TAMPA, FL (04.14.2021) – DOW Technologies was recently awarded eight Quest for Quality Awards in CE Pro’s 11th annual competition. In the first year DOW won any Quest for Quality Awards, it received an award in each of the available categories.
CE Pro’s Quest for Quality Awards recognize the services offered by distributors and manufacturers that supply custom integrators. The eight distributor categories were voted on by CE Pro’s readers; this year saw a record-breaking 14,550 votes cast. The Awards are open to distributors across the nation.
DOW Technologies won a first place Platinum Award for the Best Dealer Programs/Incentives, Best COVID-19 Response, and Best Virtual Trade Show/Conference Presence categories. DOW won Gold Awards for the Best Technical Support, Best Shipping Policies, Best Website, and Best Training Programs categories. In the Best Customer Service category, DOW was awarded the Silver Award.
“I believe this is a testament to our sales team and the dedication of our whole company to provide our customers the best experience,” stated senior vice president Dave Elkin. “The tremendous support we received this year is overwhelming. We are thankful for all of our loyal dealers.”
“We are truly honored at receiving eight awards in this year’s Quest for Quality,” stated president & ceo John Yodzis. “These awards recognize the effort we put in as an organization to help our dealers succeed. As we continue to expand into new regions, we can’t rest on what we’ve achieved, but instead continue to listen to our customers’ needs and provide top level customer service.”
To learn more about DOW Technologies, visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1-800-627-2900. To read more about the CE Pro Quest for Quality Awards 2021, click here.
BOCA RATON, FL (04.13.2021) —Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading window tinting and automotive accessory franchise, has added Kelly Wruck as director of franchise operations at their headquarters.
In her role, Wruck will serve as the point-of-contact for new owners. She will be responsible for onboarding new franchisees as well as take part in project management across multiple departments.
Kelly Wruck
“Kelly has more than 10 years of experience in the franchising industry and that knowledge will be a great asset to Tint World,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “We have an amazing headquarters staff that contributes to our excellence as a leading franchise brand on a daily basis, and Kelly will add value to that team.”
Wruck will help new owners set up their locations while also distributing information to the departments at the headquarters. In addition to helping franchisees set up their stores, she will assist in the compliance department by working with new owners on their taxes, leases, and franchise development.
“I’m excited to be a part of the onboarding team, welcoming new location owners to the Tint World family,” Wruck said. “As new owners come on board, there can be a brief learning period – both from a legal and an informational standpoint. I’m pleased to help guide them through these important first steps in owning a franchise location.”
Before joining Tint World, Wruck worked in sales and logistics for companies such as Straus Building Solutions, Beerhead Bar & Eatery and United Franchise Group. In her roles with these companies, she aided in acquiring accounts for franchisees as well as developed business plans while leading franchisees through the onboarding process. Wruck is also a former police officer and has worked for the Department of Homeland Security.
Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more.
TEMPE, AZ (04.13.2021) – Mobile Solutions has announced the newest addition to the Smart Template family, the GT Template Set. Made of their signature shatter-resistant PVC, this numbered, nine piece nested set is fully compatible with their Smart Frame System (SFS) and features a new innovation for their templates: the Template Assembly Calibration (TAC) system.
“The TAC system allows for the pieces of the outermost template to be removed so that multiple template pieces can be fabricated, but all line up perfectly when reassembled in the final installation” commented Bryan Schmitt, founder and president of Mobile Solutions. “That feature makes for a virtually infinite number of design combinations, as well as hiding mounting hardware or inserting accent pieces that mimic a section of the template’s overall shape.”
Schmitt and his team at Mobile Solutions designed and engineered the GT Template Set to offer an aggressive, yet classy design that could work in multiple applications such as a trim panel for trunk-mounted equipment, rear deck trim panel or even sections of the template as a left and right door or trim panel baffle and grille. A YouTube video at the Mobile Solutions channel shows the hands-on implementation of the template set by Mark at Car Audio Fabrication (CAF).
To do an advance product launch of the GT Template Set to an audience of social media fans, on March 24, 2021 Schmitt and Mark did a live one hour Facebook training and Q&A session. This was also streamed to both Mobile Solutions and CAF YouTube channels. The top secret live feed had over 300 live attendees the whole time with virtually no advance notice, making this one of the most well-attended one hour virtual trainings of the past year since the Pandemic hit in March 2020. The training has since had over 3000 views and counting. It just furthers the importance of the thirst for more training using real-time hands-on demonstrations.
