TAMPA, FL (08.29.25) – DOW Technologies, the leading independently owned technology distributor, announced today that Taylor Roberts has joined the company as an Account Manager for the 12Volt channel. Roberts brings hands on installation experience to bolster DOW’s 12Volt team.
Roberts spent eight successful years as an installation technician with Car Toys at two of their Dallas locations. Beginning as a 12Volt technician, Roberts grew her skills and knowledge as she completed outstanding audio upgrades and fabricated custom enclosures and panels. Roberts was promoted to Lead Technician in 2024, taking on responsibilities for corporate goals and managing customer service issues in addition to continuing her installation duties.
Taylor in the DOW booth at KnowledgeFest Dallas 2025, speaking with Vernon of Vernon’s Signature Audio.
“This is a great opportunity to advance my career,” stated Roberts. “My technician background is going to help me connect and build relationships with DOW’s customers as I offer support for system design, troubleshooting, and sales ideas.”
“Taylor is going to be a great asset in our TOLA market,” stated Justin Roberts, territory manager 12V TOLA & the Southwest “She is jumping right into the job with a determination that shows her passion for the industry.”
“It’s exciting to add someone with Taylor’s skill set to our award-winning team,” added Dave Elkin, senior vice president, sales and product management. “It’s a great benefit to have a local account manager that knows the territory and can easily relate to dealers given her recent experience.”
To learn more about DOW Technologies, please visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900.
OCEAN CITY MD – (08.28.25) – Each year KICKER creates a special project, in addition to the amazing XRV footprint, to connect with the Jeep community. This year it was for a customized Power Wheel Toy Jeep that would be given away as a raffle prize to one lucky family. The prize was spotlighted in front of the XRV with a container for raffle tickets for the one lucky winner.
As in the past OC Jeep Fest events, Jamie White-Opus Marketing and KICKER’s Matt Matheson, collaborated on the project. Once the concept was set they reached out to Bill Weidmoyer.
The Power Wheel Toy Jeep raffle already
The lucky raffle winner, Bill, is all smiles as he sits in his KICKER Power Wheel Toy Jeep.
This youngster was one of many that took a seat.
Weidmoyer is a very active Jeeper who has worked on similar projects and was contacted and the project got underway. Once he relayed to White the items needed to put the project together it rolled. A new Toy Jeep Power Wheel was first on the list and followed by a KICKER sound bar, decals, embroidery labels, fog lights, a lithium battery and custom license plate. Once those items arrived in Myerstown PA the project underway.
This family thought of adding a woofer.
Throughout the event attendees stopped to check out the project.
“I have worked on many custom Jeep projects.. this one a special prize for a youngster. For the KICKER Sound Bar with Bluetooth we added a lithium battery. We placed KICKER decals around the body in Jeep fashion. The seats received custom embroidered KICKER logos and added fog lights, that actually work, plus a custom Livin’Loud license plate. I actually removed and hand-painted the bolts on the hub caps. Once completed it was ready for us to take to Ocean City in the back of my wife’s Jeep” Weidmoyer related.
KICKER’s Matt Matheson, Eastern Regional, connecting and taking a spin around the event.
The Power Wheel Toy Jeep as it arrived at the event.
When setup was completed at the Ocean City Jeep Fest the Power Wheel Toy Jeep was spotlighted in front of the XRV and raffle ready. Throughout the event kids sat in the Toy Jeep for family images with big smiles. Frequently the Toy Jeep was taken for short Livin’Loud trips around the event grounds.
“When the winning raffle slip was drawn, from the hundreds in the jar, the winner had stopped by the booth many times and said – This is my Jeep. The winner’s name was Bill and that was a great way to wrap the 2025 OC Jeep Fest’ Jamie White stated.
HOUSTON, TX (08.28.25) – Wet Sounds is proud to announce the promotion of Mark Gerick to Business Unit Director, effective August 22, 2025. Gerick previously served as Chief Operating Officer and has played a pivotal role in the company’s strategic growth and operational success.
Mark Gerick
“Mark has been instrumental in guiding and building the Wet Sounds brand for many years — from periods of rapid growth to evolving industry cycles, he has consistently advanced Wet Sounds’ leadership position, strengthened the customer experience, and expanded market opportunities,” said Jake Petkovich, President – Marine, Patrick Industries, Inc.
As Business Unit Director, Gerick will lead Wet Sounds into its next phase of innovation and expansion, driving continued excellence in product development, customer experience, and market leadership.
WASHINGTON, DC (08.28.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the leading organization for the automotive aftermarket industry, today announced the acquisition of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), a leading a 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to representing businesses and professionals in the off-road and powersports industries (motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles).
