STILLWATER, OK (02.21.2020) – KICKER is excited to attend the Lone Star Throwdown (LST) for the fifth straight year. The show, which bills itself as the “World’s Best Truck Show,” will take place Feb. 21-23 at the Lone Star Expo Center in Conroe, Texas. KICKER is also a host sponsor of the event, which will showcase 2,000 custom vehicles from around the country.
KICKER is set to arrive in the XRV (Xtreme Recreation Vehicle) big rig. The XRV is the brand’s rolling showroom, complete with a full line of KICKER audio gear as a hands-on display for consumers to check out up close.
In the pit area under the XRV’s awning, KICKER will have several show cars for people to see and hear. With more than 5,000 watts of bass and a half-dozen KICKER L7S square subwoofers, the KICKER Silverado will be powered up for the weekend. The Silverado is a daily-driven show truck that tours the nation, thrilling bassheads and the “car-audio curious” across the country.
The HE Forged ’57 Chevy Sedan Delivery will be in the booth, equipped with KICKER’s elite Q-Class line of product. Additionally, SEMA vehicle designer Andrew Lowe will bring “Battlecat” – a tricked out Dodge Challenger featuring KICKER KX-Series Amplifiers and a CompRT shallow-mount subwoofer. John Jackson of NotStock Photography will also bring his Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to the booth. Affectionately dubbed “HomeWrecker,” the Sprinter is equipped with KICKER all-weather loaded cans mounted on the roof. KICKER installer Tim Smith will show his custom ’94 Chevy C1500 loaded with an entire KICKER system.
CHATSWORTH, CA (02.21.2020) – CRUX has introduced a Multi View Camera Integration& Radio Replacement Interface for Aftermarket Radios in Select Dodge, Jeep & Ram Vehicles with Uconnect Systems – RFM-UC1-AM.
The CRUX RFM-UC1-AM combines two categories into one as it is a multi-view camera integration & radio replacement interface for aftermarket radios for select Dodge, Jeep, & RAM vehicles. Some notable features are the It’s a radio replacement interface with SWC and factory 3.5mm Aux port retention, a reverse camera plus 6 video input interface for the Uconnect systems (Compatible with 8.4”, 5” and 4.3” Uconnect Systems)
MIAMI, FL (02.20.2020) – KICKER Marine Audio is coming on strong in the marine industry as evidenced by the company’s presence and activities at the just completed 2020 Miami International Boat Show, on Virginia Key, February 13th-17th.
KICKER, long recognized in the “12-Volt” world of automotive, truck and powersports mobile audio, has recently flexed its muscle in the marine environment. While the brand initially appealed to many lake boaters, excelling in the pontoon, wake and surf boat markets, Kicker Marine Audio has recently expanded to the open water fishing boats and cruiser market, thanks to the growing appeal of its strong waterproof and reliable product characteristics.
The aisle in front of the Kicker Marine Audio Booth in D Tent was extremely and many times wall to wall with marine enthusiasts.
Kicker staff members on site at the Miami International Boat Show included Lori Boyer, Kip Litsey, David Glasgow, Sandy Moore and Carlos Jimenez. Litsey, Associate Director of Marketing-B2B, offered “The Miami International Boat Show is such a terrific event. Boat builders, marine retailers, vendor representatives, 12volt dealers, distributors and enthusiasts see the latest products and trends. Kicker Marine Audio lived up to the GO OVERBOARD theme and was ‘LivinLoud’ for sure at this event. The displays in the booth engaged attendees and sponsorships of the boat show events added to Kicker’s presence at the event-including the Kicker Marine Audio $4,000 system that was added to the $85,000 Reef Runner Boat Raffle for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.”
At the Miami Show, KICKER Marine Audio teamed up with Reef Runner Boats as a key sponsor in the manufacturer’s third annual “Battle Breast Cancer Giveaway.” The charitable fundraiser featured a $25 ticket donation campaign for the giveaway of a 230 open fishing boat, valued at $85,000 retail, with all funds raised to benefit breast cancer research for the Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale organization. Total donations raised reached $20,000. KICKER Marine Audio donated a full sound system, valued at nearly $4,000, joining additional sponsors like Evinrude, TACO Marine, SeaDek, Epson and others that supported the effort. The boat was prominently displayed at the show entrance. The drawing for the Reef Runner Boat was at 1 PM on Monday, February 17 and the lucky winner was Omar Fakhri from Flower Mound TX.
