6-23-21: I've sunk another $375 in the last 2 weeks just getting the inverter to charge the batteries properly. An elementary installation had caused the system to underperform since his efforts began.
I've paid him good money for something he said he could do professionally and he's just walked with no word.
If you choose to work with someone of this nature, I'd advise against using him anything beyond Best Buy's difficulty. I have no respect for him and will never use him for anything again.
JULY 28, '21 UPDATE:
At least 2.5 months and no word from Tony since he promised to get back with me right away to unravel the mess he'd made of my 2020 Ford van electronics. See pictures to see the inventive strap-down job (functional, just not pretty) he did with the 2 new 100amp batteries he'd recommended to achieve the inverter goals I presented to him. The 2 screws jetting out from the passenger seat base were hidden by a trash sack I keep hanging over that area until I saw them after removing. He had to know they were there and hidden when he left. The tech who's been undoing his installation job said he'd just used the screws that came with the 2nd battery selector and let it go. The tech properly fixed it. I'm lucky I didn't rip my ankle when transferring from the driver's seat to the back of the van between the seats.
I've been using a reputable truck/auto specialist in Greenwood to undo Tony's guesswork. If he were to repay me for some of his misguidances, I'd reveal his mistakes in more detail.
A basic MECP certification lasts for 2 years. I'm assuming that he didn't complete the online advanced level certification or he would probably have listed it that way. He's been in business somewhere around 5 years as per a conversation. Most professions require continuing education. I'd bet his certification isn't current and he's had no audio technology continuing education to stay up with the newer model autos. That's why he was lost and guessing with the newer evolving electronics in my 2020 Ford.
Being that he is a one-man traveling show, he's not privy to any in-shop knowledge exchange dealing with understanding the newer model technology.
If he were a member of MIBOR (Indianapolis Realtor Organization) or a Certified Real Estate Appraiser, as I retired from, he'd lose his license and what he's done would definitely tender a lawsuit. He misrepresented his abilities as a professional and didn't guide me to a knowledgeable source when what was needed exceeded the level of training required to complete the job. He took my money and ran. And who knows, maybe a lawsuit will follow this.
I've had to go through several repair visits needed as the order of his mistakes unfolded. ... wiring and grounding spec mistakes resulted in 2 battery selectors going bad... 1, 300amp breaker going bad ... the 1500watt inverter which had seen little use turned into a smoke bomb when the battery bank showed a low voltage... I was able to quickly unscrew and disconnect it and throw it out the side of the van to avoid an internal fire. Undoing his guesswork has cost me a few thousand dollars so far in quality equipment and reputable tech services. I have quality audio equipment I earlier purchased from Audio Electronics that Tony moved to a small van then later to the one I've finished and am living/traveling in. Hopefully, after the next visit to Greenwood tech, the 2020 electronics will work with the patch job necessary from his guesswork. Since he installed his recommended 1500watt inverter in both vans, I've never been able to use anything over 300watts. Since the new tech's been bit by bit ....as one bad thing is detected and fixed until the next is detected from Tony's collage of unusual toggle switches and device selectors for a next repair visit to be scheduled... I've only had electric power strong enough to use a 750watt coffee maker for about 10 days...cumulatively speaking. It's really good that he walked away because he would have never have been able to unwind his ball of mistakes.
Toward the last of his appearances, Tony had actually asked me if I'd remembered what it was he'd done in a few different hookups. His daughter just graduated from a business program and has just helped him to begin taking notes describing his installations. He'd been working on this van since the end of February/beginning of March.
Tony said he'd give me special treatment because I was one of his "original customers." I hope you didn't hear the same line. Spend a few extra bucks and get someone who's qualified to do the electronics work on your vehicle that works behind a storefront. Especially if it's a later year production. Tony will try what he thinks might work and if it doesn't, he'll just walk away.
A wise customer would ask to see his certification and since he'll be at their house and in their car it would be smart to see proof of his insurance and that he's bonded. He took my money and disappeared. read more