This week we speak with Shawn about his role in a new position and the changes we all go through to learn and progress both professionally and personally.

This week we have Johanna O'Dell on to discuss work place safety as well as growing up in an entrepreneurial family. She is the CEO of Safety Health and Environmental Consulting as well as an OSHA trainer, ISO Lead Auditor, and a speaker.

This week record live on Facebook and discuss how the last year has been and the lessons we have had to learn.

As we dive into the second half of this two-part series with Dan and Shawn, the guys reflect on a tough week. All agree that in the midst of a challenging week, it's crucial not to lose sight of our foundational principles, processes, and core values. In fact, these are the very things that demand our heightened attention during times of stress. When confronted with adversity, it's time to employ the 'FOCUS' mantra: Follow One Course Until Successful.

Dan touches on his recent submission into the industry's top 50 awards. He uses this yearly competition to reflect on his growth over the past year, which he says is so important to do. Striving for an 80/20 balance in life, the guys all recognize that work and personal life can't be evenly divided, but we can maximize each moment. At work, maintain unwavering focus, and at home, be fully present to make the most of cherished moments. In this pursuit, remember that a perfect 50/50 work-life balance is a myth, but consistency and effective communication are the keys to harmonizing our diverse lives.

What You’ll Learn:

Favorite Quote:

“Put your head down, one foot in front of the other, one step at a time.” -Shawn Montgomery

How to Get Connected:

Instagram

Facebook

Today we’re talking with Shawn and Dan, the dynamic duo at the heart of our team.

Dan, with his wealth of experience spanning several years, is on an unwavering path of progress. He's dedicated to refining our processes and procedures, ensuring we operate seamlessly. With a diverse mix of personalities and perspectives within our team, Dan reminds us to embrace our differences as strengths in our collaborative efforts.

Shawn, the meticulous planner, emphasizes the critical importance of consistency, especially when overseeing multiple shops. For him, effective communication is the glue that holds it all together, uniting our diverse team under a common goal.

Both Shawn and Dan share a commitment to excellence, understanding that shortcuts are never an option, particularly when it comes to serving our valued clients. They know that doing the job right the first time can turn a one-time service into a lifelong partnership.

What You’ll Learn:

Favorite Quote:

“No matter where you’re at there’s always something you can work on and improve on.” -Brandon Green

Jennifer Carrasco learned a lot of things the hard way, which has given her a passion for helping others to not make the same mistakes. At just 24 years old, Jennifer bought the company she was working for. She ran it for a few years before the market crashed and filed for bankruptcy. She built the company back up before she went through a nasty divorce and had to file for bankruptcy again. Refusing to give up, Jennifer built the company back up for a third time. Now, at the age of 42, Jennifer has three successful companies. 

As an EOS business coach, Jennifer helps people to fast-track their business to success through personal growth and building the right team. She starts by looking at 6-12 month goals and then reverse engineers down to what it will take daily. She believes in delegating and elevating. She also firmly believes that every little thing in life happens for a reason, to bring us to where we’re meant to be.

What You’ll Learn:

Favorite Quote:

“If your company isn’t running successfully without you, do you really have a company, or do you have a job?” -Jennifer Carrasco

How To Get Involved:

Website⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠Facebook⁠

Shawn Montgomery is the newest addition to our team! With his passion for people and knack for navigating the digital world, Shawn has quickly become the driving force behind our social media presence.

But here's the catch – Shawn may be a seasoned pro at social media, but he's diving headfirst into the world of car audio without any prior experience. And guess what? He's not coming in with a big ego, thinking he knows it all. Instead, he's all about asking questions, doing his own research, and embracing this new realm with open arms.

Shawn understands that when you bring in someone new, you've got to figure out their unique learning style. Some folks absorb knowledge through reading and research, while others need a hands-on approach. Shawn knows how to meet people where they're comfortable and communicate in a way that suits them best. He's all about over-communicating to ensure he gets everything right.

But Shawn's not just a social media guru – he's a doer. He's already organized some fantastic events, with more exciting ones on the horizon. He believes in authenticity, both online and in person, and he's not afraid to be himself. His first car meet was a smashing success, not because it was a money-making venture, but because it was a genuine gathering of like-minded car enthusiasts.

Shawn's not just about business; he's about giving back. He's helping the team to gear up for an incredible Toys for Tots drive, aiming to make it the biggest donation yet. Community appreciation events are his secret sauce for a remarkable ROI, and he's all about making a meaningful impact.

Life hasn't always been smooth sailing for Shawn; he's battled depression throughout his journey. But he's learned the power of focusing on what he gets to do, even in tough times. He constantly self-evaluates, striving for improvement in his day-to-day life.

So, if you're looking for someone who's not just about the job but about passion, community, and genuine connections, Shawn Montgomery is your man. Join him on this exciting journey as he transforms the car audio world, one social media post at a time.

