Author: 12VoltNews

The KICKER Marine Training Roadshow With Celsus UK Across The Pond

Posted on by in Featured.

NANTES FRANCE (03.01.23) KICKER distributor Celsus UK is getting a head start on the Marine season on the European continent. A 3-City training roadshow has been planned and KICKER’s David Glasgow, International Sales Manager, and Aaron Malin, Tech Force Global Training Manager, have traveled to Europe. They landed in France on Saturday, February 25th.

12VoltNews Attachments 3:32 PM (13 minutes ago) to me Mike Keenan, CelsusUK Sales Representative, is flanked by KICKER’s David Glasgow (L) and Aaron Malin. The trio is pictured in Nantes France during the weekend preceding the KICKER Marine CelsusUK product training roadshow in France, Italy and Germany.

“It was a long flight from the U.S.and cold when we arrived in France. We had dinner Saturday night and prepared on Sunday for the tour. Mike Keenan, Celsus UK representative, will guide us as the three of us take the KICKER Marine training roadshow to sessions in France, Italy and Germany” Glasgow related.

Following the training session at Kent Marine Equipment in Nantes the group gathered for an image in the meeting room. Five Kent Marine staff members hold their training certificates. KICKER’s Aaron Malin, 3rd from L, gives a big Thumb’s Up. David Glasgow is pictured 3rd from R.

“Mike Keenan is joined this week by Aaron Malin and David Glasgow from Kicker to tour three major countries on a dedicated Marine products training roadshow. Starting in the south of France with our distributor Kent Marine, then on to visit Indemar in Italy and finally Bukh-Bremen in Germany for what we expect to be a trio of engaging staff and dealer training sessions” Mark Baker, Celsus Director, stating the plan for the roadshow from Celsus UK Poole England HQ.

The Day-1 KICKER product training roadshow took place at Kent Marine Equipments location in Nantes France on Monday, February 27th. “It was an incredible first day of the training roadshow. There were 5 Kent Marine staff members in the meeting room. Aaron conducted a very informative meeting. David and Mike worked to set up all the gear in the meeting rooms. Kent Marine staff members received their training certificates and are ready to go overboard with Kicker Marine in their marketplace” Baker related.

After the Kent Marine training Glasgow, Keenan and Malin (LtoR) enjoyed refreshments at a local establishment.

“KICKER is an amazing partner and Aaron is one of the most entertaining and enthusiastic trainers in the industry. Giving our distribution partners the right tools for success is a major part of what sets KICKER and Celsus apart from the crowd” Baker concluded.

KICKER Marine arrived well prepared with gear to conduct the 3 training sessions on the products training roadshow.

Tuesday was a travel day from France to Italy for the Wednesday training with Indemar. Thursday is a travel day from Italy to Germany for the final KICKER Marine CelsusUK roadshow training stop with Bukh-Bremen. Stay tuned for more from the KICKER Marine product training roadshow in Italy and Germany.

DOW Technologies Wins Distributor of The Year

Posted on by in Industry News.

TAMPA, Fla. (February 29, 2023) – DOW Technologies, the leading independently owned technology distributor, was recently awarded Distributor of the Year at the Mobile Electronics Association Industry Awards. DOW has won the award seven times since first winning the award in 2014.

The Mobile Electronics association presents the awards annually to recognize and honor those in the mobile electronics industry. The Industry Awards are voted on by the retailers and vendors working in the 12Volt industry nationwide.

This award caps off a year of expansion and growth in the 12Volt industry. Over the past year, DOW has expanded the territory it serves for vendor partners Sony and Alpine. DOW now distributes Sony in 14 states plus Puerto Rico and supports Alpine as a fulfillment partner in 15 states plus Washington, DC. Alpine’s announcement last week of DOW as the fulfillment partner for the Mid-Atlantic marks DOW’s initial entrance into the region for its 12Volt business. As part of the expansion in the Mid-Atlantic, DOW’s Montgomeryville, PA location was renovated to increase warehouse space by 70%.

