Author: 12VoltNews

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020

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SHREVEPORT LA (02.01.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Just over two months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner was Devine Concepts. The Wheel landed on the Kicker Space and a pair of Kicker CushBT headphones will be headed to Adam Devine in Naples FL. During a call to Adam on Friday, January 31st with the news he said “That’s great news as I don’t seem to win things. I will certainly use the wireless Kicker headphones around the shop and pool”.

Spinning out a new winner each Friday a 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

Clifford, Infinity Sound and Security in Kissimmee FL, made this Instagram post with his check as the winner of the 58th 12volt Spin-To-Wheel.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, Cadence, PowerBass, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik,Farenheit, Dynamat, Image Dynamics. SpellBrite, a manufacturer of in-store signage, also has a space. 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 and the latest winner Devine Concepts in Naples FL.  Congratulations to all.

WTF….Where’s The Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel Friday, February 7th.
Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy – when making an Instagram post include the hashtag #12voltspin. A slip for your company will be added to the slips in the jar.

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!

Instagram Post Number 10,000… The 12voltnews “Puts Out More Than Anybody”

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SHREVEPORT, LA (01.31.2020), Posting fresh, positive industry news across the digital landscape is Job 1 at the 12volt Central Studios. Crafting and making 10,000 posts to the Instagram platform just didn’t happen overnight.

Click to view this post and 999 others on instagram.com/12voltnews!

Saturday, February 1st, marks the 26th anniversary of the 12volt News. Industry news posts, over the last dozen years, have been in the digital format on the web at 12voltnews.com. In most recent years social media platforms, like Instagram and Facebook, have become more popular and mainstream. Fresh 12volt industry news is now delivered more quickly that ever to members of the 12volt industry. @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook each platform reflects over 10,000 followers. There has been no purchase of ‘followers.’

@12VoltNews reached 10K posts on instagram just in time for the company’s 26th anniversary!

The image included in this article is a Craig Power Play T-Shirt that is over 40 years old. The “I put out more that anybody” message on the Craig T-Shirt parallels 12voltnews industry activity on Instagram. Thus, “I put out more than anybody” when it comes to industry posts on Instagram.

With parts of 6 decades in the 12volt industry, on this end, we will endeavor to continue to do positive things for the 12volt industry and its members… and have some fun.

DS18 is Proud to Welcome Specialty, our newest DS18 Distributor in Virginia

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL (01.31.20) – “We are happy to announce our newest addition to the DS18 extended family, Specialty Marketing. Our newest distributor in the Mid Atlantic region will also cover Metro New York and the New Jersey area. Specialty Marketing has warehouses in Mechanicsville, VA and in Fairfield, NJ so products will have very little travel time depending on the origin of the orders” DS18 CEO Sasha Susterman stated.

Specialty has been in business since 1950 and has a tremendous array of experience in all aftermarket electrical accessories, home and mobile audio. 12volt industry members feel comfortable knowing that the Company only hires sales staff members that are industry veterans. The sales staff has over 260 years of experience which provides a high level of customer service, system design and technical assistance at customer’s figure tips or dealers may simply visit their website for product information or to place orders 24/7.

Visit specialtymarketing.com and ds18.com for more.

The Biggest Stars in Sports and Entertainment Converge on SiriusXM for Super Bowl LIV Week

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NEW YORK, NY (01.31.2020) – SiriusXM has announced an exceptional week of programming for Super Bowl LIV in Miami Beach, offering multiple live broadcasts of the game in seven languages, a dedicated Super Bowl LIV pop up channel, plus a wide-ranging mix of sports, entertainment and music programming that will connect listeners with many of today’s biggest stars.

On Sunday, February 2 (6:00 pm ET), SiriusXM’s coverage of Super Bowl LIV from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens will showcase nine different game broadcasts to choose from including:

  • Westwood One national radio broadcast
  • Kansas City Chiefs radio broadcast
  • San Francisco 49ers radio broadcast
  • Spanish language broadcast
  • Chinese (Mandarin) language broadcast
  • German language broadcast
  • French language broadcast
  • Hungarian language broadcast
  • Portuguese language broadcast

All game broadcasts are available on SiriusXM radios, as well as on the SiriusXM app for authenticated subscribers with the SiriusXM All Access package. More info can be found here: SiriusXM.com/SuperBowlLIV

During the Pepsi Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show, SiriusXM will offer listeners a live broadcast of the on-field musical performance by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira on both Pop2K (SiriusXM 10) and Super Bowl LIV Radio (SiriusXM 105).

