Al & Ed's Autosound Commemorates 50 Years as a Mobile Electronics Pioneer

California's Largest Mobile Electronics and Communications Specialist Marks Its Golden Anniversary of Serving the Golden State

VAN NUYS, Calif., July 16 -- This year, Al & Ed's Autosound, Southern California's largest mobile electronics and communications specialist, celebrates its 50th anniversary as an industry leader in the development of the first FM radios and cassette decks for cars, as well as the first automobile alarms -- thus helping to spawn the 1950s California's love affair with the car.

Whether it was listening to slow jams on Lover's Lane in the family Buick or catching the latest chart-toppers at the local car hop, the advent of the mobile electronics industry changed the American lifestyle forever. And now, a half-century later, from backseat childhood games like I-Spy to high-tech video games, and from Doo-Wop to Hip-Hop, Al & Ed's Autosound continues to adapt with today's changing trends to best fit the needs of a generation on the move.

"Fifty years in the mobile electronics industry is a real testament to our commitment to provide high quality products and excellent service to our customers," said Gabi Mashal, president of Al & Ed's Autosound. "Moreover, being ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top three automotive-related franchises attests to the influential role we continue to play in the evolving American car culture, much as we have done since 1954."

The incorporation of audio equipment into automobiles was truly a match made in heaven. Previous to the era of leather jackets, poodle skirts and Davy Crockett hats, the mobile electronics industry was non-existent, with major auto manufacturers devoting limited focus to automobile accessories and mobile electronics. But 1954 was the year a young Al Brotzky announced to representatives of the Ford Company and GM, at a local tradeshow, "what they do best is build cars and what he (Al) does best is install car radios." What followed was the birth of an industry and the founding of a new piece of "Americana."

Together with then partner Ed Zionts, Brotzky founded what became California's largest mobile electronics and communications specialists -- Al & Ed's Autosound. Today, with locations all over Southern California, Al & Ed's Autosound is viewed within the mobile electronics world as a barometer for the industry.

With a focus on experimentation and research, Al & Ed's vision for the future of the mobile electronics industry included the areas of entertainment equipment, communication, security, safety and function. Al & Ed's also helped create today's standards of excellence with the founding of the Mobile Electronics Certification Program for technicians, as well as the mobile division for the Electronics Industry Alliance, which currently resides under the Consumer Electronic Association. The company's insight helped establish it today as a dominant player in the mobile electronics industry -- an industry forecasted to grow for decades, particularly with the additional rapid developments of mobile video and navigation.

With the retirement of founder Al Brotzky in 2001, the leadership of the company was assumed by 15-year Al & Ed's franchise veteran, Gabi Mashal as President. Along with Gary Weinhouse, consultant, and a talented assortment of mobile electronics executives, this team powers the vision and innovation behind the company's services and product offerings. The management team plans to lead Al & Ed's to its next level of expansion, by bringing independent ("Mom & Pop") shops into the fold, targeting new and under-served locations and franchising select existing Al & Ed' s stores.

Moreover, management plans for further strategic and aggressive growth through the selling of franchises and operating businesses in additional California locations. Named to Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 500 Franchises in January 2004, future growth is contemplated to include expansion into neighboring states where management estimates that these markets can support over 100 new mobile specialty retail locations within the next four years.

About Al& Ed's Autosound

Founded in 1954, Al & Ed's Autosound has grown to become the largest mobile electronics and communications specialist with more than 27 Southern California stores. As a recognized leader in the mobile electronics industry, Al & Ed's Autosound has been an instrumental partner in the pioneering of innovations such as FM radio for cars, cassette players for cars and the first car alarms, and is viewed within the mobile electronics industry as a barometer for the industry in Southern California. Additionally, the company is ranked as one of the top 500 franchising opportunities in the world, according to Entrepreneur Magazine. The Entrepreneur Magazine 2004 Franchise 500 rankings additionally ranked Al & Ed's as the #3 franchise in the "Miscellaneous Automotive Products and Services" category and 430th overall. For more information, visit www.al-eds.com.