Mobile Electronics Industry Hall of Fame Inductees for 2025 – Alpha Order
David Black – Chief Operating Officer, On-Board Engineering & Sales Inc. (2002–Present)
David Black is a seasoned executive with over four decades of leadership in the mobile electronics industry. As a founding member of Alpine Electronics of America’s U.S. team, Dave played a pivotal role in introducing Alpine to North America. He served as a Board Member and Executive Vice President of Aftermarket from 1979 to 1994. In 1994, Clarion Sales Corp., recruited Dave as EVP to lead its Aftermarket group and collaborate with the Product Development Team on innovative technologies, including telematics platforms like the AutoPC. In 1997, he took on the role of President at McIntosh Labs’ Sales Corp., a Clarion subsidiary, where he successfully restructured the company’s operations. Dave returned to Clarion in 1999, serving until 2001.
Recognizing a market gap in marine audio solutions, Dave founded On-Board Engineering & Sales Inc. (OBES) in 2002. Under his leadership, OBES designed and sourced advanced marine audio platforms, including digital radio systems with transport-free streaming, Digital AM/FM tuners, and IP66-rated platforms. These designs became the standard for major OEM boat builders.
Dave resides in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, with his wife of 56 years, Jan. They have three sons and seven grandchildren. A former car racing participant, Dave now enjoys the sport as a fan. He’s currently producing a historical DocuCast on Alpine Electronics’ introduction to the USA, where he was one of the six founding members.
Richard Clark (Autosound 2000) is a leading authority on the Buick Grand National (1984–1987) and GNX, operating his celebrated Grand National Garage in Burlington, North Carolina. His passion began in the late 1980s after a forced street race between his Ferrari Testarossa and a turbocharged 1987 Buick Grand National—an experience that inspired him to pursue and master the Buick V6 turbo platform.
Over the years, Clark has meticulously built the largest private collection of Buick Grand Nationals and GNX vehicles in the world. He is widely recognized for his deep mechanical knowledge, self-taught tuning expertise, and the ability to restore and enhance these cars to street and drag-strip perfection.
Each spring, Richard hosts a much-anticipated gathering at his garage, attracting turbo Buick enthusiasts from far and wide. Events feature dyno tuning sessions, horsepower contests, tech seminars, and informal drag races at nearby Piedmont Dragway. Community members describe his shop as a hub of expertise and passion:
“Friendly and knowledgeable… what an experience!”
“He hardly ever makes money off Turbo Buicks and his love is the preservation of them.”
Richard’s technical prowess extends beyond tuning; in the 1990s he developed a vintage Clark Audio noise gate for competition vehicles—a rare artifact among car-audio collectors.
His reputation is further cemented through recurring appearances in documentaries such as Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary, articles, and interviews showcasing his depth of knowledge and enthusiasm. With a full-time crew, dyno facilities, complete fabrication equipment, and a staggering parts inventory, Richard’s Grand National Garage remains the epicenter for Buick GN preservation and performance.
David Navone (Autosound 2000) is the founder and President of Navone Engineering, Inc., based in Stockton, California. With a career spanning nearly four decades in high-performance automotive audio and engineering, David has earned recognition as a pioneering expert in the field.
He began his entrepreneurial journey in March 1976 when he founded Navone Electronics, Inc., which he led for ten years before evolving the business into Navone Engineering in 1986—an organization he continues to lead 39 years later. Under his direction, the company has become known for inventive audio solutions and specialized engineering services.
David’s influence extends into the broader audio engineering community. He is regularly cited as a “god‑father of car audio” in enthusiast forums, where his technical designs and innovations are celebrated. He has also contributed to the body of knowledge in the field, authoring numerous technical publications and books on topics such as speaker placement, noise filtering, and amplifier optimization—including The Art of Grounding and Determining Optimal Speaker Placement.
In a 2018 episode of the SQOLOGY Car Audio podcast, David discussed his background in automotive audio, his competition experience, and his ongoing projects—revealing a deep passion for sound quality and technical excellence.
David Navone’s legacy is defined by sustained leadership in audio engineering, a relentless drive for innovation, and a significant influence on both industry practices and enthusiast culture.
Autosound 2000 was a technical seminar series and publication co-created by David Navone and Richard Clark in the 1990s, aimed at advancing the understanding of automotive audio design and installation best practices.
They released a hefty collection of technical essays and “tech briefs”—often referred to as the Autosound 2000 Tech Briefs—which totaled hundreds of pages covering topics like grounding, noise troubleshooting, battery sizing, enclosure tuning, and detailed wiring methodologies. One standout topic, “The Art of Grounding,” delved into chassis grounding principles, helping installers understand how to avoid unwanted noise and interference.
These seminars weren’t just classroom lectures. Attendees witnessed live demonstrations such as an exercise-bike-powered car stereo setup, which Navone and Clark used to prove a controversial point: oversized battery systems could burden the alternator and reduce power available to the audio system—challenging the popular multi‑battery trend among mobile audio enthusiasts.
The legacy of Autosound 2000 lives on through:
- Technical Influence: Their noise-troubleshooting flowcharts and grounding guides are still recommended today, showing up frequently in online forums.
