DALLAS, TX (05.29.26) – The Garage Texas Harley Glide was a stand-out at the SSR Show in Dallas on Sunday, May 17. Derick Bolden creates one-of–kind custom bike projects in his shop in Fort Worth.
Cameras are out for images of Derick Bolden’s, dressed in blue, Harley.
“Being on site at the SSR Distributors show in Dallas is a terrific opportunity to showcase our shop’s work and give dealers ideas of projects they can offer their customers. I have been a bike enthusiast for many years and our shop has been open for eight years now” Bolden stated.
The Garage Texas Harley Glide drew a crowd throughout the day.
Tracy Farr, SSR VP Sales and Operations, related “Derick is a very good customer and loads his projects with 12volt gear from us. Having his Harley Glide outside really engages our dealers and gives them ideas for customers that come into their store. Derick’s Harley creates a buzz at our show and dealers will be talking about it for months.”
This video post on social media blew up.
“Right after the SSR Show I headed to a big event in Tulsa. People there were blown away when they saw my bike, named Cheat Code. One biker there snapped an image of my bike and made a post on social media. I was blown away when I saw it had 9.7 million views!”
Continuing “My bike is not yet complete and I have more things to do, including graphics. Look forward to showing those upgrades at the SSR Distributors Show Dallas 2027” Bolden concluded.
STILLWATER, OK (05.29.26) – KICKER is once again working with SkillsUSA to eventually put installers into the workforce, and this year the mobile-audio brand is sending KICKER Tech Force manager Aaron Malin and trainer Jacob Luckey to judge at the SkillsUSA Championships June 1-5, during SkillsUSA’s annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta. The SkillsUSA Championships is the premier showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and technical education students.
Chris Jack and Bryan Gary with SkillsUSA will be on site. Bryan will trailer his competition car from Oklahoma to been at the event for demos.
The Mobile-Electronics Installation category tests competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional mobile-electronics installers, and established for the Basic MECP certification by the Consumer Electronics Association. The competition includes a written exam, interviews, and multiple hands-on applications.
“We need these young men and women to join us in our quickly evolving industry,” said Malin, the supervisor of KICKER’s global training. “SkillsUSA’s competitive categories stress various aspects of the real-world workplace, so when students graduate, they are positioned to immediately contribute on the job.”
For consecutive years, KICKER has been involved with SkillsUSA’s mission on national and local levels, and this year the brand is donating more than $5,000 in prizes to the winners of the 12-volt competitions.
The SkillsUSA NLSC event takes place at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta June 1-5.
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (05.28.26) – Accele Electronics was very busy from Sunday March May 17 through May 20. On Sunday it was the SSR Distributors show in Dallas followed by the Pacific Northwest Expo from the 18th through the 20th in Seattle WA.
Chris Way is flanked by Joshua Conant on the left and Gary Palmer.
Chris Way, Company VP and Joshua Conant, General Sales Manager traveled from the Santa Fe Springs CA office to Dallas to be on site with Tracy Farr and the crew for the SSR Sunday Show.
Joshua stated “The SSR show was packed with dealers checking out the latest products, making purchases and attending trainings. One of our hot products there was new our wireless Air Horn. Also on site with one of our commercial dealers Geary Palmer from Houston. We were very busy talking with dealers and answering questions about our products they could add to their inventory. Stops at the food trucks with Tracy were fun too.”
Following the show Chris headed to Seattle to be in the booth at the Pacific Northwest Expo and Joshua headed back to LAX to be in his office on Monday to start the week.
Joshua Conant proudly shows the new wireless Air Horn.
At the Pacific Northwest Expo Accele had an expansive booth and showcased the company’s wide selection of products. The 2026 Pacific Northwest Expo was well attended with a very busy schedule starting Monday night and wrapping up on Wednesday. Stay tuned for much more from Accele in Seattle.
The Accele booth set up in Seattle showcasing the company’s wide selection of products.
