TAMPA, FL (07.01.2020) – Tim Freeman was named the DOW Electronics People’s Belt Winner for the month of June.
Freeman is DOW’s Director of Business Analytics and Operations. The 15-year company veteran was nominated by his peers for the award.
Tim Freeman is all smiles as he proudly holds the ‘People’s Belt’ as the June 2020 Winner.
Jay Johnson, DOW Director of Marketing related “Tim was chosen due to his continued dedication to excellence and going above and beyond for our staff and customers on a daily basis. He works tirelessly on our technology infrastructure along with being one of the top leaders in operations nationally. We feel very blessed to have him as part of our DOW family”
Freeman works out of the DOW Electronics Tampa, FL HQ which is one of 6 locations for the consumer electronics and 12volt distributor in the U.S.
MOUNTVILLE, PA (06.30.2020) – 717 Car Audio invited friends, customers and enthusiasts to celebrate the company’s 3 Year Anniversary on Saturday, June 27th. The event, from 10 AM until 4 PM, was held at the company’s Mountville store with a full slate of activities for all to enjoy.
Scott Wagner related “It was a super day. We had between 40 and 50 people through the day even though the weather was not so good. In the lot during the day we had over 30 cars including some really nice show cars. The shop ‘Rat Rod’ was right up front, along with Stephanie’s Pink Jeep and both got a lot of attention. We offered a free custom 717 Car Audio T-shirt and went through nearly 4 dozen very quickly”
The shop ‘Rat Rod’ and ‘Fight Like Girl’ Pink Jeep were up front and anniversary T-ShirtS were free to those attending.
Attendees enjoyed contests, prizes and giveaways along with refreshments and hotdogs on the grille. There was a custom 60 quart Roller ice chest rockin’ with SounDigital, Ground Zero and Kenwood gear that kicked off a contest for the next year. “We put together a contest for our customers to build their ice chest and compete. There was a $100. entry fee with the with all proceeds going to a charity of the winner’s choice. We had 16 people sign up on the spot” Wagner offered.
A number of top show car and classics were on the 717 lot.
A major event during the event was the “Beat the Jeep” audio contest. No one beat Stephanie’s ‘Fight Like Girl’ pink Jeep loaded with 4 JL Audio Amps and 4 JL Audio subs.
Stephanie and Bob (L) and Stephanie and Jason flank the Shop 51 graphic. Mike McDade, Shop 51, made the unique prizes being held by Bob and Jason from old engine parts.
This 717 60 quart cooler loaded with SounDigital, Ground Zero and Kenwood kicked off a contest for next year.
717 Car Audio support has strong support with prizes and giveaways from vendors including Kicker, SounDigital, Ground Zero and Kenwoood and others.
Scott Wagner is pictured with a classic Chevy and hot bike in front of 717 Wraps a sister company.
Jamie White, Opus Marketing principal, related “Chuck Ottati handles the 717 account for our firm. 717 Car Audio is a very proactive dealer in our territory and he works closely with their team. 12volt retailers that are visible and connect with consumers in their marketplace are so important. We congratulate 717 car Audio for all they do to move the 12volt industry forward”
This bike is amazing… and the graphics are even more amazing!
A big 12volt hats off to owners Stephanie Stryjwski and Jeremy Lease along with Scott and the Team at 717 Car Audio.
Accele Electronics has announced the launch of their new web site, www.accele.com. This website serves as a portal to “Driving Innovation,” Accele’s vast array of solutions for everyday applications. Accele has been designing, manufacturing and delivering quality products for over 30 years with a focus on the Automotive Aftermarket.
Christian Way, Accele VP
“Visitors to this portal will find a newly designed home page, free of clutter, containing an easy to navigate interface, said Christian Way, Vice President, Accele Electronics. Today, more than ever, an intelligently and intuitively designed web presence is a top priority. Our goal in the redesign was to implement functionality to assist our dealers and distributors in making buying decisions plus provide support for our many products. We’ve accomplished that goal with the inclusion of owner and installation manuals for most products. Additionally, we made the site easy to navigate with an attractive and easy to use menu interface for end users to select the appropriate solution.”
