TULSA, OK (03.13.23) – The KICKER AMA ArenaCross 14-City Series rolled into the Tulsa Square Expo Pavilion on Friday March 10th. Expert Customs, a strong KICKER dealer in Tulsa, was in the house with a 3 member team. Owner Chester West, Deuce Carlson and Zach Johnson connected with attendees throughout the evening.
The track was very busy as the Pit Party got the Tulsa AMA KICKER ArenaCross off to a fast start.
“It was terrific to have the Expert Customs crew at the event and under the KICKER tent in the lobby. They really know their stuff when it comes to custom installations. It was also very good to work with Brad Ganz at the event. Brad is the KICKER Central Regional Sales Manager and it’s great to see him on the road following a serious accident on the bike trails” Lorin Morrell, who orchestrates the KICKER AMA Arenacross Series events, related.
KICKER dealer Expert Customs was in the house with a 3 member crew. Deuce Carlson, Lorin Morrell, Chester West and Zach Johnson (L to R). Morrell orchestrates KICKER activities for the Arenacross event series.
The KICKER tent was in the lobby area and virtually everyone attending the event had to pass by and see the selection of products displayed on the tables.
A very busy Pit Party got the action started very shortly after the doors opened. Attendees walked the track and had an opportunity to meet the riders and check out the motorcycles they would be riding around the track and flying high over the mounds. As soon as riders left the starting gate the track was red hot as riders and attendees were Livin’ Loud.
The stands in the Tulsa Square Expo Pavilion were filled with enthusiasts.
Attendees all had a chance to see KICKER’s products under the tent in the lobby.
“This was such a great event. Deuce, Zach and I talked with so many people, handed out all the KICKER lanyards and 150 of our stickers plus handed out nearly all of the 500 business cards we brought for the evening. Several of the people we talked with plan to come to the store next week to pick out a system for their rides.”
Continuing “I also walked the track during the pit party with my youngster. That was so much fun for us and we talked with other attendees and riders. Everyone was just so excited to be at the event. A very big Thank You to all at Kicker.”
Lorin Morrell holds the certificate for the Bullfrog prize and Chester West holds the Bullfrog for the happy winners.
Riders were flying high on the track.
Morrell added “In addition to the action on the track wrapped KICKER T-shirts were tossed into the crowd during race breaks and track maintenance periods. A special KICKER T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog prize to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. The crowd member who caught the KICKER T with the certificate came to the booth to the booth and picked up his Bullfrog prize. His son was so happy holding the KICKER Bullfrog he could not stop jumping up and down.”
Crowd members also participated in flag-waving sessions as Wes Kain was on the PA system exciting members of the crowd to wave checkered flags for a chance to win KICKER Lifestyle products. All the winners smiled with Kicker prizes in their hands.
The next stop on the 2023 AMA KICKER ArenaCross 14-City Series is in Salem VA on Friday, March 17th.
DANIA BEACH, FL (03.13.23) – HKI USA, the US importer for SounDigital Amplifiers, Ground Zero Car Audio, Four Connect Wiring Products, and Tury Vehicle Enhancement products, announced a new Representative for New England and New York.
As brands grow, building a team that can support the passion and love for the products and this industry is important. Who better to grow a brand than MEA’s 2022 Rep Firm of the Year, The 12Volt Specialist.
The addition of Lord Phil Chartier brings some new excitement to the territory, with a deep rooted member of this industry. “I look forward to helping the existing HKI dealers with any of their needs, and have a positive outlook that new dealers will be successful and profitable with the HKI brands in both New England and NY” says Lord Phil as he takes the reins of the newly combined territory for HKI USA.
POMPANO BEACH, FL (03.13.23) – RDV Automotive Technology the go to company for Wireless CarPlay integration is proud to release the first of its kind Radio Replacement for the 2007-2017 Maserati GranTurismo the MAS-SCREEN. There are 3 sku’s for the 3 different radio trim options MAS-SCREEN (Gloss Black / Matte Black / REAL Carbon Fiber) This radio with all 3 available trims are shipping now! In stock!
Rich De Sclafani the owner of RDV said about the new radio “This new radio is a game changer! Until now it was extremely complicated to change the radio in the Maserati GT. This new plug n play radio is a massive upgrade to the vehicle as it also incorporates digital climate controls. I have worked hard to ensure that this radio is fast, stable, and reliable. The hardware used is the best available and the result is a truly impressive product. I stand behind my products 100% and these radios have a 3 year warranty. I will also be releasing a radio for Bentley and Infiniti shortly.”
SHREVEPORT LA (03.11.23) WTF…Win This Friday. Pro Auto Sound Miami won the Nakamichi prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 218 on Friday morning, March 10th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 5.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 218th time on Friday morning March 10th. The Wheel landed on the Nakamichi space and the Pro Auto Sound Miami slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out by telephone to the winning retailer in Hialeah FL Owner Luis Duarte answered the phone and was so happy to hear the news. He started singing “Happy Friday”. He went on to say they are working every day to showcase their high-end custom work to consumers in the marketplace. He looks forward to receiving the Nakamichi prize which Robin McNeal, Nakamichi National Sales Manager, is set to make happen.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX and Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, March 17th.
