Exclusive Interview with Founder of Tint Haus Audio, Jose Oviedo

I had the pleasure of interviewing the founder of Tint Haus Audio & Accessories, Jose Oviedo. He has been featured extensively on the local news as of recent, as he encourages the community to give back and donate toys and non-perishable food to kids and the less fortunate this holiday season.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you better. Can you share with us a little bit about your background and how you ended up choosing your field?

My background has not been an easy one. I was raised by a controlling and abusive step-father. All I ever wanted was to make my mother proud of me… I tried to do whatever needed to be done, so I can make her happy.

Turns out, I was good at taking things apart and putting them back together. We had a 1980 Renault, that was easy to work on, so I practiced on that. Taking out the old pull out radio, and putting it back in. I loved making things work. Installing flashing turn signal bars and replacing speakers, really made me feel good when my mom was happy with her new sound. I was 12 years old then.

What made you take the leap into entrepreneurship?

Honestly, the only thing that made me leap into entrepreneurship was a lady I met about 2 years ago. She is a multi-millionaire and I met her through the company I was working at. She asked me “why don’t you open up your own business?” To which I replied, “Because I’m scared of failing.” To which she scolded me saying “Do you know what your damn problem is? You don’t see in you, what I SEE IN YOU!” “Do you think I’m rich because I’m stupid?” How the heck do you respond to that? She gave me the motivation I needed, to take the leap of faith. Of course, that’s after speaking to my wife and my business partner of course! Lol.

What were the biggest initial hurdles to launching your company and how did you overcome them?

The biggest hurdle we had was getting our customer base and letting people know who we were, and what we were about. Luckily, social media like Facebook and Instagram helped us out a lot, and since my business partner's craftsmanship was on point, it made it even easier when people recognized that our work was flawless! Everyone would come to us because of price, and craftsmanship, as well as our customer service. Another big hurdle we had, was figuring out how to pay our quarterly taxes and be legit with the state tax franchise board. But a few phone calls later, and lots of practice, I got it down.

What are 3 tips you can share with our readers as it relates to your industry?

Tip #1. If you don’t know how to do it. DON’T. YouTube and “forums” are not going to be there when you damage your car, and now have a hefty price to pay for repairs.

Tip #2. Sometimes the cheapest isn’t always the best. Remember “if it’s good, it’s not cheap, and if it’s cheap, it’s not good!”

Tip #3. Always remember when you visit a small business, you’re not filling up a millionaire’s pocket. You are helping pay for dance lessons or karate lessons, or simply, putting food on the table. If we can offer a discount, we will. But when we can’t, please understand that there are underlying circumstances why we are unable to. That doesn’t make us bad people, we just have a family who depends on us.

How do you personally define success? What does it mean to you?

I really can’t define it right now. We are still pretty new to our business. I mean, it feels good to be able to pay the bills and still have some extra spending money. But I don’t think I’m “successful” just yet. Maybe after our 10th year anniversary, I’ll be able to answer that question. As for the definition of success, to me, it means you’re able to pay your bills, make sure your team is on top with you, and are still able to donate and give back. True success is being able to open multiple businesses, pay it forward, and employ people who want to move up in life, just like you did.

How do you differentiate yourself from others in your field?

The way that I differentiate myself, its core value! Everything for me is “black and white” there are no shaded gray areas for me. Either it is, or it isn’t. That’s my number 1 flaw (or asset), and I know it. The golden rule “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” You treat me good; I’ll treat you better, you treat me bad, I’ll treat you worse! I know, I know…it shouldn’t be the case. But, believe me, my heart is in the right place. When it comes to what is right, and wrong…it’s pretty cut and dry to me. I don’t want to waste your time, nor waste mine! I will always look out for YOUR best interest. If it doesn’t make sense, I’ll make sure you understand why. So, you can make a sound decision, on the step you need to make.

What was the biggest business mistake you made and what did you do to learn from it?