GT Template Set Features:
Nine, nested shatter-resistant and numbered PVC template pieces with 3/16” gapping
Precision-machined alignment lines and holes
Fully compatible with SFS Axis Shape Creator System (sold separately)
New Template Assembly Calibration (TAC) allows for the outermost pieces to be used as one assembly or in separate pieces for different design aesthetics
Knobs and hardware for TAC system included!
GT Template Set Applications:
Designed for simple press grille production
Trunk-mounted trim panels (subwoofer enclosure, amp rack cover, power distribution panel, etc.)
Rear shelf trim panels or speaker grilles
Left and right side door speaker baffles and grilles
Use pieces of the template to transition a shape from two separate panels (such as front door to rear side panel) in custom hot rod and restomod builds
Priced at $129, this template set is a must have item for any fabricator.
CAMARILLO, CA (04.13.2021) – Orca Design and Manufacturing announced it is shipping the Gladen ATM, a single-channel power amplifier that is designed to fit within a subwoofer enclosure. The ATM (Active Terminal Module) replaces the enclosure’s standard 78mm circular speaker terminal with a 200-watt mono amplifier, measuring just under five inches deep and available in two- or four-ohm versions. This innovative design allows retailers to internally amplify any pre-built or custom sub enclosure and offer a versatile, active low-end solution.
The control surface of the Gladen ATM features a high-quality Molex® connector for power, ground and audio inputs, alongside a button that selects between low- and speaker-level input. The ATM automatically detects signal input to turn it on and off. The built-in, low-pass filter lets the installer match the output of the ATM to the subwoofer and enclosure with variable volume and crossover adjustment between 50 and 120Hz. An optional subwoofer volume control (Model RTC-2; sold separately) can be plugged into the ATM and mounted within the driver’s reach.
“In light of the drastic product shortages, retailers are struggling to build personalized audio experiences for their customers,” said Nalaka Adikari, sales director for Orca. “Bass is usually the first audio enhancement customers look for, and the ATM lets retailers bring life and vibrancy to factory audio playback by adding low end with a single component that can be removed when storage space is needed.”
Both versions of the Gladen ATM (GA-ATM2Ohm and GA-ATM4Ohm) have a suggested retail price of $349.
PITTSBURGH ,PA (04.12.2021) – Team Nutz, a very proactive retailer in the area, returned to the MAXmotive World of Wheels again this year at the David Lawerence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. The event was rescheduled several times but rolled this past weekend of April 8th-11th.
Hot cars drew immediate attention to the huge Team Nutz booth.
Booths displaying a variety of products greeted attendees.
Team Nutz had an 80’x100’ booth that was filled with demo vehicles, tents, show car displays, live installations and importantly consumers. End Result, with Rusty North, was onsite with the Team Nutz staff of 15 who worked the show. The End Result demo vehicle, featuring Hertz and Audison gear, was experienced by many attendees. The Davis Distributing demo Jeep was also in the booth.
Ed Nuttall (R) and Rusty North with a large truck featuring an extensive Memphis Audio build.
This Team Nutz van with great graphic was wrapped on the event floor by Ryan Davis.
Ed Nuttall, for Team Nutz, stated, “We anticipated a crowd approaching 40,000. The actual attendance was somewhat less but members of the crowd were really interested automotive consumers. We had literally over 10,000 swag items including pens, stickers, tote bags and lanyards to hand out to attendees. We also had a custom QR Code in play that we will use in additional ways to connect after the event with attendees in our booth.”
Auto Magic Professional Car Care products made this pickup shine after an Intensive detail session in the booth.
Rusty North invited attendees to check out the amazing Hertz Audison system in the End Result Volvo.
Continuing, Nuttall offered, “This year we created more interactive display experiences for attendees in our booth. From start to finish we wrapped a Team Nutz van, with attention grabbing custom graphics, and Ryan Davis did a super job. To show the quality of our Auto Magic car care products we polished an older model pickup truck and made it shine with Graphene coat. Also, we completed a Katzkin leather seat job for a Dodge Challenger. All of these activities got attendees interested and asking questions.
A Katzkin leather seat makeover for a Dodge Challenger was completed in the booth.
