PHOENIX, AZ (04.07.26) – MTX, a MiTek Electronics and Communications company, announces a new partnership with Bruce Gilsdorf of Advanced Marketing to represent MTX in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.
Gilsdorf brings more than four decades of experience in the consumer electronics industry with a strong background in sales, training, and brand development. As Principal of Advanced Marketing since 1982, he has built long-standing relationships with retailers and manufacturersthat consistently translate into strong sales performance across his territories.
“MTX has been a powerhouse brand for over 40 years, and I’m excited to work with the team to continue building momentum in the Pacific Northwest,” said Bruce Gilsdorf, Principal at Advanced Marketing. “With a strong lineup of mobile audio and a clear commitment to the powersports category, MTX gives dealers the tools they need to grow their business. I’mlooking forward to working closely with Ceasar to expand the dealer network and show retailers the value MTX brings to their bottom line. We’re excited to connect with partners at the Pacific NW Expo in Seattle this May.”
“I have known Bruce since 1999, and I’m excited to be working with him again as he joins the MTX team,” said Ceasar Olaes, Regional Sales Manager at MTX. “Bruce brings a deep understanding of the Pacific Northwest market, and his experience and approach align well with how we support our dealers. We’re confident he will play a key role in continuing to strengthen our presence and grow our dealer network across the territory.”
For more information about MTX or to find a dealer, please visit www.mtx.com.
TORRANCE, CA (04.07.26) – April 2026, Rydeen Mobile Electronics, a leader in vehicle safety and driver awareness technology, today announced an update of its 2026 national representative network. With twelve dedicated rep firms now covering all major U.S. territories – from the Pacific Northwest to South Florida, from Hawaii to New England – Rydeen has built the most comprehensive dealer-support infrastructure in its company history.
The expanded network arrives at a pivotal moment. Rydeen’s newly launched MiNy360 Series – the first consumer dash cam to integrate patented proximity radar technology – is generating significant pre-order activity ahead of its Q2 2026 ship date. With dealer demand accelerating across all regions, having seasoned, territory-specific representation on the ground is the engine driving distribution.
“Our rep network is our frontline. These are not order-takers – they are trusted advisors who understand the 12Volt space at the street level. With the MiNy360 Series launching and our ADAS product line expanding, having the right people in every region ensures our technology reaches the dealers and installers who can put it to work for their customers,” said Rex Berfield, National Sales Manager, Rydeen Mobile Electronics.
Each rep firm was selected for its depth of relationships within the independent dealer and professional installer community, its track record in the 12Volt and consumer electronics space, and its ability to provide the hands-on support. Together, they form a network capable of bringing Rydeen’s full ecosystem – including the MiNy360 Series dash cameras, touch-screen digital mirror systems, and Rydeen’s AHD multi-camera solutions to installers and dealers who serve American drivers every day.
To connect with a Rydeen representative in your region, or to place an order, contact Rydeen’s national sales team directly at (310) 787-7880 or sales@rydeenmobile.com. For pre-order information on the MiNy360 Series contact your sales representative or call the sales team.
OZARK, MO (4.6.26) – On Saturday, April 4th, Creative Audio hosted their third AMP’D Up in the Ozarks and it was another terrific event. AMP’D Up in the Ozarks cranked up the volume to celebrate the growth of the car audio community by giving enthusiasts the opportunity to experience cutting edge audio systems for car audio and home products, meet industry experts and connect with others who share a passion for high-performance sound. The energy, the crowd, the sound and everything came together to create a powerful experience on Easter weekend that celebrated the car and home audio culture once again at he Ozark Convention Center in Southwest Missouri.
JBL setting up on Friday ‘to dare all to listen’ with Chris Pace and Fred Isensee.
Fred Isensee doing a demo for an attendee with the Polaris Expedition.
Chris King, Creative Audio, related “The representations were very good from Hertz, Audison, Cicada Audio, Memphis Audio, Diamond Audio, Cerwin Vega, JBL, KICKER, Jensen, Focal, PowerBass, Kenwood, Rockford Fosgate and JL Audio. It was so terrific to see the engagement of local enthusiasts to meet with factory staffs and factory representatives to check out their latest products. We are definitely looking forward to AMP’D in the Ozarks 2027.”
John Driscoll (L) and Jim Winemiller spotlighted Jim’s 2022 Road Glide loaded with PowerBass gear.
The Hertz booth drew lots of action checking out the bikes and Rob Wempe enjoyed a fun Happy Birthday.
JBL was on site as Chris Pace rolled the Arrowhead Sales JBL trailer down from Kansas City to provide live demos from the trailer. JBL’s Fred Isensee made the trip to bring in a large JBL trailer. On board was a 2-door Polaris Ranger and Polaris Expedition. Both were decked out and loaded for demos.
