FLOWER MOUND, TX (09.26.22) – Firstech, maker of Compustar and DroneMobile brand products, hosted nearly 40 installers at “myFirstech Academy” with sessions over four days September 12th-15th at the company’s new Flower Mound TX facility. The training events were led by Instructor Doug Reed and covered 12volt fundamentals, remote start installation and expert techniques. Jason Ewing and Joshua Woodie also worked with all in-house to prepare them for the upcoming remote start season.
The new Hi-Tech Firstech facility opened in the Flower Mound suburb of Dallas earlier this year.
Students from one of the myFirstech Academy sessions paused for a photo.
Justin Lee, Marketing Director, related “The two sessions were very productive. All the students were engaged as they wanted to maximize the remote start opportunities this season. Additional October training dates are now open for registration in Seattle WA at Firstech’s Headquarters.”
Each of the students that completed the session received a Certificate of Completion.
Students are totally engaged with hands-on vehicles plus large screen monitors that provide learning opportunities.
In addition to in-person instruction, myFirstech Academy students also received free access to self-paced virtual learning materials. These materials are made available on the web and the company’s “myFirstech” app for iOS and Android.
“Our mission is to provide practical training and knowledge that pertains to everyday real world installations” shared Doug Reed. “In our industry, when installers get the support and training they need, everyone in wins. In Flower Mound everyone won.”
The full calendar can be viewed here. Visit firstechllc.com for more.
GASTONIA, NC (09.26.22) – Shiflet & Dickson is connecting with 12volt retailers with the new line of Maximum Power amp kits.
The Maximum Power Amp Kit line consists of 3 models.
On the backside of each product box there is a list of all the necessary installation parts supplied.
David Holland, GM/VP related, “Dealers are seeing the value with our new line of Maximum Power amp kits. Each of the kits uses OFC/TINNED copper to enable these kits to used in automotive, Power Sports, marine and motorcycle applications. For 12volt systems to perform to their MAX using top quality wiring kits is critical. OFC Copper ensures maximum amplifier power is delivered for top system performance. The Maximum Power kits were designed and manufactured to perform in all environments.”
David Holland, with the 0 AWG Kit, offered from the Shiflet HQ “Our Maximum Power amp kits are priced right and we have inventory.”
Each of the Maximum Power amp kits include 3 feet of ground wire and 17 feet of power wire with all the accessories needed by installation techs to get the job done.
Holland concluded, “The Maximum Power Amp Kits are priced right. Shiflet & Dickson developed the Maximum Power amp kits line and dealers that received early orders have been very pleased with the price and quality of this new line. Dealers also like we have the Maximum Power amp kits in stock.”
For more, contact your Shiflet & Dickson sales person at 800-222-9411.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.26.22) – Apollo Sprayers recently announced it will host two celebrities in the company’s SEMA Show booth (#33209 South Hall): John Burgess of reality TV show “Texas Metal,” and Brandon “Gooch” McCoy of Gooch Customs.
John Burgess
“Our entire team at Apollo is beyond excited to have a celebrities of John and Gooch’s caliber in our booth to talk shop and sign autographs for those in attendance,” stated John Darroch, president and CEO.
Brandon “Gooch” McCoy
Burgess was born and raised on the north side of Houston, and has built a reputation as a leader within the custom upholstery industry. John has more than 30 years of experience in the custom automotive industry and now highlights his talent as the main custom interior personality on “Texas Metal.”
McCoy of Gooch Customs has been one of the leading freehand pinstripers and custom painters in the game since 2005. With numerous wins from the custom car and motorcycle show circuits, along with publications such as Street Trucks, Trucking and All Time Low, McCoy relies on his experience and steady hand to help create one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
SHREVEPORT LA (09.24.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Yong’s Audio won the SiriusXM Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 197 on Friday morning, September 23rd.
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 4.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 197th time on Friday morning September 23rd. The Wheel landed on the SiriusXM space and the Yong’s Audio 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 to Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis and gave them the news that a SiriusXM prize will be headed their way. They were very happy to hear the news and said they sell the SiriusXM SXV300 tuners.
