History of Certified Radio
Products
Origins
Shortly after WWII, Hugh Lowe and Chuck Golicky started Certified Auto Radio as an automotive electronics service shop with one bay in downtown Edmonton. In 1967, Bent Jensen joined the company as a technician apprentice.
In 1971, Hugh & Chuck were ready to retire, so young apprentice Bent and the technician, Byron “Buzz” Zinger, bought the company. In 1972, Certified Radio expanded into sales, and opened the now historic location at 107 Avenue and 104 Street. This new location boasted both a sales and service department, with three bays.
ISO 9002
After over 40 years servicing automobile manufacturers, in 1999 the Certified Radio service centre was certified to ISO 9002 and QS 9002 quality operating standards. In 2000, they earned Ford’s Q1 award and certified in the ISO/TS 16949:2002 quality operating system from 2003 until June 2008, when Ford/Visteon closed the majority of their North American service centres.
In addition to having the distinction of being the only remanufacturing centre in North America to achieve this standard, the improvements in service quality and efficiency enabled Certified Radio to consistently deliver better products and service to their customers.
Car Audio Gone Wild
Certified Radio is the proud creator of the world-renowned, largest 12 volt car audio sale in North America! In 2004, the car audio world was shaken with this mind-blowing event, where top-of-the-line car audio manufacturers from around the world arrived for North America’s largest off-site car audio sale. Now an annual in-store event that consumers anticipate year-round, Certified Radio consistently delivers the best deals in car audio.
Certified Tracking Solutions
Launched in 2004, Certified Tracking Solutions (CTS) has quickly become leaders in their industry and is partnered with wireless providers such as Rogers Wireless, Iridium and Globalstar. CTS’s products range from specialized telematics GPS fleet management solutions to consumer based GPS tracking and smartphone vehicle messaging systems.
Locations
Certified Radio’s historic north side location was eventually closed in 2010, and a new, modern location was opened in the west end in 2007, which features an expansive showroom and ten install bays. The iconic Whyte Avenue location has also expanded in recent years, and now is fully renovated and updated with a new showroom.
Innovations & Reputation
Certified Radio has been serving Edmontonians and businesses in western Canada over 63 years.
We are a member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, and have also been voted Edmonton’s #1 Car Audio Store for several years running with See Magazine. We are more than a retailer of remote car starters and audio systems; our sales staff and installers are constantly trained to give you the best level of service on top of the line products. We keep pace with the latest in aftermarket technology, from tracking systems, to seat heaters, Bluetooth® hands-free devices, and more.
The Future
Certified Radio will continue to uphold their excellent reputation and serve their customers, while offering the latest in car audio and automotive electronics. We aim to be a one-stop-shop for all of your automotive electronics and accessories, and provide you with the most knowledgeable level of service. Certified Radio will be “doin’ it right!” for years to come!