Jeremy Bale (L), Kicker Brand Manager for Lifestyle and Marine products, presented an award to Boats US magazine during the Miami International Boat Show opening ceremonies Thursday, February 13.
KICKER Marine Audio also participated at the show’s opening industry event on Thursday morning that featured Marine Marketers of America (MMA) and Boating Writing International (BWI) in a joint annual awards celebration. KICKER was the exclusive event sponsor for the MMA Neptune Awards, along with a category sponsorship of the BWI Travel Award. In addition, the company donated raffle prizes to the awards event that included giveaways of Kicker high-end blue tooth product, EB200 Earbuds and the Tabor Over-the-ear headset.
KICKER Marine Audio’s booth highlighted the line-up of marine audio equipment for 2020. Coaxials, subwoofers, amplifiers, receivers, service units and remotes for operation and lighting were included the offerings. KICKER Marine Audio has gone the extra mile behind the scenes to ensure that its marine components and rigging are waterproof, durable and problem-free. This attention to detail was expressly seen in items like fuses, cables, coaxial speakers and subwoofers, which are both certified and compliant to stringent marine standards.
Kevin Falvey (R), Editor of Boating Magazine won Kicker CushBT headphones presented by Jeremy Bale.
While “compliance” (relying on the manufacturer to test its own products) and “certification” (requiring third party review) are equipment terms often used, in the international marine industry these descriptors hold even more credence.
“We ensure that the right product is used for the application,” stated Phil White, KICKER’s Unit Director of Marine Audio Systems. “KICKER Audio components are designed to meet or exceed U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) as well as American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) standards. We also carry certification on certain items for water-tightness, ignition protection, and IP rating. We want to ensure that our high standards meet those of our boat builder partners, so every installation involving KICKER Marine Audio components can be waterproof, safe, and eliminate any avoidable risk in the harsh marine environment.”
Donna Milo, owner of Reef Runner Boats, pictured with the Reef Runner Boat that was the amazing raffle prize valued at $85,000. Kicker Marine Audio donated a $4,000 system as a sponsor. In addition the $25 raffle entry raised a $20,000 donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Items like fuse holders, ground distribution and cables are USCG and ABYC compliant, protecting electrical circuits against short circuits and corrosion, with construction and labelling compliant with USCG and ABYC standards. The Marine Rated Battery Fuses (MRBF) are certified IP66, meaning they are sealed to protect against dust and water intrusion. These KICKER Marine Audio fuses are also certified as Ignition Protected so they will not ignite flammable or explosive vapors in your engine compartment or enclosed spaces.
KICKER has taken a big step with ISO marine certification for its coaxial speakers and woofers. Kicker coaxial speakers and woofers are certified to meet the same ISO standard which applies to marine windows, doors and hatches, as those audio components must withstand water intrusion as well. Carrying this ISO certification has had a major impact in the EU and the rest of the global market.
KICKER tests all components in real life situations: salt fog, for corrosion; weather, for UV and moisture resistance; and IP testing for debris and water ingress, thereby providing OEM builders, dealers and customers with ultimate peace of mind when using KICKER Marine Audio. New products are also being added to the roster including more wiring, AMP kits, RCA Interconnects and terminals, all designed from the start to be marine compliant.
“KICKER Marine Audio delivers a trustworthy experience for our highly valued marine industry customers and the retail community,” stated Jeremy Bale, Brand Manager for Lifestyle and Marine Products, “We deliver total confidence in our product as proven in over 40 years of manufacturing top-quality mobile sound systems, with the goal to continually grow our brand and reputation in the recreational marine marketplace.”
TAMPA, FL (02.20.2020) – DOW Electronics hosted an AudioControl Sales Training event at the Company’s Tampa Headquarters Tuesday evening February 18th. The training event was very successful with over 50 people in the audience for Matt Palumbo’s presentation. A dinner buffet from 4 Rivers Smokehouse was served for all to enjoy.
