Fender’s Rich McDonald to Keynote JVC KnowledgeFest Trainings

LONG BEACH, CA (01.26.24) – JVC Mobile Entertainment, manufacturer of class-leading aftermarket car, marine, and motorsports products, is thrilled to announce that Rich McDonald, former Executive Vice President and Chief Product Strategist at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming JVC KnowledgeFest trainings in Las Vegas, NV.

Rich McDonald’s remarkable journey from an entry-level position to the pinnacle of success at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation makes him a compelling figure in the world of product strategy and retail excellence. With years of music industry expertise and a proven track record, McDonald will share insights into his career trajectory, highlighting key strategies that propelled him to the position of Chief Product Strategist at one of the most iconic names in the music industry.

The keynote speech will focus on successful retail strategies, drawing from McDonald’s wealth of experience in navigating the competitive landscape of the music industry. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into effective product strategies, customer engagement, and creating a roadmap for future success in the ever-evolving retail landscape.

“We are honored to have Rich McDonald as the keynote speaker at our JVC KnowledgeFest trainings. His journey from an entry-level role to a leadership position at Fender is a testament to his strategic acumen and dedication. We believe that the insights he shares will provide attendees with actionable plans to integrate successful retail strategies into their own businesses,” said Ron Trout, JVC’s Director of Sales.

The keynote speech is expected to be a highlight of the KnowledgeFest event, offering attendees a unique opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s foremost experts. McDonald’s address will not only inspire but also provide practical takeaways for businesses looking to enhance their retail strategies.

Attendees will have the chance to engage with Rich McDonald during its Q&A session and at JVC’s booth in the main expo hall, allowing for a more personalized exploration of the challenges and opportunities in the retail landscape. The event aims to foster a collaborative learning environment where participants can gain insights, exchange ideas, and create a roadmap for future success.

For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit us.jvc.com/car

For more information on Rich McDonald, visit richmcdonald.com

EchoMaster Drives into Future of Vehicle Safety with New AHD Wireless Camera Kit

CLEARWATER, FL (01.26.24) – EchoMaster, a leading innovator in vehicle safety products, today announced the launch of its new RVC-W3 Wireless Camera and Receiver Kit. This versatile kit is designed to provide drivers with a clear view of blind spots around their vehicle, helping to improve safety and awareness while towing, backing up, or changing lanes.

The RVC-W3 features a 720p AHD wireless camera with a receiver that supports up to two cameras. The camera transmits a high-quality image to the receiver over a 2.4GHz wireless network, with a range of up to 85 feet.

The RVC-W3 is easy to install and includes all the hardware needed for a quick and hassle-free setup. The camera can be mounted on the back of any vehicle, or on a trailer, and the receiver can be mounted on a dashboard. The kit also includes a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Key features of the RVC-W3 Wireless Camera and Receiver Kit:

  • 720p AHD wireless camera
  • Receiver that supports up to two cameras
  • Range of up to 85 feet
  • 3 viewing modes: individual full screens and split-screen
  • Easy-to-install
  • 3-year warranty

The RVC-W3 Wireless Camera and Receiver Kit is available now for $430.00 at authorized EchoMaster retailers. An additional camera can be added to the system and is available for $286.00 (RVC-W3-C).

For more information regarding Safety Solutions, contact your EchoMaster sales representative. If you are interested in becoming an Authorized EchoMaster dealer, visit our contact page to reach Stinger.

IASCA Worldwide Sets Dates For 2024 World Finals

EAST WENATCHEE, WA (01.25.24) – IASCA Worldwide has confirmed that the 2024 IASCA World Finals main location for both SPL and Sound Quality will once again take place at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center in Birmingham, Alabama, from October 12th and 13th, 2024. IASCA’s west coast satellite location for the 2024 World Finals SPL competition will take place at the Pavilion at the Oregon State Fairgrounds on September 29th, 2024.

Sound Quality competition will take place in the East Hall of the B.J.C.C. along with EMMA USA and MASQ, and SPL competition will take place with ISPLL in the North Hall. Set up October 11th with competition taking place on the 12th and 13th.