With two shows 1,500 miles apart its terrific to see Accele team members connecting at in-person events to showcase their products with their distributor partner SSR and retailers to drive sales.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.28.26) – Leno’s Law, the renewed effort in California to secure relief for car collectors by modernizing the state’s emissions testing requirements, is picking up momentum, with a global community of car enthusiasts showing staunch support for SB 1392. The bill is now bolstered by support from California’s lowrider community and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)’s International Historical Commission.
The bipartisan bill, authored by Sen. Dave Cortese, with Sen. Shannon Grove as a principal coauthor and TV legend Jay Leno and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as the sponsors, recently passed out of the California Senate with strong bipartisan support and is now under consideration in the Assembly, awaiting a committee referral.
In an acknowledgment of the undeniable cultural importance of providing a pathway for modernizing the state’s laws on collector vehicles, California’s iconic lowrider community is standing up for Leno’s Law, submitting more than 1,700 letters in support of passing the bill.
“Lowriders and classics are built with pride, shown with purpose, and driven for the community. Leno’s Law is about protecting those who keeps these cars alive: the builders, the painters, the upholsterers, the chrome shops, and the clubs that put in the work year-round. SB 1392 keeps our culture on the road and gives the next generation a fair shot at preserving the rides they love,” said letter organizer Joseph Mendez, CEO of The Lowrider Grind, a cultural hub for the lowrider community.
Additionally, the FIA, via its International Historical Commission, has sent a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to vote in favor of Leno’s Law, citing the bill’s potential for preserving California’s leadership in both clean air and cultural heritage.
“California has long been recognized as a leader in environmental policy and a trendsetter in automotive culture,” writes Giuseppe Redaelli, president of the FIA International Historical Commission, and Willem Groenewald, FIA’s secretary general for mobility, sustainability, and tourism. “SB 1392 strikes a thoughtful and balanced compromise by respecting air quality goals while protecting an essential element of California’s cultural and economic fabric. It is intentionally bounded, does not create a broad rolling exemption, and creates only an optional pathway for qualifying collector vehicles. It ensures that rare and historic vehicles, some of which are displayed in world-renowned California museums and celebrated by enthusiasts around the world, can be preserved without undue regulatory burden.”
“Leno’s Law has always been about more than our state’s antiquated emissions tests, or the high-dollar auctioneer space that people perceive car collectors to exist within. Rather, it has always been about providing a foundation for the next generation of car enthusiasts, of acknowledging California’s rich automotive heritage, and reminding us that in these divided times, our vehicles unify us and spark a joy that transcends generations and demographics,” said Victor Muñoz, SEMA’s senior manager for state government affairs. “As we share that story with lawmakers in Sacramento, there are no better allies to have by our side than the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and Joseph Mendez and his lowrider family.”
BACKGROUND Leno’s Law creates a narrow, phased-in, collector-only pathway to a smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles. The bill starts with vehicles manufactured before the 1981 model year and gradually expands, reaching vehicles manufactured before the 1986 model year by 2032. Importantly, it does not change the existing pre-1976 exemption already in law.
This proposal intends to solve a practical problem many owners already recognize: testing options for older vehicles are becoming harder to access, less predictable, and more expensive as legacy testing infrastructure declines. Leno’s Law is also designed to focus on true collector vehicles: those used primarily for shows, parades, charitable functions, and historical exhibitions, rather than as an owner’s primary mode of transportation.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.28.26) – ALL-NEW for 2026 — the Nautic NA4 amplifier line brings in a new era of Marine amplification — compact, durable, and purpose-built to thrive on the water with steady and consistent performance.
Designed to withstand harsh elements like salt spray, moisture, and vibration, these amplifiers give boat builders and audio enthusiasts clean, reliable power in even the most unforgiving, Marine environments and on-the-water conditions.
Unlike traditional Marine amps, NA4 amplifiers are engineered from the ground up with waterproof-potted internals and quick-release connectors, making tackling the conditions a breeze on the water.