MESA, AZ (03.10.23) – “On February 28th we were awarded a 2nd US Patent for our Current Averaging Technology for Audio Amplifiers…It’s US Patent 11,594,955. The first patent is 11,204,955. The idea of these 2 patents is that it enables the installation of big amplifiers into things that don’t normally have a beefy enough electrical system to support a big amplifier” Tony D’Amore stated.
Tony D’Amore in front of the Polaris RZR the rocked with his company’s new U.S. Patented Technology.
Attendees at the MasterTech Expo were amazed by the RZR’s system’s quality sound and volume.
To demo the technology D’Amore Engineering exhibited in a booth at the MasterTech Expo in Mesa, AZ March 5th-8th.
Continuing “We put 2700 Watts RMS into a Polaris side by side….complete with 18 inch subwoofer!! All of this on the stock electrical system which consists of 2 very small motorcycle batteries only. The Polaris was constructed at our facility, only 4 miles from the event, and showcased our patented technology to the large turnout at the MasterTech Expo on the grounds of the Mesa Convention Center.”
Tony D’Amore holds the latest U.S. Patent for the company’s Current Averaging Technology in the D’Amore Engineering AZ HQ.
“The demonstration of our Current Averaging Technology was truly a big hit. I think our booth had more traffic than most of the other booths on the outside exhibit area. We would like to ship by SEMA 2023 and launch there” D’Amore concluded.
AMARILLO, TX (03.10.23) – The KICKER AMA Arenacross was Livin’Loud in the Amarillo National Center of Friday March 3rd. Local KICKER retailer Tunes and Tint was in the lobby under the KICKER tent with a crew of five along with Lorin Morrell and KICKER Central Region Sales Manager Brad Ganz. Morrell orchestrates the KICKER AMA Arenacross events on the 14-City 2023 Series.
Pictured L to R: Stacy Robertson, Bill Robertson, Lorin Morrell – Kicker, Michael Parker, Tiffany Nivens, and Paul Pina.
Stacy Robertson speaking for the Robertson family, Tunes and Tint owners, related “Being on site under thenKICKER tent in the lobby was terrific. The Arenacross event was well attended and we connected with so many of the crowd members starting with the Pit Party before the racing began. We gave away so many koozies and lanyards and invited people to see us in the lobby. Many came to see the great product display Lorin Morrell had set up, Seeing KICKER’s Brad Ganz was a special surprise.”
An excited Lorin Morrell with Brad Ganz in his vintage 1973 long sleeve T-shirt.
Continuing “The PowerBar demo was Livin’Loud. We talked with old customers from our Amarillo plus many new people who came to the booth. We set up several appointments for the store following the event for KICKER product installs and tint jobs. In the week following the Arenacross we definitely wrote substantial business…all from the Arenacross. I BIG Thank You to all at KICKER.”
Brad Ganz offered “It was terrific to have the Tunes and Tint crew at the event. The event went very well. Seeing the crew members connecting with attendees and setting appoints for the week following showed the KICKER Arenacross program is working.”
Friday, March 10th, the KICKER Arenacross will take place in Tulsa and area retailer Expert Customs, with Chester West and crew, to be in the house.
Watch for more from the 12volt Central Studios and visit kicker.com for more.
HENDERSON, NV (03.10.23) – The RetroSound Europa is an all-new design by Retro Manufacturing inspired by the sophisticated style found in the 1960s-1970s Mercedes vehicles. The replica knobs, large push-buttons, elegant chrome trim, and pinstriping perfectly complement the interior style of these classic Mercedes vehicles while updating their audio technologies to today’s standards. A new DIN-Kit is included with the Europa Radio Face to provide an easy installation and OEM appearance. The DIN kit also allows the Europa to be installed in any application with a single DIN opening making it a great choice for other European classics from the era that originally had a single DIN radio.
Joe Rock, Retro Brand Manager, proudly shows the new Retro Sound Europa authentic aftermarket radio for 1960s-1970s Classic Mercedes Vehicles in the company’s Henderson Nevada HQ.
The Europa is compatible with all RetroSound Radio Motors giving Mercedes fans all the features of a modern car stereo. Available features include HD-Radio technology, built-in Bluetooth, Made for iPod /iPhone compatibility, USB inputs for flash drives and media devices, and non-volatile memory. The Europa is SiriusXM-Ready connecting directly to an SXV300V1 Connect Vehicle Tuner without needing special cables or adapters. The SXV300V1 tuner adds SiriusXM broadcasts to a RetroSound radio and integrates with the radio’s display and controls. The 32,000-color display allows users to browse through media by artist, song title, or album, with the option to customize the display color to match their gauges. A selectable AM/FM Tuner with USA, EUR, AUS, JAP, and RUS tuner frequencies lets users set their specific broadcast region, with 30 presets to store favorite stations. The Europa is also available with DAB+ for consumers outside North America and receives crystal clear digital broadcasts in regions where DAB+ is available. A powerful built-in 300-watt (peak) amplifier pushes plenty of power over four channels with RCA pre-outs and a subwoofer output for customers that want to expand their audio system further.