“With the success of the venues from our 2023 Finals, returning to Birmingham made perfect sense,” said IASCA President Travis Chin. “The venue offers so much more and the response we received from the competitors was so positive, we negotiated for 2024 right away and came to an agreement. Additionally, the venue for our satellite location was also looking forward to our return and we were able to finalize plans with them almost immediately.”

More major IASCA events being planned for 2024

Chin went on to add “2023 was such a successful year, we have been approached by other major automotive and audio related events to host IASCA events at their shows. We are in negotiations with them currently and announcements will be made throughout the course of the 2024 season. Stay tuned!”

Finals pre-registration info and more will be posted in the coming weeks.

For more information on IASCA Worldwide and the 2024 IASCA World Finals, visit iasca.com or contact President Travis Chin at travis@iasca.com. Information on the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center can be found at https://www.bjcc.org/.

ZZ2 Releases New ZEUS ULTRA2

PALM BEACH, FL (01.25.24) – As a leading provider of CarPlay and Android Auto solutions, ZZ2 has upgraded its popular Zeus streaming device.

The ZEUS ULTRA2 features an easy USB connection via a wired CarPlay input, allowing it to provide an unparalleled in-car entertainment experience.

The newly released ZEUS ULTRA2 brings double storage (128gb) and processing power (8gb) compared with the previous generation. The ULTRA 2 maintains many of the same features that made its predecessor popular.

ZEUS ULTRA2 features:

8gb of RAM
128gb of storage
Built in HDMI output
SIM card port
Simple usb connection
Wired to wireless CarPlay and Android Auto conversion

The above features and upgraded storage/processing power, makes the ZEUS ULTRA 2 the most powerful mobile streaming device on the market.

To view product info, click here.

Massive Audio Releases Its Loudest GTX Woofer Ever

COMMERCE, CA (01.25.24) – All GTX H edition woofers feature a High Power, Ultra Durable and Super-Efficient American Made Voice Coil, like our famous Massive Audio Hippo Woofers. With Higher output levels than typically possible from woofers this size while setting a performance benchmark that leaves larger subs trebling in its’ wake… More Performance, More Value, More loud Music-Not Loud Noise.

The Massive Audio GTX H are designed to fit in most premade boxes with standard cut outs and are one of our most accurate and efficient subwoofers ever made. Producing more output than most competing 2.5 and 3 inch voice coil subs while requiring less input power for peak travel. The GTX 10 H and GTX 12 H have a conservative power range of 700 to 900 watts RMS, 1600 watts peak. Deep, accurate and pleasant bass extensions that slam one in the chest with Massive output that will delight audiophiles and bass heads alike.

Reference subwoofer performance and such output brutality has never been available this price, the GTX H editions is a breakthrough subwoofer in all aspects with 25 years of constant improvement that create a synergy that cannot be duplicated or bought off the shelf. Many innovations were incorporated to ensure massive output and faithful music reproduction: advances to cone surround, US Made voice coils, exclusively designed motor assembly and larger top plates maximize low frequencies. with precision and control.

  • Exclusive 5 Fiber composite cone with exceptional stiffness-to-mass ratio moves massive amounts of air while starting and stopping on a dime with crisp precision for perfect bass reproduction
  • 4 layer 2.5 inch voice coil design enhances linearity and fidelity and power handling at full excursion while minimizing distortion and power compression
  • Proprietary injection-molded extreme-excursion light weight surround ensures flawless piston motion for pinpoint control and accuracy without distortion at the highest output levels.
  • Dual ferrite magnet motor assembly with extended aluminum polepiece produces effortless on-demand driving-force for subtle and over-the-top bass explosions.
  • Powder coated FEA optimized driver basket provides maximum rigidity, tensile strength, and thermal energy transference.
  • Lightweight and rigid composite cone with premium reinforced dust cap generating massive output with pinpoint accurate frequency response

GTX 124 H MSRP COST $209.98
GTX 104 H MSRP COST $199.98

Visit massiveaudio.com for more.

