RINGWOOD, IL (04.27.2021) – Race Sport Lighting is excited to partner with DAS Companies Inc. in the Mid-Atlantic territory with new 2021 lighting technologies. It was necessary to expand distribution to get dealers the lighting products they need fulfilled same or next day for the job.
DAS dealer accounts can begin ordering their favorite Race Sport Lighting products immediately to ship in April. The product mix in-house at DAS will be focused on “CORE” lighting top sellers like:
Steve Jergensen, Race Sport Lighting President commented, “DAS has been a great distributing partner for several years, and I am excited to revamp the mix at DAS to focus on our nationwide best sellers. Having the latest technologies available same or next day is important for our dealers. This stocking mix in their warehouse will be a huge home run for their dealer base.”
Rex Berfield, DAS National Sales Manager commented, “We continue to work toward meeting and exceeding the expectations of our dealer base with opportunities and solutions. We have added another great dealer solution. Race Sport, known in our industry as a company synonymous with innovation and multi-application lighting solutions, is now available to our dealer-partners. We are incredibly pleased to partner with the Race Sport’s team and look forward to the new opportunities this partnership will present our dealers.”
Located in beautiful Kalispell, Montana (Flathead County) for over 35 years, Rudy’s Autosound is seeking an experienced 12 volt installation technician to join their team. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 1 year of professional installation experience (3+ years preferred), be detail oriented and possess a strong work ethic.
Rudy’s Autosound values individuals who contribute to the ongoing company philosophy of serving their clientele with the highest possible level of quality and convenience. The shop actively seeks team members who are committed to deliver professional results. If this sounds like you, please consider applying.
About the 12 Volt Installer position
Must be a dependable, team player with an excellent attention to details
Must be able to manage time and uphold high installation quality standards
Minimum 1 year professional installation experience (3+ years preferred)
Annual compensation of $40,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience
High school diploma or GED equivalent
MECP certification a plus (although not required)
Valid driver’s license required
5 day work week (Tuesday-Saturday), 9am-6pm work hours
One hour lunch break
Employer-paid healthcare
Simple IRA retirement plan
Annual paid vacation
Relocation expense assistance available for the right candidate
How to Apply
Rudy’s Autosound retained Ramsey Consulting Group, Inc. to oversee the applications and initial phone interview process.
Please email your resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format to info@ramseyconsultinggroup.com. Put “Rudy’s Autosound 12 Volt Installation Technician” in the subject line, please. Consider your email message a cover letter and please include notable installation specialties, technical skills, certifications/credentials, salary history and complete contact information.
No phone calls, emails or social media DMs directly to Rudy’s Autosound, please. All submissions will be kept confidential.
About Rudy’s Autosound
MESA Retailer
35 years in business
Main business is car audio, marine and powersports audio
Other categories are security/remote start, radar/laser systems and ADAS products
3500 square foot installation bay
2000 square food sales floor
Team-oriented work environment
About Kalispell, Montana and Flathead County
Population is about 107,000 in all of Flathead County where Kalispell located
Flathead County encompasses many small towns in a 5-20 minute drive to Rudy’s Autosound
Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) served by Delta, United, Allegiant and Alaska Airlines
Amtrak train station in Whitefish
Fantastic downtown area for shopping, restaurants, craft breweries, etc.
Excellent schools
Low to moderate cost of living
Low unemployment and vibrant local economy
Median age of Flathead County residents is 42
Median household income of Flathead County is $56,182
Again, to apply please email your resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format to info@ramseyconsultinggroup.com. Put “Rudy’s Autosound 12 Volt Installation Technician” in the subject line. No phone calls, emails or social media DMs directly to Rudy’s Autosound, please.
SHREVEPORT, LA (04.26.2021) – The weekend of April 23rd thru 25th brought plenty of action to the 12volt industry across the U.S. Jeep Beach in Daytona, Desert Storm in Lake Havasu AZ and Spring Break Jam is South Padre TX were all very exciting, well attended events.
Jeep Beach 2021 was heaven for Jeepers. From the sands of Daytona Beach to the Daytona International Motor Speedway, and surrounding areas, Jeepers ruled.
There were literally thousands of Jeeps on the infield of the Daytona International Motor Speedway. Hundreds of vendor booths, many with Jeep demos and showing Jeep specific products, grabbed the attention of the massive crowd of Jeepers. Also on the infield was an obstacle course track designed for Jeepers to show their skills behind the wheel of their Jeep. Hundreds of truckloads of dirt, plus other discarded concrete obstacles, formed mounds that Jeepers navigated to earn their Jeep Beach ‘Certification’.
12volt brands DS18, MB Quart, Alpine and Metra showed Jeep specific offerings. Daytona retailer SoundCrafters, with Paul Papadeas and crew, had a large booth and was very busy throughout the event. Alpine, with retailer Roco 4×4 and Rep Firm Dynamic Sales, showcased a wide variety of Jeep specific products the company offers.