In addition to expanding territories, DOW brought on new vendor partners to further their effort to be a one-stop shop for their customers. DOW added distribution of Kicker and JVC in September 2022. Last month DOW brought on Wallbox electrical vehicle chargers to help dealers prepare for the future of electric vehicles.

“We are so proud of the team’s effort to provide the best customer support and their commitment to staying up to date with their product knowledge,” stated Mike Hurwitz, 12volt strategic sales manager. “Year after year, the team strives to be the best.”

(LtoR) Mike Barcia-Account Manager South Florida, Josh Eatherly-Director of Purchasing 12volt, Dallas Williams-Account Manager Southwest, Mike Hurwitz -Strategic Sales Manager 12volt and Dave Elkin-Senior-Vice President, Sales and Product Management.

“This award is a recognition of the great team we have at DOW, not just the account managers but all of the departments that support our customers,” added senior vice president Dave Elkin. “Recognition like this leads to more opportunities for DOW, which ultimately means more opportunity for our dealers.”

To learn more about DOW Technologies, please visit http://www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900. To read more about the Mobile Electronics Awards, please visit https://meindustryawards.com/what-are-the-industry-awards/

DAS In Your Studio…With The 12volt STP Tool From The 12volt Central Studios

Posted on by in Industry News.

SHREVEPORT LA (03.01.23) Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand’s message and activities to the 12volt industry… all from the 12volt Central Studios with just a smartphone.

Ken Litten, DAS Sales and Marketing Manager, recently sent an image of Ben Mootz holding PowerBass OE Direct Fit Series Speakers. Mootz held the products in a hallway at the DAS facility in Palmyra PA. A fellow DAS staff member snapped and image and sent it along to the 12volt Central Studios.

Ben Mootz with the PowerBass OE Direct Fit speakers in the DAS facility in Palmyra PA.

12volt Central staff members developed a studio setting. The image of Mootz, and info supplied by DAS, was placed on the graphic. The completed graphic was posted @12voltnews Instagram and Facebook pages. The graphic can also be utilized by DAS in their internal outreach to their dealers in the DAS territory.

Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP Product Development and Global Marketing,, related “Our OE Direct Fit Series is a great solution-based product that every dealer should have in stock… making plug and play installation a breeze for quick upgrades for customer’s rides. The key is letting the industry know about the product. DAS did that with the post from the 12volt Central Studios.”

In today’s marketplace delivering fresh, positive information is vital…more important than ever. In Your Studio is definitely an avenue for companies to showcase their products and messages to the 12volt industry…all with just a smartphone and utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool. Snap an image and Txt to 318 465 0844. PRESTO it can happen!

For more email mike@12voltnews.com

KICKER Returned to the Lone Star Throwdown with XRV and Award-Winning Rides

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CONROE, TX (02.28.23) – KICKER was on site in Conroe and sponsored the Lone Star Throwdown (LST) for the sixth straight year, with its 83-foot rolling showroom – the XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle). The XRV displayed the complete line of KICKER audio gear and houses the “Boom Room” with an entire wall full of 15-inch, Solo-Baric L7S subwoofers and 40,000 watts. The show was held Feb. 24-26 at the Lone Star Expo Center in Conroe, Texas.

The KICKER XRV set up for the event to get underway.
Once the event got underway the KICKER XRV was in the center of the action.

KICKER conducted two consumer contests simultaneously during the show as part of the brand’s marketing plan. One included a 1,200-watt bass package giveaway consisting of a pair of CompRT 10-inch subwoofers with a 1,200-watt mono amplifier. KICKER also also partner with MTI Acoustics to give away a pair of MTI’s new universal sub enclosures with new KICKER Competition Gold™ subwoofers pre-installed.

Members of the crowd check out the Boom Room in the XRV with 40,000 watts of power driving the wall of 15” subs.
A custom KICKER Trophy for once again being a LST sponsor.

“KICKER Team members on site included Tim Smith, John Myers, Bill Braun, Josh Fletcher and myself, along with Pete Daley from Marketing Pros the area KICKER rep firm, Jeremy Wynn KICKER Events and Promotions Manager related.