Matt Palumbo kept members of the audience engaged throughout his AudioControl presentation.
Palumbo is AudioControl’s National Trainer and Sales Specialist based at the Company’s HQ in Mountain Terrace WA.
Following the meeting raffle winners gathered for an image. John Schneid-Dynamic Sales the area AudioControl rep firm principal, Matt Palumbo and DOW’s Mike Barcia (L to R) flank the raffle winners.
During Palumbo’s presentation he discussed AudioControl’s newest products and how they can help grow 12volt retailer’s businesses. Specific topics included why the next LC-5.1300 and D-5.1300 5-Channel amps will be the go to amplifiers in 2020, what the DM-RTA is, how it works and why it has become “the ultimate technicians test tool”. How to help find success and exceed client’s expectations with AudioControl products was another key focus of Palumbo’s presentation.
Dealers lined up for plates filled with a great meal from 4 Rivers Smokehouse. Chocolate chip cookies and more for dessert too!
Mike Hurwitz, DOW Strategic Sales Manager, stated “The turnout of over 50 in the audience was exciting to see, as well at the enthusiasm from the dealers. We had dealer drive from Naples for the event which was probably a 3 hour drive. Matt did a great job presenting the product lineup and explaining to audience members how to present the product and explain the features. We are really looking forward to getting the brand new Audio Control products in the warehouse and into dealer’s stores”.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL (02.20.2020) – Now introducing, by popular demand, a 12-inch marine subwoofer from DS18. The NXL10 subwoofer has been flying of the shelves but some customers and dealers wanted even more cone area and power.
DS18 has happily obliged and have developed the new NXL12SUB for all those dealers and consumers that want even more cone area for even more bass response. These DS18 pounders handle 350w RMS / 700w max power easily and each sub is single voice coil that is 4 ohms resistance. They are all IP65 rated so they can withstand a great amount of outside conditions and come with integrated RGB lighting to really set any mood on the water.
The new NXL12SUB’s are perfect for a wide array of applications like in a watercraft, side by side, or even an everyday vehicle. The bass response is very acute and powerful with a frequency range of 30hz to 500hz… making it easy to tune for whatever musical needs are demanded. These subs perform excellent in sealed boxes of (1 cf3) and ported boxes of (1.5cf) and come in either white or black.
LONG BEACH, CA (02.19.2020) KENWOOD USA announced its rep of the year awards for both individual sales reps, as well as sales rep firms for the East, Midwest, and Western territories at their recent annual sales rep meeting, held at their corporate office in Long Beach, CA.
Western Region Sales Rep of the Year: Ryan Christie, N&S Marketing
Midwest Region Sales Rep of the Year: Tim Hill, Pinnacle Sales
Eastern Region Sales Rep of the Year: Greg Wallace, Audio Video Representatives (AVR)
Ryan Christie represents N & S Marketing in the Pacific Northwest, and has been a part of the company for 12 years. “Ryan prides himself in putting his dealers first, making sure they are getting the best service regardless of how much volume they do,” stated Rob Sutton, KENWOOD Western Regional Sales Manager. “All of my dealers matter equally to me,” stated Christie. “Whenever there’s a need, it’s important to me to be able to respond or get an answer as quickly as possible. I’m truly humbled and honored to have received this award for the second consecutive year.”
As the independent owner/operator of Pinnacle Sales in Michigan since 2003, Tim Hill has actually been a KENWOOD sales rep since 1987. “I couldn’t be happier with Tim’s level of performance and commitment to his dealers,” stated Mike Roberts, KENWOOD VP of Sales and Marketing. “He constantly strives to be of service whenever and in whatever fashion his dealers need. He really lives up to his standards of never saying no to them. They are truly lucky to have him.”
From Marietta, GA, Greg Wallace has been a part of distribution sales with AVR since 2006. In 2015, he was promoted to also handle direct accounts. “Greg’s candor is undeniable with his dealers,” stated Kelly McDaniel, KENWOOD Eastern Regional Sales Manager. “Through his remarkable organizational skills and ability to be efficient, he continuously strives to communicate with and provide the best in information and service to his dealers”.