Badd Custom Cycle Brings Cicada Audio On Board In Connecticut And New England

TERRYVILLE, CT (01.24.24) – Badd Custom Cycle is a new Cicada Audio retailer serving the riders in the Connecticut and New England area.

The Badd Custom Cycle is filled with bikes.
Owner Doug Kroll (R) and shop manager Billy Cowdell are shown adding Cicada Audio to this bike.

Art Rickless, A.I.R. & Associates, related “Owner Doug Kroll and his team have a great following and specialize in Harley Davidson as well as other motorcycle sales and service. They have over 20 years experience in custom motorcycles and just brought in the Cicada Audio line and already have created sales and excitement from their customers.”

The Cicada Audio brand jumps out when customers walk into the store.
The shelves were full of products from the initial Cicada Audio order and now many have already been installed.

“We see so many opportunities with the Cicada Audio lineup of products. Our vision is a motorcycle is much more than just a motorcycle. We have been in business over 20 years and focused strictly on sales, service and bike upgrades. Recently we made the decision to add the audio category. When I heard the Cicada amps and speakers we added the line to our offerings” Doug Kroll related.

Gunner, the friendly boxer, greets customers at the door.

The Badd Custom Cycle showroom area is amazing. Over 20 Harleys are on display along with apparel and a wall filled with accessories. “When customers enter our store for the first time many tell me they have never seen a bike store this cool” Kroll added.

Of course Art Rickless and A.I.R. & Associates will work closely with Badd Custom Cycle to drive business heading into the bike season. Art will make sure to take a treat to Gunner, the Boxer guard dog, at the door for each visit.

Visit cicadaaudio.com and baddcustomcycle.com for more.

Boss Audio to Sponsor KnowledgeFest Sales Seminar

OXNARD, CA (01.24.24) – As part of an initiative spearheaded by Director of Sales, Matthew Delgado, to support specialty car audio dealers, Boss Audio will be sponsoring a seminar in the sales track of the upcoming KnowledgeFest show in Las Vegas. The seminar, titled “The Profit Funnel” and delivered by Jon Kowanetz of Pathways Coaching & Consulting, aims to provide a solution to several struggles that 12 volt retailers often face such as; finding qualified salespeople, presenting consistent value to customers, being able to offer predictable results and optimizing inventory turnover and profitability.

Matt Delgado

By sharing a proven method for systematizing the sales process in such a way that can be easily learned, easily taught and easily implemented, Kowanetz says “Anybody who comes to this class will leave with a blueprint for how to create their own unique selling systems that can guide not only in store interactions, but online sales as well, increasing both customer and employee satisfaction, as well as revenue and profit.” Because the retailer populates the system with their own chosen products and qualifying questions, Jon added “what you end up with is an efficient selling system that is authentic to the DNA and language of the store, rather than just another sales pitch that customers can see right through.”

Jon Kowanetz

After joining the BIG (Boss International Group) team in 2023, Matthew has been working to reintroduce the company, and its vision for the future, to the industry. “Our dealers, both existing and prospective, are the backbone of our company,” Matthew said “and we thought, what better way to show them our support than to sponsor a class that will improve their business?”

The presentation “The Profit Funnel” will be delivered at 10:10 am on Friday, February 2, 2024 in the Champagne 1 room, as part of the KnowledgeFest Las Vegas event, being held at the Paris Hotel & Convention Center.

Please contact Jon Kowanetz at Pathways Coaching & Consulting with any questions:
480-269-7448
jon@whatsyourpathway.com

MasterTech Expo Expands; Additional PartnerHotels Added to House 2024 Event Attendees

TEMPE, AZ (01.24.24) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce that its MasterTech Expo is continuing to grow and so it as added four additional partner hotels in order to house attendees for the upcoming event. The 2024 MasterTech Expo is scheduled for March 3-6 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz.