Three demo vehicles accompanied the XRV – all loaded with KICKER gear. KICKER’s Special Projects manager Tim Smith showed his custom 1994 Chevy C1500, which included a KICKER KEY200.4 Smart Amplifier, KS midranges and the KSMT “Snowman” pods for the front stage. A pair of Solo-Baric L7T thin square subwoofers delivered the bass. In addition to the C1500, a 2002 Lightning and 1956 Chevy wagon were parked under the XRV’s awning.

Many on site registered for contests to win gear so their rides could be Livin’Loud with KICKER.

More than 2,000 show cars were pre-registered, and LST officials reported attendance exceeded 15,000 people. Top 100 and best-of-show awards were presented, along with several cash prizes.

For more information on LST, visit www.lonestarthrowdown.com and www.kickeraudio.com.

Alpine to Attend the 2023 Master Tech Expo in Mesa, AZ

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (02.28.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will attend the upcoming 2023 Master Tech Expo hosted in the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona from Sunday, March 5 to Wednesday, March 8. This is Alpine’s first time attending the event as an exhibitor.

“Alpine is excited to attend the 2023 Master Tech Expo and connect with those in our industry who are committed to furthering their education and mastering their craft,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our 2023 Product Line and providing valuable education and training to support our Alpine Authorized Dealers.”

Alpine will be in exhibit #402 where staff will demo new event displays with High-Resolution sound and display audio family systems from the 2023 Alpine Product Line, including the High-Resolution Alpine Status line, High-Resolution head unit line, and the new Alpine Optim8™ 8-Channel Hi-Res Sound Processor and Amplifier with Automatic Sound Tuning.

Featuring the Ultra High-Resolution AlpineF#1Status system, a Tesla Model S demo vehicle will also be available in the Alpine booth so attendees can experience the first premium car audio system that can achieve 384kHz/32bit High-Resolution Audio Playback, the highest recording spec possible in a car audio system.

Alpine will host a training session during Master Tech that will focus on the 2023 Product Line:

Tuesday, March 7 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in Superstition South
2023 Alpine Product Line and a New Faster Way to Tune with Optim8 DSP
Learn about the next generation of High-Resolution sound, display audio family, and the new Alpine “Optim8” automatic sound tuner and processor.

All Master Tech attendees are welcome to visit the Alpine booth, join the training sessions, and meet with Alpine staff from the sales, marketing, and product planning teams. Attendees are encouraged to visit https://www.mastertechexpo.com/ and use the “Workshops” link to register for the Alpine training sessions.

Visit mastertechexpo.com and alpine-usa.com for more.

Sundown Audio Welcomes Vice President of Sales Accelerating Its Growth and Expansion Plans

Posted on by in Industry.

(02.28.23) – Sundown Audio, a Systemic Group brand, is very pleased to announce that industry veteran, Shawn Simpson, joins as Sundown Audio’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Shawn brings over 33 years of sales and leadership experience to Sundown Audio, He is an experienced sales professional, with extensive expertise in strategic growth partnerships and sales management. His industry background includes many years in sales across all sections of the industry from retail to manufacturing. With the last 7 years of those years as a manufacturer’s representative with Momentum Marketing in the TX, LA, MS markets.

“We are excited to welcome Shawn to the Sundown Audio team and look forward to supporting his plans to strategically develop sales and significantly expand our market share,” said Scottie Johnson CEO of Systematic. “His in-depth knowledge of sales in all different fields from retail, distribution, and OEM will be a real asset to our sales channel and our customers.”

For more information or to become an authorized Sundown retailer, email Sundown at info@sundownaudio.com

Visit sundownaudio.com for more.

CLASSIFIED: Business to Business Sales Account Manager 12Volt – Dallas, TX

Posted on by in Classifieds.

FULL Time Sales w/ Benefits-Medical, Dental, Basic Life Insurance, 401k with company match
Annual Salary paid Bi-Weekly w/ monthly commission and monthly bonuses.