This Custom VW loaded with JL Audio was a great example of the custom cars. See the Kenwood and KICKER set ups in the background.
PowerBass was on site to showcase Jim Winemiller’s 2022 Road Glide that was loaded with PowerBass gear. Western Regional John Driscoll came in from the West Coast to be on site under the tent to connect with enthusiast from the southern Missouri area. While on site Driscoll also engaged with attendees to learn what upgrades they were looking for their rides.
The Hertz booth had a wide selection of products in the booth for attendees to check out. A special event on Saturday was a celebration of Rob Wempe‘s birthday. A cake was enjoyed and Rob looked great and very happy with the ‘Let’s Celebrate” smile.
Rockford Fosgate covered a large area on the AMP’D Up floor.
Rockford Fosgate covered a large area on the AMP’D Up floor.
There are a lot of lakes in the area, including Lake of the Ozarks, so attendees boarded this pontoon boat to check out the system.
Representing KICKER Tim Smith was on site with a 24’ KICKER trailer that hauled his truck loaded with KICKER for demos.
Events like AMP’D Up in the Ozarks provide continuing visibility and continuing business for companies organizing the events.
SHREVEPORT, LA (4.6.26) – In today’s internet driven AI and social media world is more important than ever for members of the 12volt industry to connect with industry members and consumers. These activities are more important than ever to drive business into brick and mortar stores. Consumers many times do you know do not know what we offer for their rides and they certainly can’t feel the bass in their chest or experience the separation of highs and mids on a smartphone or a laptop.
An example of a qrspots.net promo 14 years ago.
14 years ago 12volt News staff recognize the value of QR Codes for industry members to connect digitally with a QR code. qrspots.net was created. The tagline was ‘This spots for you’. Unfortunately at the time the industry felt that would drive consumers to the Internet and suggested continuing with that QR code was not good for the industry. We paused that activity even though we had demonstrated positive results. Today qrspots.net is not active.
This QR Code promo from years back produced over 100 names with kind of car and phone number of people that registered to win the Rockford Fosgate amplifier.
Through the years, the usage of QR Codes has grown dramatically and it’s so hard to look at a flyer or catalog or even TV ad and not see a customized QR code. Unfortunately only scanning menus are reported by industry members.
Today we offer to create custom QR Codes like this one from last December as Scott Rogers is standing in the N&H Electronics warehouse in Hattiesburg MS promoting PowerBass to dealers for Christmas.
A couple of years ago, the 12volt Central Studios created a new QR Code and have made numerous custom QR Codes for other industry members. As we’re ‘Cranking it up’ in 2026 we are cranking up visibility for custom QR Codes and will again showcase the value that QR Codes represent for all across the 12volt industry.
Our latest custom designed QR Code has an eye catching graphic. Scan to see the latest industry news!
Contact the 12volt Central Studios for information to create your company’s custom QR Code.
TAMPA, FL (04.03.26) – DOW Technologies hosted the 4-City KICKER U Training TOUR In South Florida from March 30th through April 2nd. The KICKER U Training series included stops in Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
Lori Boyer, Southeast Regional Sales Manager, and John Myers flew in from KICKER HQ in Stillwater to host each session with John upfront bringing the energy, education and information for dealers to sell smarter and sound better. From deep product dives to real-world install tips the trainings were built to help retailers boost confidence, close more deals and deliver next level audio experiences to their customers across South Florida. John Myers is KICKER Tech Force SeniorTrainer.
The Monday night training session in Tampa on the left and the Tuesday night session in Orlando on the right. John Myers upfront conducting each session.
Dealer attendance at each of the four stops was very good with dealers in the audience being very engaged. The in-person experiences connected DOW Team members with attendees. Dinner and refreshments made each of the KICKER U stops an experience dealers could take back to their shops and get everyone to be Livin’Loud with KICKER.
Mike Barcia (L) and Preston Allen from Kent‘s Kar Stereo with a big smiles from the Orlando training.
Lori Boyer is flanked by John Myers on the right and Mike Barcia with big smiles from the very successful 4-City KICKER 4-City Training series.
John Myers conducting the Miami session on the left and the wrap up today in Fort Lauderdale.
John Schneid and Bruno Maffucci, with area rep firm Dynamic Sales and Marketing were in the house. Booth spent time connecting with dealers to increase attendance at the KICKER U Trainings.
DOW Technologies Team members Mike Barcia, Dave Elkin, Micheal Stampfli and Justin Roberts participated in select sessions across the 4-City swing.
