The 2024 Woofer Electronics Expo Filled The Midwest Conference Center

NORTHLAKE, IL (03.15.24) – The 2024 Woofer Electronics Expo combined a product expo, trainings, networking and dinner for attendees. Over 30 manufacturers were present along with factory staff members and territory reps to connect with area dealers.

Sam Yoo, Woofer Electronics President, related “There was an overwhelming response to the training seminars and many dealers noted that they loved the fact that they could learn from and interact with all of our vendors throughout the event. The very busy day finished with a full dinner with refreshments.”

The Woofer Expo capped with a full dinner and refreshments.

The schedule for the day included 17 training sessions presented by vendors and representatives. The 17 training sessions were divided into 6 one hour timeframes in ballrooms. Focal, VOXX, Wavtech, AAMP, Firstech, RDV, KICKER, Lucas Lighting, Limitless Lithium, ADS, Diamond Audio, Uniden, JVC, Cicada, Memphis, Kenwood and Metra hosted dealer trainings.

Demo vehicles on the Expo floor included a Subaru, UTVs and Bikes from Uniden, DS18, Wet Sounds, Memphis and Diamond Audio.

The KICKER booth was manned by Bill Braun and Carlos Jimenez along with area representative Tom Ebeling of Tree Associates. Braun and Jimenez conducted KICKER training sessions.

Josh Bowen welcomed all to the JVC booth.

JVC Mobile showcased the company’s new in-store display with Josh Bowen meeting with dealers.

Tim Hill with the KENWOOD motorcycle display.

Tim Hill was set up in the Kenwood booth with a display featuring the company’s motorcycle audio products.

Rich De Sclafani (L) and Mario Paredes-M&M Pro Audio are happy to catch up in the RDV booth.

The latest RDV interface products were showcased by Rich De Sclafani. A highlight for De Sclsfani was seeing long time friend Mario Paredes owner of M&M Pro Audio in River Grove IL. Paredes related “Seeing Rich is always great. His RDV products are doing well in our store as more consumers are looking for in-vehicle connectivity solutions. We have worked with Woofer Electronics for decades. Sam Yoo and his team do such a great job serving their dealers and working to drive the 12volt industry forward.”

Richard Young, Eastern Regional, stayed busy showing all Diamond Audio’s latest motorcycle products including the MSHD14 10-Channel Media Player in a Harley demo.

The motorcycle category is hot across the 12volt industry and Diamond Audio was set up with Richard Young, Eastern Regional, showing the company’s latest products including the MSHD14 10 Channel Media player in a Harley demo in the booth.

Matt Bund related “QPower had a very successful show. Customers were loving QBOMB Boxes. They get the USA spray that we use to coat the boxes creating an unbreakable seal. Woofer set up some really great deals for dealers on the boxes. Very very great deals here. The Yoo family went all out with morning coffee, lunch, dinner, and hourly trainings plus a raffle.”

Concluding Yoo offered “We wanted to show our appreciation to our dealers and vendors with our 2024 Expo. Our dealers need to be in touch with vendors and potential new categories and we stressed the importance of continuing to innovate. Woofer Electronics and its partners are invested in the continued success of our dealers and the industry as a whole. The feedback so far has been overwhelming positive. We are looking forward to making next year’s event an even greater success.”

Territory reps present at the Woofer Electronics Expo included Comprehensive Brands, Heritage Marketing Solutions, Midwest Sales Group, Progressive, Tree & Associates and Virtual Marketing Consultants..

For more see www.woofered.com

Gooichi Motors BMW GT3 Z4 to Grace Palm Beach International Boat Show

PALM BEACH, FL (03.15.24) – Gooichi Motors and ZyCoat is proud to announce an extraordinary event set to take place at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. For the very first time in Florida, we will be unveiling our remarkable BMW GT3 Z4, powered by a Supercharged M120 Engine and the exhaust system coated with ZyClear the revolutionary high temperature, high gloss, corrosion resistant coating, aboard the prestigious Mega yacht “Far Niente.”  ZyCoat will demonstrate ZyClear’s technology innovation & applications for the marine industry while on board.   

This historic occasion promises an unforgettable experience for attendees and media alike. The Palm Beach International Boat Show is renowned for its luxury, elegance, and innovation, making it the perfect backdrop for our debut. On March 21st-24th , visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to witness the marriage of automotive excellence and maritime grandeur with ZyClear treated, Gooichi Motors SEMA Race car takes its place on the back of “Far Niente.”

