NASHVILLE, TN (07.11.24) – Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA), a leading provider of distribution services to the 12 volt aftermarket, proudly announced Automotive Data Solutions (ADS) it’s 2023 Vendor of the Year at their annual owner’s meeting.
The Elite Distributor Alliance is a distinguished network of leading distributors and manufacturers in the consumer electronics industry. This prestigious award honors the manufacturer that exemplifies exceptional performance, superior product quality, and an unwavering commitment to supporting distributor success.
L to R: Jeff Henshaw, Santa Fe Distributing, Nate Taliani, Davis Distribution, John Yodzis, Dow Technologies, Nancy Nehme, ADS, Louis-Gil Levert, ADS, Robert Di Cesar, ADS, Josh Eatherly, EDA.
“ADS has rightfully earned the Vendor of the Year award,” stated Josh Eatherly, Executive Vice President of the Elite Distributor Alliance. “Their continuous innovation and meticulous attention to every product category highlight their dedication to excellence.”
“Considering the EDA counts among its vendor partners stalwarts of our industry, this is a truly humbling achievement”, said Robert Di Cesare, General Manager of ADS. “This is also a testament of the hard work from our team. We could not do it without their dedication to excellence. We will display this award prominently in our display case back home.”
LONG BEACH, CA (07.11.24) – JVCKENWOOD is excited to announce the addition of Mark Dombrosky to our team, marking an inspiring return to the industry after a decade-long hiatus. With a wealth of experience and a renewed passion, Mark is eager to hit the ground running with the JVCKENWOOD family.
Mark’s journey in the industry is distinguished by his career spanning over two decades. He has held significant roles, including 10 years as a regional manager with VOXX and 10 years with Panasonic, where he served as the Car Stereo Regional Manager before advancing to National Accounts. Additionally, Mark has been the General Manager of a six-store retail chain and a buyer for a three-store chain.
Mark Dombrosky, West Coast Regional Sales Manager
Taking a break from the industry has only strengthened Mark’s commitment and passion for his work. As a lifelong audio enthusiast, he brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that will undoubtedly make a significant impact on our team and the industry as a whole.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the JVCKENWOOD family and return to the field I love,” said Mark. “The past ten years have been a journey of growth, and I am excited to bring my renewed energy and insights to our team and customers.”
As Mark steps into his new role, JVCKENWOOD looks forward to the innovative contributions and positive influence he will bring to the team. This addition not only highlights the strength of the individual but also the supportive environment fostered within our company.
Join us in welcoming Mark Dombrosky and celebrating this exciting addition to our team. We are confident that he will continue to drive excellence and inspire others with his story of perseverance and passion.
For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit www.us.jvc.com/car.
JASPER, IN (07.11.24) – Meyer Distributing, Inc., a leader in automotive specialty products marketing and distribution, announces the addition of its Covington, Louisiana crossdock. The crossdock will have a direct feed from Meyer’s Arlington, TX distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, crash and collision, 4×4/Off-Road, and RV parts in the region.
“Meyer has expanded inventories significantly in crash and collision parts in the last year,” states Rick Stenftenagel, Meyer’s Crash and Collision Category Sales Manager. “We are adding customers throughout this region at a fast clip as they look for alternate sources for hard-to-find products and volume movers alike. Look for us on the estimating systems or give our dedicated body shop sales team a call at 800.345.9487. Spanish customers can give us a ring at 866.662.2776. We also encourage customers to download our app and sign up online for instant access to inventory, orders, and returns!”
“The Covington, Louisiana dock will significantly improve deliveries to a stretch of I10 we’ve always struggled a bit to get to logistically,” states Jeff Braun, CEO of Meyer. “We’re now well-positioned to provide top notch delivery service and frequency to the customer base. Meyer continues to invest organically and via acquisitions to bring the best brands to market for our customers. Any wholesale only distribution company that might be interested in entertaining an offer should reach out to acquisitions@meyerdistributing.com.”
PHOENIX, AZ (06.10.24) – Orion Car Audio proudly announces the return of industry legend Bill Turner as the Vice President of Dealer Success. The board of directors has chosen Bill Turner to lead Orion’s efforts and report directly to the investors. With a clear mission to revive American-made car audio and reintroduce the Original Orion experience in 2024, Bill Turner’s return to Orion marks a significant turning point for the brand.
Bill Turner brings an unparalleled level of devotion to Orion, spearheading the revival of the brand. With decades of experience in selling Orion’s products to installers, retailers, and mobile enthusiasts, Bill is reuniting the talented individuals who played a crucial role in Orion’s success.
Bill Turner, Mark Busier and Jack Cali (L to R) are pictured proudly presenting the first US Orion 2024 production Amplifier made in Phoenix, AZ.
