Business Spotlight: Mobile electronics firm goes far beyond steroes

Remember how cool it was to have an eight-track tape player in your car? If you do, you might be shocked by the variety of mobile electronics you can find at a store like Car-Fi.

Car-Fi, which has been doing business in Springfield since 1986, does a lot more than sell and install car stereos.

You can buy an electronic theft system for your car or purchase a mobile video system that installs into the back of your vehicle's armrest and allows passengers in the back seat to watch movies. Then there are the onboard navigation systems, which pinpoint your exact location and direct you to your destination.

Many things have changed since Car-Fi opened in 1986. The store has had three owners Gary Summers, Randy Thomas and John Selby and the product line has expanded considerably.

According to Rick Snelson, general manager, five other mobile electronics specialty stores have opened during the time Car-Fi has been in business. National retailers that sell mobile electronics, such as Circuit City and Best Buy, also have begun doing business in Springfield.

Despite the competition, Car-Fi has continued to grow. According to Snelson, business has tripled since the store opened; the staff has grown from seven to 17 employees, and sales this year are expected to exceed $3 million.

Car-Fi has continued to improve its quality assurance, which in turn has helped the store's customer base expand, according to Snelson.

Part of that quality assurance comes from carrying name-brand electronic equipment, such as Kenwood, Boston Acoustics, Alpine, Clarion, Crossfire, Kicker, and Viper. However, many of Car-Fi's customers are drawn to the store because of its reputation for doing quality installation work.

"The way some of these products are installed makes all the difference," Snelson said. "Five employees work on our installation crew doing everything from installing car-theft systems to fully integrated sound systems. During our busiest month, they may work on as many as 1,300 vehicles. You have to know what you're doing to handle that kind of volume and do high-quality work."

All of Car-Fi's installation crew members have a minimum of five years experience, according to Snelson. Employee Jay Enge was voted as one of the Top 12 installers in the United States in 1997 by leading mobile electronics manufacturers.

With the price of many cars topping $25,000, customers are taking a harder look at who's installing their mobile electronic systems. So are many car dealers. In fact, many local car dealers subcontract their mobile electronic add-ons and stereo upgrade work to Car-Fi. Car-Fi also provides mobile electronics for six area limousine manufacturers. Boat owners and truck drivers also come to Car-Fi.

According to Snelson, Car-Fi will begin constructing a 3,000 square foot addition this June at its store on South Glenstone. The space will be used to add several installation bays, including one large enough to handle boats and semi-trucks.

Not all of Car-Fi's expansion has been internal, however. Last January, Car-Fi's owner John Selby opened a sister store called Stereo One at 1950-X S. Glenstone. Stereo One, like Car-Fi, specializes in installing stereo systems and other electronic products only these products are installed in homes. In addition, Car-Fi has opened a window tinting store next to Stereo One.

Car-Fi

Year founded: 1986

Owner's name: Stereo One Inc.

Address and phone number: 1600 S. Glenstone, Springfield, Mo. 65804; 882-5511

Web site: www.car-fi.com