SiriusXM’s 24/7 NFL channel – SiriusXM NFL Radio (channel 88) – will broadcast live from Radio Row at the Miami Convention Center throughout Super Bowl Week.  SiriusXM NFL Radio hosts in Miami will include Pro Football Hall of Fame inducteeGil Brandt, David Diehl, Bruce Gradkowski, Torry Holt, Pat Kirwan, Ed McCaffrey, Jim Miller, Kirk Morrison, Brady Quinn, Charlie Weis, Solomon Wilcots, Alex Marvez, Bruce Murray, John Clayton and Howard Balzer.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and “NFL 100 All-Time Team” honoree Brett Favre will host a special edition of his SiriusXM NFL Radio show, The SiriusXM Blitz with Brett Favre, live from Radio Row on Friday, Jan. 31 at 11:00 am ET.

On Saturday, February 1, SiriusXM NFL Radio will have live interviews from the red carpet before the annual NFL Honors event that salutes the top players and performers of the 2019 season, including the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide, the AP Most Valuable Player, AP Coach of the Year and more.  Listeners will also hear live coverage of the announcement of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020.

Super Bowl LIV Radio launches as a special week long pop-up channel on Monday, January 27 (SiriusXM channel 105).  The channel will be the home for highlights from the best programming happening across several SiriusXM channels during Super Bowl Week, and will also air the NFL press conferences featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the halftime performers; content from the NFL 100 Greatest podcast series; replays of past Super Bowls; specials chronicling the storied history of Miami music; and more.  Throughout the week, Super Bowl LIV Radio will also be a source for fans seeking info on the NFL activities happening in Miami, including Super Bowl Experience and GameDay Fan Plaza, and game day specifics on transportation, parking, stadium security and more. 

Several other SiriusXM sports, entertainment and music channels will broadcast from the SiriusXM set on Radio Row, highlighted by a showcase day of programming on Friday, January 31.

  • Kevin Hart and The Plastic Cup Boyz will host a special edition of their SiriusXM show, Straight from the Hart, live from Radio Row on Friday at 12:00 pm ET (Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio, SiriusXM 96).
  • GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and Miami native Pitbull will be on Radio Row Friday at 12:00 pm ET for a Miami Super Bowl special airing on his exclusive SiriusXM channel, Pitbull’s Globalization (SiriusXM 13).
  • Andy Cohen hosts a special episode of his exclusive show Andy Cohen Live on Radio Row on Friday at 11:00 am ET (Radio Andy, SiriusXM 102).
  • Jenny McCarthy hosts a special edition of The Jenny McCarthy Show live from Radio Row on Friday at 10:00 am ET (SiriusXM Stars, channel 109).
  • Joel and Victoria Osteen will host their show from Radio Row at 10:00 am ET on Friday (airs Friday at 5:00 pm ET on Joel Osteen Radio, SiriusXM 128).
  • Sway Calloway will host Sway in the Morning, his daily show on Eminem’s Shade 45 channel, from Radio Row on Thursday and Friday at 8:00 am ET (SiriusXM 45). 
  • Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models Camille Kostek, Kate Bock, Jasmine Sanders and Josephine Skriver will host a special SiriusXM broadcast from Radio Row on Friday at 12:00 pm ET that will feature several special guests.  The show will air on Super Bowl LIV Radio (SiriusXM 105) that night at 7:00 pm ET.

Earlier in the week, SiriusXM will present the SiriusXM & Pandora Opening Drive Super Concert Series, two free exclusive concerts on back-to-back nights in Miami.  GRAMMY® Award-winning duo The Chainsmokers will perform Wednesday, January 29, and GRAMMY® Award-nominated breakout star Lizzo will perform Thursday, January 30, both at The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Theater. 

The Chainsmokers concert will air live Wednesday, January 29 at 9:00 pm ET on BPM (SiriusXM 51).  Lizzo’s concert will air live Thursday, January 30 at 9:00 pm ET on The Heat (SiriusXM 46).  Highlights from Lizzo’s performance will rebroadcast on SiriusXM Hits1 (SiriusXM 2).  Pandora NOW (SiriusXM 3) will replay The Chainsmokers and Lizzo performances back to back Saturday night, February 1, starting at 8:00 pm ET. 

