Mike Eckley Joins MSC as Director of Specialty Dealer Development

MESA, AZ (11.15.23) – MSC, North American Distribution Partner for Audiotec Fischer, BLAM, Escort Radar, Mobridge Interfacing, and Stinger Radar, is proud to announce that it has named industry veteran Mike Eckley as Director of Specialty Dealer Development, effective immediately.

“Mike brings a wealth of 12volt experience to MSC, and we are proud and excited to have him join our team,” explained Larry Penn, MSC President. “Mike not only brings well rounded industry experience and product knowledge to the table, but also strong relationships throughout the country along with a work ethic that is synergistic with our company. Mike will be responsible for managing the relationships with our dealer partners across the country.”

Based in Florida, Eckley has more than 30 years industry experience with companies such as Rockford Fosgate, Lightning Audio, MB Quart, ADS/Precision Power, DOW Electronics, Sony, and, most recently, with AAMP Global as its outside national sales manager.

Mike Eckley, Director of Specialty Dealer Development

“I have also had the privilege of owning my own retail shop which provided me with a valuable dealer perspective that helps guide me even today,” said Eckley. “This foundational experience gave me insights and understanding that can only be gained from firsthand retail experience.”

Eckley has earned multiple industry awards, including Top 5 Rep of the Year (Mobile Electronics 2019, 2020) and Rep of the Year (Mobile Electronics 2017).

“Now, I am excited to join MSC and embrace its distinctive culture,” Eckley added. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with current partners and contributing to future expansion and growth of the company.”

As a major marketing tool for when visiting with MSC partners and end users, Eckley’s 2023 Audi A4 will be outfitted with an “integrated audio” system featuring components from Audiotec Fischer and Escort Radar. This will include speakers from the exciting new Helix Compose speaker range, as well as best-in-class multi-channel DSP amplification from Helix. The system wouldn’t be complete without a little low frequency energy, and MSC will deliver on that with the Impact series subwoofers from Helix. Allowing Mike to “Drive Smarter”, the Audi will feature the new Redline CI integrated radar/laser defense system from Escort Radar.

“This presents a fantastic opportunity to offer our partners the firsthand experience of seamless OEM product integration while infusing a sense of style and flair,” Eckley concluded. “Seeing product online is one thing, but being able to fully immerse oneself in a vehicle that’s already been outfitted offers a completely different perspective.”

For more information, please visit www.msc-america.com, call 480-372-2929 (USA) or 403-698-3695 (Canada), or email sales@msc-america.com.

Petra Industries Announces Promotion of Ed Lacy to The Petra B2B Store Manager

EDMOND, OK (11.15.23) – Petra Industries is pleased to announce Ed Lacy, currently District Manager of Outside Sales, will now also oversee the company’s B2B Store operations.

Lacy started his career at Petra in 2008 as an inbound call representative. He was promoted to Will Call Customer Service Rep, became the company’s 12V Sales Specialist, and then was promoted to District Manager of Petra’s 12V Division, later retitled as District Manager of Outside Sales.

Ed Lacy, Petra B2B Store Manager

In 2015, when Will Call and 12V Sales moved into the company’s newly built B2B Store, Lacy followed and has since become a familiar and helpful face to many. His new duties include Will Call Manager, managing the B2B Store and staff, merchandising of products on display, and acting as the primary liaison of the Store with the responsibility to communicate and coordinate customer needs within Petra.

Taking on this added role provides Lacy the opportunity to better serve Petra’s customers and the company itself. “I am eager to connect, reconnect, and enhance the total customer experience at the B2B Store,” noted Lacy.

Tate Morgan, Petra President, said, “Ed is widely known for his product knowledge and great rapport with our customers. We look forward to his taking The B2B Store experience to the next level.”

Visit petra.com for more.

Sundown Audio Launches Revamped Website

NEWTON, NC (11.15.23) – Sundown Audio proudly announces the launch of its all new website, designed to enhance user experience and streamline warranty claims. Simultaneously, Sundown Audio introduces a new enhanced warranty program for Stocking Dealers and Distributors.