Rob Ferro, Mr DS18, showing Jeepers the new DS18 Exotica.
DS18 had a very large booth with a number of Jeep demos in the booth including the new Exotica Jeep JT demo. The Exotic features an amazing DS18 wrap and screams “We Like It Loud”.
MB Quart chose Jeep Beach to unveil the company’s new Purposely Engineered Jeep Tuned Audio Kits. Brian Sherman’s new Jeep Gladiator JT rocked with a new MB Quart Audio Kit. Other models were displayed in new mobile displays that arrived in the MB Quart rig and 34’ trailer piloted by Chad Marra from Arizona.
MB Quart unveiled the new Purposely Engineered Jeep Tuned Audio Kits.
Jack Panzarella (L) pictured with Paul Papadeas in front of Paul’s SoundCrafters tent.
Jack Panzarella, well known across the 12volt industry as the Founder of StreetGlow was on site with new offerings plus working to highlight AeroLidz. Lightbars are a very popular add-on for many Jeepers and the AeroLidz product fits over a lightbar cutting out the whistling of wind noise on the highway.
OEM Audio Plus is a new company on the 12volt scene. Industry veteran Rick Ross, the Eastern Regional, was on site and showed Jeep specific offerings to members of the crowd.
KICKER was Livin’Loud at Desert Storm with the XRV and much more.
The attendance at Desert Storm stretched through the streets of Lake Havasu, AZ.
Desert Storm took place 2300 miles to the west of Daytona in Lake Havasu AZ with KICKER as the Title Sponsor of the 24th Annual event. KICKER was Livin’Loud as the XRV rolled from HQ in Stillwater for the 1100 mile trip west. KICKER Marine Audio ‘Goes Overboard’ at events like Desert Storm.
The KICKER branded Boom Toon rig on the water was a highlight during the Poker Run and regatta boat parades on the lake. Murfco, KICKER’s longtime area Rep Firm, was onsite with a crew that showcased the KICKER brand to a huge turnout. The XRV crew included Tracy Focht-Western Regional, David Glasgow and Jeremy Wynn.
The KICKER Boom Toon went ‘Overboard‘ with sound on the Poker Run and boat parades on the lake.
Focht related “This was a great event for KICKER. There was an amazing turnout and the Boom Toon was definitely Livin’Loud. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was not possible to have the Boom Room in the XRV available for members of the crowd. But the classic cars and loaded UTV got plenty of action around the XRV.
The Spring Break Jam took place in South Padre Island TX on April 24th and 25th. A USACI 4X Point Regional event, Burn-Outs, Bikini Contest, Tattoo Expo and Hydraulic contests kept all in the crowd excited. The show floor of the convention center was filled with cool show cars.
Texas opened and the Spring Break Jam welcomed enthusiasts to South Padre Island.
There will be more coming on these events individually in coming days… stay tuned.
A big thanks to Jack Panzarella plus Morgan Burton and April Duren from Metra for supplying very cool images for this article.
WOODINVILLE, WA (04.26.2021) – All, it is with great sadness that I share the passing of Jill McMillan on April 8th, 2021.
Jill is survived by her husband, Dan, and their two children, Daniel and Catherine. I would be remiss if I left out Cash, the dog who has first-person status. Jill and I were married back in 1989 (I’m a great salesman), and we were together for 35 years.
Jill had many accomplishments throughout the years, her most prized being our kids. She had a passion for live music, an adoration for photography, was an avid reader, and it goes without saying, she loved chocolate.
Jill McMillan
We started our rep firm, In Phase Marketing, in the fall of 97’, and things immediately took off. From the get-go, Jill was the catalyst and glue that kept things together. She had a knack for making things look so easy and under control.
“Maria and I received the news of Jill’s passing with great shock and sadness. She was a dear friend and a valued colleague to all of us at JL Audio, and her warmth and sincerity always showed. We are all richer for having known Jill as a person and fortunate for having the opportunity to work with her all these years. We offer our deepest condolences to Dan, Daniel and Cat, as well as to Jill’s extended family.”
-Lucio and Maria Proni
I watched Jill grow up as we all did in the mobile audio revolution of the 90’s. She always carried herself with class. Never being the one that went over the rep line. She was always passionate about her causes. She was another principal in a rep firm, not merely someone’s wife. I most remember her from our exclusive days at Eclipse as she helped make that wave. This shocked all of her many dealer, rep and manufacturer friends within our mobile audio community. I know Dan is crushed. They were so passionate together. This is a great loss of one of the true pioneers of the glory days of car audio!
-Ed Dalesandro, End Result
Through highs and lows, you could count on Jill to bring you a hearty dose of perspective and levity to whatever experience you were living through. She valued and cherished learning about your family, your stories, and growing with you throughout the years.