Other SiriusXM highlights for Super Bowl Week:

SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 82) will broadcast live from Radio Row throughout the week, featuring shows hosted by Christopher ‘Mad Dog’ Russo, Adam Schein, Evan Cohen and Mike Babchik, Nick Wright, Steve Torre and Danny Kanell.

On Thursday and Friday, SiriusXM NFL Radio will broadcast from 7:00 to 10:00 pm ET from the Tostito’s Casa de Crunch at Super Bowl Live in Bayfront Park.  SiriusXM’s Business Radio (SiriusXM 132) will broadcast the Wharton Moneyball show, hosted by Eric Bradlow, Shane Jensen, Cade Massey, and Adi Wyner, from Radio Row on Thursday at 2:00 pm ET.  On Wednesday and Thursday, SLAM! Radio (SiriusXM 145) will broadcast from Radio Row from 7:00 to 11:00 am ET.  Faction Talk’s Rich Davis and Steve Covino will host The Covino & Rich Show on Radio Row Monday through Thursday at 11:00 am ET (SiriusXM 103). 

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

Angel Distributing ‘Dealer Appreciation Show’ Set For February 8th & 9th

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BIRMINGHAM, AL (01.30.2020) – The 2020 Angel Distributing ‘Dealer Appreciation Show’ is shaping up to be a record setting event. The Saturday evening activities and Sunday show will both take place at the Angel Distributing facility in Birmingham AL. The Saturday Meet & Greet-that includes food, beverages and networking with vendors and fellow dealers-is scheduled from 6 PM until 9 PM. The Sunday show, with over 2 dozen top 12volt brands exhibiting and 6 vendor training sessions is scheduled from 9 AM-4 PM. A 10×20 tent will feature closeout specials, too.

“We are set to make the Angel ‘Dealer Appreciation Show’ super for our dealers.”

Charlie Angel stated “This is a wonderful time of the year as we get set to welcome all to our yearly ‘Dealer Appreciation Show’. We moved the show to our earlier February dates this year so as not to interfere with dealer’s busy tax season.”

Dealers packed this area of the showroom in 2019.

Chad Seekers, Angel GM, is spearheading show activities. “Dealer RSVP’s for our show has been strong. We have over 150 dealers who have registered to attend this year. Dealers from Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, North and South Carolina and across Alabama have RSVP’ed. This year we have added vendors Nakamichi, Phoenix Gold, TRIMAX trailer locks plus RuffTuff seat covers. Those new brands will show their products. In addition we have 6 vendor training sessions on the schedule. JVC, PowerBass, Euphoria, WeatherTech, Metra and Phoenix Gold will host training sessions on Sunday.”

Brands to be showing include Metra Brands, PowerBass, JVC, Euphoria, Q-Power, Nakamichi, Race Sport Lighting, LinksWell, Rostra, WeatherTech, Design Engineering, SolarGard, Renegade Audio, AAMP, Phoenix Gold, Accele, Polk Audio, Wet Sounds, TRIMAX and RuffTuff.

“The PowerBass OE Direct Fit Speakers grabbed attention at SEMA and the Hard Rock during CES. See you at the Angel Show,” Jeff Falk said.

Jeff Falk, PowerBass National Sales Manager, stated “I have my ticket booked to Birmingham. We had a great show during CES at the Hard Rock and I look forward to showing dealers our super product lineup for 2020.”

Robin McNeal, Nakamichi National Sales Manager offered “It’s super to have Angel Distributing on board with the Nakamichi line. We have an exciting line and think dealers at the show will see the value and add Nakamichi to their store’s mix.”

“See the new Nakamichi products at the Angel Show” Robin McNeal.

Neil Ottavi, TRIMAX, offered “Angel brought in our line of trailer locks and hitches which can offer dealers a new business opportunity for their customers.”

RuffTuff’s Joe Sound related “Our seating covers can add a profit center for 12volt retailers. We look forward to dealers at the Angel Show seeing a new profit opportunity.”

“The closeout area last year was strong and this year it is even larger with the 10×20 tent. We have a vehicle setup with Euphoria products to demo. We are working very hard to make a trip to our show great for our customers. The World of Wheels is in Birmingham the weekend of our show and several dealers told me they plan to go there Saturday before coming to our show” Seekers added.