Off-road products and services are the largest and fastest-growing segment of the automotive aftermarket industry. This acquisition enhances SEMA’s ability to support the advocacy and business needs of the off-road and powersports communities and the innovators who sell their products to millions of enthusiasts nationwide.
“Today is a great day for off-road and powersports enthusiasts and the businesses who cater to them, because it further unifies efforts to advocate in Washington, D.C., and statehouses nationwide on their behalf,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “By acquiring ORBA, SEMA further unifies our shared efforts to preserve motorized access to our nation’s open spaces and secure policies that strike a tenable balance between land use and conservation. SEMA has sought ways for our Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) to work more closely with ORBA, out of an immense respect and appreciation for their work and the individuals whose blood, sweat, and tears over the decades gave a voice to businesses and enthusiasts in the off-road and powersports communities. By bringing ORBA under the SEMA banner, we’re scaling up our ability to speak on behalf of the off-road and powersports communities and further extending ORBA’s legacy of service to our industry and enthusiasts.”
“ORBA was formed to bring the added resources to support the off-road Industry through business acumen and advocacy, and by directly joining forces with SEMA, this industry will remain at the table on the important issues affecting motorized access to public lands, protecting the right to modify, race, and other important issues to the off-road community,” said ORBA CEO Fred Wiley. “SEMA, since ORBA’s inception, has been a great partner, and I firmly believe our work is in the right hands, with the right partners in the trenches for our great off-road community. I’ve always said that the issues facing the off-road industry never truly go away, they just evolve. SEMA is uniquely qualified to serve as a steward for future efforts to protect land access and champion the viewpoints of off-road businesses and enthusiasts.”
“The Truck and Off Road Alliance (TORA), a SEMA Council, was formed to represent the collective interest of its member companies who manufacture, distribute, sell and/or install accessories for off-road vehicles, light-duty pickup trucks, ATVs, or provide services to this industry,” said TORA Chair Dawson Druesedow. “We are excited to have the additional firepower of ORBA under the SEMA brand and to expand the advocacy and litigation efforts to not only protect our community but to advance policies that will allow our industry to thrive for generations to come.”
TRANSACTION DETAILS
Under the terms of the agreement, SEMA would acquire all ORBA assets. Wiley would remain a senior strategic advisor to SEMA on off-road and powersports issues.
REDMOND, OR (08.27.25) – Falcón Sales organized a Car Show, and much more, at InTune on Saturday, August 23rd in Redmond OR from 10 AM to 4 PM. This was their First Ever Parking Lot Party Car Show and the street was blocked off so show cars, vendor demo cars, vendor tents, a bounce house for kids and Wild Mike’s Pizza to serve free pizza. There were also raffles and the showroom was open for sales.
Vehicles including cars, trucks, classics, side-by-side and golf carts wrapped the block
“The weather was terrific and the event was definitely a tremendous success. Dave Gates, Jorge Fornos and and I were on site and definitely thank our business partners for their support. George Gosheff and the InTune team had everything set and it rolled” Kam Frisbee, Falcon Sales GM Inside Sales, related.
Many show vehicles were on display.
As the event wrapped on Saturday afternoon team members and many attendees gathered for a group image.
For InTune Gosheff relayed “The event definitely happened as we had planned as a community event. Over 50 vehicles were set along the street and wrapped around the block. Several hundred people checked it all out and there were many children. When the kids and parents sat in demos their eyes opened wide as they heard music as never before. I know everyone had at least 2 pieces of pizza from Wild Mikes and at the event of the event they gave everything else away’”
Wild Mike’s Pizza served hundreds of free pizzas during the event.
Industry members onsite to support and offer help with product demos included Jeff Oliver from The Progressive Group representing Kenwood, Rockford Fosgate and Viper. Dave Gates, Kam Frisbee and Jorge Fornos represented Wet Sounds, Sony, Alpine, Memphis Audio and Sounds Skins. Ryan Klein, Diamond Audio, rolled over from Utah.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.27.25) – The 2025 SEMA Show returns to Las Vegas Nov. 4-7, showcasing the latest in aftermarket innovation, new products, and the trends driving the future of the industry. While thousands explore the halls filled with breakthrough technology and networking opportunities, the action continues outdoors where multiple motorsports activations and vehicle displays deliver a full-sensory experience the moment attendees step on campus.
Leading the activation charge, OPTIMA will host a weeklong motorsports showcase – OPTIMA Unleashed – featuring high-horsepower vehicles, choreographed drift demos, and a star-studded lineup of drivers. The energy will begin to build on Tuesday with nearly 100 vehicles vying for the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI)championship. The vehicles will be judged on the construction and modifications that enhance the look, performance, and functionality of a stock vehicle while maintaining or enhancing the daily-drive comfort features and accessories. SEMA Show attendees can then watch these custom vehicles on track in the OPTIMA Peak Performance Challenge, a timed acceleration and braking competition that establishes the ability of the car and driver to accelerate, negotiate tight turns, and stop in a designated spot.
