HOUSTON, TX (03.01.24) – SSR Distributors came in clutch on Wednesday February 28th, with their second installment SSRU1.2, entitled “The Retail Experience” conducted by Trainer Paul Galanos.
Dealers seated during the presentation in the SSR facility in Houston with Paul Galanos up front conducting the session.
Dealer clients and their staff members filled over 50 seats in this throwback-style fundamental sales training presentation that highlighted and explored the fundamentals of the retail sales experience from customer arrival to the after-sale follow-up. Attendees participated in role playing scenarios while learning new communication techniques and the art of reading body language.
Dealers arrived early and enjoyed pizza before the session began.
After the training session was complete, attendees are shown holding their framed certificates.
The pizza was great, and the overall experience was even better! Stay tuned for installment 1.3 in Houston entitled “Tech Tune-Up” where Paul will go over the basic fundamentals of amplifier, head unit and crossover tuning.
Also SSR Distributors North, in Dallas, kicks off their inaugural SSRU quest together with Paul in-house, mirroring the original SSRU 1.1 originally held in Houston entitled “Basic 12 Volt Upgrades.” The event will be help at the SSR Dallas location on Wednesday evening March 6th.
MESA, AZ (03.01.24) – MSC is proud to announce its 2024 MasterTech Expo manufacturer training schedule. The 2024 MasterTech Expo is scheduled for March 3-6 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, AZ. MSC and Audiotec Fischer officials will host a number of programs during the event focusing on new products and technologies.
“Audiotec Fischer is on a tear right now with some of the most unique, solution-based product that will make your job more proficient and profitable,” said Larry Penn, MSC President. “We are proud to host a number of seminars and trainings for show attendees, and advise that they sign up for them as soon as possible because slots are filling up quickly.”
Image courtesy of MSC
MSC’s 2024 MasterTech Manufacturer Trainings and Seminars include:
Sunday – March 3rd 3PM; Location: Theatre Room
MSC / Audiotec Fischer New Product Presentation
Join the Team from MSC and the masterminds from the Audiotec Fischer Germany mothership for a very special New Product Launch Event for Brax, Helix and Match! Come join us on a walkthrough of all the new products, including the amazing Helix V Eighteen DSP; an 18-channel amplifier with 20 channel DSP, the ultimate integration amplifier!
Monday – March 4th 7PM; Location: Delta D
Dude…. Why are your amplifiers not bridgeable??
Join the Team from MSC along with the masterminds from the factory in Germany as we give you an explanation to this often-asked question along with, “If only you guys had a 5 channel”. Here we will explain the how and why of our amplifier design and how the new Compose Speaker System range was designed with our amplifiers in mind!
Tuesday – March 5th 7PM; Location: Theatre Room
The Trifecta …Helix Compose Flexmount, Fusion 360 and Bambu Labs 3D Printers
Join the MSC Team, along with Helix Compose Product Manager Stefan Elchlepp, direct from Germany as we teach you simple, effective, and repeatable methods to create your own Flexmount speaker mount.
SOLD OUT! Preworkshop: Radar/Laser Speed Defense (Sunday March 3rd, 12:30-2:15) This session covers specific need-to-know information on fitting the custom installation (CI) radar/laser systems.
Sales Track: EV Integrated Modern Audio Design (Monday March 4th, 8:00-9:15 & Tuesday March 5th, 8:00-9:15)
Course Description:
Overview of Modern Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Challenges of Integrating 12V Audio in EVs
Power Management
Safety Considerations
Charging Systems and Audio Equipment
Custom Solutions and Adapters
Future Trends and Innovations
Business Track: Luxury Marketing (Monday March 4th, 9:30-10:45 & Tuesday March 5th, 9:30-10:45)
Course Description
Learn about creating demand in the exotic sports and luxury automotive market segment. From client acquisition to the retention of these clients, something far different than traditional marketing strategies is necessary.
For more information on MasterTech 2024, please visit:
MONTREAL, CANADA (03.01.24) – Automobility is excited to announce the company is the exclusive Canadian distributor for King Boxes and inventory is in stock.
As Canada’s largest automotive distributor Automobility will represent the complete line of the King Boxes ever-expanding line of speaker boxes and consoles.
“We are excited to have the exclusive partnership with Automobility in Canada. Our King Boxes will provide their dealers with our quality products that will showcase strong bass, save time in the installation bay and provide profit opportunities for their dealers. And look good on the showroom floor too” Jaysam Odeh, King Boxes VP, related.
The Automobility location in Toronto is stocked with King Boxes.
Michael Berger, Automobility Vice President of Sales, offered “The King Boxes shipment has arrived and we look forward to providing our dealers with this quality line of products that are designed to enhance a listener’s audio experience. King Boxes are designed to maximize bass output while maintaining precise soud quality. Already we are seeing positive reactions from our dealers.”