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, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, JBL, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, USASpec and Nakamichi. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a 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 and All Out Audio in Killeen TX.. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, September 30th.
COSTA MESA, CA (09.23.22) – MTX Audio offers a wide selection for products for the Powersports market. The West Coast’s annual Sand Sports Super Show, at the Orange Country Fair and Event Center, was an excellent venue for MTX Audio to connect with thousands of sand and Powersports enthusiasts.
The MTX Audio area included several SXS demos, products stacked under a large canopy and large trailer. The setup adjacent to Polaris brought much event traffic to the MTX area.
The MTX Audio Team members on site included Jason Fickas, Jason Planck, Steve Abdelahad and Ceasar Olaes. The MTX area was massive with multiple vehicles on site and all outfitted with the latest audio gear MTX offers. Attendees had a chance to experience live demos on the hottest vehicle specific audio kits plus get sales and technical info from team members. MTX was located adjacent to the Polaris setup which was a great traffic draw.
The MTX Audio crew pictured in the center of the booth area included Jason Planck, Steven Abdelahad, Ceasar Olaes and Jason Fickas (L to R).
Jason Fickas related “In terms of the Sand Show it’s one of the few events we attended this year that had significant growth in both consumer and vendor participation. I’m not able to make it to most events but this one is a priority for me because of the opportunity to learn first-hand what various consumers want and expect. It’s also a venue to observe where the industry is headed and of course what other manufacturers are focused on product wise.”
This loaded SXS was one of several demos set for attendees to experience and crank it up.
Concluding Fickas offered “Along with a substantial increase in show sales over last year’s show, it’s always nice to catch up with industry friends and perhaps find some new ventures as well.”
MTX 12volt Regional Sales Manager Ceasar Olaes supplied great images for this article.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.23.22) – At the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, TMI Products will recognize the builders who have created one-of-a-kind vehicles with the TRIM Awards, which were created to recognize the forethought it takes to not only create a finely crafted custom vehicle, but also incorporate the interior into that design. Since the TRIM Awards will be presented live at the SEMA Show, only the most detailed and creative interior installs will be considered.
Each individual category winner will receive a $500 voucher and the Best of Show Champion will receive a certificate for a complete interior for their next build ($8,000 value) that can be used to purchase TMI interior products.
A panel of insiders from the aftermarket industry, including the TRIM Awards host, will present the awards. They include Kevin Oeste of V8 Speed & Resto Shop and voice of the 2022 SEMA Show; Sean Holman, content director of the Truck and Off-Road Group at Motor Trend and co-host of “The Truck Show” podcast; Sara Morosan, 2021 SEMA Person of the Year, multi Ford Design award winner and co owner of LGE/CTS Motorsports; Theresa Contreras, PPG brand ambassador, multi Ford Design award winner and co-owner of LGE/CTS Motorsports; and Marcel Venable and Jason Mulligan, co-owners of Auto Revolution on Amazon Prime.
TRIM Awards categories include:
Best Car Best Truck Best SUV or Wagon Best Full Interior Most Creative Best Color-Matching Best Custom Car Interior Best Custom Truck Interior Fan Favorite (chosen on social media) Best of Show Champion All contestants must have a vehicle on display at the 2022 SEMA Show. The awards will be presented on stage in the TMI booth #24477, located in the Central Hall, Wednesday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. Contestants must be present during the awards ceremony.
TEMPE, AZ (09.22.22) – Mobile Solutions’ highly successfully Modern Fab workshop concluded its revised in-person 2.0 version class this past September 8-11, 2022. The intensely hands-on, sold out four-day training workshop had participants ranging from upholstery professionals to 12 volt technicians to custom car builders and fabricators. Even a mother and son upholstery shop team. Mobile Solutions founder and CEO Bryan Schmitt said “It was an incredible event with a broad range of fabrication and customization techniques presented between myself and our ultra-talented guest trainers to ensure every attendee got the maximum impact of their time with us here in Arizona.”
Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions Founder and CEO center foreground, in shown with members of the Modern Fab 2.0 class with their amazing individual class projects showcased.
The September Modern Fab workshop featured metal fabrication, upholstery and sewing techniques, technology using automation like CNCs and Laser machines, as well as specialty electronic techniques which included coding integration and a micro controller for lighting systems and other switching applications. “We are training on next-level topics in these workshops and elevating all attendees’ skill sets and awareness of technology implementation” remarked Schmitt.
Rommel Medina demonstrates a real-time 3D scan process.
Guest presenters included MasterTech Expo 2022 Build Off winner Rommel Medina (@audiofabricator), upholstery expert Wesley Cato of Anything Car Audio (@anything_audio_upholstery) and industry veteran Doug Dobson (@dobslob). “I think what I enjoyed most about instructing at the workshop is seeing the growth of skills from each and every person throughout the duration of the class. Whether they came with limited knowledge or were seasoned veterans, everyone finished their projects and gained a significant degree of new information. I was very happy to share expertise with this amazing group in the Modern Fab 2.0 workshop” commented Wesley Cato, guest presenter.
Bryan Schmitt is joined by Lauren White and her son Austin with their class projects. They work with Top Stitch Interiors outside St. Louis MO.
The Modern Fab 2.0 workshop’s training topics included:
Designing interior panels and trim elements with the sewing machine processes
Working from an initial design sketch or rendering
Sewing machines – what to look for, how to begin sewing
Patterning and stitching different types of seams
Using stitching details to add accents to a build
Metal fabrication techniques and skills
Jigging up metal framework for repeatability
Structural mounts for service-friendly designs
MIG and TIG welding techniques and best practices
Bending and cutting sheet metal for use in interior fabrication
Victor Orozco in the midst of vinyl wrapping his Modern Fab class project.
Fabricating and implementing other unique trim and interior elements
Safety-focused 3D router techniques for incredible dimension with extreme efficiency
Time-saving techniques for unique using aluminum and plastic trim inserts
Comprehensive Arduino micro controller code programing for assignable LED lighting
Accent lighting and layering for maximum visual impact
Interior panel and trim finishing techniques
Pressed metal grilles/inserts
Shadow trim, paint tricks such as marbling, faux wood grain, etc.
Using wood-like veneers and other vinyl-wrap-based materials to emulate a design narrative
Secrets of finishing back sides on fabricated panels when removed for service
The Modern Fab 2.0 Session was set for many categories of training.
“Everything in the Modern Fab training workshop was so well laid out. I could tell that extensive thought went into every aspect of what I experienced. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you will definitely learn something new, have your skills challenged and finish something that you have never done before” said Archie Speaks for Savannah Custom Car Audio in Savanah, Georgia. Archie and all of the Modern Fab 2.0 attendees built their own take-home project throughout the four training days as part of the hands-on element of this incredible class. After the event concluded, attendee Matthew Parrish remarked “That was such an amazing class. Opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Definitely world class.”
For questions or further information on Modern Fab training, please email Mobile Solutions at sales@mobilesolutions-USA.com or call 480 968-2074.
Watch Mobile Solutions’ Facebook, Instagram and website for more information when the next Modern Fab class and other in-person workshops are announced, as well as MasterTechExpo.com for the 2023 MasterTech Expo education program details slated for March 5-8, 2023 at Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.22.22) – Emmitt Smith, the NFL legendary running back who became a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner last summer, will headline the 2022 SEMA Show Educational Program’s Friday Enthusiast Track. The new seven-session series will feature celebrities and iconic personalities as they share personal stories that will inspire and entertain Showgoers.
Smith, who will be joined on the Paradise Event Center stage by television personality Chris Jacobs from the hit show Overhaulin’ on Friday, November 4, at 8:00 am, will discuss career opportunities in motorsports and the importance of paying it forward. His race team, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and seeks to break down barriers in motorsports.
