.
John Phillips: John Phillips | LinkedIn
John Phillips played a pivotal role in my career by hiring me right after I graduated from college with my bachelor’s degree. He saw potential in my background in consumer electronics and recognized the value of the industry contacts I built the 10 years prior. John’s trust in my abilities gave me the confidence to take on new responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to the organization.
John’s leadership was marked by his willingness to empower others, letting someone find their path and redirecting them when they faulted. He understood the importance of leveraging connections and building partnerships, especially in a field as dynamic as security and electronics. John’s support extended beyond the workplace as he appreciated the unique perspectives that each team member brought to the table, including my stepfather’s experience as a police officer. John’s belief in my capabilities and his commitment to promoting growth made a significant impact on my professional journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunities he provided.
Reflections
Reflecting on my experiences in consumer electronics, I realize that the most valuable assets aren’t the gadgets or the sales figures. True assets are the people we surround ourselves with and relationships we built along the way. From mentors who offered wisdom and friendship, to colleagues who inspired excellence and camaraderie, each connection has left a lasting mark on my journey. These stories remind me that success in any industry is rooted in trust, generosity, and a willingness to support one another. As technology continues to evolve, I remain grateful for the people who have shaped my path and look forward to building new relationships that matter.