Automobility dealers in western Canada will be shipped from the Vancouver location.
Michael Berger (R) and Nima Jalilvand pictured with one of the King Box in the Automobility warehouse in Toronto.
Automobility, serving the 12volt industry since 1991, is headquartered in Montrael along with offices and warehouses in Toronto and Vancouver.
TEMPE, AZ (02.29.24) – MasterTech Expo is proud to announce an exclusive interview with KICKER President and CEO Steve Irby during MasterTech 2024, scheduled for March 3-6 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. Bryan Schmitt, MasterTech founder/CEO/president, will conduct the interview on Wednesday, March 6.
“This will be a casual yet unique interview, and we are thrilled to have Mr. Irby on stage where he will discuss his personal journey and the evolution of KICKER in the car audio industry,” explained Schmitt. “This intimate discussion will delve into the early days of KICKER, exploring the company’s inception, its groundbreaking products, and the technological innovations that have revolutionized the car audio industry.”
The discussion will also cover other various topics, including the origins and growth of KICKER (including how the name came about), KICKER’s most innovative products and technologies, significant achievements and impacts on the car audio market, the evolution of products and strategies to stay ahead in the industry, KICKER’s influence on the car audio industry, what the future holds for KICKER, and more.
“Our history is unique…it’s something people won’t hear anywhere else,” said Irby. “I’m excited to share the KICKER story, and how we got to where we are today.”
The interview will provide attendees with a rare opportunity to hear directly from a true pioneer in the industry.
“Don’t miss the chance to gain a deeper understanding of KICKER’s impact on the car audio industry and what the future holds for this innovative company,” Schmitt continued. “We invite all enthusiasts, professionals, and members of the press to join this enlightening session.”
To learn more and register for the event of the year, please visit www.MasterTechExpo.com.
SHREVEPORT, LA (02.29.24) – SPOTLIGHT your new products in the 12volt News Show.
The 12volt News Show was created as a vehicle for companies across the 12volt industry to showcase their new products to members of the 12vol industry. The 12volt News Show is a venue to let industry members know about new products from manufacturers, distributors and service companies. From the convenience of a company’s office it can happen with no travel time, hotel, freight or travel and booth expense. A number of The 12volt News Show packages are available.
The 12volt STP Tool, which is not an app to download, makes it easier than ever to showcase a company’s new products. Simply hold and have an image Snapped. Txt the image, along with a few words about the product, with your smartphone. PRESTO…. our company’s new products could be in the 12volt News Show. 318-465-0844 is the number.
No doubt in-person trade and distributor shows offer so many more possibilities to showcase new products and connect with customers. Post Pandemic in-person trade shows have slowly returned. Distributor shows in the spring of this year were less that 20% of Pre Pandemic numbers. As with all business related marketing initiatives measuring the ROI is a must.
With the advent of social media Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles for information and news delivery. The fact remains people need still, and look forward to, receiving fresh, positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry companies and members.
Today a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends over hours a day on their smartphone. 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. Each business day there is also fresh industry news posted to 12voltnews.com.
The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to easily send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are for the most part dedicated members of the 12volt industry. The 12voltSTP Tool and The 12volt News Show work hand-in-hand with the 12volt News to deliver positive news to members of the 12volt industry.
BOCA RATON, FL (02.29.24) – Inc. magazine today revealed that Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has been named to the fourth annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Southeast list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Southeast private companies, based in South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Southeast economy’s most dynamic segment — its independent small businesses.
“This ranking reflects our commitment to supporting the growth and success of our franchisees,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and President of Tint World. “Our proven systems and comprehensive range of premium services and products empower Tint World franchise owners to deliver a world-class experience, and that is driving our reputation as a market leader and our continuing rapid growth throughout the world.”
The companies on this list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Southeast region. Between 2020 and 2022, these 223 private companies had an average growth rate of 166.43 percent; by 2023, they’d also added 20,496 jobs and $8.8 billion to the region’s economy. Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: Southeast, including company profiles, can be found at inc.com/Southeast starting Feb. 27, 2024. You’ll also find an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria.
“The honorees in our Inc. 5000 network are the Who’s Who of private companies. They’re energizing regional economies as they engineer the future of their industries. Learn who they are and what they do — they’ll be impacting things for a while,” said Eric Hagerman, Special Projects Editor at Inc. Media.
The 2024 Inc. 5000 Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2020 and 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent — not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies — as of Dec. 31, 2022. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2020 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.
PALMYRA, PA (02.28.24) – DAS offered an all-expense-paid trip to MasterTech Expo for two (2) installers in the Ohio Valley. The contestants were chosen on Thursday February 16th from a drawing which consisted of brick & mortar 12V dealers who applied and opened an account with DAS during the specified contest timeframe. The winning accounts were be able to send one (1) installer on the trip.