Western Region Sales Rep Company of the Year: Oliver Marketing Norcal, Inc.
Midwest Region Sales Rep Company of the Year: River City Sales
Eastern Region Sales Rep Company of the Year: Audio Video Representatives (AVR)
Oliver Marketing NorCal, Inc. was founded in 1986 and consists of Bob Oliver (President), Dave Furness (VP), Dennis Medeiros (Sales), Paul Francia (Sales), and Peggy Harvey (Sales Support/Customer Service).
“Even when unpreventable troubles present themselves, the Oliver Marketing NorCal crew has managed to turn setbacks into triumphs.” stated Rob Sutton. “They continuously outperform to ensure their dealers receive nothing but the best.”
River City Sales has been proudly representing KENWOOD from the St. Louis, MO area since 2004, with team member Brett Phelps serving as a KENWOOD rep since 2000. Their team consists of Gary Cooley (Owner), Brett Phelps (Sales), Ray Smith (Sales), and Lori Beyer (Inside Sales). “The River City Sales team is always working it, always communicating, always taking phone calls… the little things” stated Mike Roberts. “We provide weekly updates to our dealers to ensure they have accurate numbers, knowledge of rebates, etc., always finding ways to put money back in our dealers pockets,” stated Phelps. “Communicating with our dealers is crucial to us. If they are far away, we still try to at least talk to them as much as possible. Our rep company’s success is 100% based on their success.”
Commanding both of the Eastern region territory awards, AVR, owned by Joe and Teri Hanson, has served as both a KENWOOD distribution center and as sales representative firm for 18 years. In fact, Joe has even served as a KENWOOD rep personally since 1982. Their outside sales team consists of Brian Cargile and Greg Wallace, with Jacob Gromovsky and Christie Crook on the inside. “We try to give our customers excellent customer service and provide constant communication, always keeping them informed to ensure that they stay successful,” stated Joe. “AVR thinks outside of the box on ways to always be improving their level of service to their dealers,” stated Kelly McDaniel. “Their level of commitment to these efforts is one of the many reasons they earned the rep of year award for 2019.”
“When deciding on these awards, we look at several key criteria, including Territory Leadership, Maintaining a Strong Dealer Base, Being Solution Oriented, Having a Positive Attitude, and Driving Sales,” stated Mike Roberts. “Since all of our sales reps are incredible and exhibit these attributes, these awards are tough to nail down, and we are truly grateful for all that was accomplished in 2019.”
OXNARD, CA (02.19.2020) – For 40 years SCOSCHE Industries, innovators of award-winning consumer technology, car audio and powersports accessories has been a family-owned and run business.
On February 22, 1980 Scotia and Roger Alves officially opened the doors of Scosche Industries, a business focused on inventing car audio installation accessories for installers and consumers. Now, 40 years later, with a catalog of over 3,000 products, three generations of the Alves family work at the company’s headquarters in Oxnard, CA. Their sons Kas and Vince joined Scosche in 1995 and 2000, respectively, and their grandson Ryder joined the family business in 2018. With around 200 employees, Scosche Industries still has a culture and feel of being a family.
From the very beginning the brand has been associated with industry-leading innovation, superior quality and value. From its origins as a car audio specialist, Scosche successfully expanded into the consumer technology accessories arena, including becoming an MFi certified Apple vendor. Inspired by the Alves family’s southern California roots, a passion for driving, and active outdoors lifestyle, Scosche products are built rugged enough to be taken along on adventures, whether in-vehicle, in the gym, on the beach, or in the mountains. At the same time, they incorporate the most current and sophisticated technologies, along with a design aesthetic that is uniquely Scosche.
Scosche pays attention to feedback and field testing from customers, ambassadors and staff. This “user innovation” is apparent in our recent award-winning products such as the BaseLynx Modular Charging System, MagicGrip and MagicMount Charge3 advanced wireless charging mounts, NEXC1 and NEXC2 Full HD Smart Dash Cams and Fresche 2-in-1 mounts.