“Our vision is to resurrect the spirit of the old Orion. We want to go beyond offering U.S.-made products and develop a symbiotic relationship with our dealers—treating them as part of our family once again,” says Bill Turner. “We are determined to support the growth of independent specialty retailers and invite them to test our commitment by engaging in our free 60-day trial. Contact family@orioncaraudio.com today and take us for a test ride.”
Bill Turner’s primary responsibilities at Orion are twofold: to revitalize American-made car audio and to foster Orion family support for independent specialty retailers. Orion is currently in the process of assembling the Original Orion family once again, and they are reaching out to those who share their passion for Orion.
“We are thrilled to be bringing back the Original Orion experience and are committed to building strong dealer relationships, just like in the early days of Orion,” adds Bill Turner. “We welcome those who share our passion for Orion to reach out to us at family@OrionCarAudio.com. We would love to speak with anyone who wants to be part of the Original Orion family.”
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Orion fans should visit the updated website OrionCarAudio.com and hear our vision directly from Bill Turner and the other Orion O.G.’s. (Old Guys).
From customers to competitors and every retailer in between, if you have a question, hit us up at family@OrionCarAudio.com
BOCA RATON, FL (06.10.24) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced that experienced industry executives J.R. Stocks and Kurt Hurley have joined the company as it continues to experience explosive growth.
Stocks has been named Tint World’s chief growth officer and Hurley has been named vice president of marketing. They lead a fast-growing Tint World corporate team that continues its investment in talent and franchisee support in 2024 with enhanced business coaching, accounting and operations departments.
“J.R. and Kurt know what it takes to thrive and excel in high-growth industries,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They’ve demonstrated they share our vision to empower franchisees with the proven tools and systems that help them succeed, and we’re proud to have them in the Tint World family. Their leadership skills and experience will be critical as Tint World continues building the number-one franchise brand for automotive aftermarket solutions.”
Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has named J.R. Stocks (left) chief growth officer and Kurt Hurley (right) VP of marketing to help lead the fast-growing team as it continues to experience explosive growth.
Stocks has more than 25 years of experience shaping the automotive and marine electronics industries, including extensive experience as a vice president and C-level executive. In his new position, he leads Tint World’s business development and growth strategies.
“This is an incredible opportunity to be part of something special,” Stocks said. “Tint World’s innovative systems and processes are transforming the automotive franchise market. It’s exciting to be part of this groundbreaking enterprise and to be in position to accelerate Tint World’s growth while having a positive impact on the lives and careers of all our franchisees.”
Hurley brings more than 25 years of marketing and entrepreneurial experience across multiple industries to his new role. He has overseen holistic marketing operations for a range of health care, home service, finance and marketing businesses. In his new role, he supports the franchise’s continuing fast growth through innovative communications and brand consistency.
“Tint World is recognized as the most trusted franchise brand in the industry,” Hurley said. “The corporate team is talented and passionate, and our franchisees are committed to delivering world-class service to their communities. It’s a joy to develop and execute messaging and marketing efforts that continue elevating the brand and enhancing the company’s position as the industry leader.”
IRVINE, CA (07.10.24) – Audison has announced the release of its highly anticipated bit Drive 2.0 software, featuring the innovative ACCORDO auto-tuning. Now, at the push of a button, this cutting-edge technology offers an industry-first guarantee of audio quality configuration for DSP-equipped products.
Developed by the Audison R&D team, ACCORDO acoustically tunes a car audio system to a selected target with time and phase alignment. This innovative feature not only saves time but also ensures a high-quality audio experience. In a few moments, the step-by-step wizard procedure performs output EQ, level, and time delay adjustments using a single external microphone or soundcard. Simply connect your microphone, select a target curve, or create your own. ACCORDO does the rest.
“With ACCORDO, we are the only company that can guarantee high-quality sound in a vehicle to our dealers and their customers,” said Pietro Pantaleone, President of Elettromedia Group. “Now dealers and their technical staff can spend less time tuning a car audio system and get better results for their customers guaranteed by Audison.”
Audison bit Drive continues its lead as an industry-standard DSP software platform without the need for expensive external hardware. In addition to the extensive features from previous releases, bit Drive features a range of new tools, including:
Upmixer: A proprietary algorithm that creates a wider spatial image for driver and passenger seats, significantly improving the listening experience. The algorithm reproduces monophonic music content on the center speaker while maintaining stereophonic content on the left and right channels. Upmixer offers three modes (Wide, Default, Narrow) to match your stage width preferences.
Target Curve Management: Includes an eleven-band parametric/graphic EQ, six preloaded target curves, and import/export options for target curve files.