B’s Car Stereo in Elyria OH was chosen as a winner. Eric Balmert will be taking the trip to Meas AZ. “When they let me know we had won the trip to the MasterTech Expo I was so surprised…and happy. I have heard so much about the event and am definitely looking forward to the trip.”
Auto Tint & Trim, in Vienna WA, was the other lucky trip winner. Chris Liebau offered “I have heard so many good things about the MasterTech Expo from friends and dealers who had attended the event. A huge thank you to DAS for putting this contest together. I was almost speechless when they let me know we were a trip winner.”
MasterTech Expo 2024 is more than just an event… it’s a catalyst for growth, inspiration and future-forward thinking. It’s where attendees transform their knowledge, connect with the best in the industry, and witness the future of technology unfold.
Airfare to and from the event, hotel room, and MasterTech Expo entry fee are included. The winner is responsible for any items charged back to the room during their stay.
The DAS contest was for dealers who applied in the following states: Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan (Lower Peninsula).
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (02.28.24) – 3…2..1. SPRING. Get ready for a new season of on-the-water adventure with Music. Defined. levels of NA3 POWER. Nautic NA3 amplifiers bring an attitude that’s ready to take on any condition that the elements may bring. Take on open waters with an amplifier line that answers the call for durability, playback, and fuel your Marine MB Quart audio system craves to showcase. NA3 POWER!
Using conformal-coated PC boards to offer protection against harsh elements, NA3 amplifiers bring huge durability that can be relied upon wherever the outdoor journey may lead to. In addition to taking on rough conditions, these amplifiers feature sound contouring with onboard crossovers, bass boost, and adjustable input sensitivity — all concealed behind top-mounted controls.
Marine power that is designed to take on any condition – every NA3 amplifier features top-mounted sound contouring with onboard crossovers, bass boost to bring out deeper levels of bass impact, and adjustable input sensitivity hidden and concealed behind top-mounted controls.
Every NA3 amplifier is waterproof and dustproof against the conditions innovated with a Q-Stasis pre-amplifier stage with a maximum low voltage signal from the source unit creating minimal distortion while RCA inputs are prewired to the PC board and offer more protection.
A heavy-duty heat sink efficiently moves heat from the MOSFET as innovative DC Signal Sense switch allows every NA3 amplifier to turn on when a signal is received on the RCA inputs. Obtain complete control of amplifier output with an electronic equalizer for specific frequencies to speakers and subwoofers.
Embrace an amplifier line that answers the call with clean sound that stands up to the toughest conditions on the water while giving your music higher quality playback and power. Nautic NA3 amplifiers make audio durable and ready for on-the-water adventure no matter the conditions ahead.
Embrace your Marine lifestyle on the NA3 LEVEL with top-mounted controls and stay protected against the environment. SPRING HAS ARRIVED!
Learn more HERE about the entire line of Nautic NA3 amplifiers.
NEW YORK, NY (02.28.24) – SiriusXM announced the details for its annual MLB Network Radio Spring Training Tour, which will begin today, February 26, and continue through March 13. SiriusXM’s expert hosts will visit all 30 MLB team camps in 17 days to give listeners a comprehensive preview of every club as they prepare for the 2024 MLB season.
Each one-hour show on the tour will be dedicated to an individual team, and SiriusXM’s insiders will interview players, managers and executives on location at various spring training ballparks.
Shows will be hosted by former general managers Jim Bowden, Jim Duquette and Steve Phillips, former major leaguers Kevin Frandsen, Eduardo Perez, Xavier Scruggs, and Ryan Spilborghs, as well as Mike Ferrin and Dani Wexelman.
MLB Network Radio is available to subscribers nationwide in their cars (channel 89) and on the SiriusXM app at https://sxm.app.link/MLBonSXM. Episodes will be available on demand on the SiriusXM app after they premiere, enabling listeners to hear them anytime.