What You’ll Learn:

Favorite Quote:

“When you bring in someone new, you have to figure out what type of learner that person is.” -Shawn Montgomery

How to Get Connected:

Facebook

Instagram

During the second half of our interview with James Smith, he shares valuable insights on business management and employee engagement. He emphasizes the importance of investing in employees to create a thriving workplace environment. James highlights that showing genuine care and appreciation for employees is crucial for their motivation and success. He stresses the significance of taking a step back from daily tasks to build meaningful relationships with employees and understand their needs, both professionally and personally.

James also mentioned the power of social media as a tool for business growth, emphasizing its ability to provide extensive reach and establish expertise in the industry. He emphasized that building a strong presence on social media can attract customers and enhance the reputation of a business.

Furthermore, James discussed the importance of self-care and having a specific morning routine to maintain a positive mood, as one's mood can impact the entire team and customer interactions. He also expressed gratitude for the support he found in the 12v community, where competitors offered assistance during a difficult time in his personal life, highlighting the strength of the community.

Lastly, James introduced the Full Throttle Foundation, a program he initiated to help others achieve their business goals. He acknowledged the challenges of starting and managing a business and emphasized the need for guidance, structure, and accountability in the entrepreneurial journey. This program aims to provide comprehensive support and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs.

What You’ll Learn:

Favorite Quote:

“Some employees are motivated by money, a lot of employees are motivated by feeling appreciated.” -James Smith

How to Get Connected:

LinkedIn

In the first part of this two-part series, as we have a poignant conversation with guest James Smith, it becomes clear that he has been grappling with a series of profound challenges. Almost three months have passed since the sudden and unexplained passing of his wife. This tragic event left him shattered, rendering him unable to function at work for an extended period. The silver lining, however, is that he had meticulously structured his business, allowing him to step away and prioritize self-care while the business continued to operate smoothly.

The contrast with a previous experience is striking. In 2019, James lost his brother, and despite his grief, he felt compelled to return to work swiftly, ultimately suppressing his mourning process. This time around, he recognized the importance of mourning and healing. Remarkably, after five weeks away, he discovered that his business was capable of functioning independently, a testament to his strategic planning.

James imparts valuable lessons he's learned through his journey. One of these is the significance of knowledge-sharing: passing down your expertise to those below you while actively learning the responsibilities above you. He cautions against letting ego hinder growth, advocating for a collaborative environment where one isn't the sole custodian of knowledge.

Furthermore, he emphasizes the role of core values in establishing a strong foundation for a business. These values guide the selection of employees, customers, and the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). James identifies communication, integrity, growth, and trustworthiness as their core values. He underscores the importance of SOPs as comprehensive guides that equip employees to handle diverse situations effectively.

A particularly poignant insight he shares is the necessity of recognizing when someone no longer aligns with the company's core values. In such cases, he advocates for the difficult yet transformative step of letting them go. James firmly believes that taking this step paves the way for improvement and growth.

In this conversation, James Smith's experiences and insights provide a deeply personal account of navigating profound loss, managing a business, fostering a healthy work environment, and the significance of core values in all these facets of life.

What You’ll Learn:

Favorite Quote:

“To run a real business, that works without you, you have to build that foundation of core values” -James Smith

How to Get Connected:

LinkedIn

Prepare for an enlightening continuation of our two-part series with the remarkable Shawn Montgomery. In this installment, Shawn delves into the intricacies of modern promotion, particularly within the realm of social media. Navigating the digital landscape can be a daunting task, especially for those who aren't part of the younger generation. Shawn emphasizes the importance of enlisting the expertise of someone who not only understands the nuances of social media but genuinely enjoys the process and infuses it with their own brand of excitement.

As algorithms undergo constant transformations, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Shawn highlights the need for a dedicated individual who thrives on keeping up with these changes to maximize online presence. The key, he suggests, lies in adding a personal touch. No more stock photos that bear no relevance to your business – authenticity is the currency of the digital age.

Shawn's insights extend beyond promotion, resonating deeply with his ethos of building credibility and making a meaningful impact. He advocates for a hands-on approach – instead of merely offering assistance, he urges us to get out there and proactively contribute to others' lives, thereby creating genuine value within our communities.

This conversation is just the beginning of an exciting journey with Shawn Montgomery. Keep an eye on The Car Audio Shop STL's social media platforms, as Shawn takes the reins and brings his wisdom to life. For a sneak peek into this thriving automotive world, follow them on Instagram @thecaraudioshopSTL. Get ready to dive into the world of effective promotion, authentic connection, and the inspiring journey of Shawn Montgomery.

What You’ll Learn:

Favorite Quote:

“That’s how those connections are made, through good times.” -Shawn Montgomery

How to Get Connected:

Facebook

Instagram