- Community Mentions: Enthusiasts recall the seminars as eye-opening. One described Richard Clark as “Super genius… mystifying us mortals with ideas and installs that seemed like they were from 50 years in the future”.
- Lasting Relevance: Even into the 2020s, users on DIYAudio still regard Autosound 2000 as essential—“a good start to understanding mobile audio” from papers written in the ’90s.
In short, Autosound 2000 was a deep-dive educational initiative from two pioneering minds in car audio—Navone and Clark—which remains a touchstone for high-level installation techniques, electrical system design, and noise mitigation in the mobile audio community.
Rich Coe’s career reflects a deep passion and expertise in the car audio industry. Before joining Alpine, he was a member of Paul Stary’s Audiomobile team. In the early 1970s, he also showcased his talents as the lead singer and lead guitarist for the Rock Band “Truth,” performing along the West Coast of the USA.
In 1980, Rich made a significant move to Alpine Electronics of America Inc. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming AVP Technology and leading the company’s Product Development & Engineering efforts for over a decade. During this time, Rich’s impact extended beyond domestic operations; he established the Global Alpine Technology & Education (GATE) project. The GATE project focused on harmonizing product development and advancing custom installation techniques globally, working to upgrade Alpine’s international affiliates and mobile electronics installation standards. Rich and his GATE team are also credited with developing and publishing the Car Audio Nationals Judging standards and executing the contest consumer systems across the US.
Notably, Rich is recognized for his groundbreaking work in car audio, including designing, engineering, and installing the first commercial car audio subwoofer system using a pair of 15” subwoofers four 8” X 13” mid bass drivers two pair of mid tweeters which changed the car audio industry forever. This innovative subwoofer system was tested in a 1967 VW Bug. The industry nick-name it the 1KWVW . It was powerful enough to be heard nearly a mile away, a truly remarkable achievement for its time. And what many feel was the beginning of a new generation of extraordinary mobile audio products and custom installations.
Lucio Proni
Founder and CEO (retired), JL Audio
Lucio Proni is the founder and visionary behind JL Audio, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Throughout his career, Proni pushed the boundaries of product design and manufacturing, leading JL Audio from startup to globally respected audio brand.
Born in Italy and raised in the United States, Proni’s fascination with acoustics and electronics began at a young age under the guidance of his father, who was also a talented engineer. In 1975, while on break from his university studies, he co-founded JL Audio with James Birch—turning a shared interest in home speaker design into a fun summer business. Pretty soon, their little project became more serious, and the partners started Speaker Warehouse, an audio retailer in Hollywood, Florida, where the they sold their own JL Audio home speakers and other audio products.
While operating Speaker Warehouse, Lucio pioneered many groundbreaking car audio installation techniques and found creative ways of installing subwoofers into cars. When IASCA competitions arrived, Lucio went after it in a big way, leading his Speaker Warehouse team to multiple IASCA Finals championships in the early 1990’s, using JL Audio subwoofers of his own design, and dazzling the car audio world with his innovative installations. This spark ignited JL Audio’s rocket ride to prominence in the car audio industry.
Under Proni’s technical leadership over the following decades, with his wife Maria and a team that shared his vision, JL Audio grew steadily, earning a reputation for engineering excellence, creativity and dealer support. The company expanded into electronics, marine and powersports products, and once again entered the home audio business. Lucio’s hands-on approach, retailer-centered thinking and commitment to U.S.-based engineering and manufacturing set JL Audio apart in each marketplace.
Throughout his career, Proni remained dedicated to sound quality, technical precision, and continual innovation. With Lucio now retired, his commitments to product innovation and excellence will continue under JL Audio’s ownership by Garmin, with the continued efforts of many of the people who helped him build a great American success story.
Laura Puente was a dedicated industry leader and compassionate entrepreneur who served as President of Premiere Services, a California-based mobile electronics and vehicle safety installation company. As one of the key figures in building the organization alongside her brother, Mark Puente, Laura played an instrumental role in growing the company from its roots into a trusted provider of comprehensive vehicle outfitting services, including insurance claims and later safety system installations.
Laura began her career at Premiere in an early stage of the company, helping to lay the groundwork for its emphasis on ethical practices, quality workmanship, and customer care. She championed initiatives such as “Operation Safe Road,” a groundbreaking campaign that introduced rear‑view cameras, parking sensors, event recorders, and collision‑avoidance systems—demonstrating her commitment to improving vehicle safety and protecting families on the road.
Described in a remembrance by her brother as “kind and generous, loving and honest, and always ethical and considerate,” Laura’s leadership style blended business acumen with genuine empathy. She fostered strong team dynamics and inspired a culture of urgency and integrity throughout the organization, working closely with technicians, insurance carriers, and community partners.
Beyond business, Laura was driven by a deep sense of social responsibility. Under her direction, Premiere collaborated with philanthropic groups like Wounded Warrior, Kids and Cars, and Hire Patriots, donating a portion of proceeds to support safety awareness and community initiatives.
Laura Puente passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership that combined innovation, compassion, and ethical entrepreneurship. Her vision continues to guide Premiere Services, ensuring that each vehicle and each customer is treated with care reflective of her values.