Jill was many things to many people, including a confidant, a giver, and a friend. She always put others first and danced through life with poise, wisdom, and a wicked sense of humor.
We will be holding a celebration of life for Jill in Woodinville, WA, on June 12th, 2021.
Please email celebratingjillmcmillan@gmail.com if you would like more details or have any photographs you would like to share. If possible, please include all photos as attachments.
DANIA BEACH, FL (04.26.2021) – SounDigital USA Introduced the new Power Sports / Marine Line of Amplifiers in April of 2021 to their arsenal. Bringing a much needed solution to market by having an Amplifier with a small footprint, great power and now in a IP64 Marine Grade Platform. The New Models, 800.1 EVO PS, 800.4 EVO PS, 1200.4 EVO PS and 2000.4 EVO PS, are geared to be the solution for retailers that do Power Sports, Motorcycles, Offroad and Marine Applications. This new EVO PS lineup joins the already popular EVO X family of mono and multichannel amplifiers.
EVO PS benefits from some upgrades not found in the EVO X Lineup of Amplifiers, such as Conformal Coating, Upgraded electronical components internally, Gold Tracing on Circuit Boards and Tiffany Style RCA Connectors. These Amplifiers are Marine Grade, IP 64 Rated, Vibration and Corrosion Protection. Tommy Spears – National Sales/Marketing Director – SounDigital USA says “I am excited to be able to offer solutions for Powersports, Marine and the Jeep Market. Coming from a retail side, having great power and IP64 Rating that the EVO PS Offers, It’s exciting to be able to offer this solution to these markets for our retailers”
EVO PS was developed and designed with the wants and needs of our Retailers, catering to the specific solutions of all our customers in our Industry. Elias Ventura – Territory Manager for SounDigital USA says “We now have Amplifiers geared for Power Sports, Motorcycles, UTV’s, ATV’s and Boats. We got you covered, great sound, small size and big power”
SounDigital which manufactures and builds their amplifiers in Brazil acted on this. Diogo Iannaccone – CEO of SounDigital stated “You asked for this solution, we listened” after having had many requests from many Retailers in the US to bring back the old marine line.
Pricing for the EVO PS Amplifiers are as follows, 800.1 EVO PS $499.99, 800.4 EVO PS $599.99, 1200.4 EVO PS $849.99 and 2000.4 EVO PS $1199.99.
The EVO PS Amplifiers are In Stock and Starting to Ship.
SHREVEPORT LA (04.24.21) WTF…Win This Friday. CT Custom won the ZZ-2 prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, April 23rd.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Three months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 124th time on Friday morning April 23rd. The Wheel landed on the ZZ-2 space. The CT Custom slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out to CT Custom and Cliff Dowd was surprised and happy to hear the news. We will contact Rich DeSclafani and a cool ZZ-2 CPLAY/Android Auto interface prize will be headed to CT in Philadelphia.
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, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 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 and 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 and Just Audio in North Providence RI. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 30th.
TORONTO, CANADA (04.23.2021) – THE CMA LIVE Motorcycle Audio Episode, presented by SiriusXM on Wednesday evening April 21st, welcomed some of the biggest motorcycle audio manufacturers as they showcased their new products for the coming season. Host Ben Woo discussed some of the latest products on the market today such as direct-fit speakers, amplifier options, integration accessories and much more! The panel experts included Eric Russell of Rockford Fosgate, Joe Gross of KICKER USA, Fred Lynch of ARC AUDIO, Justin Bond of FOCAL and Tim Shell of METRA Electronics.
“CMA and SiriusXM were excited to unveil the new CMA LIVE production studio and we’re looking forward to enhancing the viewing experience for our audience. Wednesday night’s episode was further enhanced by having several key influential and innovative audio brands in the category, proving once again that great content is King” stated CMA President Frank Spezzano.
Rockford Fosgate was first out of the gate with Eric Russell and Jerry Pitts from the company’s Tempe AZ studio. A key point was the touring riders who are looking at high performance audio on the road at posted speed limits and above. Speaking rider’s language and participating in biker events was offered as a key for 12volt retailers to connect and be successful selling Rockford Fosgate’s broad offerings of motorcycle audio.
Arc Audio’s Fred Lynch participated from an area set up in the company’s Modesto CA facility. Efficiency of speakers, along with the plug and play products, were key points. Understanding the large investments many bikers make on their rides is important as 12volt retailers must stress quality and top performance to be successful in the motorcycle audio category. Did we hear DSP?
Focal was represented by Justin Bond from the BB Distribution facility in Edmonton Alberta. Focal products are manufactured in France. Speaker cone material, plus the small size of the Focal amps for bikes, were emphasized as being part of Focal’s DNA for quality sound reproduction.