Preferential Memories: The device automatically switches to the selected memory whenever a source change occurs, ensuring a consistent and optimal listening experience. Import EQ Settings from REW: Allows seamless import of EQ filter settings from REW for advanced acoustic measurements.
Advanced Time Delay Management: Streamlines the entry of output time delay settings with an integrated window in the main GUI.
Shortcuts: Enhances tuning efficiency with keyboard shortcuts compatible with QWERTY, QWERTZ, and AZERTY layouts.
“Audison has refined what we thought was the best system and made it better,” said Ken Ward, a car audio industry veteran with 30 years of experience. “There is no expensive equipment for the dealers, and anyone trained on bit Drive only needs to learn a few new features to offer customers a guaranteed high-quality audio experience.”
bit Drive 2.0 and the accompanying ACCORDO are available for free download now in the U.S. at Audison.com.
TWINSBURG, OH (07.09.24) –The Summit Sound & Security Car Show packed the entire shopping center with nearly 200 cars and hundreds of enthusiast Friday July 5th from 4-8PM. All cars and motorcycles were welcomed plus the Busted Society Car Club members drew members to the event. A DJ was set up and played music during the event. A Taco truck was in the center’s parking lot and the first 100 attendees received free tacos.
The area in front of the Summit Sound location was packed throughout the event.
An added attraction at the event was a major Alpine presence with an Alpine Jeep and and multiple Alpine tents set up in front of the store. Alpine Product Specialist Chris Reavis was in the house. Steve McGaffee, with area Alpine rep firm Online Marketing, was also on site doing demos in the Jeep.
Attendees enjoying music from the DJ and experiencing exotic cars too.
Roger Buell, behind the counter, with a thank you post for Chris and Steve for Alpine‘s support.
“This was truly an amazing event. There was so much energy at the event with all enjoying the cars, listening to the DJ, checking out the Alpine Jeep and just enjoying the Friday after July 4th…tacos too. When people took a seat in the Jeep they really got an Alpine Experience” Reavis related.
Hoods were open for attendees to check out with the Alpine set up in the background.
There were no fewer than 50 demos of the Alpine loaded Jeep.
Chris Jaenky, Summit Sound GM stated “The entire area around our store, front snd back, plus across the shopping center was packed with cars and attendees. We have been in business for 28 years and this event was one of the best. We started making social media posts 3 weeks before the event and that really got the word out across the area. We had classic cars, Corvettes, SQ cars and high priced exotic cars. Attendees inside the store at the sales counter drove business too for the day.”
The Jeep demo delivered the Alpine Experience for attendees throughout the event.
The Alpine Style Center display wall stands out in the showroom.
Roger Buell, Summit Sound & Security owner, stated “it was definitely a party. Cool show cars, music and tacos will always draw a crowd. We had 5 customers with their cars at the event that were loaded with Alpine Status systems. They were happy to show their cars. In addition we had a customer with his Tesla that was loaded with Alpine’s Tesla specific gear. We extend a big thank you to Alpine for their support plus our dedicated staff and customers.”
Inside the store the showroom was very busy. Alpine specials were stacked on the floor and customers filled the sales counter area finalizing their purchases.
A Cybertruck positioned outside of the Tint World location in Orlando.
ORLANDO, FL (07.09.24) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has achieved a major milestone in the automotive aftermarket industry by completing one of the first audio and lighting system upgrades for a Tesla Cybertruck at its location in Orlando, Florida.
Tint World Orlando has been driving business with Cybertrucks.
“This is a real breakthrough and demonstrates why Tint World is the leading installation center for automotive accessories and aftermarket service,” said Pete Muller, owner of Tint World Orlando. “I’m incredibly proud of the innovation and expertise our team has shown. We were able to deliver something unique that many people in the industry have never tried. This successful Cybertruck upgrade proves Tint World’s value and unlocks amazing new opportunities for us and for the industry as a whole.”
Vehicle lighting and paint protection are also Cybertruck upgrades being completed at Tint World Orlando.
The popular Cybertruck is one of the first vehicles to run on a 48-volt battery. Until now, car stereo professionals had not been able to power a conventional 12-volt audio system through Tesla’s proprietary power source.
Click above to view this video
Technicians at Tint World Orlando identified multiple 48-volt sources inside the Cybertruck and installed an auxiliary 12-volt battery with 48-volt converters to power a full transformation of the factory sound and lighting systems. The innovative system includes 16 top-of-the-line Arc Audio Reference Series speakers and an Arc Audio amplifier powering two Arc Audio subwoofers in a custom enclosure. The wiring, accessories, and lighting feature products from Metra Electronics, including an underglow system and custom-designed backlit Cybertruck emblem.