George “Doc Thunder” Reed is a revered figure in the mobile electronics industry, best known as the founder of Marketing Pro’s Inc., a leading manufacturer’s rep firm based in Conroe, Texas. With over 40 years of hands-on experience, George earned the nickname “Doc Thunder” for his groundbreaking role in creating and promoting “sound-off” car audio competitions in the early 1980s.
Under George’s leadership, Marketing Pro’s became one of the most respected representation firms in the aftermarket mobile electronics sector. The company has amassed more than 50 “Rep of the Year” awards, including multiple clean sweeps, and was recognized as Firm of the Year by Mobile Electronics Magazine from 2014 to 2018. Brands and vendors regularly praised George’s professionalism, organization, and dedication to exceeding sales targets.
In addition to his industry influence, George was noted for mentoring emerging reps and growing Marketing Pro’s into a powerhouse with over 200 combined years of field experience across its staff. He officially retired in January 2021, leaving behind a legacy of old-school values—emphasizing integrity, personal relationships, and exceptional service—that continue to guide the company.
Mark Rutledge was a groundbreaking automotive‑electronics engineer and innovator, best known for developing the Maestro interface at Automotive Data Systems (ADS). Beginning his career in tech support at Directed, he returned to school to earn an electrical engineering degree while raising a family—a reflection of his dedication and intellect.
At ADS, Mark envisioned and spearheaded the Maestro project, creating a pioneering tool that seamlessly integrates aftermarket radios into modern vehicle systems. His work revolutionized installation practices and is now employed in over 750,000 vehicles. He also secured multiple patents related to graphical interfaces and routing technologies for automotive systems.
Colleagues remember Mark not just for his technical genius but for his personal qualities—humility, integrity, and mentorship. Frank Barassi, President of ADS, described him as a visionary engineering leader who demanded excellence from himself and others. Jason Ewing, a team member, said, “Mark never made me feel like I worked for him, but more with him,” while Ken Ward noted that Mark possessed “a deep understanding of head-unit replacement and OEM audio integration”. Peers emphasized that his combination of engineering acumen and personal warmth made him a rare and irreplaceable leader.
Tragically, Mark passed away in August 2021 at the age of 51. His death shook the industry, with many remembering his “infectious passion” and character as “straight‑up, honest, no BS”. He is survived by his wife, Amy, and four children, and leaves behind a legacy marked by enduring technical contributions and profound human impact.
John J. Shalam is a pioneering entrepreneur whose transformative journey began with importing thousands of car radios in 1965—marking the birth of Audiovox. A 1954 graduate of Wharton, he departed from a promising career at Continental Grain to launch his own import business. That pivotal radio order sparked an industry-defining moment, reshaping his company’s trajectory and laying the foundation for what became a major force in consumer and automotive electronics.
Under Shalam’s leadership, Audiovox went public in 1987 (ticker: VOXX) and steadily expanded beyond car audio into cell phones, consumer electronics, mobile video, and vehicle security products. His strategic acquisition-driven approach in the 2000s—bolstered by a corporate relocation to Florida—helped Voxx evolve into a diversified global player with brands such as Acoustic Research, Jensen, Klipsch, and Code Alarm. He also oversaw the purchase of Onkyo and Directed Electronics in 2020.
Recognized as Chairman of Voxx International and instrumental in bringing Klipsch into the fold, Shalam’s leadership spanned decades and included board service at the CEA Foundation. Voxx’s sale to Gentex for nearly $200 million in early 2025 capped a legacy of sustained value creation.
Beginning with a single pallet of car radios, John J. Shalam built a billion-dollar enterprise—guiding its growth from audio imports into cellular, consumer, and vehicle electronics, and extending its brand footprint through acquisitions and strategic partnerships. His legacy combines entrepreneurial courage.
Rick Snelson (1955–2021) was a trailblazing entrepreneur and industry leader in the mobile electronics sector, renowned for founding and leading Car-Fi, a premier car audio and electronics retailer based in Springfield, Missouri.
Born on December 28, 1955, in Jefferson City, Missouri, Snelson developed a passion for audio technology early in his career, accumulating over 50 years of experience in the field.
In 1986, he launched Car-Fi, initially as a modest operation with hand-built displays and a two-car installation bay, which grew into multiple locations, including stores in Springfield and Nixa.
Under his presidency, the company became a staple in the Midwest, specializing in car stereos, mobile electronics, and custom installations, while building strong partnerships with brands like KENWOOD for more than four decades.
Snelson’s innovative spirit and business acumen earned him recognition as a “legend” in the industry.
He founded “Springfield’s Best,” a local business group dedicated to promoting excellence in the community, and was actively involved in charitable initiatives, such as the “Take a Coat, Leave a Coat” program, which provided winter coats to those in need in collaboration with his wife, Reba Brew.
His leadership extended to roles like owner of the CMT Group, further solidifying his influence in audio and electronics retail.
After a distinguished career, Snelson retired in 2021, selling Car-Fi following a battle with cancer
He passed away on December 31, 2021, at the age of 66, leaving a lasting legacy in the mobile electronics community and his hometown