Angel concluded, “Our manufacturers are working with us to give our dealers the best discounts of the year. Also, we will be offering a different ordering format that will make sure all are taken care of in a timely fashion. We look forward to seeing all of you at our ‘Dealer Appreciation Show’ and serving your needs.”

Angel Distributing has been hosting a yearly ‘Dealer Appreciation Show’ for over 2 decades. Make your pans to attend this year’s event. Angel Distributing 621 Robert Jemison Rd Birmingham, AL 35209.

The LA Quinta Inn and Suites in Homewood AL is about 5 miles from the Angel facility and will run shuttles to both the Saturday and Sunday Angel events.

Stay tuned to 12voltnews posts to see updates from exhibitors at the upcoming Angel Dealer Appreciation Show.

Visit angeldistributing.com for more.

Cadence Sound Announces a New Marketing Specialist…Olivia Tedesco

Posted on by in Industry.

INDUSTRY, CA (01.30.2020) –  Cadence Sound has a deep passion for the Company’s products and their customers. Cadence Sound believes in what the company offers to the industry: The Cadence Sound. Cadence Sound wants to make sure that everyone knows about what the Company offers. To make that happen, Cadence recently hired their first Marketing Specialist, Olivia Tedesco. 

Olivia Tedesco

Olivia is responsible for conceiving and executing marketing strategies and tactics that drive growth. In addition, she will help overall brand development in the marketplace as well as execute social media campaigns. Cadence is working to expand marketing efforts and provide a stronger presence across the United States. Going forward, all will see several changes in the Cadence Sound brand, social media, and even the website.
Olivia comes from JVC KENWOOD where she served as the Marketing Coordinator.

Check out this cool video produced by Olivia Tedesco that highlights Cadence Sound in the North Hall at CES 2020 plus other action from across the LVCC in Vegas.

In that role, she was responsible for all digital and print marketing, website development, social media strategies plus managing the trade shows. Olivia has over 7 years of Marketing experience and is a Marketing Graduate from the Texas A&M Mays School of Business.

Explore the new cadencesound.com website to see uses for the company’s products, car, pro, marine, power sports, motorcycle and competition.

Over the past 20 years, Cadence Sound has earned a reputation among car audio lovers for truly original designs and innovations. The Company’s business has grown exponentially with distribution in over 20 countries worldwide. The Cadence Sound pledge: to take extraordinary measures, to create extraordinary products, to set no limits.

Cadence will work to serve all with a consuming passion – and that’s what separates Cadence from the rest. 

Visit cadencesound.com for more.

Metra Electronics Hosts iBEAM, Heise, and Axxess Training Sessions at KnowledgeFest 2020 in Long Beach, California

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HOLLY HILL, FL (01.30.2020) – Metra Electronics will host six training sessions at the 2020 KnowledgeFest event in Long Beach, California, for mobile electronics installers. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers, which will outline upgraded vehicle safety systems, selling and installing lighting solutions, simplified installs with digital signal processors and the future of vehicle integration. Metra will also have a drawing for new product giveaways at each session for attendees. Installer Institute will also be at the show, promoting their mobile electronics training programs and continuing education courses for existing 12volt professionals.

Both of the iBEAM training sessions, “Upgrading Vehicle Safety Systems with iBEAM,” will assist installers in identifying the essential selling points of safety and convenience, and will be held on Friday, February 7th from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. and Sunday, February 9th from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Installing aftermarket cameras and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in both consumer and commercial vehicles has become a significant revenue source for mobile electronics shops. Attendees will learn about iBEAM’s latest vehicle cameras, dashboard cameras with DVRs, replacement rearview mirrors, vehicle-specific solutions and commercial safety line. Whether it is a simple backup camera integration, an advanced motion detection camera setup or a high-tech 360-degree view system, Metra will teach installers how to sell and install their latest iBEAM safety solutions. They’ll also learn about the hot-button selling points and features that consumers and fleet owners are asking for, plus installation tips for a better understanding of what is involved in an upgrade. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the new 9” Rearview Mirror Monitor Touchscreen (TE-SM9) and 360-Degree Interior View Dash Camera Kit (TE-360DVR) from iBEAM.