The revamped website offers a user-friendly interface providing all Dealers and Distributors with seamless platform for faster and expedited warranty claims. This initiative aims to empower dealers and distributors with a swift and efficient processes for warranty support.

With the launch of our redesigned website and the introduction of our new warranty program we are dedicated to providing our valued dealers and distributors with an enhanced and expedited experience said Scottie Johnson CEO @ Sundown Audio. “This is initiative reflects our commitment to customer satisfaction and reinforces our position as an industry leader.”

For more information about the new website and warranty program, please visit www.sundownaudio.com.

See the 12voltSTP Tool at Work for Companies Across the US

SHREVEPORT, LA (11.13.23) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.

KICKER was Livin’Loud at the Veterans Day evening EnduroCross in Redmond, OR.

The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap and Txt an image… PRESTO your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318-465-0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.

The 12voltSTP Tool provided industry visibility for the SSR 25th Anniversary Dealer Show on Sunday, November 12th.

Check out the images below for examples of posts made the last few days with images from 12volt industry members who utilized the 12voltSTP Tool.

Kenwood and KICKER had large booths in the North Hall at SEMA 2023.

Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.

Massive Audio spotlighted Ellis Car Audio-Laure MT, a top selling retailer. Francesco Nappo, John Velez, dealer Shawn Ellistad and Hernando Mares (L to R).

To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.

KING BOXES was a first-time SEMA exhibitor who utilized the 12voltSTP Tool for this post.

On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry. To see over 1000 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.

Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

Celsus UK Launches Kicker KMC6 at METS ‘23

POOLE, UK (11.14.23) – CELSUS UK, Poole-based distributor for KICKER AUDIO Marine in Europe, is displaying a highly anticipated Kicker KMC6 at METS 15 – 17th November. 

Chet Weddle and Aziz Masri are traveling from KICKER HQ in Stillwater, OK to be in to work with the CelsusUK team during the event.

KICKER AUDIO will display their new-for-2024 flagship premium source unit KMC6 for the first time globally at METS. The KMC6 boasts a truly unique combination of features which includes Digital Radio (DAB+), NMEA compatibility, 6 channels 40W at 2 ohm, Zone control, Camera/video input with trigger, IP66 waterproof rating and a 3.5” colour LCD display. This highly anticipated source unit gives boat owners future facing technology, flexibility for system design and integration with other vessel electronics. Release expected Q2 2024 with suggest retail price of €599.95. A full list of features and specification can be found below. 

Paul Baker Celsus UK Managing Director commented, “We are thrilled to launch thus new product from the fantastic manufacturing partner Kicker Marine. The introduction is a great addition to their range, we believe it will be received well by our growing network of distributors & OEM partners in Europe.”

For demonstrations of this product along with many others, visit the Celsus UK booth 01-531 in Hall 1 at RAI Amsterdam. 

For further information please contact Mark Baker at marketing@celsusgroup.net 

celsusice.co.uk | kicker.com

Oracle Lighting Announces Winners of Its First Annual Customer Awards at 2023 SEMA Show

METAIRIE, LA (11.14.23) – ORACLE Lighting, the market leader in innovative LED solutions and high-quality automotive lighting products, announces the winners of its first-ever ORACLE Customer Awards. The awards were presented at the ORACLE Lighting booth during the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas and recognize impressive sales growth and significant investment in building brand awareness and serving its respective customers in unique and exciting ways.

Warehouse Distributor (WD) of the Year: Turn5
The e-commerce powerhouse behind AmericanMuscle, ExtremeTerrain and AmericanTrucks, Turn5 has experienced the largest sales growth among ORACLE WD customers from 2019 to the present. By continually expanding its offering and having its finger on the pulse of what car, truck and off-road enthusiasts want, the company has seen a more than 300% increase in ORACLE product sales in the past two years.

Pole Position Award: Turn 14 Distribution
“Pole position” is a fitting analogy for Turn 14 Distribution’s status as the fastest-growing wholesale distributor of ORACLE products, tripling sales since it began offering the brand in 2021. With 723,000 square feet of modern distribution center space, Turn 14 Distribution boasts ground shipping coverage to 45% of the U.S. population in one day and 100% within two days, ensuring fast delivery of ORACLE products to customers nationwide.