Tim Small presented the Metra Electronics session from the company’s Holly Hill FL studio. Metra produces a wide variety of installation accessories, lighting and other products for the 12volt industry. Specifically for the motorcycle category Metra offers the Saddle Tramp brand. A highlight of Shell’s session was the introduction of a Harley-Davidson fairing kit that will accept a Double DIN aftermarket head unit.
KICKER was the last brand on the Wednesday evening CMA Live presentation and originated in KICKER’s UnMASKED Studio at the company’s World HQ in Stillwater OK. Kip Litsey and Joe Gross presented a broad overview of KICKER’s history and activities in the 2-Wheel sports category. From products for DIY enthusiasts to the high end Litsey and Gross covered all the KICKER options available including everything needed for a complete installation. Gross heads the OEM and MotorSports technical aspects for KICKER and is a Biker and audio enthusiast of 2 decades plus. Of special note for 12volt retailers was an emphasis on providing actual sound demos for bike enthusiasts.
The motorcycle category is growing rapidly and can contribute significantly to sales and profitability for 12volt retailers. CMA LIVE is focused on the Canadian Mobile Audio industry. That said, the brands featured on the Motorcycle Audio Episode are key brands in the US also. For that reason 12volt Central Studios staff recommends 12volt retailers across the US tune into on demand viewing options shown in the links below.
If you want to watch the Motorcycle Audio Episode on demand.. Check out the following links:
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.23.2021) – SEMA leadership, volunteers, and industry icons will gather in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA Installation & Gala on Friday, July 30.
The SEMA Installation & Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are recognized and celebrated. Since 1976, the SEMA Gala has served as a formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, incoming Board of Directors are sworn in, and outgoing Board of Directors are honored.
Individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry will be recognized and celebrated on July 30 during the SEMA Installation & Gala. The annual event will be held in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
This year’s event will take place for the first time in Las Vegas, Nevada. Specifically, the event will be held in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the same facility where thousands of industry professionals will gather for the 2021 SEMA Show in November.
“SEMA has a deep history and connection with the city of Las Vegas,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We could not be more excited about celebrating the industry in Las Vegas, and christening the West Hall with such a noteworthy event.”
The SEMA Installation & Gala will be one of the first events held in the West Hall since construction of the 1.4 million-square-foot facility was completed in January. The event, which is expected to include about 400 individuals, will also mark SEMA’s first mass gathering to take place in more than a year.
“I look forward to the SEMA Gala each year – even more so this year than any other year since it will be a reunion for our industry’s friends and family,” said Kersting. “The SEMA Installation Gala is important to the association, the members, and the industry, and it’s about much more than just introducing new Hall of Fame members or recognizing our Board of Directors. The event is about community, family and celebration, with people who share a common passion and love for the industry.”
CERRITOS, CA (04.23.2021) – The SoundSkins 4 Piece Speaker Kit is is the best sound dampening material for your car audio system, designed to enhance your car stereo system and reduce road noise all in one material.
Comprised of 4 10″x12″ sheets of our premiere sound deadening product, SoundSkins Pro, this kit will help to decrease road noise and improve the performance of your car audio system by sealing your speakers to your doors and preventing lost sound, directing sound back into your cabin.
STILLWATER, OK (04.22.2021) – KICKER has developed and perfected four new, thin CompRT Loaded Enclosures, now shipping and ready for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live show in October, CompRT Loaded Enclosures retail from $169.95-$299.95. Compact CompRT Loaded Enclosures are also available at www.kicker.com.
The strength of the CompRT Enclosure is its extraordinary mounting flexibility. Built to fit behind the seat of a pickup or in the back of a hatchback with equal ease, these enclosures deliver serious bass without a deep box, leaving plenty of legroom or cargo space. And with the genius reFLEX passive radiator mounted in the box alongside the active CompRT woofer, listeners enjoy a significant upgrade in bass without increasing overall enclosure depth.
New for 2021, the shallow-mount CompRT features Forced-Air Cooling, which contributes to the woofer’s efficiency and durability. It allows the subwoofer to run more than 20 percent cooler than previous woofer versions. In addition, high-temp, voice-coil wire windings surround a high-mass, solid pole piece for excellent thermal management, and a bumped top plate allows for full voice-coil clearance and excursion.
The CompRT’s large-diameter, progressive-roll spider ensures increased linearity, better overall sound quality and outstanding bass reproduction. Thanks to innovative engineering, the shallow-mount CompRT handles an exceptional amount of power without sacrificing depth. The ribbed Santoprene surround sports signature red KICKER stitching, while the thick polypropylene cone, now blacked out in color, pumps out smooth, clean bass.
Built with thick internal MDF bracing, the enclosures are carpeted and custom embroidered with the KICKER and CompRT logos for a sleek look that is uniquely KICKER.
12VoltNews.com 