“We’ve listened to our customers and took their suggestions on how to improve this valuable resource to best meet their needs. This new website contains Images and descriptions of the products offered by Accele Electronics and will eventually serve as a tool for online ordering for our business partners using a password protected portal. This new resource also contains contact information for sales and technical support. Our goal is to enable easy access to the information necessary when selecting products or planning installation of products,” added Christian Way, Vice President, Accele Electronics. Additional features to be rolled out include access to installation and product demonstration Videos.
ARLINGTON, VA (06.30.2020) – U.S. consumers’ enthusiasm for autonomous delivery technologies – including drones, self-driving vehicles and robots – is growing during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Autonomous Delivery Systems: Consumer Awareness & Favorability Study.
The study finds one-quarter (26%) of consumers now view autonomous delivery technologies more favorably than before the coronavirus health crisis. Half (49%) of consumers rate these technologies as somewhat or very favorable.
“With the increased need for contactless delivery, consumers are getting first-hand experience and becoming more familiar and comfortable with autonomous systems such as self-driving vehicles and drones,” said Lesley Rohrbaugh, Director of Research, CTA. “Our data shows that these emerging technologies are playing an important role in delivering essential groceries, household items and medical supplies.”
Urban area residents are more aware of autonomous delivery technologies More than a one-quarter (27%) of respondents have some degree of familiarity with autonomous delivery systems. Residents in urban areas (35%) are more familiar with autonomous delivery than suburban (28%) or rural (16%) residents.
Younger adults and families with children view autonomous delivery technologies more favorably Most (63%) of those in the 18-34 age group indicate favorability toward autonomous delivery systems. Nearly three-fifths (57%) of households with children indicate high favorability toward autonomous delivery systems compared to households without children (46%).
“The trends we are seeing are reflective of the high demand for more options and convenience during this time, especially among families with children,” said Rohrbaugh. “Consumers are excited about the ability of these technologies to improve their lives.”
The Autonomous Delivery Systems: Consumer Awareness & Favorability Study looks at public perceptions of autonomous systems used for delivery, such as self-driving vehicles, drones and delivery robots during the COVID-19 pandemic. CTA administered the quantitative survey to an online sample of 1,004 U.S. respondents ages 18+ between May 11 and 13, 2020. The complete study is available for free for CTA member companies.
Benefits: 401k, dental, life insurance, medical, vision, disability.
Job Description Electronics Sales Manager / 12 Volt Team Sales Manager – Chicago, IL Branch
Must-Have: Working Knowledge of 12 Volt Industry – Thru Retail and/or Electronics Sales/Distribution.
Emphasis on growing Sales and developing Team:
Daily interaction with Inside/Outside/Showroom Sales Staff to process orders
Positive attitude mindset with strong problem solving abilities
Grow existing business and customer relationships.
Effectively communicate with inside/outside sales team.
Mentor internal sales team; regular sit downs and reviews.
Interface with buying team and vendors to optimize sales and inventory for branch.
Responsible for meeting sales goals.
Works closely with the Management team by offering timely communication, sales forecasts and reporting, and strategic direction and sales feedback.
Qualifications
General and Sales management experience. Degree helpful but not required.
Experience in Electronics Distribution Industry is preferred
A proven track record of building a sales team (hiring, training, developing)
Marketing and online sales experience is a plus.
Working knowledge of Excel, Word and Office programs.
Some travel required – Must have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Background checks are part of the hiring process; this may include a Motor Vehicle Check.
Company Description Mid-State Distributing Continues to expand in the Midwest building a team of professionals who have a passion to deliver excellence in customer service and profitable solutions to their dealers.
Mid-State Distributing – Why Work Here? Great benefits including medical, dental, vision care with paid vacation and holidays. We are a family owned Business thriving in the Midwest developing new business opportunities.
BILOXI, MS (06.29.2020) – The 2020 Scrapin’ the Coast event filled the Gulf Coast Coliseum and surrounding grounds the weekend June 26th thru 28th in Biloxi MS. A large enthusiastic crowd is checked out hundreds of rides, exhibits and vendors.
DS18 was setup on the Gulf Coast Coliseum grounds with a number of Team demo vehicles.