Installer of the Year: Joe’s Jeep Jungle
Maryland-based Joe’s Jeep Jungle is a one-stop shop for all things Jeep. From lighting and suspension upgrades to complete builds and restorations, Joe’s modifies several Jeeps daily based on its customers’ needs. Known for using only real-world-tested products, the shop relies heavily on ORACLE products for its individual and Jeep club customer projects.

Customizer of the Year: Distinction Applied
Friends and family-owned and operated Distinction Applied has made a name for itself among Jeep enthusiasts for customizing OEM parts and offering only the best aftermarket upgrades. The company has created a unique process of offering the majority of ORACLE products custom painted for a truly unique touch and elevated experience for the customer.

Showstopper Award: Vision Industries
A fixture in Las Vegas car culture, the team at Vision Industries also travels to shows and meets across the country, offering sealed beam, underbody and other ORACLE products to classic, muscle car and truck, and lowrider enthusiasts. The innovative retailer and shop builds its own displays and vehicles from the ground up to showcase the latest ORACLE products.

“We want to thank our customers for being ORACLE brand champions and trusting us to deliver lighting products that match their own standards for quality and performance,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, ORACLE Lighting’s CEO and co-founder. “The growth and commitment to the aftermarket industry represented by these companies is astounding, and we are thrilled to be part of their ongoing success.”

For more information on ORACLE Lighting and its complete product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776 or email info@oraclelights.com.

KICKER was Livin’ Loud at the AMA EnduroCross in Redmond, OR

REDMOND, OR (11.13.23) – The AMA EnduroCross Round 5 Event filled the First Interstate Bank Center in Redmond Saturday, Veterans Day evening, November 11th. The EnduroCross riders faced a dirt track filled with boulders, logs, large tires and ramps on their bikes.

Scott Chapin-Falcon Sales, MADDOG Lorin, George, Dylan and Nick (LtoR) with In Tune were set under the KICKER tent in the lobby to be Livin’Loud during the event.

KICKER, a series sponsor, was on site with tables filled with products under large tent in the lobby. The KICKER RZR was Livin’ Loud by the tent and provided many demos throughout the event.

Lorin Morrell, who orchestrates KICKER activities at the EnduroCross events, was joined in the booth by local retailer In Tune and Scott Chapin with Falcon Sales rep firm.

The stands were full as the racing was to begin.

“It was super to have members of the local KICKER dealer In Tune in the booth along with territory rep Scott Chapin. Attendance was very strong and general admission tickets were sold out when the doors opened. No doubt the In Tune crew had contact with hundreds in local consumers and enthusiasts in the area” Morrell related.

Enthusiasts packed the entry into the lobby and passed by the KICKER tent on the way to their seats.
Enthusiasts packed the entry into the lobby and passed by the KICKER tent on the way to their seats.

Continuing “The pit party got the evening going as enthusiasts visited with riders next to their bikes before the race card started. Soon the engines rev’ed and rides were dodging obstacles on the track and flying off ramps.”

Oregon is truck and Motorsports country and KICKER’s lineup of truck enclosures, subs, speakers, amplifiers and can speakers grabbed eyeballs in the lobby display area.

“Overall the EnduroCross in Redmond was one terrific event” Morrell concluded.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Synergy Marketing And Race Sport Lighting On The Road In Texas

HOUSTON, TX (11.13.23) – Texas is a key state in BPI for the 12volt industry overall. “The lighting category continues to grow and as the new Race Sport representative for Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi we put together a road trip with Ignacio Ayala to spend a week on the road seeing distributors and dealers between Houston and Dallas/Ft Worth” David Toliver, Synergy Marketing Principal, stated.

Top custom work at House of Sound in Houston includes lighting upgrades.

Ayala, Race Sport Lighting Product Specialist, arrived in Houston on October 30th and spent the balance of the week making stops in Houston, Waco and along the way to Dallas/Ft Worth in the Synergy Avalanche with Toliver behind the wheel.

