STILLWATER, OK (05.18.2020) – Stress levels tend to increase when consumers seek product information from manufacturers through email, chat services or over the phone.  Callers ultimately require immediate answers, and show very little patience. These unusual days, with the country in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, the KICKER Tech Support team has seen a massive increase in the number of callers seeking quick answers.

“We’ve been averaging around 700 calls and emails per week (since the pandemic),” reported Trevis Rakey, KICKER’s technical support manager. “With so many people working on DIY projects, that number has been on the rise.”

Rakey estimates his department fields more than 50 enclosure-building requests per week. The team’s recommendations vary based on complexity and available space.

“Typically, when a customer calls for a box design, we ask them what measurements they have to work with, and what their goals are,” Rakey explained.  “From there we can determine air space, port specs and outside measurements of what the enclosure needs to be built to. We use FINEBox™ enclosure design software, which is the same quality as our R&D (research and development) department.”      

When a consumer wants to work on their own project, the KICKER Tech Support team also refers customers to the useful KICKER U app. Available as a free or premium purchased version, the app provides cut sheets, subwoofer specifications, response curves, wiring diagrams, test tones and more.

KICKER’s Tech Support team fields these calls from the company’s Stillwater, Oklahoma world headquarters.  Armed with more than 40 years of product specifications, box-building software, vehicle wiring information and a mountain of acoustic reference materials, KICKER’s Tech Support is among the most well-informed in the industry. 

To ensure the Tech Support staff has the ability to answer any question, they maintain a non-stop product training schedule and have direct access to the very people that build the product. The department fields questions across every product line KICKER makes, and in every phase of system construction.

KICKER’s Tech Support Department is available weekdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CDT at 405-624-8510, and by email at support@kicker.com.

For more information visit www.kicker.com/kickeru or find the KICKER U app on their device’s app store.

SHREVEPORT LA (05.17.2020) – WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Five months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 76, is Electronics Plus in Salinas, CA. The Wheel landed on the 12volt Space and a $100. check is headed to Electronics Plus.

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, Wilson Electronics/WeBoost and Image Dynamics. 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 and Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markham Designs in Lithonia GA. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun…On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, May 22nd

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!

YORKVILLE, IL (05.15.2020) – Max Fahlmark launches Fahlmarketing & Associates, a new age rep firm currently targeting the Illinois and Wisconsin territory. Fahlmarketing & Associates is a Manufacturers Sale Representative Firm servicing the Car Technology, Pro Audio and Consumer Electronics channels.

Max Fahlmark, Principal, is not your typical sales rep. He is a Gen Z and brings the perspective of the largest consumer group to the company. “As of 2019, Gen-Zers outnumbered Millennials and Baby Boomers as the largest generation globally with 2.47 billion people, and it is important for businesses to target and properly communicate to this powerful buying group in places and in ways that make sense to them” said Max Fahlmark. Gen-Zers are digital pioneers and that principal has been woven into the DNA of Fahlmarketing & Associates. Fahlmarketing & Associates is paperless. Dealers and Distributors will complete and sign all paperwork electronically. Mr. Fahlmark will introduce his customers to the latest technologies and encourage them to use them in their businesses. Max Fahlmark drives a Tesla because it is better for the environment and demonstrates that “environmentally friendly” can be cool and customized.

Max Fahlmark, principal, brings years of experience to the firm. Max has been mentored by his dad, Steve Fahlmark, a Manufacturer Sales Rep for over 25 years. Max worked for his dad’s firm for 7 years. He learned the inner workings of a Manufacturers Rep Firm and the necessary skills to be successful. He was inspired by his dad’s passion and energy for the business and that led him to become an entrepreneur and start his own firm. Fahlmark’s love of music has also played a role in his decision. Max Fahlmark said, “being a professional musician has not only given me the determination and focus but has also taught me what is missing in the Pro Audio market.”

Fahlmarketing and Associates will bring a new perspective and a new way of doing business to the manufacturers, industries and customers it services. Technology is integrated at every touch point, which will bring efficiencies and improved ways of conducting business as a rep firm. Manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and consumers get a partner that is experienced but offers the perspective of a youthful mind. Fahlmarketing and Associates is immersed in the Mobile Technology, Pro Audio and Consumer Electronics markets and has its finger on the pulse of the latest trends and technologies. The firm will provide its dealers and distributors access to all manufacturing assets and guide them how to use them digitally to drive business.

Fahlmarketing and Associates currently represents Aunex and Stage Clicks in Illinois and Wisconsin. Steven Bach, President of Aunex, Inc. said, “I am extremely excited to have Max Fahlmark on board. Within the first months Max has already signed on direct dealers and a distributor. Max has shown a great level of determination and professionalism. We are definitely looking forward to this New Age Rep Agency to help promote our products for many years to come.”

Fahlmarketing and Associates is accepting interviews for professional representation of key manufacturers in Car Technology, Pro Audio and Consumer Electronics. While currently focused on Wisconsin and Illinois, Fahlmarketing and Associates will be expanding in the future.

For Further Info:
Contact: Max Fahlmark
Email: fahlmarketing@gmail.com

MODESTO, CA (05.14.2020) – Longtime industry veteran George Jenkins joins ARPA of America as President.

ARPA of America was formed by a group of investors in January 2020 to bring only the finest of audio products to the US, beginning with Audio Wave, Dynaudio, ESB speakers, Tchernov Cables, and Zapco Car Audio.  As President of ARPA, George will be responsible for charting the course of the company as the business expands, bringing in new lines, new products and new dealers.

George Jenkins began working with audio manufacturers as a sales rep in Italy in the ‘70s and has since managed international sales for such companies as Bose, Boston Acoustics, Stillwater/Kicker, and most recently held the position of VP of International Sales at JL Audio.

“George was an obvious choice for us, and we were lucky to find him available. He brings a vast wealth of experience to the company and over the years he has worked with virtually everyone involved with this project. His years of international experience has given him exposure to the types of products ARPA of America wants to be involved with, as well as an intimate understanding of what the high-end car audio dealer needs from a product and from a distributor.” says Vincenzo Biasella of the investor group

George Jenkins said, “As you know, there will always be people who will enjoy music at its best with no compromise.  ARPA is a company that has assembled a group of exceptional brands in order to ensure the ultimate sound performance and I am excited about this new challenge.”  Our Car Audio industry is under continued pressure for innovation and in need of new and exciting developments. With new technology applied to old world craftsmanship, there is no limit to where we can take audio reproduction.  Being a veteran of this industry, and with the ARPA team’s help, I will tap into my past experience in the audio world and I look forward to working with an elite group of retailers who share our same passion and enthusiasm for sound.”

“George brings an unparalleled commitment to our industry.” says national sales manager Scott Welch, “coupled with his extensive knowledge in all aspects of the audio world. We all look forward to working with George to create a unique and evolving business model for distribution of exclusive top tier products and services to exclusive top tier dealers.”

Contacts:

President – George@arpaofamerica.com
Sales – Scott@arpaofamerica.com
Marketing / Support – John@arpaofamerica.com

Visit arpaofamerica.com for more.