The Account Manager position for DOW Technologies is primarily responsible for developing and increasing business in their designated territory and pillar. You will be responsible for managing and strengthening existing accounts, as well as finding and growing new points of business, developed directly by you, or developed from leads provided by any of our external partners.
Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage, plan and execute growth strategies for accounts within your designated territory.
  • Responsible for increasing the profitability of DOW’s territories and footprint.
  • Find and develop new relationships, along with maintaining existing relationships with customers.
  • Ability to travel for short or extended periods including overnight travel as requested.
  • Maintain sufficient customer communication and assistance through phone, e-mail, online presentations, screen share and in- person meetings.
  • Responsible for cooperating and interacting in a team environment that allows the professional growth of all employees.
  • Communicate effectively with DOW Management, other Account Managers, and other internal departmental teams.
  • Create a monthly in-depth analysis of the territory, significant account changes, and any new competitive information.
  • Resolve customer conflicts and provide solutions in a timely manner.
  • Enhance Sales and DOW’s reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
  • Excellent organizational, time management and project management skills.
  • Strive to exceed projected Key Performance Indicators.
  • Regularly meet with DOW Management to develop and shape the DOW Technologies vision.

Required Qualifications:

  • Highly focused and proactive to handle simultaneous deadlines.
  • Extremely motivated, self-starter with a passion to succeed.
  • Drive to learn new technologies and products.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and work well under pressure.
  • Knowledge of computer programs including Microsoft Office Suite, word processing, spreadsheets and databases; media storage.
  • Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Demands:

  • Able to sit and work at a computer keyboard and using the telephone for extended amounts of time.
  • Able to perform general office administrative activities.
  • Able to stoop, kneel, bend at the waist and reach on a daily basis.
  • Ability to safely, frequently and independently move and handle up to 75 lbs.
  • Ability to drive 3-5 days a week for up to and exceeding 8-10 hours a day
  • Ability to travel via airplane as required
  • Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

Please visit https://www.dowtechnologies.com/apply to apply.

The AMA KICKER Arenacross 2023 Was Livin’ Loud in Hobbs, NM

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HOBBS, NM (02.27.22) – The AMA KICKER Arenacross 14-City 2023 Series raced into the Lea Country Event Center in Hobbs NM on Friday, February 24th. KICKER showcased products in the lobby and racers were flying high on the track for an enthusiastic crowd.

The Lea County Event Center in Hobbs NM

“The KICKER displays set up in the lobby area under the tent attracted eyeballs throughout the evening. The KICKER display actually overlooked the track” Lorin Morrell, who orchestrated the event, related.

As the Champ Kyle Peters and others surveyed the track during the pre-race track walk the KICKER is shown in the background.
Lorin Morrell (R) snapped this selfie as Bobby Crawford and his girlfriend Kalya Gamez arrived and put on their VIP lanyards.

Continuing Morrell related “The new pre-race Pit Party once again attracted attendees to arrive early for the event. We had a special guest arrive for the Pit Party. Bobby Crawford from JD Glassworks in Lubbock TX made the 100 mile trip with his girlfriend Kalya Gamez. They were VIP guests and joined crowd members for the Pit Party walking the track, meeting riders and checking out their rides.

Crawford offered “We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to attend a KICKER Arenacross event that was so close to Lubbock. The drive was just over 100 miles. The event was terrific. There was so much excitement in the stands and Lorin welcomed us with VIP treatment. We made it back to Lubbock at a reasonable hour and I was back at the store Saturday afternoon.” JD Glassworks is a longtime Top KICKER dealer and specializes in ultra custom work in the Lubbock marketplace.

Once the racing began riders were flying high over the mounds and navigating the tight turns on the track through the race segments. During breaks between races Wes Kain was on the PA mic encouraging crowd members to wave their checkered flags. As a special offer Kain awarded KICKER Personal Audio headphones to the best flag wavers.

Riders navigate a tight turn on the track.

During the breaks in racing there were also KICKER T-Shirt tosses. Inside on wrapped T-Shirt there was a certificate for a KICKER Bullfrog. As the evening concluded the lucky crowd member brought the certificate to the KICKER display in the lobby and picked up his Bullfrog prize.