This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone for Gooichi Motors and ZyCoat and highlights our joint commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering. This 1500hp Street-legal BMW GT3 Z4 represents the pinnacle of automotive innovation, delivering unparalleled power, precision, and speed. This vehicle made its debut at the 2023 SEMA show, where it earned recognition by securing a position in the top three for the SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle Award.

Visit https://www.gooichimotors.com, https://zycoat.com, and https://www.pbboatshow.com for more.

SoundShield to Sponsor Personal Development Seminar at KnowledgeFest in Nashville, TN

ANCHORAGE, AK (03.15.24) – Known by so many throughout the industry as “Big Bro”, SoundShield founder and CEO, John Schwartz has earned that title by doing whatever he can to help others be their best. At the next Knowledgefest event, which takes place in Nashville, TN from April 19th through April 21st, Schwartz’s company will continue that tradition by sponsoring the seminar entitled “Cast Off the Crutches”. This seminar, which will be delivered by Jon Kowanetz of Pathways Coaching & Consulting, aims to help attendees to identify and overcome the obstacles that are holding them back from getting to where they want to go in both their personal and professional life.

Through the sharing of personal experiences with habit and behavior change, Part 1 of this seminar seeks to empower others to proudly acknowledge the areas in their own lives that they would like to change and shows them how doing so could benefit them both at home and at work. Whether the habit is as seemingly harmless as nail biting or excessive social media usage, or as destructive as alcohol and drug dependence, attendees will learn a step-by-step process to overcome it.

Jon Kowanetz of Pathways Coaching & Consulting

Part 2 of Cast Off the Crutches is a workshop that builds upon what attendees learned in Part 1, by giving them an opportunity to use that same step-by-step process to create an actual plan to change their unwanted habits and behaviors, in a way they may not have encountered before. “We all know that in order to change a habit or behavior, we must first acknowledge it,” Kowanetz said “But to create the desire to actually make that change, we need to clearly define why it is a problem for us, how much it could negatively affect our lives if we don’t change it and how much our lives could improve if we do!”

“Look, we all need to make money, sell more, install better and there are so many classes at KnowledgeFest that will teach people how to do those things,” said John Schwartz of the sponsorship “But what is all that worth if we are not good within ourselves? The industry needs a class like this and SoundShield is proud to support it!” 

Part 1 of “Cast Off the Crutches” will be delivered at 8:00 am on Saturday, April 20 2024 in room 103 A and Part 2 will be delivered at 10:30 am on Sunday, April 21 2024 in room 103 A, as part of the Knowledgefest Nashville event, being held at the Music City Center in Nashville TN. 

Please contact Jon Kowanetz at Pathways Coaching & Consulting with any questions. 

Visit https://www.soundshieldusa.com for more.

The Wet Sounds Jeep Rubicon Featured At The 589 Kustoms Open House

SONORA, CA (03.14.24) – The Wet Sounds Jeep Rubicon has been on a very busy tour in the Pacific Northwest recently attending shows and making stops at Wet Sounds’ dealers stores.

On Tuesday March 12th afternoon the 589 Kustoms Open House provided attendees a chance to meet Earl, The Wet Sounds decked out Jeep Rubicon, at the company’s Open House. 589 Kustoms owner Shane Costa, along with team members Chris Baker and Landen Walsh, put a strong plan in place to invite consumers across the area to the event. Social media posts, along with ads on local radio, drew people to the event in spite of the drive time rain.

Activity from the event carried forward to a very busy Wednesday. Landen Walsh broke away from an installation to relay that all attendees were amazed with the sound and custom installation in the Jeep. The event was family friendly, with a jump house for children, plus food and refreshments for all. Appointments for installations were scheduled with many customers who left with T-shirts and the Wet Sounds Jeep Experience.

Open House attendees braved showers for Jeep demos.

Carl Campbell, Wet Sounds National Training Director, and area rep Scott Baughman-Reliable Product Marketing Principal were on site and worked with Jeep demos and answered customer questions throughout the Open House.

A bounce house kept children entertained will family members checked out Jeep demos.

