Advanced Custom Sound Connects Across The Warren, OH Community

WARREN, OH (09.05.25) – At Advanced Custom Sound, we have seen how much our industry has changed over the years. With more people shopping online, small businesses like ours have had to adapt to stay strong. True success is not about competing to push others out of the way—it is about building each other up and working together.

In this social media post vehicles are placed outside to show followers the possibilities.
During a 2020 store remodel 5 Axis displays were incorporated to create the ultimate In-Store Experience.

We believe local businesses should support one another rather than speak poorly about each other. When customers share complaints with us about other companies, we listen with understanding, express sympathy, and focus on making their experience with us a positive one. No business is perfect, but what matters most is how we respond to challenges and how we continue to grow.

This wide angle image shows cars and different product categories on display way.

Today, it takes more than selling products to keep a business thriving. You must show your community that you care and that you are part of it. That means investing in your storefront, your employees, and the people who make your business possible. At ACS, we have a small team of six, and we value the hard work and dedication they give every day. Without them there would be no business. The same is true for our community—we give back whenever we can because our success is connected to the strength of the businesses and families around us.

Is this social media post, Jeanna on the left, gathered with community members for a ‘High 5’ at the Optimus Club gathering that Advanced Custom Sound orchestrated.
Advanced Custom Sound works with other retail businesses in Warren like the local Harley dealership. Team members and family are pictured as Ground Zero products were spotlighted. Jeanna and Dan are in the center with very happy Dog

We are proud to be actively involved in our community. Two photos we shared highlight that commitment: one taken at a Harley dealership we work with, where we support each other’s businesses; the other shows us giving high fives at the end of a community event we host each year, celebrating a job well done alongside other local businesses. Each year we host three audio competitions and three local events of our own, while also supporting, donating to, and sponsoring many others.

When businesses support one another, we all win. Our community becomes stronger, customers are more likely to shop locally, and together we create an area that grows and thrives for everyone.

This article was supplied by Jeanna and Dan Nezbeth along with the Advanced Custom Sound Team.

Visit acsmotorsports.com for more.

PMC Customs Received The KICKER 12volt Spin-To-Win 335 Prize

SHREVEPORT, LA (09.05.25) – The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel was created six years ago to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry and provide visibility for 12volt companies with a space on the Wheel.

It’s always exciting to see a 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner spotlight their prize like Ray Holmes did with the KICKER Tabor 2 Bluetooth headphones. PMC Customs won the Spin-To-Win 335 on Friday, August 22nd. The Tabor 2 Bluetooth headphones feature long battery life, increased wireless range, and balanced, accurate sound with bass that gets the blood pumping as listeners are Livin’ Loud.

When Ray received the KICKER prize, he positioned the Tabor 2 box against a nice background and created an eye-catching “Thank You” graphic for a post on social media.

PMC Customs is a proactive 12volt retailer in White Oak, PA, with brands including The Pittsburgh Motorcycle Company, PMC Automotive, and more on the way.

Companies participating in the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel also receive visibility across the 12volt industry. In addition to KICKER, 12volt brands participating include RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, KENWOOD, JVC, ESB Audio, KING Boxes, MASSIVE AUDIO, Q Power, and VIPER. The 12volt News and the 12volt Beat also have a space on the Wheel for a $100 check prize.

Retailers are encouraged to use #12voltspin when making posts on social media to ensure they have a slip in the jar to win a 12volt Spin-To-Win Prize.

For more, see 12voltnews.com

Wet Sounds Partners With Land ‘N’ Sea Distributing, Inc. to Expand Availability of High-Performance Marine Audio Products

HOUSTON, TX (09.03.2025) – Wet Sounds proudly announces a new distribution partnership with Land ‘N’ Sea Distributing, Inc., one of the largest wholesale distributors of marine and RV parts and accessories in the United States. This strategic partnership will significantly expand access to Wet Sounds’ full line of premium audio products throughout the U.S.