Throughout the week, SEMA Show attendees can witness the OUSCI competition, watch professional drivers like Tanner Foust and Chris Forsberg take to the track, and potentially even win a ridealong. On Friday, enthusiasts are invited to experience the Show through SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public and SEMA Fest, the Friday night celebration of music and car culture that will feature adrenaline-fueled drifting exhibitions from the OPTIMA Unleashed team.
“The SEMA Show is where the automotive aftermarket comes together to accelerate innovation and growth,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “Activations like OPTIMA’s showcase how our industry’s creativity extends beyond products on display and into performance in action. By delivering these experiences, the Show strengthens connections between businesses, fuels consumer enthusiasm, and helps drive the aftermarket forward.”
Outdoor exhibits have become a hallmark of the SEMA Show, transforming parking lots into immersive destinations filled with featured vehicles, interactive displays, and live motorsports. From the roar of engines to the spectacle of drifting, these experiences highlight how aftermarket innovation translates to real-world performance.
“The SEMA Show provides OPTIMA with a unique platform to showcase our brand directly to both businesses and enthusiasts,” said OPTIMA Marketing Director Cam Douglass. “Our activation allows us to demonstrate performance in real-world conditions, giving attendees an authentic experience they can see, hear, and feel. The opportunity to engage with the industry and the public in one place, plus generate content to share with those following online, is what makes the SEMA Show so valuable to us.”
OPTIMA’s activation will run throughout the Show, providing must-see entertainment for attendees all week and delivering the ultimate grand finale on Friday night at SEMA Fest.
“From the second you walk outside, you’re surrounded by the sights, sounds, and excitement that make the SEMA Show unlike any other event,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “Attendees will see world-class drivers push vehicles to the limit, smell the burning rubber, and feel the energy of the crowd – all powered by OPTIMA. It’s an unforgettable experience that brings car culture to life right in front of you.”
Qualified professional attendees are encouraged to register now to secure discounted rates and maximize their ROI. Registration is $75 through Sept. 26. Hotel reservations at guaranteed low rates are available exclusively through SEMA’s official hotel provider, onPeak.
Spaces are still available for companies interested in exhibiting and connecting with tens of thousands of qualified buyers. For more information, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.
All enthusiasts are invited to experience SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public on Friday, Nov. 7, along with SEMA Fest. A variety of ticket options are available on SEMAFest.com. The Show excitement and action can also be followed throughout the week on SEMA Live streamed via YouTube and Meta.
PALO ALTO, CA (08.27.25) – SiriusXM and Maxar Space Systems announced today that the SXM-10 satellite has completed in-orbit testing and is now fully operational by SiriusXM following its successful launch by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 7, 2025.
“The SXM-10 satellite strengthens the health of our fleet and the infrastructure that provides a critical foundation for our audio entertainment and information services enjoyed by tens of millions of people across North America,” said Bridget Neville, SiriusXM’s Senior Vice President & GM of Signal Distribution Engineering.
“The successful launch and handover of SXM-10 marks another milestone in our long-standing partnership with SiriusXM,” said Chris Johnson, CEO of Maxar Space Systems. “This satellite reflects our shared commitment to innovation and reliability, and we are proud to be able to leverage our proven Maxar 1300™ platform to help SiriusXM deliver advanced audio entertainment services to millions of listeners.”
SXM-10 will help provide continuous reliable delivery of SiriusXM’s audio entertainment and information services to consumers. SXM-10 is the 11th high-powered, digital audio radio satellite built by Maxar Space Systems for SiriusXM and is built on the Maxar 1300™ platform. SXM-10 is more than 27 feet tall and over 100 feet long with its solar arrays deployed, and weighed almost 6,600 kg at launch. SXM-10 features a large unfurlable S-band reflector antenna supplied by L3Harris that enables SiriusXM programming to reach approximately 175 million SiriusXM-equipped vehicles on the road today.
SXM-10 is the second new satellite to commence service for SiriusXM in 2025 after SXM-9 began service in January. SiriusXM and Maxar Space Systems previously announced that Maxar Space has also been commissioned to build the SXM-11 and -12 satellites for SiriusXM, and those programs are ongoing with launches expected in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
OCEAN CITY, MD (08.26.25) – KICKER returned for the 8th-year as The Title Sponsor of the annual Ocean City JEEP FEST, a celebration of all things Jeep, the owners and Jeepers who love them. The annual Jeep Festival in Ocean City was Livin’Loud August 21st – August 24th. Jeep owners, fans and the public hit the picturesque beaches of Ocean City to show off and admire the infinite ways Jeep vehicles can be enjoyed and customized.