John Myers is so engaged when he presents to audiences how to ‘unlock your audio systems full potential!’
It’s delicious dinner time!
“Dealers attending the 4-City KICKER U Trainings will certainly go back to their stores energized to drive business” Mike Barcia, Florida Territory Manager, 12volt related.
Stay tuned for more from the DOW Technologies KICKER U Training Tour.
LOUISVILLE, KY (04.03.26) – Prodigy Audio is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Daville Customs, appointing the company as the authorized area distributor for the Kentucky, Tennessee, and Southern Indiana markets. This collaboration marks a significant expansion of Prodigy Audio’s distribution network, ensuring localized support and streamlined logistics for retailers across the region.
Chris Brown (R) and his son Chris Brown Jr show Prodigy Audio products at the Louisville UPS hub the largest in the country. They are located close by which can speed delivery.
Chris Brown is pictured in the Daville Customs Louisville showroom with a selection of Prodigy Audio products.
Daville Customs, led by industry veteran Chris Brown, brings decades of combined experience and technical expertise to the Prodigy Audio family. Known for their deep roots in the car audio community and a reputation for excellence in both service and installation, Brown and his team are uniquely positioned to represent Prodigy Audio’s high-performance product line.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Brown and the Daville Customs team to our distribution network,” said National Sales Manager Brett Barnes, Prodigy Audio. “Their extensive knowledge of the car audio landscape and commitment to dealer success align perfectly with our mission. By placing our inventory in their capable hands, we are ensuring our dealers in the Midwest and South receive the elite service they deserve.”
With strategic logistics and local Support, based in Louisville KY, Daville Customs operates out of a prime location near the UPS Worldport hub. This geographic advantage allows for industry-leading shipping times and efficient inventory management, providing dealers in the tri-state area with faster access to Prodigy Audio’s latest innovations.
Retailers located in the new territory can contact Daville Customs immediately for opening order information and product training.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.03.26) – Bring that concert dimension of LOUD into your vehicle innovated with GROUND POUNDER. GROUND POUNDER amplifiers push BIGGER POWER within every song to unleash their full potential. Get ready to feel the rush of audio adrenaline with cleaner bass and sharper treble details as you turn every audio session into a LIVE concert. GROUND POUNDER transforms sound.
GROUND POUNDER amplifiers offer HIGH POWER output, ensuring deep bass and crisp highs for an immersive listening experience. Utilizing either Class A/B or Class D technology, every GP amplifier optimizes efficiency while maintaining excellent audio clarity. It’s all in the details. Feel MORE.
BELLE CHASSE, LA (04.02.26) -Extreme Car Audio was once again on site at the Bayou Jeep Bash in Belle Chasse, March 27-29 at the NOLA MotorSports Park, on the Plaquemine Parish Recreation grounds. This year as the Elite Sponsor of the 2nd annual event.
Ace Truong, Extreme Car Audio owner, stated “This year’s event was very successful and far exceeded last year’s inaugural event in several ways. Attendance was way up and we definitely look forward to next year returning as the Elite Sponsor.”
The Bayou Jeep Bash offered a wide selection of Jeep vendors, arts and craft vendors, live music, lights and sound competitions along with food trucks. The world’s largest Rubber Duck, a tradition at many Jeeps, events stood out on site.
There were a number of Extreme Car Audio brands spotlighted on tables under the large tent with demo vehicles along side.
The Extreme CarAudio set up with the expansive recreation grounds in the background.
Action in the Extreme Car Audio booth was nonstop.
Area rep firms Momentum Marketing and Crossover Marketing Southeast, along with Chris Brinkley from MSC, were on site. Ben Pugh from Momentum Marketing and Shawn Simpson from Crossover showed brands their firms reps to Extreme Car Audio.
Simpson related “Ground Zero grabbed so much attention around the Extreme Car Audio booth. Our flag banner was flying high above the tent. The crowd around Ace’s booth was something I had not seen at a consumer show in a long time. From this event enthusiasts will be upgrading their Jeeps at Extreme Car Audio for weeks to come.”
Shawn Simpson and the Ground Zero brand connected with Jeepers.
MSC brands Match/Helix/Blam were spotlighted on this display table.
Ben Pugh relayed “I was on site at the Bayou Jeep Bash supporting Rockford, Kenwood, Elettromedia and Firstech. Ace and his Team are great supporters of our brands. Being at the Bayou Jeep Bash was super for me to also connect with consumers to get an idea what they are looking for their automotive upgrades.”