The DS18 Team was on site with Mr.DS18 Rob Ferro and a large contingent including The Limitless Lithium Gorilla, GROUNDPOUND Boombox and El Fuego crews. Ferro offered “We made so many demos on Saturday and Sunday. Members of the crowd outside were really drawn to the demo vehicles we had setup outside. The all learned that at DS18 ‘We Like It Loud’ for sure”
“I am so excited to have been awarded the ‘Best of Show Full Size Truck at Scrapin’ the Coast 2020. Winning Best of Show is like Boom”!
Also on the grounds outside Pro Audio Center from Richland MS was set up demoing the company’s RAM pickup loaded with Kicker Gear. Payton Ham was behind the wheel. Pro Audio Center is located just over 150 miles north of Biloxi and this was an opportunity to show the company’s creativity to area enthusiasts.
Performance Audio, in Brookhaven MS, showed the company’s great work in a Chevy Pickup just outside the Coliseum. The custom console in Nick Brooks demo showcased very creative work that was highlighted by eye catching lighting in the cockpit.
Rob Ferro, MR.DS18 said “We saw so many friends running DS18 and did so many demos on Saturday and Sunday.
Mike Barcia’s NOCOMPROMIZEDUALLY was positioned up front on the Gulf Coast Coliseum floor and drew raves from attendees around the large booth. Barcia offered “The show was really busy. We have been on the floor at Scrapin’ the Coast a few years. It’s always a great time. The Beach cruising was the best. Scrapin’ the Coast never disappoints.”
Pro Audio Center in Richland MS made the trip to Biloxi with Payton Ham behind the wheel to show the company RAM loaded with Kicker gear.
Across the 12volt industry there are continuing reports indicating 12volt retailers are having record sales months. Distributors are slammed with business and there are rising product shortages from vendors. Manufacturer rep firms are beginning to travel their territories in certain areas of the U.S.
The Performance Audio, Brookhaven MS, Chevy highlighted the company’s creativity for attendees with a great custom console with eye catching lighting. Hats off to Nick Brooks.
Scrapin’ the Coast is an example that the overall marketplace has a desire to return to normal. Against the above backdrop the number of COVID-19 cases is rising again. Professional baseball training camps have closed and the MLB season may only be 60 games. The NBA has plans to kick of a shortened season in July at the ESPN Disney complex in Orlando. Members of top college football teams, along with pro teams, have tested positive for the CORONA-19 virus.
Mike Barcia’s NOCOMPROMIZEDUALLY was positioned up front on the Coliseum floor.
WTF… What’s The Future? Day by Day, from the 12volt Central Studios, we will strive to highlight positives across the 12volt industry. We trust others will do they same in all business segments, organizations and personally. Please be safe, courteous of others and practice social distancing.
SOUTHFIELD, MI (06.29.2020) – The Vision Zero Automotive Network announced that it has launched a new tool for its Vision Zero Automotive Network retailers to be able to quickly add a Vision Zero page to their existing website, with no coding expertise needed. It provides a step-by-step tutorial on creating the code, and how to place it on any existing website. This provides an easy way for retailers to show their customers that they are part of the Preferred Retailer network, and to highlight the types of aftermarket driving safety products they can sell and integrate into their vehicle.
The Vision Zero Automotive Network launched its new website at vzan.org in April 2019 with a focus on educating visitors, introducing aftermarket safety technologies, and enlisting safety product manufacturers and suppliers to participate. Visitors can search for qualified retail centers by distance from their location as well as proximity to an entered address. Visitors can further refine the list based on six safety categories and more than 30 product types and services offered. To be listed, retailers must meet specific criteria to become part of the network. Retailers that feel they meet the requirements can fill out the Store Submission Form.
“Our partnership with 1sixty8 media gives us a powerful resource to create and maintain tools like this that benefit our retailer and manufacturer partners,” stated Bernie Sapienza, executive director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “Being part of our Preferred Retailer network is important, and now every visitor to your website can see the safety product categories you offer, learn about them, and understand why they are important for saving lives.”