CHICAGO, IL (02.19.2020) – Effective February 11th of the new decade, Alden Stiefel, President and CEO of Maxxsonics USA, announced that Maxx Stiefel will be promoted to Vice President General Manager. Maxx came to the company after receiving his Finance degree from Tulane University and then his MBA from Chicago’s DePaul University, Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.
Maxx Stiefel
Through the past several years, Stiefel has been in the role of Director of Project Management, managing engineering, tech support, and supporting roles in operations and finance. In his new role, Maxx will be overseeing many aspects of the company’s business initiatives. In addition, he will continue working with our oversea vendors and will continue his main focus on project management with new products and ISO overview.
Alden Stiefel, President and CEO of Maxxsonics USA, said, “In the last few months, we have really been focusing on creating a culture that is youth-spirited led, but also demonstrates great experience and knowledge on all phases throughout the industry. Maxx will become our tip of the spear in this company culture movement. Our customers are looking for innovation and speed and we are building our organization to accomplish that and more. We need aggressive, industry passionate leaders who can drive our business in the most important projects, vendors, and employees.”
Maxx will be driving the ISO process through all phases within all roles of the company, while making sure weekly and monthly objectives are being met through short and long-term strategic planning, developing, and implementing policies and procedures. Maxx will also be overseeing training programs for subordinate employees and ensuring that training objectives are met.
Maxx Stiefel, Vice President General Manager, commented, “In my time at Maxxsonics, I have focused on the Finance and Business Analytics groups. This includes our 2019-2020 work in preparing Maxxsonics for ISO and our US and foreign based team for real growth within our core aftermarket and OEM business.”
PITTSBURGH, PA (02.18.2020) – Team Nutz had a major presence at the Pittsburg International Auto Show at the David L Lawrence Convention Center February 13th – 17th. Just 2 weeks prior Team Nutz had a 70 x 100 booth at the World of Wheels in the same venue.
Ed Nuttall offered “It certainly has been a very, very busy February as we exhibited at two major events at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. At both events we went all the way with a large booth, tents, demo vehicles, specials and had a great staff on site at both events.”
This image shows the breadth of the Team Nutz Booth. The Memphis Audio trailer is in the background on the left.
At the Pittsburgh International Auto Show Team Nutz put their brand and products in front of a crowd reported to exceed 30,000 over the 5-day run. The End Result Memphis trailer and Davis Distribution SONY Jeep grabbed attention along with the Race Sport Lighting display, JL Audio OEM interactive display, Wet Sounds and Audiovox Movies-To-Go demo setup in the booth.
ED and Nina Nuttall, snapped by the award winning Dalesandro Studios, during a rare quiet moment at the show.
Ed Dalesandro, End Result rep firm principal, was on site along with Rusty North from Davis Distribution. Dalesandro provided the Memphis Audio trailer and supported the Race Sport Lighting brand..both of which are on the End Result line card. “Team Nutz and their crew continue to DO Things and put in the efforts. Nina and Ed Nuttall, along with the Team, are making things happen” Dalesandro offered.
Rusty North (L) and Ed Dalesandro were on site in Pittsburgh to support Team Nutz at the event.
Rusty North stated “The Davis Distribution Jeep definitely drew a crowd at the event. We showed the new Sony AX7000 in the Jeep and all were blown away there was not a big array of amps driving the sound. Several times there were people lined up for a demo of the Sony Jeep. I know on Saturday and Sunday over a hundred people sat in the Jeep for a demo. There was a huge crowd and I had people ask questions about window tint, wheels, LED lights and remote starts as well as cart audio products. All in all a great show Team Nutz put together.”
Ed Nuttall’s Nephew Cole dancing in the Memphis Audio trailer as the show closed Saturday night. Through the show the End Result Memphis Audio trailer, which was recently updated, was a magnet in the booth.
Team Nutz has been exhibiting at the Pittsburgh International Auto show for over 15 years. “Over the years we have made it a point to have a booth at major events that draw car enthusiasts. At events we hand out thousands of Team Nutz stickers that people put on their cars, boats, tool boxes and other things. Those stickers, which we now produce in house, provide a strong branding message for Team Nutz throughout our area. At this Pittsburgh show we handed out over 5,000 stickers. At this event we put a promo in place for people to post an image of our sticker on their vehicle or whatever. We will select a winner from the posts for a $100. gift certificate” Nuttall added.