Race Sport Lighting inventory ready to ship at Broadway in Houston.

“Our first stop in Houston was House of Sound. Alex Restrepo and his team do such amazing custom work on Slingslots, UTVs, trucks and cars. They truly understand how lighting adds to uniqueness of a customer’s project. Many of their projects also include custom body work. In Houston we also spent time with the Broadway crew who distribute Race Sport Lighting in the southern part of the territory.”

With daylight savings time the lighting category provides solutions for quality vehicle headlights for safety. Race Sport Lighting has many SKU’s that address vehicle lighting for safety.

“We wrapped the week seeing dealers in the DFW area along with A&W and LESCO as both distribute Race Sport Lighting. Ignacio really connected at each stop and provided specific info on how Race Sport Lighting products could open new sales opportunities for our business partners. He also opened my eyes to new opportunities” Toliver concluded.

Tim Crawford, based in the DFW area, covers the northern part of the rep firm’s territory. Synergy Marketing joined the Race Sport Lighting rep network in mid October of this year.

Visit /www.racesportinc.com for more.

Celsus UK Launches Kicker KMC6 & Dynamat Dynacore at METS ‘23

POOLE, UK (11.13.23) – CELSUS UK, Poole based distributor for KICKER AUDIO Marine & DYNAMAT noise control solutions in Europe, are displaying two highly anticipated products from the market leading U.S. brands on booth 01.531 in hall 1 at METS 15 – 17th November. 

KICKER AUDIO display their new-for-2024 flagship premium source unit KMC6 for the first time globally at METS. The KMC6 boasts a truly unique combination of features which includes Digital Radio (DAB+), NMEA compatibility, 6 channels 40W at 2 ohm, Zone control, Camera/video input with trigger, IP66 waterproof rating and a 3.5” colour LCD display. This highly anticipated source unit gives boat owners future facing technology, flexibility for system design and integration with other vessel electronics. Release expected Q2 2024 with suggest retail price of €599.95. A full list of features and specification can be found below. 

In addition Celsus are displaying a fibre-based thermo-acoustic noise and heat absorber from DYNAMAT named ‘Dynacore™’. This lightweight and flexible material offers the unique structure needed to dissipate sound waves and absorb heat. Great for engine compartments, outboard cowls, generator/ machine housings and compressor/ water pump enclosures. Dynacore™ is the perfect partner to Dynamat Xtreme damping material and meets the 240 hour requirements of the standard derived from ASTM B117-19 salt-fog rating, compliant with UL94, MVSS302, UL HF1, UL HBF standards.. Out now in ½” and 1” thickness from €85.00 suggested retail price. A full list of specification can be found below. 

Paul Baker Celsus UK Managing Director commented, “We are thrilled to launch new products this year from two fantastic manufacturing partners of ours; Kicker Marine & Dynamat. Both the introductions are great additions to their respective ranges, we believe they will be received well by our growing network of distributors & OEM partners in Europe.”

For demonstrations of these products along with many others, visit the Celsus UK booth 01-531 in Hall 1 at RAI Amsterdam. 

For further information please contact; Mark Baker marketing@celsusgroup.net 

celsusice.co.uk | kicker.com | dynamateurope.com 

Remembering All Veterans Who Served In US Armed Services

SHREVEPORT LA (11.11.23) Many members of the 12volt industry have made Veterans Day posts on social media. Those posts, saluting all those who served in all branches of the US Armed Services, demonstrates members of the 12volt industry understands those veterans contributed to the freedom we enjoy today.

My late Father, W R Van Horn, was a veteran of World War II. In fact, he was serving in Germany when I was born in 1945.

My Father, a commercial artist created this cartoon graphic on a brown paper bag, announcing my birth while on duty. The actual cartoon, from 78 years ago, is
on a desk in the 12volt Central Studios in Shreveport LA. I am in the diapers lower as my parents look down at their kid.

As a commercial artist he was also the editor of the 120 page leather-bound coffee table book pictured below which was printed in Germany.

On this Veterans Day 2023 let’s all pause to Thank All Veterans for their service.