“Our team at 1sixty8 is committed to bring our partners lightweight, efficient solutions that provide tremendous value and benefit to their business.” said Mitch Schaffer, founder of 1sixty8 media. “The mission of Vision Zero is critical to the aftermarket safety categories in the industry, and we are here to help facilitate their retailer and manufacturer support by leveraging our content and technical expertise.”
For more information on the Vision Zero Automotive network, contact Bernie Sapienza, executive director, at bsapienza@visionzero.us, or visit the website at www.vzan.org.
For more information about 1sixty8 media, contact Mitch Schaffer, founder, at mitch@1sixty8.com or visit the website at www.1sixty8.com.
NEW YORK, NY (06.29.2020) – SiriusXM and Ford Motor Company have announced that SiriusXM with 360L – SiriusXM’s newest and most advanced audio entertainment platform – will make its Ford debut in the 2021 F-150. SiriusXM with 360L is planned to be available on all future Ford models with its next generation SYNC 4 communications and entertainment system. The news was first announced last night during Ford’s primetime global reveal of the all-new F-150.
SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, upgrading the way the subscriber interacts with the service by providing more choices in entertainment than ever before.
With SiriusXM with 360L, drivers and their passengers now get access to more than 10,000 hours of SiriusXM’s recorded On Demand content whenever they want – including exclusive interviews, unique shows and live performances. It also delivers more live channels than ever from SiriusXM’s acclaimed satellite and streaming lineup, which features an extensive selection of ad-free music, plus sports, entertainment, news and much more. SiriusXM with 360L’s personalized “For You” recommendations and ability to search for related content also make it easier than ever for listeners to discover more of the programming they love.
SiriusXM with 360L will be available in 2021 F-150 trucks scheduled to be available at the end of the year.
“The all-new 2021 F-150 is the toughest, most productive F-150 ever, it’s targeted to be the most powerful light duty full-size pickup. It’s a natural fit that F-150 is the first Ford vehicle equipped with SiriusXM with 360L, which is SiriusXM’s most advanced audio entertainment platform ever,” said Todd Eckert, Ford Truck Group Marketing Manager. “Seamlessly integrated into Ford’s new SYNC 4 infotainment system, SiriusXM with 360L gives Ford customers more options to listen to their favorite tunes, stay informed on breaking news, catch the score of the game and even more.”
“Ford has a long history as one of America’s favorite automotive brands and we are excited to be introducing SiriusXM with 360L in 2021 model year Ford vehicles with SYNC 4, beginning with the all-new Ford F-150,” said Mike Heinonen, VP, Automotive Partnerships, for SiriusXM. “SiriusXM with 360L in Ford’s new SYNC 4 infotainment system delivers drivers and passengers more SiriusXM channels and programming choices than ever before with its revolutionary hybrid content delivery system.”
The benefits of SiriusXM with 360L include:
More variety:
More channels available to listeners, including many of SiriusXM’s exclusive streaming channels.
Access to over 10,000 hours of on-demand SiriusXM exclusive shows, interviews and events in the car, giving listeners more of what they want, when they want to hear it.
Enhanced sports play-by-play offering gives listeners access to the official broadcasts for more pro and college teams.
A more personalized experience:
Intuitive “For You” content recommendations enable listeners to discover more of what they love, based on listening habits, served on screen for easy, one-touch access.
Individual SiriusXM listener profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize and maintain their own personalized SiriusXM audio experience.
Ease of use:
Dynamic user interface makes it easier to browse by genre and allows for seamless navigation between satellite and streaming channels and SiriusXM On Demand content.
“Related” recommendations feature allows listeners to easily discover other channels and On Demand shows/episodes related to the currently playing channel and content.
The new Live Sports category puts all football, baseball, basketball and hockey games in one place, making it easier to find and listen to the game live during your drive.
Vehicle owners can subscribe to SiriusXM, manage their existing account, or contact SiriusXM directly from the touch screen on the dash when their vehicle is parked.
SiriusXM with 360L in the Ford F-150 can receive over-the-air updates to help stay up to date.
Ford owners and lessees receive a trial subscription to SiriusXM’s top tier All Access package when they purchase or lease any SiriusXM-equipped Ford vehicle. Those customers buying or leasing a 2021 F-150, and other future Ford models with the SYNC 4 infotainment system, can drive off the lot and immediately enjoy all of the satellite and streaming features that SiriusXM with 360L offers.