“The Expo has really taken off, and our 2023 event was amazing,” explained Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions founder/CEO/president. “As a result, our original partner hotel has already sold out for our upcoming 2024 event. Attendees have been asking about additional housing options, so we have been able to add four new partner hotels. Our commitment to a unique and hyper-focused career growth and development experience for MasterTech Expo attendees is the primary motivation in creating this event. The event’s growth year-by-year proves that both exhibitors and attendees alike are gaining invaluable knowledge as well as strengthening and making new relationships.”

For accommodations, please visit: https://www.mastertechexpo.com/hotels.html

To learn more and register for the event of the year, please visit www.MasterTechExpo.com.

MasterTech Expo was created as a comprehensive learning and networking event that intersects multiple disciplines in the automotive aftermarket customization and business spaces. Whether interior trimmers, car audio installation technicians, fabricators, business leaders or visionary entrepreneurs, its audience is broad-reaching, diverse, creative and talented. MasterTech’s training approach and content is unequaled, and its hand-selected exhibitor partners are the premier companies in their respective industries.

“There is no other event like this and your pathway to achieve next-level career skills and knowledge in the automotive aftermarket industry, whatever your specific discipline, is paved at MasterTech Expo,” Schmitt concluded. “Meet and network with like-minded professionals who enjoy sharing ideas, knowledge, and innovation in a professional setting while getting inspired by the diverse range of exhibitors and their incredible technology-oriented products. Come away with a new energy to elevate your skills and be the leader in your market.”

Visit www.mastertechexpo.com and www.mobilesolutions-usa.com for more.

Team Nutz Wrapped A Successful World Of Wheels 2024 In Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA (01.23.24) – Team Nutz, a very proactive 12volt retailer in the Pittsburg area, had a very strong showing at the recent MAX Motive World of Wheels this year at the David Lawerence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh Friday thru Sunday, January 19-21. Freezing temperatures, snow and weather advisories had little impact on attendance.

The aisles were packed around the Team Nutz booth.

The Team Nutz 70’ x 80’ booth was filled with demo vehicles, tents, show car displays, live installations and importantly consumers. End Result, with Ed Dalesandro and Rusty North, was onsite with the Team Nutz staff of 12 who worked the show. The End Result rep firm brands Hertz, Audison and Memphis Audio were installed in several demo vehicles and experienced by thousands of attendees.

In progress installations were completed on the show floor.
Enthusiasts saw a wide variety of demo vehicles.

Ed Nuttall, for Team Nutz, stated, “The attendance was reported to approach 20,000 and members of the crowd were really interested automotive enthusiasts. We had literally over 10,000 customized swag items including pens, stickers, tote bags, screw drivers and lanyards to hand out to attendees. We gave out over 1500 tote bags.

The visibility for Team Nutz at the event will lead to very active days at the store following the World of Wheels event.

Mike Gosnick made a variety of videos on the floor to get traffic to the Team Nutz booth. This screenshot highlighted a cool about Team Nutz bottle for just a buck… 200 sold in the booth.
In these fun images as the show open Saturday, Ed and Nina Nuttall are pictured on the left and Ed Dalesandro-who set this stage, is on the right.

“Many registered for contests we offered and checked out info from QR Code we spotted around at the event. Mike Gosnik posted a number of videos to draw attention to products in the booth and posts of those videos will continue visibility for us and store traffic following the event for weeks” Nuttall offered.

Continuing, Nuttall relayed “Friday was scheduled as high school day as in past years. We had expected to see maybe 1000 high school students. Very unfortunately the bad weather forced most schools to cancel that activity of bussing students to the event.”

The Saturday evening event, hosted by Team Nutz, was attended by exhibitors at restaurant across the street.

Following the show Saturday night Team Nutz hosted a dinner for exhibitors and crews at a restaurant across the street for over 100 who contributed to the success of the show.

“All at Team Nutz and partners certainly put a lot into pulling off this event. We worked over 3 days to set up and tear down took 1.5 hours this year…compared to 3 hours last year. We put our company and products in front a very large number of people. Literally thousands went home with some swag with our name on it too. All in all I think the show was a success. We look forward to more big events at the David Lawrence Convention Center,” Nuttall concluded.

Visit teamnutztechnology.com for more.