Industry Member Killed in Mass Shooting

Updated: Among the 12 people killed in a mass shooting at a California bar this week was Sean Adler, 48, a well-loved former sales manager at car audio suppliers including Planet Audio, Image Dynamics and Cadence Audio.  Adler also worked for Scosche earlier in his career.

Adler was the father of two children and a bouncer at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, where he worked as a second job.  He had left the 12 volt industry, and opened a coffee shop called Rivalry Roasters in Simi Valley.

His sister Valarie Adler was interviewed by NBC Los Angeles and said, “From what I understand, Sean tried to disarm” the shooter.  “That is typical of Sean. He was a protector, always sticking up for people.  He was a caring, compassionate individual. I just don’t understand. I don’t understand the world.”

Adler had become an expert at Jiu-Jitsu.  We were told he taught Jiu-Jitsu to young people with special needs.

Coincidentally, the son of another industry member was also a hero during the shooting.  The son of Oliver Grunhold, a pioneering engineer in advanced remote start, was at the the Borderline during the shooting. A policeman, he helped rescue people during the event, we are told.

Industry members voiced an outpouring of praise for Adler yesterday, following the tragedy.

Lord Phil Cartier, of 12 Volt Specialist, a manufacturer’s rep in New England, had worked with Adler when he was at Planet Audio. “He was just a really, really nice guy…He was energetic and always smiling and very happy,” he said.

Dennis Hopper of VAIS Technology, also worked with Adler.  “He was one of those guys who always had a smile on his face.  He had a great attitude.  He was a benefit to this industry.  He was one of the best,” he said.  Hopper said the two would work in the field together calling on dealers. “His attitude always shined. I can never remember when he wasn’t in a good mood.”

Here is part of what the New York Times said about Adler:

“…Danny Evans, one of Mr. Adler’s childhood best friends, said that although he had not spoken to Mr. Adler recently, he recalled that in high school, his friend ‘was the guy we all wanted to be: handsome, athletic and kind.’

‘When we were younger, I was an awkward kid,’ Mr. Evans said. ‘I got picked on.’

‘And Sean was my protector,’ he continued, choking back tears. ‘He stood up for me, and he showed me the kind of kindnesses I didn’t get from other people. I needed that so badly at that time.’

‘I’m so proud to have been his friend,’ he added. ‘It’s devastating that he’s gone.’

A USA Today publication called the VC Star sp9ke to Adler’s son Dylan:

“Dylan Adler said his dad was his everything but to the survivors of Wednesday’s Thousand Oaks shooting he was a hero.

‘I’ve had three, four people come up to me and say, ‘I was at that club and if it wasn’t for your dad, I probably would not be here today,’ said Dylan, 17. He spoke surrounded by a few hundred who turned up to share stories and support one another.”