Great video Jamie!
The KICKER XRV rolled into the Convention Center after the 1300 mile trip from Stillwater OK with Jeremy Wynn and Steven Bambrough in the cab. KICKER Eastern Regional Matt Matheson was in the house. Territory rep firm Opus Marketing was in the house with Jamie White, Chuck Ottati, Todd Ess and Greg Boylan. Darren Thomas and his team from AudioWorks of Delaware handled sales and onsite installations under a long line of tents.
Busy every day from the opening bell.
The sun came out the last three days of the show.
The AudioWorks sales area was busy every day.
KICKER was set up on a large footprint at the Roland E Powell Convention Center with the XRV featuring the subwoofer packed Boom Room. Many loaded Jeep demos stretched the length of the booth with AudioWorks installation tents and sales tables set up. Customized AudioWorks of Delaware store vehicles, along with customer’s Jeeps, stretched for nearly a football field. There was also a decked out 25’ pontoon boat.
Kicker also brought a 25’ pontoon boat and built stairs for people to check out the KICKER marine gear on board.
This Toy Jeep, valued at over $2000, was a raffle prize during the event.
Jamie White, Opus Marketing Principal, related “The energy throughout the event was amazing. There was always traffic in the booth and off site too on the beach and light shows in the evenings plus sand courses. KICKER provided a tremendous party atmosphere for everyone at the 2025 OC JEEP FEST!” White also contributed super images in this article.
Such a wide selection of Jeep vehicles at the event.
Jeremy and Steve headed back to Stillwater on Monday August 25th.
“Once again the OC Jeep Fest was great for us. Hurricane Erin knocked us out on Thursday but the weather was perfect the rest of the event. Every year we see past customers and our fiends from the area. Yesterday, Monday, we were slammed with followup business from the event. During the event Steve and I were busy all the time. Our 3 techs did installs all day and into the evening. We had a table of cash and carry specials that was hot. Everyone at KICKER and OPUS were so helpful” Thomas related.
“Steven and I always enjoy spotlighting the XRV and this year’s OC Jeep Fest event was very special…especially after the water standing under the XRV Thursday morning. Looking forward to 2026.
In addition to the amazing aftermarket gear and vehicle vehicles attendees saw and experienced KICKER also hosted events like the daily sand course where Jeepers let the air out of their tires to run a sand course of dunes and depressions. The 2025 OC JEEP FEST was definitely Livin’Loud with KICKER.
ST. GEORGE, UT (08.26.25) – SWITCH Works by SSV Works announces the release of the Tango2™ Plug-&-Play Street-Legal Turn-Signal Kit for the 2025-Up Polaris® Xpedition XP and ADV. Engineered for reliability and convenience, this kit is the easiest way to get your Xpedition street-legal compliant while maintaining a factory finish.
The Tango2 system includes sequential LED front strips with a start-up sequence and Daytime Running Lights (DRL), direct tail light integration, and seamless connection to the OEM dash cluster indicators. Its compact All-in-One Controller reduces dash clutter, while the automatic self-canceling turn signals deliver both safety and convenience.
“The Tango2 is truly the next generation of street-legal UTV solutions,” said Kelson Downes, Marketing Director of SSV Works. “It is 100% plug-&-play, with one main harness that connects everything to our solid-state brain. That means no fuses, no relays, and no messy wiring. Installers and riders will appreciate how much simpler and cleaner it is compared to anything else on the market.”
Built to handle the rigors of off-road environments, the Tango2 uses solid-state circuit protection and weatherproof construction, ensuring durability in mud, dust, and water. Riders can also take advantage of hazard light mode and the integrated horn output for full street-legal compliance.
“Our goal with SWITCH Works is to set a new standard for UTV electronics,” added Kelson. “With the Tango2, Polaris Xpedition owners get the most advanced, easiest to install, and most reliable turn-signal kit available today.”
The SWITCH Works Tango2 Turn-Signal Kit for 2025-Up Polaris Xpedition XP / ADV is available now at SSVWorks.com and through authorized dealers.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (08.26.25) – CS Series speakers are engineered to handle everything — from powerful vocals and guitar riffs to deep bass drops — and createenhanced clarity and rich, layered sound. Equipped and designed with Neo-Mylar soft dome tweeters, they produce crisp, high-volume audio balanced through a passive crossover, while offering smooth and clean midrange tones paired with punchy midbass frequencies.
It’s your audio system — elevate it with speakers that bring crisp and sharp playback upon every song. Take your audio game to the NEXT LEVEL with the CS Series of speakers!
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