Installing car audio systems is challenging, yet very rewarding to Larchwood resident, Doug McCarty. He established Dreamcar Concepts in 1999 to help vehicle owners with the installation of car electronic systems including audio, video and remote starts. Within the last year, while still working for McCarty Automation in Larchwood, Doug has begun to direct more of his time to Dreamcar Concepts, and his efforts are paying off.

Doug lived in Larchwood through the third grade, then his family moved to Texas where as a young adult, he graduated from high school. Throughout his high school years, Doug remembers tinkering with car stereo systems. He says that his friends had enough confidence in his ability that they would ask him to install their new systems. Doug found the practice of merging electronics with the workings of an automobile to be the perfect contest for his ability, and thus decided upon graduation to launch Dreamcar Concepts and use his ability to make a living. While he had the know-how to do the electronics installation, Doug says that he had a few things to learn about running his own business. He eventually moved back to Larchwood in 2000.

In addition to a business, other changes have taken place in Doug’s life, including marrying wife, Liz, and having Myles (4) and Macy (14 months) He is glad that during the slower time at McCarty Automation, business is currently picking up for him at Dreamcar Concepts. Although the colder temperatures often prompt more people to take the plunge and contact him regarding remote start installation, Doug reminds them that a cool car in the summer feels just as good upon entering as a warm car in the winter, and that remote starts are a great option all year round. Installing remote starts and flip-down video systems both average about 3 hours. Audio systems are a bit more complicated, as each audio system and each car is different. Doug estimates that an audio system installation can take at least a day to finish.

To further spread the word about the services he can provide at Dreamcar Concepts, Doug has placed a few newspaper advertisements, and put up a few flyers. While this has helped increase his business, he says that word of mouth has also been very effective for him. Networking with area car dealerships, Doug is realizing additional referrals of used vehicle buyers whose car stereo system is lacking or only has one functional speaker. New car buyers are contacting him as well for their electronic installation needs. One day, very unexpectedly, Doug was contacted by the agent of one of the Minnesota Viking’s defensive backs. The professional athlete had purchased an Escalade from a Sioux Falls dealership, and the dealership directed him to Doug for the installation of a very expensive audio system. The experience was quite an accolade for Doug; one that he says is one of his greatest work-related accomplishments.