SiriusXM All Access delivers to consumers SiriusXM’s full lineup of varied programming, plus access to SiriusXM outside their vehicles on the SiriusXM app and on connected devices and speakers in their homes.
For more on all the programming that SiriusXM offers, and all the ways you can listen, go to www.SiriusXM.com.
SHREVEPORT LA (06.27.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Seven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 82, is Intense Car Audio in Oklahoma City OK. The Wheel landed on the JBL space Friday morning June 26th. We left word for Rene Rodriguez that a cool JBL portable prize would be headed his way. Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a 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, Cadence, PowerBass, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit, Image Dynamics and SpellBrite. 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 and Wired Electronics in Linden NJ. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, July 3rd.
Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy – when making an Instagram post for your store include the hashtag #12voltspin to make sure your company has a slip in the jar. There are over 1100 #12voltspin posts on Instagram.
With 18 chances to WIN, the 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is ready to shower a lucky weekly winner with one of the cool prizes.
Stay tuned to 12voltnews.com on the web and @12voltnews on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for 12volt Spin-To-Win winner announcements every Friday!
THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.26.2020) – With recent news that COVID-19 is spiking, the road forward is filled with questions as we enter the last weekend of June and get ready for the second half of 2020.
This amazing demo at the Florida Jeep Jam was loaded with DS18.
People in general are ready for everything to return to some degree of normal. The Florida Jeep Jam in Panama City, on Fathers’ Day Weekend, drew a large number of Jeepers and amazing demo vehicles to Panama City, FL. Reports are the crowd was less than expected and social distancing was not wide spread as enthusiasts checked out the rides and seeing fellow enthusiasts.
Scrapin’ the Coast 2020 will rock the Gulf Coast in Biloxi, MS.
The 2020 Scrapin’ the Coast event is set to happen this weekend June 26th-28th in Biloxi ,MS. A large crowd is expected. The DS18 Team will be on site with MrDS18 and a large contingent including The Limitless Gorilla and GROUNDPOUND. Mike Barcia will show the award winning NoCompromizeDually inside the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Inside and outside the event will undoubtedly be packed.
Mike Barcia rolled in early to set up the NoCompromizeDually at Scrapin’ the Coast.
The Rednecks with Paychecks event will take place in Saint Jo, TX, close to the Oklahoma border, on a 1,200 acre site set for UTV’s in the mud and on rocks. Camping and an outdoor drive-in outdoor music festival is also on tap.
Kicker’s Randy Botts (R), Jeremy Wynn and Tim Smith worked to get a loaded RZR ready for the PowerSports crew and the Rednecks with Paychecks event.
717 Car Audio in Mountville, PA is planning a 3-Year Celebration event at their store on Saturday, June 27th. Prizes, Contests, Giveaways, Food and Drink, along with a Beat the Jeep Audio contest is on the schedule from 10 AM till 4 PM.
Stephanie, Jeremy and the Team have big plans for the 717 Car Audio 3-Year Celebration.
The Sling Experience in Houston is expected to draw a big crowd to see amazing Slingshots. Bike rally events are happening, the boating season is making waves plus the dunes and trailers are drawing UTV riders.
The Sling Experience in Houston will definitely be showcase hundreds of Slingshots.
Across the 12volt industry, there are continuing reports indicating 12volt retailers are having record sales months. Distributors are slammed with business and there are rising product shortages from vendors. Manufacturer rep firms are beginning to travel their territories in certain areas of the U.S.
The above examples are signs that the overall marketplace has a desire to return to normal. Against the above backdrop, the number of COVID-19 cases are rising again. Professional baseball training camps have closed and the MLB season may only be 60 games. Members of top college football teams, along with pro teams, have tested positive for the CORONA-19 virus.
In addition, general unrest across the population is a very significant factor in the road forward.
WTF… What’s The Future? Day by Day, from the 12volt Central Studios, we will strive to highlight positives across the 12volt industry. We trust others will do the same in all business segments, organizations and personally. Please be safe and courteously practice social distancing.
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