Campbell relayed “It’s so easy for all to be a fan of 589 Kustoms when you have a great owner who does all he can to give his customers what they envision with their vehicles, boats, trucks and UTVs. Everything they touch has real heart in the work. It shows and the customers are happy to come back with all their family and friends! Shane is building a brand and an image his customers want to be a part of and are happy to represent.”

589 Kustoms team members Shane Costa-owner, Landon Walsh and Chris Baker (R to L)

Baughman stated “589 Kustoms moved from Modesto last July and have found a new home in Sonora that is doing very well. They are a strong 12volt retailer and we are having fun working with Shane and his team.”

The Wake Audio Open House in Rancho Cordova on Thursday March 14th is the next scheduled event for the Wet Sounds Jeep. There will be stops at Wet Sounds dealers along the way on the 80 mile trip to Wake Audio.

For more see wetsounds.com

Event supplied by Campbell and Baughman.

Mobile Electronics Association to Introduce Truck and Off-Road Accessories for Nashville KnowledgeFest

NORTH ANDOVER, MA (03.14.24) – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is thrilled to announce an innovative addition to this year’s KnowledgeFest in Nashville — the highly anticipated Truck Expo. This dynamic event will spotlight a variety of truck and off-road categories, featuring top-notch products such as truck bed covers, step and nerf bars, weather protection, and much more.

RealTruck, the premier global manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for trucks, Jeep, and Bronco, will be a highlight at the Truck Expo, showcasing leading brands including AMP, Go Rhino, Retrax, AVS, Husky, and more. In addition to RealTruck, numerous other truck accessory exhibitors will be on display, providing attendees with an extensive range of products and innovations, and Meyer Distributing will be hosting several truck accessories partners to exhibit and demonstrate their products.

The Truck Expo will offer a main stage on the exhibit floor, hosting key industry speakers, product demonstrations, and hands-on demos. Chris Cook, President of MEA, emphasized the significance of the truck accessories category, stating, “The truck accessories category is a great way for our member companies to enhance their business. We welcome dealers/jobbers to explore traditional mobile electronics products as well.”

KnowledgeFest, already renowned for its comprehensive educational workshops, will feature over 150 hours of sessions covering key topics for owners and managers, sales and marketing, as well as technicians and fabricators. The Truck Expo aligns with MEA’s commitment to provide diverse opportunities for growth within the industry. Attendees can look forward to engaging seminars, insightful workshops, interactive demonstrations, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Truck accessories retailers, even those not currently MEA members, will receive special invite codes from exhibiting manufacturers and distributors, enabling them to register for free and explore the exciting offerings at KnowledgeFest. MEA anticipates about 250 additional attendees.

As an added incentive, retailers registering and attending KnowledgeFest will have the chance to win a Ford F-150, loaded with products from participating exhibitors.

MEA invites mobile electronics retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and industry enthusiasts to mark their calendars for all the KnowledgeFest 2024/25 events and be part of this exceptional opportunity to revolutionize the mobile electronics landscape.

Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:
• April 19-21, 2024 – Nashville, TN
• June 7-9, 2024 – Atlantic City, NJ
• August 23-25, 2024 – Dallas, TX
• January 31 to February 2, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV

Learn more at mobile-electronics.com

Jessica Ritchie Joins Eleven Engineering R&D Design Team

EDMONTON, CANADA (03.14.24) – Eleven Engineering, Inc. is proud to announce that Jessica Ritchie has joined the company’s growing Research & Development Design Team.

“We have seen a continued need to grow our R&D department the past couple years due to unrivaled growth for Eleven Engineering,” said Rex Whitehead, Eleven Engineering executive vice president, sales & marketing. “Jessica’s education and drive make her a perfect fit for our Research & Development Design Team.”

Ritchie graduated the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering with a biomedical engineering minor. 

Jessica Ritchie

“I was initially drawn to Eleven Engineering because of my interest in RF technologies, and I was also intrigued that they designed their own processors as this is almost unheard of in wireless audio,” said Ritchie, whose current responsibilities include writing firmware for products such as Dillinger Labs’ Death From Below subwoofer, and improving internal software tools. “It was obvious Eleven Engineering is doing something unique and I wanted to be a part of it. Since joining, I have already learned so much about audio engineering and embedded systems, and I am very excited to be part of the team.” 