Wes Kain, PA announcer, hands a KICKER prize to the winner of a checkered flag waving contest.

Off-roading and outdoor activities are very big in this part of the U.S. The KICKER PowerBar grabbed attention along with truck and marine products under the KICKER tent. The KICKER brand is well known in the area and several visitors at the display mentioned they had been running KICKER products for years in their rides.

Concluding Morrell related “The KICKER AMA Arenacross series got off to a great start in Albany followed by successful events in Loveland, Prescott, Guthrie with 2 events, Reno and Denver before Hobbs. Next up is Amarillo on March 3rd. Each event added excitement to the 2023 Series and showcased that KICKER is Livin’Loud.”

Lorin Morrell presents the KICKER Bullfrog prize to the winner of the T-Shirt toss contest…shown with his winning certificate in hand.

The AMA KICKER Arenacross was definitely Livin’Loud in Hobbs.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Morel HIFI Chooses Celsus as Partner for UK Market

Posted on by in Industry and tagged , .

POOLE, UK (02.27.23) – Celsus UK are delighted to announce their appointment as the Morel distributor for the Israel based company’s car audio product line in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Morel design, engineer and manufacturer market-leading handcrafted loudspeaker products from their headquarters in Ness Ziona, south of Tel-Aviv in Israel. Their product’s quality and performance are revered in the 12volt industry and are the equipment of choice for any celebrities and musicians.

Celsus will give Morel a greater presence in the UK market through their experienced network of in-car specialist installers, vehicle upgraders and boat builder partners.

“We are extremely excited to represent Morel, we have long admired the company’s products. Business is all about people, with Morel we believe we have a partner that will help us deliver amazing products to our customers and have real enjoyment along the way. The brand’s sound is exceptional and we cannot wait to grow together.” Said Paul Baker, Celsus UK Managing Director

The award winning Virtus Nano Carbon slim line speakers and flagship Supremo line stand out in the portfolio, alongside the most recent addition of the Integration direct-fit audio for BMW putting the brand at the pinnacle of this category. With an extensive product development roadmap, the future for lovers of music and audiophile-grade equipment is bright.

Nir Paz, Morel Hifi Sales Director adds “Celsus is a perfect fit for Morel and we are very privileged to have them join our family. They are some of the most genuine people I have met in the industry, and their excellent track record developing some of the best brands in the UK and Europe is a testament to their ability to forge meaningful relationships with dealers.

Producing some of the most innovative and best sounding speakers in the world is not enough if you can’t build a solid support system… and that is a Celsus specialty! We have done wonderful things in the UK market in recent years and I am confident that with Celsus amazing team we will take Morel to the next level. “

Inventory will be available late March in Celsus’ Poole based warehouse facility and in the specialist retailer network shortly after. Contact Celsus for details of your closest retailer to arrange a demonstration.

For more info, visit celsusice.co.uk/brands/morel and morelhifi.com

The 12Volt 6-Pack Delivers Fresh Industry News to Members of the 12Volt Industry

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SHREVEPORT, LA (02.27.23) – It’s the 12volt Central Studios 12volt 6-Pack. As the 12volt Central Studios works to deliver fresh industry news each day of the week the 12volt 6-Pack is a way for 12volt industry members to catch up on news from the day as they refresh in evening after a busy.

Utilizing the 12volt STP Tool industry members on the road could highlight their day’s activities in the 12volt 6-Pack.

The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to txt their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO… your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry. On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews there are over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.

Check out this 12Volt 6-Pack. Action from The KICKER Arenacross in Hobbs NM, Team Nutz in Pittsburg, Synergy Marketing and MTX in Houston, RPM and PowerBass on the road in Richmond VA, Kenwood 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner in Pasco WA and KICKER at the LoneStar ThrowDown in Conroe TX.

Use the 12voltSTP Tool to showcase your company’s brand and positive activities. Snap an image and Txt to 318 465 0844…PRESTO!

Look forward to seeing you in the 12volt 6-Pack. Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.