MAIN EDUCATION TRACKS

8:00am - 9:15am / SATURDAY, MARCH 22nd

Blueprint for Success: Proven Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Customers and Employees  

Instructors: David Wall and Erin Costello

Course Description:

Join David Wall and Erin Costello of Freeman's Car Stereo as they share their proven practical strategies for attracting and keeping their most valuable assets: customers and employees. This step-by-step blueprint covers everything from making a strong first impression through branding and marketing, to building lasting loyalty, and strong company culture. 

This isn’t just theory. You will leave with practical, actionable, and proven ideas you can immediately implement to deliver an excellent customer and employee experience. 

About Freeman's Car Stereo:

Freeman's has won several recent Mobile Electronics industry awards including: Retailer of the Year and Best Customer Retention Program in 2023, Best Company Culture in 2024, and Best Online Presence Award in both 2023 and 2024. Freeman's Car Stereo opened in 1979 and operates 7 stores in the Charlotte, North Carolina market.

9:30am - 10:45am / SATURDAY, MARCH 22nd

Luxury Marketing

Instructor: Larry Penn

Course Description:

Learn about creating demand in the exotic sports and luxury automotive market segment. From client acquisition to the retention of these clients, something far different than traditional marketing strategies is necessary. Mark will present important elements required in building a fruitful relationship within this sector of the automotive world. These business development ideas and tips can launch your specialty business into a new stratosphere of high net-worth clientele and exceptional profitability.

What You Will Learn: 

• Strategies for Accessing the High-End Market: Learn proven techniques to enter and thrive in the exclusive world of exotic sports and luxury automotive sales.
• Client Acquisition and Retention: Discover effective methods for attracting high-net-worth clients and retaining their loyalty over the long term.
• Building Strong Client Relationships: Gain insights into building solid, trust-based relationships with your clients, ensuring repeat business and referrals.
  

11:00am - 12:15pm / SATURDAY, MARCH 22nd

Transform Your Store on a Budget

Instructor: Mike Cofield

Course Description:

Explore Real-Life Success with Custom Sounds & Tint in this seminar, you'll delve into the inspiring transformation strategies employed by Custom Sounds & Tint, a leading name in the car audio and tint industry under the leadership of CEO Mike Cofield. Learn how this thriving business maximized growth and efficiency by implementing smart, cost-effective methods that can be applied to businesses of all sizes.

What You Will Learn: 

Stunning Store Makeovers on a Budget:

• See compelling before-and-after images of actual store transformations, including insights into the specific changes that had the most impact.
• Analyze examples inspired by Custom Sounds' clean and modern storefronts that drive customer engagement.

Detailed Materials and Cost Breakdown:

• Gain access to a comprehensive list of materials and equipment that deliver the most value for your investment.
• Discover ways to repurpose or upgrade existing assets without overspending.
• Understand the cost-effectiveness of targeted renovations, such as lighting, display shelving, and layout optimizations.

Insider Tips from Industry Experts:

• Learn proven strategies straight from the playbook of Mike Cofield, whose leadership turned Custom Sounds into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
• Get advice on creating a store ambiance that enhances the customer experience while aligning with your brand identity.
• Discover how Custom Sounds' focus on accessorizing their business with high-margin items can be mirrored in your store layout and offerings.

Employee Training and Engagement:

• Uncover the role of staff in transforming a store, including strategies for empowering employees to take pride in a fresh, customer-focused environment.
• Learn how Custom Sounds uses continuous training programs like "Racetrack Selling" to enhance staff effectiveness and elevate overall sales.

Sustainability and Long-Term Vision:

• Understand how to align store improvements with long-term growth strategies, ensuring consistent branding and operational efficiency.
• Hear insights into how Custom Sounds planned their expansions, balancing frugality with impactful design choices.

This seminar is ideal for small business owners, retail managers, and entrepreneurs looking to achieve a polished, professional storefront on a limited budget. You’ll walk away with actionable insights, ready-to-use resources, and the inspiration to make transformative changes in your store that drive success.

Whether you’re operating a car audio shop or any other retail business, this seminar provides practical solutions and proven methods for maximizing your store’s potential. Join us and start your journey toward creating an irresistible retail environment today!

4:30pm - 5:45am / FRIDAY, MARCH 21st

8:30am - 9:45am / SUNDAY, MARCH 23rd

Is Your Install Department REALLY Profitable?

Instructor: Mark Miller - Westminster Speed & Sound

Course Description:

Today, most shops install over 90% of the equipment they sell, making the installation department crucial to overall profitability. In this course, we’ll differentiate between profit dollars and profit percentages. Would you rather earn $250 per hour in profit or $90 per hour? We’ll also discuss how much profit per technician you need to break even and why labor-only jobs can result in a net loss—along with some exceptions to this rule.

What You Will Learn:

• Hourly Billing Isn’t the Full Picture: Charging $120+ per hour doesn't necessarily equate to profitability.
• Profit Dollars vs. Profit Percentage: Understand the difference between making profit dollars (actual cash) and profit margins (percentage of sale).
• Product Profit Comparison: Learn how different types of installations (e.g., components vs. truck bed covers) yield different profit per hour.
• Break-Even Profit per Technician: Discover the total profit needed per technician to cover costs and avoid losses.
• Labor-Only Jobs Can Be a Loss: Understand why labor-only jobs may not be profitable and explore exceptions to this rule.