The Davis Distribution SONY Jeep pictured with (LtoR) Ed Nuttall Sr, Ed Nuttall, Rusty North and David Maxwell- Maxmotive.com.
A Big 12volt News Hat’s Off to all at Team Nutz. The Team Nutz staff tops over 20 employees and over half were on the event floor each day. Putting all in place for a big event that lasts several days, and manning a large booth, is a big job.
Ed Nuttall with hands full of stickers in the Booth.
MIAMI, FL (02.18.2020) – JL Audio announced the new 12-inch M7 m arine subwoofer for infinite baffle opertion, which will be positioned as the flagship of the company’s marine subwoofer lineup. The massive M7 is able to handle more than twice the power of JL’s potent 10-inch M6 subwoofers; and takes advantage of that extra power with greater woofer excursion than any other JL Audio marine subwoofer. Combine that prodigious excursion with a whopping 61% more cone area than the M6 10-inch, and you have a subwoofer with 2.25 times the air displacement capability of its smaller cousin. This results in over 6 decibels of additional output capability. As fun as all that extra output capability can be, there is more to the story than sheer power. M7 subwoofers are designed to precisely reproduce powerful, high -impact, low-distortion bass that will impress listeners with its balance, depth and sound quality.
The M7 follows the same grille designs as the M6 line of marine speakers, which are found in numerous new boats from leading boat manufacturers around the world, M7 can be seamlessly integrated into any style of boat to add powerful bass. Two grille designs are available: “Classic,” featuring an all-white slat grille design and “Sport,” which features a split-spoke grille design. The latter comes in two color schemes: Gloss White, or Gunmetal / Titanium dual metallic finish. JL Audio’s patented Transflective RGB LED illumination technology is also available as an option on all M7 subwoofers, providing a striking lighting effect, with no hot spots or reflections on the cone surface.
“M7 is the most powerful and efficient infinite baffle subwoofer we’ve ever developed for marine use,” said Dwayne Spanbroek, Vice President Loudspeaker Engineering at JL Audio.
“These massive, stylish subwoofers reward boaters with powerful, high -quality bass that takes marine audio to new levels, while our exclusive Transflective RGB illumination technology provides a striking visual enhancement.”
All materials, fasteners and assembly techniques utilized in manufacturing M7 subwoofers are carefully engineered to ensure reliability and durability in real marine applications, including saltwater exposure. Component parts, materials and complete subwoofers are subjected to rigorous environmental testing to ensure they exceed industry standards for corrosion and UV resistance.
M7 subwoofers join the extensive list of JL Audio products built at the company’s Miramar, Florida factory, with components sourced from the company’s global supply network.
M7 subwoofers will be sold by JL Audio’s car audio and marine dealers, and will also be incorporated into select new boats as original equipment by the following boat brands: Barker Boatworks, Berkshire, Blackwater, Boston Whaler, Chaparral, Cigarette, Contender, Deep Impact, Iconic, Manitou, MTI, Mystic, Nautique, Nortech, Premier, Sea Vee, Sportsman, Southbay, and Trifecta.
M7 Subwoofer Specs: •12″ 4-ohm marine subwoofer •Injection-molded mica-filled polypropylene woofer with synthetic rubber surround •Centrex polymer basket and grille, with stainless steel back plate •Gold -plated, marine-grade brass binding posts •Marine-grade synthetic fiber spider •Designed for infinite baffle installations •600 watts continuous power handling (RMS) •Sensitivity: 86.7 dB •Mounting depth: 7.94 in / 202 mm •Warranty: 2 years •MSRP: $799.99 – $849.99
JL Audio also offers a marine-grade RGB lighting controller (Model MLC-RW) that features a compact, mount-anywhere form factor and an easy-to-use, rotary knob for adjusting the speakers’ illumination color and intensity. This RGB controller works seamlessly with M7, M6 and M3 products, as well as most other RGB lighting options installed on a boat.
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