Heise will also be hosting two training sessions, “Selling and Installing Heise LED Lighting Solutions,” on Saturday, February 8th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 9th from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The recent popularity in aftermarket LED lighting presents a valuable opportunity for installers to go beyond car audio services, giving consumers a way to customize their ride and increase visibility in the dark. However, not all LED lights on the market are the same. This session will allow installers to learn about Heise’s unique features and selling points that have set this brand apart from the rest. This training will cover new lightbars, integrating switch panels, replacement LED headlights, RGB and RGBW accent lights and safety lights for upfitting commercial equipment and fleet vehicles. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the new 8 Gang Panel System (HE-SWP8) or 20″ Edgeless Slimline Lightbar (HE-TSL20) product giveaways from Heise.

Axxess will be hosting two different training sessions. The first session, “Simplify your Installs with Axxess Digital Signal Processors,” will cover the entire Axxess AX-DSP product line and how these solutions can increase sales in the showroom and decrease time in the bay. The session will be hosted on Saturday, February 8th from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m and will show installers that upgrading a sound system doesn’t have to be complicated. This training will also go over and explain how to use the different types of applications offered within the AX-DSP line, including CAN-based systems, new A2B systems, MOST25, and MOST50 vehicle technology. Metra will also discuss how to use and set up the AX-DSP through the app for complete tuning control and when to use the DSP “Lite” versus “X” solutions. As vehicle technology becomes more and more complex, installers can look for Metra’s patented DSP products to help simplify installation and provide affordable audio solutions for their customers.

The second Axxess training session on Friday, February 7th from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., “The Future of Vehicle Integration with New Axxess Products,” addresses the growing challenges and complexity of integration for the aftermarket 12volt industry. With the reduction in OE radio chassis sizes, the rising popularity of tablet-style screens, and many of the personalization features controlled through the OE radio, it is difficult for shops to offer simple aftermarket solutions. Attendees will learn about new products from Axxess that have been engineered specifically to address the complexity of today’s integrated vehicle technology systems and retain key convenience and safety features when upgrading a radio. For consumers who want to keep their radio but add safety, navigation, smart device mirroring, or simply override the annoying STOP/START engine feature, installers can learn about these new products from Axxess that will make their customer’s ride much more enjoyable. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the new AX-DSP-LITE from Axxess.

Attendees can register for the training session or scan their badge at Metra’s booth before the start of the sessions to be entered into a drawing for one of the two product giveaways for each training session. The drawing will take place at the end of the sessions, and attendees must be present to win.

Metra’s customers can register for the KnowledgeFest event at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Once registered for the event, attendees will also need to register online at KnowledgeFest.org for each training session they will attend. Metra will be at booth #1006 from February 7th-9th at the Long Beach Convention Center. Additional information about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), is available at KnowledgeFest.org.

CLASSIFIEDS: Audio Answer Seeks 12 Volt Installation Technician – Waltham, MA

Posted on by in Classifieds.

Audio Answer in Waltham, MA (Boston area) has an immediate opening for an experienced and highly motivated 12 volt Installation Technician at our fast-paced, independent retail store. We are a 26 year old company with both retail and dealership clientele. This position is to serve and grow our retail store clientele utilizing the technician’s installation expertise and knowledge of current in-vehicle technologies.

The ideal candidate for the Installation Technician positon at Audio Answer is:

  • A self-motivated individual with 2+ years of retail 12 volt installation experience.
  • An individual with a good understanding of basic audio terminology and how it applies to audio system upgrades and solutions.
  • An individual with knowledge of common installation-related parts and accessories required for head unit, speaker and amplifier installations, as well as for remote car starters.
  • Able to execute a variety of in-vehicle installations in a timely manner including car audio upgrades/replacements, remote car starters, vehicle safety (ADAS) systems and radar/laser detection.
  • Able to maintain an organized and clean workshop for maximum efficiency and being presentable to clientele.
  • Someone who shows pride in the detail of their workmanship, including wiring, interior disassembly procedures and documentation of the work completed.
  • Someone for whom continued learning and improvement is an ongoing pursuit.
  • Someone who genuinely likes the retail environment and interacting with clients.
  • Someone with a valid driver’s license and their own transportation.

We value executing high-quality installation work and back it up with consistency in our installation techniques. Candidates for employment at Audio Answer should mirror this philosophy. If you’ve worked in an independent high-volume shop or a large regional (or national) retailer, you’re a great candidate for this position. We’re seeking more a 12 volt technician than a fabricator. We hire for positive attitude, recognize aptitude and offer training opportunities for ongoing growth and improvement. Most importantly, the ideal individual is well-disciplined in their own time management. 