Chris Brinkley recently joined MSC as a Dealer Support Specialist and showcased Match/Helix/Blam on tables under the tent. We went to support our dealer at the Bayou Jeep Bash. The crowd was amazing and very receptive. A much bigger crowd than last year. The guys at Extreme Car Audio were very professional and the experts at the event.”
The Extreme Car Audio crew and partners gathered for a group shot with the big Yellow Duck.
As the event wrapped Ace Truong and Shawn Simpson (R), Crossover Marketing Southeast, gathered for an image to remember.
The entire Extreme Car Audio staff, including 4 sales staff, 3 installers and office staff were on site. The team also loaded a full trailer filled with in-store displays that were set up under the tent in the booth as installations were taking place along site.
Continuing Ace offered “We were very busy both days at the event. Overall, it was a terrific two day event as we were making sales and installations both days. Following the event we had Jeeps in our install bay in Marrero for installations.”
As the Elite Sponsor Ace holds the unique boot-shaped plaque awarded by the Bayou Jeep Bash organizers.
“The Bayou Jeep Bash was a great opportunity to connect in-person with Jeepers and enthusiasts. All of us working together was a terrific way to connect and drive business in our store” Ace concluded.
HOLLAND, OH (04.02.26) – TAS Electronics, an aftermarket vehicle electronics company serving Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan since 1973, announced the availability of professional DroneMobile installation at its Holland, Ohio location, giving drivers LTE-connected smartphone control over compatible vehicle functions including remote start, door lock and unlock, GPS tracking, and real-time security alerts.
The DroneMobile platform operates through an antenna installed discreetly in the vehicle and connects to a mobile application that allows drivers to control compatible safety and remote-start functions from any location with cellular coverage. Unlike a standard key fob, which is limited by proximity, the system uses LTE connectivity to extend vehicle access regardless of distance. The platform is also compatible with Apple Watch, Android Wear, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, enabling drivers to interact with their vehicle through multiple device types from a single connected account.
TAS Electronics is presenting the service as more than a remote-start upgrade. The connected system addresses a broader set of driver needs, including vehicle security, family oversight, and operational awareness, by consolidating those functions into one professionally installed platform. By framing the announcement around those combined capabilities, the company is positioning DroneMobile as a connected vehicle intelligence solution rather than a single-purpose aftermarket accessory.
The system includes high-precision GPS tracking that allows owners to view a vehicle’s current location and review trip history in real time. Geofencing tools let users define geographic boundaries and receive push notifications when a vehicle enters or exits a designated area. For households managing younger drivers, the platform supports configurable alerts for speed thresholds and after-hours driving activity. A Family Sharing feature allows separate user logins with shared access to one or more vehicles, making the system practical for households with multiple drivers on overlapping schedules.
TAS Electronics is also offering installation of the Drone XC LTE Dash Cam as a compatible addition to the DroneMobile system. The device records 2K QHD video and streams footage in real time over a nationwide cellular network, providing remote visual access to a parked or moving vehicle when the owner is not present. When a vehicle’s security sensors are triggered, the DroneMobile app delivers instant push notifications, supporting continuous monitoring without reliance on proximity to a traditional audible alarm. Optional add-on modules include a rear camera for expanded exterior coverage and an interior camera suited for rideshare operators or parents who want visibility into in-vehicle activity.
Vehicle health monitoring is also part of the platform’s capabilities. The DroneMobile app displays battery voltage, internal temperature readings, and maintenance reminders, giving owners ongoing visibility into vehicle status between service appointments. For drivers seeking an additional convenience layer, a separate keyless module allows physical keys to be secured inside the vehicle while app-based or touchpad access is used in their place.
TAS Electronics brings more than five decades of installation experience to every DroneMobile setup. The company reports that its technicians have completed more than 135,000 vehicle installations over its operating history, and that professional installation is designed to ensure clean integration with a vehicle’s existing factory electronics while reducing the compatibility concerns that can arise from self-installation attempts. Most DroneMobile installations are completed within a single business day, limiting downtime for drivers who depend on their vehicles for daily transportation.
The announcement extends TAS Electronics’ broader service offering in aftermarket vehicle technology. In addition to DroneMobile, the company provides installation of car audio systems, remote starters, car alarms, dash cams, heated seats, window tinting, LED lighting, motorcycle audio and marine audio.
TAS Electronics serves customers throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, including Toledo, Holland, Maumee, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and Monroe, Michigan. For more information about DroneMobile installation and scheduling, visit TAS Electronics DroneMobile.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.02.26) – The following candidates are vying for a seat on the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Board of Directors:
Board Seat (1 Seat)
Mike Anderson, Collision Advice
Jeff Hermann, MagnaFlow
Voting will take place online May 4-26 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact. Winners will be announced by June 9.
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