tuned into cars Tamaqua grad goes from customer to owner of Mobile Edge

Ben Tuckett got his first car when he was 16. His parents picked out a 2000 black Nissan Altima.

He immediately headed to Mobile Edge to see how he could upgrade the sound.

The Tamaqua graduate became such a fixture at the store that they offered him a job doing installations.

On June 6, his passion led him to become the owner of the popular Lehighton store devoted to improving people’s in-car experience.

“I never thought I would own it,” Tuckett said.

The store at 52 Blakeslee Boulevard Drive East in Lehighton draws people from all over the country and Canada – all with the common goal of improving their ride.

The Mobile Electronics Association named the store a top retailer in the field from 2008 to 2018.

“The standards are known as being top notch,” Tuckett said.

June 6 was the anniversary of the founding of the store by Mitchell Schaffer.

Originally called Schaffer’s Safe & Sound, Schaffer opened the store in 1994 when he was just 23.

“Car audio and security was exploding at the time and there were no other shops within 20 miles,” Schaffer said. “I was working full time during the day and installing car audio in my parents’ garage at night. I was constantly busy with installs and saw a great opportunity for a business.”

He gave his boss his notice. “He predicted that I would fail and be back at work within six months. That was 29 years ago.”

But it was time for Schaffer to concentrate on another business he started 12 years ago.

Called 1sixty8 media, he provides digital marketing services to stores like Mobile Edge.

“That business’s growth has far exceeded my expectations. We have hundreds of clients all over North America and in order to continue our rapid growth, I could no longer play an active role in Mobile Edge.” Schaffer said.

He approached Tuckett about buying the store.

“As a top notch installer with a great head for business, it was a natural fit. I couldn’t be happier that my store is now in the capable hands of Ben Tuckett.”

Tuckett, 31, remembers the early days when it took him all day to change out a radio. Now it takes about 90 minutes.

Installation is comfortable, but he has to adjust to being a business owner.

“I never did counter sales before,” he said. Schaffer is still consulting, but it’s Tuckett’s role now to grow the business.

“I just want to continue what Mitch started,” Tuckett said. “I really am loving being my own boss.”

The disadvantage is the long hours. “I pretty much live here,” Tuckett said. “But I knew what I signed up for.”

The products

Finding the best sound system is as popular today as it was 29 years ago.

“Customers come from all walks of life,” Tuckett said.

People have evolved though from the biggest subwoofer ever that can shake the car to refining their sound systems.

The new technology can still be improved, Tuckett said. He’s always taking seminars and training to see how he can make things better and to keep up on the new technology that’s coming out in cars.

“Cars now are computers on wheels. You have to be up on everything,” Tuckett said.

Cars are higher priced now, and Tuckett said factory systems work for most people.

But there are people who say, “I want better. What can you do for me?”

One example is a Tesla Model 3 owner who said, “I want more.”

Tuckett created a box in the trunk to cover new speakers and a plate in the dash to look like a factory-install.

“There is always room to upgrade,” Tuckett said,

Another standout was a 1970 black Dodge Charger like the one in the movie “Fast and Furious.”

The car had been restored, with a built-in roll cage. Mobile Edge installed custom audio and replaced the center console, which looked out of place. “It was a fun vehicle to work on,” Tuckett said.

But the business is not just about sound.

When the first frost hits, people start thinking about remote starters. Starting at about $450, there are one-button remotes and multi-function that do much more than starting the car on a cold morning. The remote can start the defroster and adjust the heater.

“In winter, I have a full garage waiting for starters,” Tuckett said.

In the spring and summer people are looking for window tints and motorcycle audio.

The store offers tinted windows, ceramic tints, upgrades to factory Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated seats, keyless entry, navigation systems, rear seat video, WeatherTech accessories, truck accessories, security systems, back up cameras and more.

While most businesses sell online, Tuckett plans to stay with brick-and-mortar. “We sell solutions rather than products,” he said.

Whatever the solution, Tuckett wants to make sure he does it right the first time. “But if there’s a problem you can reach a person.”