LAS VEGAS, NV (03.09.23) – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named Pete and Barbra Muller, owners of two Tint World Automotive Styling Centers locations in Orlando, Florida, as two of its 2023 Franchisees of the Year. The Mullers were honored at the 63rd IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas for being outstanding franchise establishment owner-operators.
“Franchisee of the Year recipients represent the best in franchising,” said Matthew Haller, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “This is the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and local business owners like Pete and Barbra exemplify the power of franchising and its positive contributions to communities around the world.”
Pete and Barbra Muller are flanked by representatives of the International Franchise Association during the recent 63rd IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, NV.
The Franchisee of the Year Award, sponsored by IFA’s partner Paychex, recognizes leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.
“Tint World offers outstanding support and innovative franchise systems that have driven our success in Orlando,” Pete Muller said. “We’re proud to deliver Tint World’s premium products and services to the automotive community here and committed to continuing to meet their high standards and expectations into the future.”
Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.
“Pete and Barbra are dynamic representatives of the Tint World family, and their success reflects their passion,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “They provide a great example of the opportunities available through our innovative system and strategy.”
There are approximately 800,000 franchised businesses across the U.S., providing over 8.4 million direct jobs and generating over $800 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.
HENDERSON, NV (03.09.23) – Joe Rock, Retro Brand Manager, proudly shows the new Dallas Radio Face for Ford F-Series and Broncos 1985-1986 in the company’s Henderson NV HQ.
The RetroSound Dallas Radio Face is the latest officially licensed Ford Radio Face by Retro Manufacturing, designed to replicate the original factory radio in 1985-86 Ford F-Series trucks and 1985-86 Ford Broncos. Dallas’s subtle and straightforward design features replica black plastic knobs, rounded push-buttons, and a thin seek bar, finished in matte black with the official Ford logo for added authenticity. The Dallas mounts directly into the factory opening in these vehicles with the included mounting kit and vehicle-specific wiring harness for an easy installation and OEM appearance.
Joe Rock, Retro Brand Manager, proudly shows the new Dallas Radio Face for Ford F-Series and Broncos 1985-1986 in the company’s Henderson NV HQ.
The Dallas is compatible with all RetroSound Radio Motors giving Ford fans all the features of a modern car stereo. Available features include HD-Radio technology, built-in Bluetooth, Made for iPod /iPhone compatibility, USB inputs for flash drives and media devices, and nonvolatile memory. The Dallas is SiriusXM Ready connecting directly to an SXV300V1 Connect Vehicle Tuner without needing special cables or adapters. The SXV300V1 tuner adds SiriusXM broadcasts to a RetroSound radio and integrates with the radio’s display and controls. The 32,000-color display allows users to browse through media by artist, song title, or album, with the option to customize the display color to match their gauges.
A selectable AM/FM Tuner with USA, EUR, AUS, JAP, and RUS tuner frequencies lets users set their specific broadcast region, with 30 presets to store favorite stations. The Dallas is also available with DAB+ for consumers outside North America and receives crystal clear digital broadcasts in regions where DAB+ is available. A powerful built-in 300-watt (peak) amplifier pushes plenty of power over four channels with RCA pre-outs and a subwoofer output for customers that want to expand their audio system further.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.09.23) – The SEMA Show is driven by connections, and brings exhibitors, buyers and media from around the world together for the automotive aftermarket’s most valuable, in-person, transformative business experience.
The Las Vegas Convention Center is annually reshaped into the definitive gathering place of the world’s professional automotive community, where the industry’s sights and sounds combine to create an energy that fuels the imagination, sparks new trends, expands business relationships and drives the industry forward.
Exhibitors have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with buyers from all segments of the aftermarket, and can conduct multiple meetings each day to create new business, or reinforce existing customer relationships. Meeting face-to-face is the ideal way to build trust and to communicate ideas more clearly, and it helps avoid potential distractions or the technical difficulties that can disrupt online meetings.
Here are some additional advantages of meeting in person.
When you meet in person, you can read body language, see facial expressions, use context clues and better get to know someone’s personality.
The automotive aftermarket prefers to meet face-to-face, without potential distractions or technical difficulties.
It’s more effective to brainstorm, generate ideas and discuss what is working, and what is not, face-to-face.
Conducting business in person provides the opportunity to engage in purposeful small talk, deepening relationships, loyalty and trust.
Research shows face-to-face requests are 34 times more effective than those sent by email, and that a physical handshake promotes cooperation and influences negotiation outcomes for the better. (MIT’s Human Dynamics Lab)
According to a study by Forbes Insight, 85% of people say they build stronger, more meaningful business relationships during in-person meetings and conferences.
According to a study by the Harvard Review, 95% of people say face-to-face meetings are a key factor in successfully building and maintaining long-term business relationships.
The 2023 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3. For more information about the 2023 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com. To exhibit, get started at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.
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