Effective immediately, Land ‘N’ Sea’s extensive network of marine and RV dealers can now source Wet Sounds’ cutting-edge audio solutions. These include marine speakers, amplifiers, soundbars, and subwoofers, all known for their durability, innovation, and exceptional sound performance on the water.

Industry Leaders Share Their Excitement

“This partnership with Land ‘N’ Sea represents a major milestone in Wet Sounds’ mission to bring our industry-leading marine audio experience to more customers across the United States. Land ‘N’ Sea’s strong dealer network and trusted reputation in the marine and RV industries make them an ideal distribution partner for us.” – Mark Gerick, Business Unit Director, Wet Sounds, Inc. – A Patrick Industries Company

“We’re excited to add Wet Sounds to our marine audio portfolio. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and performance aligns perfectly with what our customers expect. This partnership allows our dealers to meet the growing demand for premium sound on the water with convenient access through our national distribution network.” – John Luther, Category Manager, Land ‘N’ Sea Distributing, Inc.

For more info, click here.

Crux Interfacing Solutions Launches Industry-First All-in-One Honda Radio Replacement Interface

LOS ANGELES, CA (09.03.2025) – CRUX Interfacing Solutions introduces the SWRHN-62CV, just one of the 11 new Honda Can Bus retention interfaces in the lines. This interface is the first-ever single-box radio replacement interface covering a wide range of Honda Civic, CR-V, Fit, and HR-V models (2016-up). Designed for both amplified and non-amplified systems, this plug-and-play solution retains the factory multi-angle rearview camera, LaneWatch™ camera, steering wheel controls, auxiliary input, and USB ports—without requiring multiple bulky modules or time-consuming button programming.

By combining multiple retention functions into one compact interface, the SWRHN-62CV saves valuable space behind the dash, reduces installation time, and ensures a seamless upgrade to aftermarket radios. The kit also includes an antenna adapter, USB retention cable, and outputs for reverse, illumination, parking brake, and vehicle speed sense.

The SWRHN-62CV is available now through authorized CRUX dealers and distributors. For more information, click here.

SiriusXM Announces Programming, Roster Additions for 2025 NFL Season

NEW YORK, NY (09.03.2025) – SiriusXM, the exclusive third-party provider of every NFL game, will deliver NFL fans comprehensive coverage of the 2025 season, with live broadcasts of every game and round-the-clock coverage on the exclusive SiriusXM NFL Radio channel, which will feature new additions to the talent roster this season.

From Thursday’s NFL Kickoff Presented by YouTube TV through Super Bowl LX, SiriusXM subscribers get access to every minute of every game in their cars and on the SiriusXM app. For this Thursday’s game between the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys (8:20 pm ET), subscribers have the option of tuning in to the Eagles and Cowboys hometown radio broadcasts, Westwood One’s national radio broadcast, or a Spanish-language broadcast of the game.

The schedule of games airing on SiriusXM for Week 1 is available here.

The SiriusXM app offers 32 NFL team channels, each carrying the official radio broadcast for each NFL team, plus pre- and post-game shows for every game, so fans can be sure to hear their favorite team’s announcers all season long. All 32 team channels are also available in a growing number of vehicles equipped with SiriusXM’s 360L radios.

In addition to the comprehensive game schedule, SiriusXM offers fans in-depth NFL talk 365 days a year on SiriusXM NFL Radio (channel 88), the only 24/7 radio channel dedicated to the NFL.

Joining the SiriusXM NFL Radio team this season are two experienced pro personnel executives—former Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco and former Tennessee Titans general manager and NFL running back Ran Carthon—who will host on SiriusXM NFL Radio this season, bringing a front office perspective on the game to the channel.

Also joining SiriusXM this season is Carolina Panthers long snapper J.J. Jansen, an 18-year veteran of the league, who will join Miami Dolphins running back Alec Ingold to host the weekly show, “The Players’ Point.” Airing Tuesdays at 7 pm ET, “The Players’ Point” is the only radio show hosted entirely by active NFL players.