Get ready to take on the waves with power that redefines audio. Feel the difference in audio playback with clean and undistorted quality through NA4 innovation. Upgrade your summer NOW!
ORANIENBURG, GERMANY (05.27.26) – ORAFOL has announced the acquisition of Maxpro Manufacturing, LLC, headquartered in Whiteville, North Carolina. With this transaction, the Group is strategically expanding its international footprint while reinforcing its newly established Functional Films Business Unit as a key future growth driver.
Founded in 2010, Maxpro is a U.S.-based manufacturer of window and protective films, with an additional logistics center in Chandler, Arizona. The company develops and produces a broad portfolio of high-quality film solutions for automotive, architectural, and paint protection applications. In addition, Maxpro offers specialized tools and systems for professional film installation. Its products are distributed globally through an established dealer network. Maxpro is recognized for its innovative manufacturing processes, product durability, and a strong focus on application-driven solutions for professional markets.
Dr. Holger Loclair, Chairman & CEO ORAFOL Group commented, “We are very pleased to welcome Maxpro to the ORAFOL Group. This integration represents a significant strategic step for us, enabling us to further expand our technological capabilities in an important growth segment while also sustainably strengthening our presence and customer proximity in North America. I am convinced that our Business Unit Functional Films will benefit considerably from this partnership – through additional innovative strength, expanded capacity, and an even faster execution speed. At the same time, I am personally very much looking forward to our shared future.”
Joseph Cobbe, Founder & CEO Maxpro commented, “Joining the ORAFOL family marks an incredible new and exciting chapter for Maxpro. ORAFOL brings world-class technology and a global platform that will enable Maxpro to expand our ability to provide the most technically advanced products to the world-wide window film market. This capability along with ORAFOL’s commitment to customer relationships will enable Maxpro to continue providing the same unmatched customer service that has been Maxpro’s trademark for 15 years, while at the same time providing the most up-to-date products. I am excited about the future for Maxpro and for the products and services we can provide to our customers.”
The acquisition of Maxpro expands ORAFOL’s Functional Films Business Unit across the entire value chain – from the extrusion of advanced polymer films to highly specialized coating and laminating processes. Combined with ORAFOL’s recent investments in precision sputtering technologies, Maxpro’s capabilities further strengthen the company’s position in high-performance film innovation. This integration also enables ORAFOL to engineer customized films with precisely controlled physical, optical, and protective properties—meeting demanding standards across a broad range of applications.
Building on these expanded capabilities, the acquisition also supports ORAFOL’s long-term growth strategy, ORAFOL Roadmap 2030 – Shaping the Future. It reinforces the Group’s focus on targeted technology investments and disciplined portfolio expansion—scaling differentiated capabilities and further strengthening ORAFOL’s position in advanced functional materials markets.
To learn more about Maxpro’s product portfolio, visit maxprofilms.com.
SASKATOON, SK (05.27.26) – Firstech Canada is proud to announce its appointment as an authorized distributor for Samsung Electronics TV and Audio products across Canada, further strengthening the company’s rapid expansion within the residenAal and commercial AV markets.
The announcement follows the successful launch of Firstech Canada’s dedicated Residential and Commercial division. The addition of Samsung Electronics marks another major milestone in the company’s strategic growth and reinforces its commitment to delivering world-class technology solutions to integrators, dealers, and channel partners nationwide.
Samsung Electronics is globally recognized for its innovation in display technology, offering a comprehensive portfolio of premium residential solutions.
“We are incredibly excited to begin this journey with Samsung,” said Bryan Sack, President of Firstech Canada. “This appointment represents a major step forward for our Residential and Commercial division and reinforces our commitment to bringing best-in-class technology solutions to our partners across Canada. Adding Samsung Electronics to our portfolio demonstrates the confidence leading global brands have in Firstech Canada’s vision, infrastructure, and team.”
The Samsung Electronics partnership will provide Canadian integrators and dealers with enhanced access to Samsung Electronics industry-leading display technologies, supported by Firstech Canada’s national distribution capabilities, technical expertise, and customer service.