About the Audio Answer Installation Technician Position:

  • Annual compensation for the Installation Technician position is commensurate with work experience and skillset, both for installation expertise and organizational ability. This is a base salary draw plus 30-50% commission of gross weekly labor, depending on experience. The right candidate could easily earn $70,000/year or more in this role.
  • This position reports to directly to the shop owner. No middle-management to limit you.
  • You will not have to manage others at this time. With company growth in the installation department, management may become a future opportunity if you wish.
  • On-the-job training and more extensive external training opportunities (such as KnowledgeFest, Mobile Solutions, regional distributor events, etc.) are available.
  • Five day work week in the Waltham, MA location. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm.
  • All major holidays off.
  • 7 days of paid vacation in the first year of employment.  10 days of paid vacation in the second year of employment. 14 days of paid vacation in the third and subsequent years.
  • Medical insurance contribution allowance after 90 days.
  • Relocation expense allowance available for qualified applicants.
  • MECP Basic or Advanced certification is not required, but a plus.
  • Technical or Trade School not required, but a plus
  • We are an equal opportunity employer.
  • Ideal start date March 2020 or soon after.

About Audio Answer

Audio Answer is a 26 year old growing car and home electronics retailer with a segment of the business also servicing local car dealerships. We sell and install premium 12 volt brands such as Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, JVC, Hertz-Audison, Rockford Fosgate, Kicker, Escort, K40, NAV-TV, Audiovox Prestige and Compustar, among others. We promote individual solutions to our clientele and work on a variety of vehicles.

About Waltham, MA and the Boston, MA Area

  • Part of Middlesex County
  • About 13-15 miles from Downtown Boston
  • Major Airports – Boston Airport (code: BOS)
  • Secondary Airports – Providence, RI (code: PVD) and Manchester, NH (code: MHT)
  • Waltham, MA Population – approximately 62,962 (est. 2019)
  • 16th largest city in Massachusetts
  • Low unemployment rate at 2.3% compared to US average (3.7%) in 2019
  • Waltham Median Household Income – $83, 249 (total household, median = 2.33 people)
  • Waltham Average Individual Annual Income – $50,444
  • Waltham has a 51.5% Home Ownership Rate
  • Waltham Median Rent – $1507/mo.
  • Waltham Median Resident Age – 34.2 years old
  • Major Industries – Educational Services, Health Care, Professional Services, Retail and Manufacturing

How to Apply

Audio Answer retained Ramsey Consulting Group, Inc. to oversee the employment applications and initial phone interview process of applying candidates. Please email your resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format to info@ramseyconsultinggroup.com. Put “Audio Answer Installation Technician” in the subject line, please. Consider your email message a cover letter and please include in that message notable installation, technical and other skills, salary history and requirements, time horizon about when you’re looking to gain new employment and your complete contact information. No in-person visits, phone calls or emails about the position directly to Audio Answer, please. All submissions will be kept confidential.

Proactive 12Volt Retailers Prepare to Make Waves

Posted on by in Featured.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (01.29.2020) – It is still winter and cold across the U.S. However, the 2020 marine season is heating up in convention centers across the U.S. In recent weeks four proactive retailers spotlighted below set up booths in conventions centers: VIP AUTOSPORTS in Cleveland, Jackie Cooper Electronics in Oklahoma City OK, ABF Creations in Minneapolis plus sister companies Proline Car Stereo and Brooklyn Car Audio in New York City.

The VIP AUTOWORKS corner booth set up perfectly for the display, table and Wet Sounds cooler.

VIP AUTOWORKS Car & Marine set up at the Cleveland Boat Show and Fishing Expo on Wednesday January15th just 24 miles from the company’s Mentor OH store. Chris Simpson related to 12voltnews.com “We had a great 10×10 corner booth that was perfect for a table, our marine display and the Wet Sounds cooler. The Wet Sounds SHIVR-55 cooler really grabbed attention. We closed the shop during the days of the show but in the long run we will generate weeks worth of business from visibility and contacts from the show. While at the show we made contacts with boating enthusiasts plus local marinas and boat dealers. The Saturday following the show in fact I was out looking at a big boat job.”

Tristen Osborne working with a customer in the Jackie Cooper Electronics booth at the OKC Boat Show.