SKAA has become the go-to wireless solution for the emerging PSM (Party Speaker Market) due to its long range and the fact that no network is required. Additionally, SKAA wireless lets the integrator easily create a dedicated multi-room home audio superhighway with a range up to 150 feet with a robust, interference-free low-latency signal eliminating lip-sync issues with TV and gaming. SKAA-enabled products can stream music between them, up to four sets simultaneously – one transmitter to four devices. In environments laden with heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic, SKAA navigates through these hostile environments with best-in-class reliability. SKAA also allows for uninterrupted audio signals that are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.

SKAA is available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack.

Eleven Engineering breaks down the Seven Deadly Sins of WiFi Audio on its YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw2iSCuT0x8).

For more on SKAA and the Seven Deadly Sins of WiFi Audio, please subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/user/SKAAwireless and visit SKAA.com.

For additional information, contact Rex Whitehead at 480-650-3979 or email whitehead@eleveneng.com. For more information on Eleven Engineering, visit www.elevenengineering.com, SKAA wireless YouTube channel, and Facebook/.

SSR University Kicked Off In Dallas With A BANG

DALLAS, TX (03.13.24) – SSR University held its first session the evening of March 6th at the SSR North Texas HQ. Shop owners and their respective staff members drove from across the area to attend the ‘Basic 12volt Charging Upgrades’ presented by Trainer Paul Galanos who drove up from Houston for the SSRU Session.

Tracy Farr, SSR VP of Sales & Operations, related “I am pleased to report that we had approximately 41 attendees, plus employees, at the event. The feedback we received from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming the success of our SSR University program. Building on the success of previous sessions in Houston, the Dallas event continues to demonstrate the value and impact of investing in our customers.”

Tracy Farr in his office with a framed graduation certificate from SSRU 1.1 in Dallas.

“We dove right into the dos and don’ts when it comes to upgrading a customer’s electrical system. Also discussed were new technology items like Lithium and Sodium Ion batteries as well as high current alternators. The SSR Dallas team produced a great turnout. The Dallas team, headed by Tracy Farr, was very accommodating and provided free dinner along with the training session” Galanos detailed.

“At SSR, we firmly believe that when our customers succeed, so do we. That’s why we are committed to providing comprehensive training and support to ensure our customers achieve their goals and maximize their potential” Farr stated.

Kudos to the entire SSR Team for their dedication to making each session of the SSRU initiative a success for their dealers.
 
Visit ssrdistributors.com for more.

Southwest Sales & Marketing Appointed THINKWARE Rep Firm

GRAPEVINE, TX (03.13.24) – Southwest Sales & Marketing is now on the road in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana with the THINKWARE Dash Cam line on their brands line card.

Scott Ringo is flanked by Tommy McClure (R) and Taylor Williams holding THINKWARE samples.

Billy Alexandre, THINKWARE Sales Manager, stated “We are moving forward with setting up a rep firm network across the US and recently appointed Scott Ringo and his team to represent the THINKWARE brand in their territory. Scott and his team Tommy McClure and Taylor Williams hit the road to see 12volt retailers. Those dealers can showcase the important dash cam category to their customers.”

THINKWARE products boxes are loaded with feature info for consumers.

Ringo offered ‘Our firm had not been looking at this category. One day I overhead my wife, an insurance claims adjuster, talking about the importance of drivers installing dash cams to document and accident that could occur and result in a claim. I then learned more and contacted Billy at THINKWARE. The dash cam category offers many opportunities for specialty retailers who utilize consumer focused sales presentations in their stores. The THINKWARE line is loaded with top features that are very beneficial to consumers driving safely on the road.”

Alexandre related “The THINKWARE dash cam lineup includes models with advanced technology features like radar parking mode, Bluetooth and dual-band WI-FI connection along with speed and red-light camera alerts. Front and rear cameras make the THINKWARE a premium in-vehicle connectivity dash cam line.”

Southwest Sales & Marketing represents HKI, Epsilon, Maxxsonics, Cicada and Beyma along with THINKWARE. see swssalesmarketing.com for more or contact 214-212-9049 for more.

Discover More Detail with DISCUS

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (03.13.24) – DISCUS is BACK! Get ready to experience NEW HIGHS in treble performance with Discus Speaker Systems. ALL-NEW for 2024 — Discus speakers deliver much brighter highs and trebles in every song through inverted dome tweeter technology. Hear and take in incredible clarity in every note with undistorted sound through the innovation of Discus speakers. Deeper sound meets LOUD.