FILL OUT PAPERWORK! We blindly trusted someone, and they ended up stealing from us. It’s too bad because now he burned a bridge and can never use it again. Why was it a mistake? Because we had no information on this person to turn over to the police. He stole a hefty amount of our work and merchandise. I guarantee it won’t happen again! Follow protocol. FILL OUT YOUR PAPERWORK! I can’t stress it enough. It doesn’t matter how busy you are!

How did you deal with push back from family or friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?

I didn’t have any. My wife just said “Do what you need to do, and don’t look back. I got your back 100%”, and she has never lost faith in me. I love you, Blanca Gonzalez! Gracias por tu apoyo!

What advice would you give to someone asking for advice about becoming an entrepreneur?

Make sure your heart, and your head, are in the right place. If your head isn’t in it, think it through. A business is a HUGE responsibility, especially when you have employees and mouths to feed. If you’re going into it alone, make sure you have some “reserve money” just in case. I call it, “security cushion”.

We are entering an era where everyone is interested in multiple income streams. How does one decide on a business to pursue?

Do what you LOVE to do. Not what you like to do. I like eating tacos, but I LOVE eating menudo! Lol. Make sure that what you’re doing, is going to be beneficial to your future. Make sure you’re able to leave something for your kids, so they can make it flourish. It’s not always about the money, but it is always about the adventure! You never know what’s going to come through your door next! One day it’s a Civic, the next day it’s an Audi R8 with all the trimmings, next it’s a RZR with a full audio system. I love what I do, that’s what keeps me going every day!

What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business’ success?

My business partner, Rene Mendez. I know this sounds funny, but straight up, he is my other half. He is what I’m not. He’s the one to keep me grounded and helps me make “cool-minded” decisions. He’s also the first one to always lend a helping hand when he sees me struggling. I’m the hard-headed one, he’s the compassionate one! Lol. We make an excellent team together.

Name 3 people in the business world who inspire you the most.

One person is Dallas. He is the owner of Al & Ed’s Auto Sound in Ontario. I am extremely envious of the level he’s at, and someday I want to be on his level. Also, my friend Ruben Gomez, owner of VIP Kustomz in Moreno Valley, CA. Such a hard-working young man. Since the day I met him he has taught me a lot. How to clean up my act and do quality installs.

Who is your hero and why?

Honestly, my grandfather, Jose Anjel Suarez. He taught me how to play music. Thanks to him, I’m a singer as well, and I’m able to play drums and the accordion. He passed about 3 years ago, and it’s been hard for me ever since. I have his accordion tattooed on my arm. I love, admire, and miss him. He is my only hero.

What do you do to recharge when you are feeling drained?

I like to stay at home and enjoy my family or take them on vacations. When that isn’t an option, I like to go to my friend’s bar in San Bernardino and hang out with friends and family. I’m a simple man, that’s pretty much it. Oh, and sleep, a lot! I love sleeping…lol!

If you had to pick a charity to give to, who would it be and why?

St Jude’s. Because I cannot fathom the pain and suffering those children must have to go through. I wish no child would ever be in pain, ever! I want them to be happy. Also, because cancer is what took my grandpa from me…F*CK CANCER!

What is the one mantra that you live your life by?

The golden rule. “Treat others as you would like to be treated.”

What is your business all about?

My business is all about efficiency! Making your life easier or better, in something you are in almost all day every day! Your car. From window tinting to block out the hot California sun to audio, so that you can bump your tunes as loud as you want and hear every detail of the song, to suspension work to make your truck super high, or your car dragging on the road low, to customizing and making your vehicle fit your personality. That is what I’m here for. To make your car dreams come to life!

How can you be reached if someone is interested in your products or services?

You can connect with me on Instagram @Tint_haus_audio or call or text (626)539–6953, or reach me at the shop at (626)672–0055.

Tint Haus Audio 12269 Garvey Ave. #5 El Monte, CA 91732. Come by and see us!