Laketown Speed & Sound, a premier car audio and mobile electronics retailer based in Draper, Utah, has been named the 2026 Retailer of the Year by the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards — one of the highest honors and most coveted awards in the 12-volt and automotive electronics industry.
While the awards ceremony brings together top retailers from across North America, Laketown Speed & Sound proudly represents Draper and the greater Salt Lake Valley as an industry leader.
Founded in 2001, Laketown Speed & Sound is celebrating 25 years in business this year. For owner John Mueller, however, the journey spans even longer.
“I’ve worked 35 years for this,” Mueller shared during his acceptance speech. “Trust me, nobody’s more surprised than me right now.”
Mueller credited the success to what the company calls its “Dream Team.”
“We really want to thank our team. We call ourselves the Dream Team,” he said. “When you have that confidence in one another, it’s amazing to go in front of customers and know you’re going to perform exactly how you say you will.”
A major part of Laketown’s growth has been longtime team member and now partner, Angel Rivera.
“Angel has been a huge part of this organization,” Mueller said. “He brought us out of the shadows in our market and showed what we were capable of doing. We built the business around his talents, and I couldn’t have a better business partner.”
The Retailer of the Year award recognizes businesses that demonstrate excellence in:
- Cutting edge installation techniques and craftsmanship
- Customer service
- Product expertise
- Industry leadership
- Business integrity
Mueller also emphasized the collaborative nature of the industry.
“I’d also like to recognize the other retailers,” he said. “They represent the people we idolize. When we’re trying to make a hard decision, we look at the other retailers listed. We use you guys not just for moral support, but for great ideas and ways to improve.”
He continued, “It’s a great industry to be a part of. I love the people we get to rub shoulders with. It’s really a pleasure and an honor to be among you.”
Laketown’s story began modestly.
“I started this business with $300 in our checking account, my tools, and my truck,” Mueller shared. “I told my wife after six months, if we can’t turn a profit, I’ll go work for another company. But she trusted me and supported me.”
As the company celebrates this milestone, the 2026 Retailer of the Year award honors both its longstanding dedication and its continued commitment to clients and team members alike.
For 25 years, Laketown Speed & Sound has built its reputation in Draper, Utah, by specializing in the highest‑quality car audio brands and employing cutting‑edge techniques and custom fabrication in its professional installations. Its expertise extends across all aspects of vehicle electronics, performance upgrades, suspension work, window tint, paint protection, and wrap films—placing Laketown among a select group of shops nationwide capable of handling nearly every facet of vehicle customization and enhancing the overall driving experience.
Throughout this time, Laketown has become known for clean, precise installations, premium products, and an unwavering commitment to serving clients’ needs with honesty and integrity.
Since 2022, the shop has been nominated for Retailer of the Year every year, and several team members have earned recognition among the top five sales professionals and top twelve installers in the country.
This consistent excellence reflects the company’s dedication to both its employees and its clients, and its core mission of “elevating every aspect of their clients’ driving experience.”.