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Audio House Napa helped community to raise money for the kids
Jag Rattu the Owner of Audio House Napa won Customer Service Person of the Year
Rattu earns recognition, cover spot on magazine
Jag Rattu of Napa business Audio House was featured on the cover and inside the December 2016 issue of Mobile Electronics Magazine — the “Vogue” magazine of the electronics industry, said a news release.
Rattu has owned Audio House for over a decade and said he was “honored and humbled” by national coverage of his local Napa business.
“When we started in 2006, it was just me and two other installers,” said Rattu.
“They worked their butts off,” Rattu said. “The store was open six days a week. I worked every day.”
Today, 30 percent of the shop’s business is window tinting with the other 70 percent spread amongst all mobile electronics categories, primarily car audio.
In 2015, Jag moved his business to 645 Soscol Ave. and built his new shop from the ground up.
Rattu said he wins over customers with a welcoming, non-pressured approach to each sale, and by reaching out to local businesses to build a community eager for new technology.
“We always want our customers to walk away feeling satisfied and educated. Never ‘sold’ or confused.”
According to the business owner, “Our shop is unique in the sense that it’s like the old ‘Cheers’ theme song; it’s a place where everybody knows your name.”
Even though they’ve had a few growing pains, Rattu said business is better than ever. He worked hard to build his business and now reaps the rewards by paying it forward, said the businessman.
Audio house has been involved in the Napa community by supporting local non-profits annually, including the rescue Whiskers, Tails and Ferals, as well as local schools and sports clubs, said the release.
Rattu also contributes time, product and financial donations to make life better for the children and animals of Napa.
“Over the years, I’ve gotten to know a lot of people in this small community. We’ve sponsored a swim team, jog-a-thon, Napa High baseball and put in lights and a sound system for the little league stadium. I did it because I love baseball and love seeing the kids play. I love this community.”
Audio House offers a variety of services including car stereo upgrades, remote starters, back up cameras, alarm systems, as well as window tint for cars, commercial properties, and homes, said the release.
Rattu lives in American Canyon with his wife Cynthia, 7-year-old twins Jaya and Nihal, and a crazy Jack Russell Terrier named Lily.
Music, people, cars drive biz owner
“I was born for this,” said Jag Rattu, owner of Audio House at 645 Soscol Ave.
“I love music and putting together pieces that fit together perfectly for the sound my customers are looking for,” he said. “I got my first job at a stereo shop trying to score a system at cost … I never left or looked back.”
Audio House installs car audio, mobile video, car alarms, window tinting, backup cameras, tracking systems and other items.
1. What’s your favorite thing about your work?
I love people’s stories. Ever since I was a kid, that always interested me. I love talking to people, I like cars, I like music — all three things combined — that’s my work.
2. What’s your favorite kind of music?
Everything. Classic rock and old rap. Guns N’ Roses and Tupac.
3. What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
Moving. (After losing his lease at his old location on Soscol) I bought the old Hy-Fy Muffler building at 645 Soscol Ave.
4. If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?
We have been growing like crazy and would love to add to our team. So what would we change? More employees!
5. What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I have a huge passion for professional wrestling (WWE).
6. Who is your favorite wrestler?
Back in the day, Macho Man Randy Savage. Now, probably a guy named Randy Orton.
7. What job would you like to try/not try?
Try: Promoter for sports entertainment (WWE).
Not try: Accountant.
8. What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven’t yet?
I want to be the best version of me. The best husband, best father, best son, best businessperson and best friend.
9. What’s on your to-do list?
Visit every baseball stadium with my wife.
10. What is your favorite team?
San Francisco Giants. I have season tickets so I go a lot.
ABT Sportsline Unleashes 530-HP Audi RS5-R
For ABT, customizing a car is as easy as 1, 2, 3. The German tuner-car specialist just announced completion of its newest project, the RS5-R, an upgraded version of the already hot Audi RS5. It comes with a big power bump, suspension modifications, extra splashes of carbon fiber, and beefy exhaust outlets, among other enhancements.
The most significant improvements are under the hood. ABT Sportsline massaged the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 to produce 530 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque, up from 450 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. ABT claims that’s good for a 3.6-second sprint from zero to 62 mph.
Beyond straight-line performance, ABT also addressed handling. The RS5-R has ABT sport anti-roll bars and ABT height-adjustable springs for a custom ride height. A coil-over suspension with ABT shock absorbers is currently in the works and will be an option in the future. ABT also gave the RS5-R ABT Sport GT 21-inch wheels.
And then there’s the carbon fiber. ABT added carbon fiber to the Audi with a new front splitter, a hexagonal grille surround, and aero elements on the bumper corners. The carbon continues with optional front fender vents, side strakes, a rear lip spoiler, and an aggressive rear diffuser. A quartet of four-inch carbon fiber exhaust pipes
complete the exterior package. Even more carbon is found inside, in the form of a gearshift cover, door and dash accents, and paddle shifters.
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ABT will only build 50 examples of the RS5-R, but it has yet to release pricing information on the total package. Expect more information around the time of the Geneva auto show, when the model is set to make its debut.
Future Automotive Technology to Watch
It does not seem like flying cars on the horizon, but some new innovations within automotive electronics and technology are being tested that should improve the functionality and safety of cars far beyond what we have today.
Cars Can Talk To Each Other
Actually, there are already some crash avoidance systems installed in higher-end cars today. These actually came out of modifications to military technology. The same basic systems that can aim a bomb might be able to help you avoid an accident.
This is because vehicles will actually be able to speak with each other, so there will not be any bad surprises when the guy behind you just needs to get ahead, or the guy in front of you decides to slam on the breaks. Your vehicle can use this communication system to react a lot faster than you can.
In the end, the cars might truly take over. That is, they might drive themselves. You might be able to program your new destination in the same way that you set your GPS today.
Cars That Tell Mechanics What To Fix
Vehicles today already throw codes to a computer so a mechanic can tell which systems are causing a problem. But new cars may even be able to throw images of damaged parts with a sort of augmented reality. Instead of needing to guess why the code is getting sent, a technician will be able to visualize the problem very clearly.
Air Bags On The Outside
Do you ever wonder why the mildest wreck has to do so much damage to your bumpers or frame? In the future, there may actually be air bags that deploy on the outside of your vehicle. This not only protects the passengers, but it can also protect the metal on the outside of your vehicles. I picture a day when cars are coated with some sort of heavy duty synthetic material that has enough give to survive a minor accident, and can help prevent damages and injuries for major ones.
Energy Collection
You know how hot cars get in the summer. Why can’t cars store this energy and use it? Some scientists have been asking this question, and they are working on ways to develop body panels that can collect solar energy that could be used to power the vehicle or internal systems. Why look for a charger when the sun is on every day, and the energy is free to collect?
Are You Excited About Future Cars?
You might still be disappointed that you may never get to drive a flying car. But future car automotive technology may surprise, amaze, and delight you anyway. It will be a great day when the risk of accidents gets reduced, cars can drive themselves, and they do not use up as much fuel. While these cars are not for sale yet, the next decade should bring some surprises.