Jackie Cooper Electronics was on site at the OKC Boat/RV/Outdoor Show at the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City January 24th-26th. Donnie Chaffin stated “This was our 4th year to have a booth at the event. Once again we generated a ton of leads and the phone was ringing on Monday morning following the event. Attendees at the show get excited and start thinking about the boating season. Many will bring their boats to the store from storage to prepare to hit the lake. For us that is great because when the season kicks in we are slammed with marine work. Also at the show we see customers who want to upgrade an installation we may have done previously. Some of these boat jobs can run $6000 or more.”

Jackie Cooper Electronics offered a promo on social media to courage attendees to stop by the booth to register for the Kenwood Marine System giveaway at the Boat Show.

Jackie Cooper’s Jill Splitt also created a social media campaign offering a Kenwood Marine System giveaway for attendees stopping at the booth to register during the show.

ABF CREATIONS was setup at the Minneapolis Boat Show to highlight marine audio plus boat flooring and upholstery.

ABF Creations, Excelsior MN, had a booth at the Minneapolis Boat Show the weekend of January 24th. Owner Adam Frickie commented “The Minneapolis Boat Show gets boating enthusiast in the boat mode to start thinking about getting the boating season kicked off. We had a 10×10 that was just right for our display counter and JL Audio Marine display. In addition to marine audio, and some car audio, we do a lot of marine flooring and upholstery. Our booth at the show lets attendees know the broad selection of services we offer to boaters. We generated a ton of leads that we will be following up on while it was 18 degrees outside the day after the show.”

Attendees gathered at the Proline Car Stereo and Brooklyn Car Audio Booth in the Javits Center to see the latest in marine audio.

Frickie has been installing electronics for over 20 years and has owned his business for the last 9 years. Today his business is marine focused.
Proline Car Stereo and Brooklyn Car Audio exhibited at the New York Boat Show, January 22nd-26th for the 7th year in a row at the famous Javits Convention Center. Will Sullivan and Shef Sadik, along with staff from both stores, worked with a steady stream of attendees throughout the 5 days of the show. Sullivan stated “There were thousands of people at the show every day and we set records for business generated at the show. We have days and weeks ahead to follow up on leads too. JL Audio Marine is strong at our stores and area JL Audio representative Kevin Stelling did a terrific job at the show.”

Members of the Proline Car Stereo and Brooklyn Car Audio teams are pictured in the booth that highlighted JL Audio.

In the case of VIP AUTOWORKS, Jackie Cooper Electronics and ABF Creations exhibiting at a local boat show can be an out of pocket expense of $1000-$1500. Employees time and extras can add to the total expense. But, if 3 or 4 days at a show can bring in $20,000. in sales over the next several weeks that is a great ROI. 

Mike Cullers, area Wet Sounds Sales Representative talking with a customer in the Jackie Cooper booth at the OKC Boat/RV/Outdoor Show.

Cigarettes are $14. a pack in New York… so the New York Boat Show was certainly a large investment. That said, with record sales, the ROI for Proline Car Stereo and Brooklyn Car Audio was still very substantial!

As an industry let’s make some waves in 2020.

AudioControl Announces 2019 Rep of the Year Awards for Mobile Electronics

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

Team Paragon with AudioControl’s Chris Bennett.

SEATTLE, WA (01.29.2020) – AudioControl has recognized ten of their sales rep firms for outstanding performance in the mobile electronics market for 2019. Each of these organizations helped to bring AudioControl’s 12-volt solutions to the finest specialists and increase brand visibility in their respective territories. The awards were presented at company’s national sales meeting during the 2020 CES show in Las Vegas.

“Pretty amazing 2019 for AudioControl and our Representative partners, that did a commendable job of embracing our brand strategy, bringing our newest solutions to dealers and generating success across the US,” stated Chris Bennett, National Sales Director – Mobile at AudioControl. “We’ve never had so many rep firms exceed sales goals, grow our dealer base and promote the AudioControl brand like our current team—we appreciate their efforts.”

The Rep of the Year awards acknowledge firms that embrace AudioControl’s commitment to delivering innovative new products that enable 12-volt specialists to satisfy customer demand for high-performance mobile entertainment systems, including the growing market for OEM system upgrades. Winning rep firms provide energy and enthusiasm behind new product introductions along with critical training initiatives offered to dealers leading to successful sales and service campaigns within those regions.

Among the fine organizations recognized were:

Paragon Sales & Marketing
Mobile Electronics Rep Firm of the Year

ADF Electronics
International Distributor of the Year, Mobile Electronics

Visit audiocontrol.com for more.