Connect with Facebook
Mobile Dynamics, a Richmond Hill, ON-based private school for students looking to learn the ins and outs of car audio/video installation, has filed for bankruptcy protection in Canada.
The company was started in 1990 by industry veteran Derek Lee, and focused solely on 12-volt car audio and video installation. It later added a residential electronics installation school called Media Dynamics to serve the burgeoning custom A/V installation market in Canada.
In 2005, Mobile Dynamics expanded to a new 20,000 square-foot facility to facilitate its growing training and industry support operations, Lee said at the time. However, the continually struggling 12-volt industry has led to fewer enrollments, Lee says, while the current economic slump has resulted in further troubles within the home A/V installation sector.
Mobile Dynamics offered in-depth, hands-on courses on topics like retail skills, both in terms of system design and sales, advanced fabrication skills, and aftermarket vehicle enhancements. Many custom A/V dealers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have sourced junior installation staff members from the school; and the institution carried a reputation of being a "fun" place to learn.
While the Canadian company is no longer in operation, the U.S.-based Mobile Dynamics campus is still open in Phoenix, AZ. Its Website is accessible at www.mobiledynamics.com, and the company can be reached toll-free at 1-800-610-2122. The Canadian Website is no longer in service. Currently-enrolled students will reportedly be refunded their tuitions.
Stay tuned to the December issue of Marketnews Magazine for our in-depth and exclusive interview with Lee about the bankruptcy, what led to the company's unfortunate demise, and what's next.
Subscribe to Blog
12 comments »
Joseph Rodriguez December 15, 2008, 00:00 am
All the best to derek Lee and his staff Derek i found you a nice and knowledgeable guy. had a great time in the Media Dynamics program ,your training was a huge help to me in starting my own bussiness. Hope u find the way to continue, you'll be back soon I know.
Terry Harding December 07, 2008, 00:00 am
I was devestated to hear about the closing of the Toronto campus. I graduated in june of '06 and have nothing but fond memories and the knowledge passed on by Derek and the AMAZING instructors that were on hand(Dave, Dwayne,Scott and Frank, you guys are true gods in your field!!!!) All the best wishes to all the staff from the Toronto campus. Thank you for the chance to learn from you and the chance to grow in this gratifying field.
Shane Wamboldt December 04, 2008, 00:00 am
All the best to Derek and his staff. I had a great time in the Media Dynamics program and it has paid off very well for me. I hope everyone on staff finds a new gig soon. Derek was a huge help to me in starting my C.I. career and has been very supportive throughout.
Alex Romanov December 04, 2008, 00:00 am
Doors may close but many are always open. I am close by and you are always welcome. Call me when you can.
Mike Brawley December 04, 2008, 00:00 am
12 volt and custom home install require a great deal of expertise and Mobile Dynamics served an impotant role to that end. Suppliers and retailers will continue to need this resource, hopefully Derek chooses to consult with those of us prepared to invest in the future. Stay in touch Derek.
skitch December 03, 2008, 00:00 am
derek ..i always enjoyed you stopping by the store on your visits back to saskatoon ..wishing you nothing but the best going forward
Kevin Gerry December 03, 2008, 00:00 am
sorry to hear the news Derek...i still fondly remember our days as the "Alpine Guys" in Saskatchewan... looking forward to hearing good things about you in the future.....
John Summach December 03, 2008, 00:00 am
Derek is one of the nicest and knowledgeable guys in the industry that I have ever met. I graduated from Mobile Dynamics early on in their start. It was a great place to learn. All the best Derek.
Another Ex A & B'er December 03, 2008, 00:00 am
Derek, no doubt that you will land on your feet. We're sorry to hear that you've had to close down. Keep in touch with your friends in Vancouver, and we wish you all the best.
Saxe Brickenden December 03, 2008, 00:00 am
Hey Derek. You did a lot for the industry over the years, and I for one am saddened by the loss of a great school. I'll always proudly display my Media Dynamics Honorary Certificate. There will be lots of us rooting for you. Here's hoping that you will find the way to continue your great work in a new way.
Sandy Clarke (Poirier) December 03, 2008, 00:00 am
Derek helped the 12 volt business transition from car radio to car audio and was key in giving car audio the credibility it deserved. He was instrumental in setting up our certification schools back in my days at Alpine and I have a thousand fond and proud memories of Derek leading the troops and instilling knowledge from coast to coast. A class act always; you'll be back soon I know.
Derek Coates December 03, 2008, 00:00 am
I still remember sitting with Derek in the restaurant across the street from our then employer (Alpine) in Markham, where we discussed the ideas he had for what would become Mobile Dynamics (was it really 20 years ago?). I encouraged him to "go for it" which he did, and established the benchmark for the industry. It was not only successful, but spun off many "copycat" enterprises all over North America. It's a shame that the economic conditions have lead to this closure. The proficiency of low voltage installers in Canada will no doubt suffer as a result. Derek is a clever individual and a consummate professional who will no doubt go on to succeed in whatever he chooses to do.
Leave a comment
Add your comment below
Please Note: by adding your comments you signify that you agree to the terms of our Code of Conduct.
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Log in | Sign up