“We have seen some workarounds that have allowed other teams to develop major modifications on the Cybertruck, such as tapping into the Cybertruck’s 110-volt AC outlets to power aftermarket products,” Muller said. “But we wanted to use the 48-volt system rather than circumvent it. That makes this much more like a traditional car stereo install, and it represents a huge step forward for potential aftermarket upgrades on one of the most exciting and in-demand vehicles on the market.”
LONG BEACH, CA (07.09.24) – JVCKENWOODannounced they have hired Kelvin Rivera as the East Coast Product Specialist for the company’s car electronics division. This new position will provide enhanced support to JVC and KENWOOD retailers, reps, and distributors through training, advanced technical assistance, and event support.
Kelvin Rivera brings six years of installation bay experience, offering hands-on expertise and in-depth knowledge of product installation and technical support. His prior role in installation positions him perfectly to deliver exceptional technical support to all dealers east of the Mississippi River.
“Kelvin is the perfect addition to the team, being able to relate and communicate seamlessly with dealers through his installation experience,” said Josh Bowen, Digital Content & Marketing Manager for JVCKENWOOD USA. “Excellent technical support is vital to our operations, and we believe that Kelvin will perform exceptionally in this role.”
Kelvin will focus on both JVC and KENWOOD dealers east of the Mississippi. He will report directly to Josh Bowen, Digital Content & Marketing Manager, who will work closely with Kelvin to create training materials, including online materials and video content.
“I couldn’t be happier to be a part of such an amazing organization that is focused on providing solutions that meet the needs of sales, installers, and consumers,” Kelvin commented.
WHEELING VA (07.08.24) The Steel Valley Regional XIII will be held at Wes Banco Arena in Wheeling WV July 19, 20, 21 2024. This year will feature Top 48 Sound Quality Showdown with 6 Judges from all over the country evaluating and ranking the Cars from 48 to 1st Place. The Top 10 will be eligible for 3000 Cash Payout. There is a SQOLOGY (Klifton Keplinger) Format using ICA Music. Also there will be IASCA 3X, MECA4X, EMMA 3X and MASQ 3X Formats available. The Top 48 Format is SOLD OUT but competitors can get on the waiting list.
The WesBanco Arena will once again host the Steel Valley Regional.
The Organizations will be posting if they have openings and will be taking care of their own trophies and judges accordingly. You can contact them to see if their is openings during the weekend as many have preregistered already. Also a Tune Off with approx 8 Teams of 2 that will have 90 minutes to tune a vehicle featuring the ARC AUDIO PS8PRO and will be evaluated by multiple judges on Sunday and winner gets 1000 CASH.
Trophies and Prizes will be given out by the Organizations as well as the SQ Showdown.
Hotel Rooms are up to individuals but there is a block of rooms at the Hampton at the Highlands Triadelphia WV. There are about 8 hotels in this area 10 minutes via highway to the WesBanco Arena. The website for the Highlands area is hitthehighlands.com.There is Shopping, multiple restaurant’s, gas and anything you would need all in this area. See Wesbancoarena.com for more.
Participating Sponsors to date include
ARC AUDIO-TITLE SPONSOR …Brian Mitchell , Brad , Fred
ZAPCO /ESB..Diamond Level..Enzo / George, Chris / Ernie
KARMA AUDIO ..GOLD Level…@Adam Schlepphorst
Aegis ADi – Aegis Distribution Inc. ..GOLD Level .Scott Welch, John Borges Audiowave, Goldhorn, Eton, Dynaudio USA
STINGER..GOLD Level..Jeff Smith
JL Audio/Garmin..SILVER Level..@Manville Smith, Bryatt Fischer, Steve Lovell/Garmin
ResoNix Sound Solutions/Accuton. Silver Level..Nick Apicella Auto Sound
ORCA Design…Silver Level.Focal, Raven, Mosconi..Nick Wingate, Nick Wingate@Nalaka Adikari
Hybrid Audio..Bronze Level Klifton Keplinger
Creative Products Design,,Bronze Level Mike Buononato
Italia Hi-Fi..Gold Level Sponsor .. Dan Merritt Greg Thompson
Anyone else looking to participate, please contact Larry Chijner at lchijner@gmail.com. If I missed anyone I apologize and will add accordingly.
As usual Keith Turner will help run the show along with Klifton, Lori Wallace and the judging staff! Autosound Showcase is Keiths new show sq company and will help me once again!
Friday the venue will be open from 12 til 9 for Tweak n Tune all day. Competition will resume Saturday and Sunday mornings with Awards to follow Sunday around 5pm.
This is a indoor Air Conditioned Venue so weather will not be a problem and POWER Available to everyone inside the Arena. As we get closer i will keep you up to date if there are any changes or anything you need to know.
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