It’s time for your TREBLE GAME to transform to new heights of sound!

The MB Quart Discus speaker line includes: 3.5-inch coaxial speakers, 4-inch coaxial speakers, 5.25-inch coaxial speakers, 6.5-inch coaxialspeakers, 6.5-inch shallow mount coaxial speakers, 4×6-inch coaxial speakers, 5×7/6×8-inch coaxial speakers, 6×9-inch coaxial speakers, and a 6.5-inch component speaker system. Hear more sound. Feel more LOUD.

For complete details on each speaker model – follow the link HERE.

ALL-NEW Discus speakers set the bar in audio playback through inverted dome tweeter technology. Embrace more detail in every song with improved tweeters brightening highs, steady mids adding layers of richer sound, and an overall speaker upgrade to your MB Quart audio system.

FEATURES ACROSS THE MB QUART DISCUS SPEAKER LINE
TWEETERS – Aluminum inverted dome tweeters deliver great sound with increased reliability.
SURROUND / CONE COUPLING – Butyl rubber surrounds provide durability and deeper mid-bass impact.
CONE MATERIAL – Lightweight thermal-formed Polypropylene cones enable faster midrange response.
VOICE COIL / FORMER ASSEMBLY – Pure Copper voice coil creates a strong magnetic field with a very thin extrusion. Kapton voice coil former is lightweight and efficiently dissipates heat.
SPIDER – Natural fiber allows flexibility, while the infused epoxy gives strength during the manufacturing process.
MOTOR – Ferrite magnet motor creates a strong magnetic field while remaining small enough to fit in nearly every application.

Enhanced butyl rubber surrounds provide consistent durability adding deeper mid-bass impact in every beat as the cone/surround connection utilizes a high-temperature adhesive, which assures the cone and surround do not separate in high power uses or extreme weather conditions.

Inverted dome tweeter technology has arrived through MB Quart Discus innovation. Get ready to embrace deeper treble impact through innovative layers of Discus technology. Hear more of your sound through Discus speaker systems and elevate your MB Quart car audio system NOW!

Learn more HERE about the line of MB Quart Discus Speaker Systems.

DAS MasterTech Expo Contest Winners Report A Tremendous Experience

PALMYRA, PA (03.12.24) – Eric Balmert-B’s Car Stereo and Chris Liebau-Auto Tint & Trim both reported tremendous experiences following their return from the MasterTech Expo 2024 in Mesa Az.

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.

Rex Berfield-National Sales Manager and Ken Litten-CE Sales & Marketing Manager attended the MasterTech Expo and spent time with the winners. Berfield had many vendor meetings while Litten was the Master of Ceremonies.

B’s Car Stereo in Elyria OH was chosen as a winner and Eric Balmert took the trip to Meas AZ. Upon returning to Elyria OH Balmert related “The whole MasterTech Expo experience was a awesome. It was different than other dealer shows and trainings I had attended in the past. I attended so many trainings and learned so much. I had trouble getting to sleep at nights as my mind was racing from what I saw during the day. Had to go to a close by Planet Fitness to work out. Learning so much from the sewing machine training and 3D images and printing sessions will definitely let us take our custom work to a new level. I have already looked into purchasing a sewing machine and learning more about 3D options. I look forward to attending one of the Mobile Solutions custom sessions in the future.”

Prior to the trip, Balmert related to the 12volt Central Studios “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.”

Chris Liebau with Auto Tint & Trim, in Vienna WV, was the other lucky trip winner. “I saw so much at the MasterTech Expo. The vendor exhibits, displays and networking were really special. The custom work that was in the demo vehicles was amazing. The system sound quality and volume too. The sessions that focused on laser and CNC possibilities definitely showed things I will use at the store. We do quite a bit of leather work and spending time in the Apex Leather booth was special” Liebau related.

After learning he had won a DAS trip Chris Liebau offered to the 12volt Central Studios “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 was more than just an event… it was a catalyst for growth, inspiration and future-forward thinking. It was where attendees transformed their knowledge, connected with the best in the industry, and witnessed the future of technology unfold.

Airfare to and from the event, hotel room, and MasterTech Expo entry fee was included

The DAS contest was for dealers who applied in the following states: Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan (Lower Peninsula).

For more see dasinc.com