2024 SiriusXM Spring Training Tour Broadcast Schedule: (All times ET)
Monday, Feb. 26
Brewers – Phoenix, AZ 6 pm with hosts Mike Ferrin and Ryan Spilborghs
Tuesday, Feb. 27
Rays – St. Petersburg, FL 5 pm with hosts Steve Phillips and Eduardo Perez
Giants – Scottsdale, AZ 7 pm with hosts Mike Ferrin and Ryan Spilborghs
Wednesday, Feb. 28
Twins – Lee County, FL 5 pm with hosts Steve Phillips and Eduardo Perez
Mariners – Peoria, AZ 6 pm with hosts Mike Ferrin and Ryan Spilborghs
Thursday, Feb. 29
Red Sox – Fort Myers, FL 5 pm with hosts Steve Phillips and Eduardo Perez
Friday, Mar. 1
Dodgers – Glendale, AZ 1pm with hosts Mike Ferrin and Ryan Spilborghs
Pirates – Bradenton, FL 5 pm with hosts Steve Phillips and Xavier Scruggs
Angels – Tempe, AZ 6 pm with hosts Ryan Spilborghs and Jim Duquette
Saturday, Mar. 2
Orioles – Sarasota, FL 6 pm with hosts Steve Phillips and Xavier Scruggs
Rockies – Scottsdale, AZ 7 pm with hosts Ryan Spilborghs and Jim Duquette
Sunday, Mar. 3
Braves – North Port, FL 5 pm with hosts Steve Phillips and Kevin Frandsen
Cubs – Mesa, AZ 7 pm with hosts Ryan Spilborghs and Jim Duquette
Monday, Mar. 4
Tigers – Lakeland, FL 5 pm with hosts Steve Phillips and Kevin Frandsen
Rangers – Surprise, AZ 7 pm with hosts Ryan Spilborghs and Jim Duquette
Tuesday, Mar. 5
Phillies – Clearwater, FL 5 pm with hosts Steve Phillips and Kevin Frandsen
Royals – Surprise, AZ 7 pm with hosts Ryan Spilborghs and Jim Duquette
Wednesday, Mar. 6
Yankees – Tampa, FL 5 pm with hosts Steve Phillips and Xavier Scruggs
Thursday, Mar. 7
White Sox – Glendale, AZ 5 pm with hosts Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette
Friday, Mar. 8
Reds – Goodyear, AZ 1 pm with hosts Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette
Blue Jays – Dunedin, FL 5 pm with hosts Steve Phillips and Xavier Scruggs
Diamondbacks – Scottsdale, AZ 7 pm with hosts Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette
Marlins – Jupiter, FL 8 pm with hosts Dani Wexelman and Eduardo Perez
Saturday, Mar. 9
Cardinals – Jupiter, FL 4 pm with hosts Dani Wexelman and Jim Bowden
Padres – Peoria, AZ 7 pm with hosts Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette
Sunday, Mar. 10
Astros – West Palm Beach, FL 4 pm with hosts Dani Wexelman and Jim Bowden
Athletics – Mesa, AZ 8 pm with hosts Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette
Monday, Mar. 11
Mets – Port St. Lucie, FL 5 pm with hosts Dani Wexelman and Jim Bowden
Tuesday, Mar. 12
Guardians – Goodyear, AZ 5 pm with hosts Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette
Wednesday, Mar. 13
Nationals – West Palm Beach, FL 5 pm with hosts Dani Wexelman and Jim Bowden
* schedule subject to change.
SiriusXM offers live broadcasts of select spring training games, as well as every regular and postseason MLB game and select Spanish-language game broadcasts. The SiriusXM app offers 30 play-by-play channels that stream the official radio broadcasts of every MLB team, giving fans the choice between the home and visiting team announcers for every game all season long. All 30 MLB play-by-play channels are also available in vehicles equipped with SiriusXM with 360L. For the schedule, visit www.siriusxm.com/sports.
STILLWATER, OK (02.27.24) – Created to match every curve and contour of today’s most popular trucks, KICKER announces three under-seat, loaded subwoofer enclosures featuring dual Solo-Baric L7T square subwoofers, with a rated power handling of up to 1,200 total watts (RMS). Dual L7T-Loaded Truck-Specific Enclosures will be available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live™ streamed show, Truck-Specific Loaded Enclosures will retail starting at $799.99 and will also be available for purchase online at www.kicker.com.
Each version of enclosure has been verified to fit each truck model perfectly and look every bit as good as it sounds. Both the KFDL7T (for many models of Ford) and KGMDL7T (for many models of Chevy and GMC) are down-firing enclosures loaded with 10-inch and 12-inch subwoofers, respectively. Shipping later this quarter, the up-firing KRDL7T is made specifically for various RAM truck models and includes pre-installed grilles to further protect its 10-inch L7T subwoofers. Consumers can check kicker.com for fitment in specific truck models.
Covered in thick black carpeting and sporting a custom KICKER logo, these enclosures are pre-wired to a single two-Ohm terminal for easiest installation. Thick MDF construction and extensive internal bracing keep the enclosures stable.
The L7T subwoofer’s extended top plate includes a KICKER-patented “bumped” design, allowing extra excursion and longer throw for deeper overall bass from its extremely thin design. The L7T’s unique square cone provides up to 20 percent additional cone area compared to a standard round sub of the same size, making a 12-inch square sub perform like a 13-inch subwoofer. The listener enjoys more volume and deeper bass.
For more information, consumers can visit www.kicker.com.