“We are thrilled to welcome Firstech Canada as a distribution partner,” said Phil Joly, Regional Account Manager at Samsung. “Their strong market presence, experienced leadership team, and commitment to customer success make them an ideal partner to help expand Samsung’s reach within the Canadian residential and commercial integration markets.”
Firstech Canada will immediately begin offering Samsung Electronics solutions through its growing network of authorized dealers and integration partners across the country.
Explore Samsung Electronics TV and Audio products on Firstech Canada
Canadian integrators can now browse and shop the full lineup of SKYWORTH displays directly through Firstech Canada: https://www.myfirstech.ca/samsung
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.27.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) today announced its Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing four industry icons who have influenced and inspired the $52.6 billion automotive specialty equipment industry. The Hall of Fame inductees are Doug Dwyer, Jay Leno, Ellen McKoy, and Dennis Overholser.
The esteemed group will be recognized as part of the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala on Friday, July 24 in Newport Beach, Calif. Tickets can be purchased here.
“These four individuals have poured their time, talent, and passion into building this industry. Their contributions have shaped what the aftermarket is today, and we’re proud to recognize the impact they’ve made, both on the businesses they’ve led and on the people who have been lucky enough to cross their path,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.
Doug Dwyer With a career spanning 60 years across wheels and tires, motorsports marketing, media strategy, and brand development, Dwyer’s industry contributions reflect a rare combination of technical insight, professional integrity, and service to others. He started his career working for Carroll Shelby Enterprises/Goodyear Racing Tires at age 16, served in the Army, and went on to build a strong leadership career at Appliance Industries, Weld Wheels, and TrueSpoke Wire Wheels. As a partner in Bryson Dwyer Inc., he continued to strengthen professional standards and build lasting brand identities, always emphasizing honesty, craftsmanship, and respect for both the product and the customer. As a SEMA volunteer, he organized and participated in numerous events and programs and was inducted into the 2023 Wheel & Tire Council – WTC (now the Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council – WTSBC) Hall of Fame for his industry impact.
Jay Leno A passionate advocate for the automotive community and a high-profile car collector and enthusiast, Leno has utilized his platform to promote automotive culture since the early 1980s. From spotlighting automotive craftsmanship through his weekly automotive show on YouTube – Jay Leno’s Garage – and launching his own line of detailing products – Jay Leno’s Garage Advanced Vehicle Care – to being a perennial guest, keynote speaker, and award presenter at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Leno has amplified the stature of the aftermarket industry and SEMA’s global presence. He’s also supporting car culture and enthusiasts with government policymakers, working with SEMA leadership and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) to champion California Senate Bill 1392, known as “Leno’s Law,” – legislation aimed at modernizing the state’s smog-check process by creating a rolling 35-year exemption for collector vehicles.
Ellen McKoy McKoy has devoted nearly five decades of leadership and service to the automotive aftermarket, beginning as co-owner of Skycoach Customizing in Long Island, New York in 1975. Throughout her career, she has served as an entrepreneur, journalist, consultant, and industry advocate. Through volunteer service, she served on the SEMA Board of Directors, created and advanced the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), and founded the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). McKoy was a SEMA executive from 1994-2009. Skilled in institution building, she volunteered for SEMA following her tenure with the Association, consistently identifying and addressing opportunities where members needed stronger organization, education, or representation. Today, she continues to provide editorial, marketing, and public relations services to aftermarket companies as founder of EMK Marketing.
Dennis Overholser Overholser founded Painless Performance Products in 1990 to provide racers, hot-rodders, and automotive enthusiasts with easier and safer wiring solutions. His career is marked by a deep-rooted passion for automotive technology and a commitment to delivering superior products, backed by years of industry volunteerism and legislative advocacy. Overholser served on the SEMA Board of Directors from 2001-2006, chaired the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), volunteered for HRIA’s precursor – the Street Rod Marketing Alliance (SRMA) – and was inducted into both the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (now the Motorsports Products & Media Council – MPMC) and HRIA Hall of Fame in 2013 for his industry involvement and contributions.