A variety of custom QR Codes were created for post event followup marketing by Team Nutz.
“The people who sat in the End Result Volvo, and experienced the Hertz and Audison gear, said they had never experienced that kind of sound quality in a car. Demonstrations like that at a show definitely plants seeds for future business. Ed and Team Nutz orchestrated a great event,” Rusty North commented.
Over 10,000 pieces of swag were ready for attendees to pickup including totes, lanyards, pens, stickers, screwdrivers and T’s.
On Saturday night, after the show floor closed, Team Nutz sponsored a buffet for vendors and staff at the after party.
“All at Team Nutz certainly put a lot into pulling off this event. We put our company and products in front a very large number of people. Literally thousands went home with some swag with our name on it too. This week we will begin to follow the QR Code activity as well. We look forward to more big events at the David Lawrence Convention Center,” Nuttall concluded.
Utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool, with images supplied from friends and companies, the 12volt Central Studios is delivering fresh news to members of the 12volt industry.
ORLANDO, FL (04.12.2021) – Term-LAB / Term-PRO will be exhibiting at the KnowledgeFest Orlando event June 25-27, 2021. Stop by the booth and learn how to use the Term-PRO Enclosure Design Software to design low-frequency loudspeaker enclosures and the Term-LAB SPL Meter to analyze sound-related measurements.
KnowledgeFest includes over 27 educational workshops, 70 manufacturer trainings, great networking opportunities and a trade show featuring manufacturer and benefit-provider exhibits. Talk one-on-one with the people you do business with (or should be!).
Every major manufacturer and many specialty manufacturers will be there. Their training sessions can help you become a product and installation expert in your market. There’s specialized training for owners/managers, sales professionals and installation techs; helping you keep your business on the cutting edge of profitability.
June 25-27, 2021 Orange County Convention Center 9800 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, or a relative newcomer to mobile electronics, KnowledgeFest has something for you. Many social activities after hours to bring FUN to the mix.
LINCOLN, NE (04.12.2021) – In uncertain times as our industry struggles with head units shortages, ROBIDOUX DISTRIBUTING is Lincoln, NE is proud to say THEY HAVE PRODUCT TO SELL!
“Our rep Jeff Budin did a great job of keeping us updated on all the news coming out of China, so we took the proper measures to stock up as heavy as we could on all the head units we could get our hands on,” stated ROBIDOUX president Jamie Robidoux. “I’m happy to say we have options for dealers whether its Android Auto , CarPlay, Double DIN , or even a basic single DIN Mechless, we have options available from either a MAP protected line like Nakamichi or others like SoundStream, PPI, or Power Acoustik.”
ROBIDOUX INC. sales rep Maxwell Mayer (middle) flanked by Jamie Robidoux, president, and ROCK-N-REV SALES Jeff Budin holding plenty of head unit options and ready to write orders.
Dealers in the MINK states are taking note of the outstanding services ROBIDOUX provides as stated here by local dealer Mean Machine Cycle Parts. “ The guys over at Robidoux are the real deal! Super knowledgeable, courteous, and always eager to help out! We get all of our DIAMOND AUDIO there and couldn’t be anymore happy. Our sales guy Max is the Man!” commented ROBB BOGGS, owner.
For more information on current head unit inventory status, contact ROBIDOUX DISTRIBUTING at customerservice@robidouxinc.com OR call 531-500-5785
SHREVEPORT LA (04.10.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Class A Sounds won the NavAtlas prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, April 9th.
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 122nd time on Friday morning April 9th. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas Space. The Class A Sounds 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 Class A Sounds in Athens OH and TJ Hooker was surprised and happy to hear the news. We contact Patrick Brooks at NavAtlas and a cool NavAtlas prize will be headed to TJ.
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 and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 16th.
THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (04.09.2021) – This weekend in early April, 9-11, is shaping up to get the 2021 event season off to a strong start. The 12volt Central Studios will be working with friends and companies at events in Blevins AR, Pittsburgh PA and Houston TX to showcase event activities and deliver positive news to members of the 12volt industry.
Over 2000 acres of water, bogs and trails welcome ATV enthusiasts to the HighLifter Mud National.
The HighLifter Mud Nationals is being held at the Hillarosa ATV Park in Blevins AR April 7th – 11th. The expansive park offers 2000 acres of deep mud bogs, water crossings and muddy trails. Music venues are also on site.The Powersports category is definitely on fire. The ATV marketplace also offers so much more including lifts, tires, wheels, jacks, seating, graphics and so much more than mobile electronics products.