Sundays during the season, SiriusXM’s “NFL Sunday Drive” show airs live from noon to 8 pm ET as all afternoon games are in progress. Hosts Steve Torre and Bill Lekas keep listeners informed of all the latest developments happening around the league, take listeners in and out of multiple live game broadcasts so they can hear the most exciting game action in one place, and conduct one-on-one postgame interviews with the day’s star players.

SiriusXM NFL Radio listeners also get the weekly show “Let’s Go!”—hosted by L.A. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, three-time National Sportswriter of the Year Peter King, and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Jim Gray—Monday nights at 6:30 pm ET.

SiriusXM NFL Radio’s team of hosts also includes Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Bill Polian, former NFL executive Pat Kirwan, and NFL Legends including Rich Gannon, Todd Haley, Brad Hopkins, Ryan Leaf, Ed McCaffrey, Jim Miller, Kirk Morrison, Allen Robinson, Alex Smith, Isaiah Stanback, Max Starks, Robert Turbin, Solomon Wilcots, Matt Simms, Leger Douzable, Brian Hoyer, Patrick Peterson, Christian Fauria, and Isaac Rochell.

SiriusXM NFL Radio voices also include a number of NFL insiders and radio veterans including Vic Carucci, Adam Caplan, Zig Fracassi, Dan Leberfeld, Rhett Lewis, Jade McCarthy, David Moulton, Bruce Murray, Bob Papa, Amber Theoharis, Amy Lawrence, Andrew Siciliano, and Damon Amendolara.

Fans can also search their favorite team’s name in the SiriusXM app for additional content from NFL teams including podcasts, coach’s shows, player interviews, and press conferences.

For more info, click here.

The Ground Zero Pop-Up Event At Redmond Automotive Connected With Consumers

SAGINAW, MI (09.03.25) – Jason Billups and Tommy Spears orchestrated a Ground Zero pop-up event for Redmond Automotive in Saginaw Michigan on Thursday, August 28.

The showers cleared and the event quickly got underway.

Scott Beevers and his crew comprise a very proactive retailer in the area. The company has been in business over 70 years and offers a wide range of automotive service, repairs, aftermarket upgrades and 12volt products. The expansive grounds and street visibility was a perfect setting.

The large Redmond Automotive footprint spotlight in many demos.
Ground Zero pop-up specials drew attention under the tent.

Early morning showers did not slow setup or dampen the enthusiasm. As soon consumers began to arrive to check out demos under the tents, check out show specials and to connect with Tommy and Jason to learn more about the Ground Zero product lineup the event was in high gear. When lunch time arrived in the late morning, there were hot dogs on the grill and through the day over 100 were enjoyed by attendees.

Tommy Spears and Jason Billups flank Gregg Vargas and Scott Beevers (L to R) at the counter in the showroom.
Over 100 hotdogs were enjoyed from the grill.

Beevers stated, “It was terrific to be working with our area rep Jason Billups from JB Associates with support from factory staff member Tommy Spears. We drove sales during the event and the following week we had people come in who are not able to attend on Thursday. One person in particular came in looking for a speaker box for his pickup and wound up with a $3000 system. We certainly thank Jason and Tommy and look forward to having another Ground Zero pop-up event in the future.”

“Redmond Automotive is a strong dealer and we have a terrific business relationship. Scott and his team really prepared for the very successful pop-up event that turned out so well on all levels. Our business relationship for success, as always, is so important” Billups concluded.

For more see hki-usa.com

The 12volt STP Tool Showcases Positives Across The 12volt Industry

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (09.03.25) – The 12volt STP tool was created five years ago to provide a platform for industry members to MAX the visibility of their positive activities. In light of the current online digital driven world it’s more important than ever to showcase positives across the 12volt industry.

