Cars
Rod began working on cars and electronics at about age 12. His hands-on background grew through mechanic work, auto body shops, and projects ranging from brake jobs and carburetor rebuilds to engine and transmission swaps.
About Car Audio Innovations
Built from curiosity about how things work.
Cars, electronics, acoustics, and music have shaped Car Audio Innovations from the beginning. The result is a team that cares as much about the thinking behind an installation as the experience after it.
1991
Founded by Rod Birch
Serving drivers from Roseville and the Sacramento area
Owner + founder
Meet Rod Birch.
Long before opening the shop, Rod was already taking apart, repairing, and learning from vehicles and electronics.
Electronics
That mechanical experience developed alongside formal electronics and automotive training. Rod is a certified electronic service technician and a certified 12-volt automotive installer through the Mobile Electronics Certification Program.
Sound
His work is driven by a continuing interest in electronics, acoustics, subwoofer enclosure design, vehicle security, high-fidelity music reproduction, multimedia, navigation, and the way modern vehicles are engineered and assembled.
Car Audio Innovations
In 1991, Rod started Car Audio Innovations from his parents' garage in the San Francisco Bay Area. The same curiosity about how vehicles work remains central to the shop's approach.
Experience with range
Mechanical understanding meets electronic detail.
- Electronic service
- Certified electronic service technician
- Automotive
- Training in several aspects of automotive repair
- 12-volt installation
- MECP-certified automotive installer
What keeps the work interesting
A shop built around shared enthusiasm
The original CAI story is as much about people as equipment: a small team that enjoys the work and the moment a customer first experiences the finished system.
“I simply enjoy working on cars, trucks, and boats.”
“I love cars and I love music—what a perfect job.”
Store manager
Meet Jake Allen.
Jake brought his love of cars, music, installation, and new technical challenges to Car Audio Innovations in 2011.
Store Manager
Vehicle security specialist. Installer. Car and music enthusiast.
Jake began installing in 1998, before he owned his first car. He earned his mobile electronics certification in 2006 and advanced certification in 2007, then joined CAI in 2011 to continue learning alongside the shop’s experienced team.
Alarms are one of Jake’s specialties. He also enjoys the challenge of working on a new-model vehicle for the first time—and seeing a customer’s reaction when they hear a new system for the first time.
- Began installing before he had his first car
- Received mobile electronics certification
- Received advanced certification
- Joined Car Audio Innovations
The shop experience
Planned work. Protected vehicles. Clear expectations.
The appointment-led schedule gives each installation a defined work window, while the indoor shop protects vehicles that need more time.
- Plan
Book the vehicle
Installations are typically scheduled by appointment, giving the team a defined window for the work.
- Install
Give the work its time
Many scheduled installations begin in the morning and the vehicle is delivered at the end of the day.
- Protect
Keep multi-day work indoors
When an installation requires more than a day, the vehicle stays inside the clean, climate-controlled shop.
Talk with the team
Tell us what you want from your vehicle.
Tell us about your vehicle and what you want to change. We’ll help you choose the right next step.