MTX was one of the first companies to set up on Wednesday morning, April 7th.
On the grounds of the Hillorosa ATV Park there is a large area set up as a vendor village where major companies rolled in with semis. MTX rolled in a big rig from Phoenix with Rico Felice and Jason Planck to set up a huge tent area with multiple side by side demos on display.
Rockford Fosgate set up early to welcome ATV enthusiasts,
Rockford Fosgate rolled in from company HQ in Tempe with a big rig filled with tent, gear and demo side by sides. Tammy Lowe, John Bosley and Mark Schliepfer and made the trip and are conducting demos and info for enthusiasts. New Can Speakers and Amplifies will greet attendees.
MB Quart has an impressive setup and is ready to get loud.
Maxxsonics is on site with a big presence for MB Quart. Rob Anderson is on site along with Tommy McClure and Scott Ringo from area rep firm Southwest Sales and Marketing.
Product displays like this will drive sales for Team Nutz at the Pittsburgh show.
More displays in the Team Nutz Booth.
Team Nutz, a very proactive retailer, is back at the MAXmotive World of Wheels again this year at the David Lawerence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. The event was rescheduled several times but rolls this weekend. Team Nutz has an 80’x100’ booth and will fill it with demo vehicles, tents, show cars and displays. End Result, with Rusty North and Ed Dalesandro will be on site with the Team Nutz staff of 15 to work the show.
The Sling Experiment is set to be a record setter!
Ed Nuttall, for Team Nutz, stated “We are anticipating a crowd in the neighborhood of 40,000. We have literally over 10,000 swag items including pens, stickers, tote bags and lanyards to hand out to attendees. We are also have a custom QR Code in play that will provide additional ways to connect after the event with attendees in our booth.”
House of Sound Car Audio -Houston will show rear lighting packages like this for s Slingshots.
The Sling Experience is in its second year in Houston and is expected to be even larger than 2020. House of Sound Car Audio does a huge business with Slingshot owners. Alex Restrepo stated “We will have shop Slingshots in our booth and have over a dozen customers that will show their rides at the event. Custom lighting is a rapidly growing area in Slingshot customization and we offer custom lighting products. SounDigital, Kicker, DS18, DB Drive and XS Power are big brands for us with Slingshots. The event will take place in the large Houston Marriott Westchase Hotel Thursday through Sunday.
A Slingshot in the House of Sound Car Audio shop with a super lighting package.
Utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool, with images supplied from friends and companies, the 12volt Central Studios plans many posts over the next several days to deliver this exciting news to members of the 12volt industry.
EAST WENATCHEE, WA (04.09.2021) – With COVID-19 restrictions being lessened in some states IASCA Worldwide is making plans to begin the organization’s 2021 event schedule.
Travis Chin is ready to roll IASCA events in 2021.
Travis Chin stated for IASCA, “Recently, we participated with SQOLOGY at their Lonestar SQ Showdown event at the Frisco, TX Car Toys location. That was a couple weeks ago, and it had a much larger than expected turnout. Other than that, our schedule of events has been limited and they have been low-key. In some cases, we would have events set up and ready and just hope that they weren’t canceled or would create a problem in a community.”
This coming weekend, ISACA has 5 events taking place. Saturday April 10: SQ in Lacey, WA3X World Record SPL event in Savannah, GA3X SQ and SPL in Fresno, CA and SQ in Rowlette, TX.
On Sunday April 11th a Car Stereo Show and SQ Competition is set at OTS Mobile Audio in Oldsmar, FL. During a call to the store a sales staff member said, “There is a buzz about the event and we are looking forward to an exciting event.”
“There is excitement building up as competitors want to get back to participating in shows and we are looking to a lot of events this summer as long as COVID-19 restrictions allow. All points and memberships from 2020 will carry over into 2021 since we did not have a 2020 North America Championship,” Chin added.
Recently, TRU Technologies signed on as an industry member as well as more retailers which are listed in the retailer section of our website. The website also has all the events listed as well as results from past events and current rulebooks.
Concluding Chin related, “Maybe the flip has switched on COVID-19 restrictions as it seems like a lot of shows are getting set up.”
12VoltNews.com 