KICKER at The American Flat Track Labor Day Weekend Doubleheader in Springfield IL

Manufacturer representatives, or vendor staff members on the road, could MAX their time by snapping and txting an image with a few words to the 12 Central Studios at 318 469 2526. Presto that image could be fashioned as a post to let the 12volt industry see positive news. The post could also highlight a dealer with a great in-store display that could give other dealers an idea to drive more business.

Jason Billups utilized the 12volt STP Tool in Saginaw MI

Another possibility could be a company HQ tour. We can work with a company’s staff member to develop a list of images… including HQ exhibit exterior, entryway, conference room, training area, warehouse and shipping area. Utilizing 12volt STP is a way that touches a lot of bases.

Believe me, I do have an understanding of today’s marketplace. With virtually no positive world news, consumers paying more for essentials and increased online activity it’s challenging to drive in-store traffic for brick and mortar retailers.

On this end, we will continue to showcase positive across the 12volt industry and beyond.

2025 SEMA Show Education Program Revs Up with Free Training Sessions

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.03.25) – Attendees at the 2025 SEMA Show, held November 4-7 in Las Vegas, will have several opportunities to develop new skills, connect with industry leaders, and foster business strategies as part of this year’s SEMA Education Program. The fully reimagined lineup of free, expert-led training sessions will bring value and insight to the thousands of industry professionals in attendance at the world’s leading automotive trade show.

Hosted in the centrally located, recently renovated North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Education Program will run from Tuesday, November 4, through Thursday, November 6, offering a dynamic experience that complements the high-energy learning environment experienced on the Show floor.

“We invite all attendees and exhibitors to advance their professional and business growth during the Show,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development. “The SEMA Show has always provided learning and self-advancement opportunities through education, and this year we are offering free sessions within eight education tracks to address the key subjects that are influencing the aftermarket today.”

Education Tracks
The eight education tracks categorize sessions according to subject matter, allowing attendees to easily find programs that fit their professional interests:

  • Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends: Explore the current state of the specialty-equipment market and the long/short-term impacts of top trends.
  • Emerging and Executive Leadership: The Dale Carnegie Organization will illustrate how to listen and communicate with a workforce that encompasses differing generations, and the SEMA Women’s Leadership Symposium will empower leaders with the skills, mindset, and strategies needed to drive exceptional performance.
  • Inside the Shop: Technicians, shop managers, and builders will discuss trends and challenges that shop owners currently face.
  • Legislative and Regulatory: Learn about current changes and misconceptions in emissions compliance. Discover how to manage risks, ensure compliance, and drive business success.
  • Sales and Marketing: Understand how to engage your audience using Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, and gain insights from top industry sales and marketing experts.
  • Small Business Strategy: Find hacks and tools to help grow your business. Learn how to leverage AI, use cloud computing and entrepreneurial operating systems (EOS), or run a functional family business while avoiding a feud.
  • Talent Management: Turn your team into a well-run machine by learning how to hire and retain young talent through training, management, and motivation.
  • Vehicle Technology: Stay up-to-date on the latest changes in advanced fuels and powertrains, suspension technology, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Partnered Programs
Training sessions, both free and fee-based, from the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Tire Industry Association (TIA), and Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will broaden the range of specialized courses offered at the 2025 SEMA Show:

  • I-CAR will host courses on MIG welding, safety protocols for working on electric vehicles with high-voltage systems, and modifying or repairing cars with ADAS functionalities.
  • TIA will offer sessions that can help tire retailers protect themselves from liability, navigate the current employment market, and retain talent.
  • SCRS will show attendees how to put their business on a path of maximum efficiency, gain an online presence, and identify incoming trends and technologies.

“The SEMA Education Program embodies our commitment to empowering the automotive community through knowledge, innovation, and collaboration,” said Andy Tompkins, SEMA Trade Show Director. “With free, expert-led sessions tailored to every corner of the industry, this year’s program is more dynamic than ever.”

Sign up for education sessions while registering for the Show or log into your Registration Resource Center to add sessions to your agenda. For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show Education Program and to get involved, visit www.semashow.com/education. For information about the 2025 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.semashow.com. To view this year’s floorplan, log on to www.semashow.com/floorplan.