To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.sema.org/hof.
SEATTLE, WA (05.26.26) – 5150 Audio is a very proactive retailer based in Kenai AK. Owner Dave Parrott understands the value of connecting across the industry and made his plans early to attend the Pacific Northwest Expo. On Sunday Dave flew to the US and connected with Dave Gates and the Falcon Sales and Marketing team as they prepared everything to head to Seattle for the event with Monday set up.
Falcon Sales and Marketing had a booth on the event floor and spotlighted a number of their brands. There at the event Dave worked closely with Kam Frisbee and Falcon as a key product source for his company shipping products from the US to his store in Alaska. Some times that requires shipping products across the water. A full pallet could cost a grand!
“Falcon is a great partner. This was the first time that I attended this event. I spent time connecting with brands on the show floor and seeing new products, attending trainings plus connecting with other retailers across the industry” Parrott commented.
Dave Parrott in the Falcon booth with Kam Frisbee (L) checking out new products from PowerBass.
The 12volt Central Studios staff connected with Dave once he got back to his store. Dave related attending the event in Seattle turned out very very well. He checked off everything on his list plus more.
Dave Parrott on the Expo floor getting ready to talk to Ryan at Vault Power.
“Having an opportunity to spend time with exhibitors and check out their new products and programs worked out very well Also catching up with Joseph Norton was a really great surprise. He came to our store last year. He is now working with Focal and I attended his training session” Parrott added.
Business is strong at 5150 Audio. Open for just over 2 years 5150 Audio is already known within a 100 mile range as the place for mobile aftermarket products and custom installation…pickup trucks are hot. 5150 Audio also participates in consumer events in the area like REV Alaska. REV Alaska is in Wasilla which is 200 miles from the store. At the event the 5150 Audio team made sales and booked installs at their store.
It is terrific to see proactive 12volt retailers driving business in their communities. 5150 Audio is ‘Driving Sound To The Next Level’ in Alaska. Stay tuned for more!
SHREVEPORT, LA (05.26.26) – The 12voltBeat was on the Street this past week cranking it up across a 12 V industry.
Steve Irby checked out the #Nemesis Supra (L) and is flanked by Wayne and Celise Harris at Judge’s Dinner.
On Sunday, May 17th, the SQ at HQ returned to KICKER’s Headquarters in Stillwater OK. This event welcomed the return of the Sound competition and Car Show 2026. Attendees experienced some of the best sounding cars around, had an opportunity to explore the KICKER Museum and enjoy a great food from local food trucks… All in one place. Competitors put their builds to the test in SQ judged events hosted in partnerships with IASCA, MASQ, EMMA and MCA.
The SSR Show in Dallas on May 17 was a record setter. Tracy Farr, SSR VP Sales and Operations, relayed “We had factory staff members travel from both the East Coast and the West Coast to spend time with dealers and present their products here in our Dallas location. We definitely had a lot of excitement throughout our 25,000 square-foot facility in Dallas and attendees had an opportunity to check out demo cars outside while networking and enjoying the outstanding food prepared by Nico‘s Cocina. It was so great and encouraging to see such a great turnout. Again this year our trainings continued to improve and the credit goes to our incredible manufacturer and rep partners as they continue to go up and beyond for us.”
“We are extremely proud of what our team accomplished and look forward to the SSR show in Houston later this year and the SSR Distributors 2027 Show in Dallas” Farr concluded.
Dave Parrott on the Expo floor getting ready to talk to Ryan at Vault Power.
The 2026 Pacific Northwest Expo was ground zero for the 12volt industry May 18 through the 20th in Seattle. Over 40 12volt companies exhibited on the show floor at The Doubletree by Hilton. Attendees spent time checking out the latest products, attending trainings and connecting with industry members during the event. Stay tuned for more to come from the Pacific
Northwest Expo and the12voltBeat on the Street in Seattle.
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