NFL Legend Emmitt Smith will headline the new 2022 SEMA Show Educational Program Friday Enthusiast Track. He will discuss career opportunities in motorsports and his race team, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports.
“Through Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, we want to bring awareness to the many opportunities available in motorsports,” said Smith. “We want to inspire and educate people of all walks of life to work hard and pursue their dreams.”
SEMA Showgoers will hear from Smith about what motivated him to partner with Iwuji as a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner and how they are supporting minorities, youth, and the service member community.
The SEMA Education Enthusiast Track will continue with sessions throughout the day on how to secure sponsors for project vehicles, protecting the right to modify, land-use sustainability, and more. The Enthusiast Track is open at no cost to all credentialed SEMA Showgoers, including top enthusiasts who are SEMA Individual Members attending through the SEMA Ignited Friday Experience.
“We’re excited about the Friday Enthusiast Track; it is the first time the SEMA Show Education Program has dedicated a series of seminars to appeal specifically to enthusiasts,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA Education Director. “Given that this is such a passion-driven industry filled with professionals who love their jobs, the Enthusiast Track will be especially entertaining and engaging. Attendees will leave with practical information that speaks to this passion.”
For details about the SEMA Show Education Program and a complete schedule of seminars available, visit www.semashow.com.
MIAMI, FL (09.22.22) – Nakamichi Car Audio has announced plans to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show November 1-4 in Las Vegas, NV. This will be the companies third SEMA Show appearance since re-entering the market in 2019.
Nakamichi will use the international backdrop of the SEMA Show to unveil its new Susumu menu featuring a redesigned layout that is more intuitive and more responsive than previous models—further demonstrating Nakamichi’s commitment to Japanese innovation.
The highlight of the new 20’ x 20’ booth will be its release of the NA3625 platform touting Nakamichi’s “wireless evolution”, the companies next step in CarPlay / Android Auto technology. “We are very excited about SEMA and the release of our new wireless CarPlay products”, exclaimed Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager for Nakamichi.
Nakamichi encourages all current and prospective dealers to contact their local sales rep to make an appointment or email Robin McNealrobin@usa-nakamichi.com
Nakamichi Car Audio can be found at booth 11517 North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center duing the SEMA Show.
COSTA MESA, CA (09.21.22) – PowerBass headed back the Sand Sports Super Show 2022 in Costa Mesa for the the West Coast’s largest Powersports event. The event, at the Orange County Fair and Event Center September 16-18, was packed with enthusiasts from all over the US.
The PowerBass 40’x30’ booth stayed busy all weekend as staff members on hand answered questions and helped consumer get the best set up for their UTV’s and other off-road vehicles. In the booth a loaded PowerBass UTV was busy with demos throughout the event. Product displays showcased PowerBass products and new Bluetooth speakers were spotlighted on the country.
The PowerBass 40’x30’ booth was busy throughout the event.
The PowerBass crew set for the event to open…Jeff, Dave, Erik and Rick (L to R).
Of course a great PowerBass event wouldn’t be complete without the lovely ladies of PowerBass Sarah and Athena in the booth who met attendees with smiles as they entered the booth to check out all of the amazing products on display.
Athena ready to greet attendees by a PowerSports product display.
Sarah showed the new portable Bluetooth speakers and had freebies for attendees in the booth.
Erik Harbour related “Our best selling take with products at the event were portable speakers and we gave away hats, tool bags and backpacks.”
Continuing Harbour offered “We want to thank all who stopped by the booth and big thanks to those that took home some great PowerBass gear for their rides! Special thanks to all of our dealers in attendance and those selling at the show, customers said they were seeing PowerBass from the front of the show to the back! The XL-50 V2 series sound bars were the hit of the show with the XL-1250 and XL-850 being the #1 sellers amongst all audio products at the show! We hope you all had a successful year at this year’s event and thank you for your support.” Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP of Product Development and Global Marketing, stated.
Jeff Falk, National Sales Manager, was on site and engaged with attendees.
12VoltNews.com 