The American Flat Track Labor Day Weekend Springfield Mile 2025 Doubleheader

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09.02.25) – The American Flat Track Labor Day Weekend Doubleheader took place Saturday and Sunday, August 30th & 31st, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield IL. The weather both days was ideal as enthusiasts filled the grounds both days.

The KICKER booth was ready to go late Friday afternoon as Lorin Morrell had all set to go for the 2 days of racing activities.

The KICKER booth setup on Saturday outside the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Action on the track Saturday afternoon.

“When the gates opened Saturday morning all was set for the Labor Day Doubleheader. The setup was right outside the main grandstand entry and it was like a vendor midway as crowds checked out products under vendor tents. KICKER’s wide selection of lifestyle, automotive, marine and powersports products definitely gave attendees a lot to checkout” Morrell related

At sunset Sunday evening the weekend was wrapping up.
At sunset Sunday evening the weekend was wrapping up.

“The Labor Day Weekend Doubleheader definitely provided a lot of branding for KICKER and attendees were excited to be onsite. Being in the booth I didn’t see any racing but could hear the racers on the straightaway. A lot of lanyards were handed out and some T’s too. During each awards ceremony the MC gave shout-outs to KICKER as an event sponsor also” Morrell added.

“There was a large percentage of bike enthusiasts in the crowd. Bikers are a close knit community.. actually a biker’s blue Harley was in the booth. I met Bill H at an AMA ArenaCross a couple years ago when he added KICKER gear to one of his Harleys. Earlier this year he was at an ArenaCross event in Lima OH and added more KICKER to his Blue Harley. There he offered to bring his Blue Harley to Springfield. His Harley was definitely Livin’Loud for dozens of demos on the midway both days” Morrell concluded.

For more see kicker.com

12volt Retailers Must Drive Business With The Total In-Store Experience

SHREVEPORT, LA (09.02.25) – The in-store experience is more important than ever to drive brick and mortar sales. The ever-growing AI universe and online activity is adding to the problems today for all categories of brick and mortar retailers across the board.

Proactive 12volt retailers have big cards in the deck to play to drive business. The ‘In-Store Listening Experience’ and the ‘Professional Installation’ cards are strong aces to play to every day! The in-store experience of demonstrating top quality sound with orchestrated live demos in the showroom is the first ace. Concert goers are spending billions every year to enjoy the live music experience. Proactive 12volt retailers can put the concert experience in a consumer’s daily driver to enjoy on the way to work…without the hassle of crowd aggravation in a concert arena.

Offering expert installation is another ace in the deck for 12volt retailers to play every day. Installation professionals understand the important aspects of speaker placement for staging and system tuning. Consumers need to understand the importance of professional installation to deliver the concert experience in their daily drivers.

The 12volt Central Studios recently posted a feature that showcased a proactive retailer delivering the ultimate in-store experience to consumers in the Fresno CA marketplace.

The in-store experience actually begins outside with the appearance of a 12volt retailer’s store from the street. 559 Car Stereo & Alarm in Fresno CA in a prime example. Sako Topalian and his team do a great job. Attention grabbing vehicles are placed in front of the store for photo ops used for social media posts. Each vehicle is positioned so the 559 signage is visible for the post.

The in-store experience continues as customers are spotlighted at the sales counter with the products they just purchased. In the background the impressive showroom display is visible. All customers have happy smiles on their faces for the image that will be in a 559 Car Stereo post.

A conversation on the phone with Sako was another engaging experience for 12volt staff. Sako answered the phone and wanted to have a conversation. Business is super at their location and all their staff members go over and above to greet customers and spend time and show how 559 Stereo delivers the best for their customer’s in-vehicle experience.

Stay tuned as more proactive 12volt retailers, like 559 Car Stereo & Alarm, will be spotlighted driving the in-store experience.

For more, follow @559CarStereo.