SHREVEPORT, LA (12.23.25) – In today’s AI driven and social media world it is more important than ever for members of the 12volt industry to connect with industry members and consumers. These activities are more important than ever to drive business into brick and mortar retailers. Consumers can’t feel the bass in their chest or experience the separation of highs and mids on a smartphone or laptop.
As David Toliver got to hit ready to hit the road this week the Synergy Marketing website is available for all to check out with the custom QR code.
Scott Rogers let’s all see the N&H line card as a Christmas present with a quick scan of the custom QR code.
The 12volt Central Studio staff has created a new tool that works across the board.… a custom QR code for industry members. The custom QR code can take industry members or consumers right to a specific website and message.
A quick scan of this QR code, and you could see the latest industry news from the 12volt Central Studios.
There are so many ways for industry members to utilize a custom QR code. It could be printed on a business card or some type of flyer that a retailer could have on their counter or an industry member could have on site in their booth at a trade show. The possibilities are almost endless and all it takes is for an individual to take out their phone, tap the camera icon and open the QR code. From that point the website owner’s message or offer is front and center.
NAMPA, ID (12.22.25) – The Idaho Center, in the Boise suburb of Nampa, was Livin’Loud during the 2025 KICKER AMA ArenaCross Saturday night December 20th. Area KICKER retailer Sound Hound Stereo, with Byll, Darin and Michelle, were in the KICKER booth with Maddog_Media’s Lorin Morrell.
The arena was packed Saturday night.
Morrell, who orchestrates the AMA ArenaCross events, related “It was a great night of action. Saturday night the arena was packed. The Pit Party drew enthusiasts onto the track to get the evening started. The line was backed up to the lobby as people waited to get onto into the Pit Party. Meeting riders and checking out their bikes was enjoyable for all. The KICKER booth in the lobby area had tables with products displayed for car, truck, marine and motorsports. Some of the products were the first time on site at an ArenaCross.”
The Sound Hound Stereo booth, showcased KICKER products and a loaded Can-Am.
The pit party drew a large crowd.
Continuing “Adding to the evening was a big upgrade in the PA system with 16 KICKER KMTC Marine Tower speakers being driven by KICKER Amps with Zach behind the Mic announcing action on the track. Plus Having Byll, Darin and Michelle in the house for their Sound Hound store was terrific. Their store in Caldwell is only 8 miles from the Idaho Center in Nampa. They certainly did connect with a lot of people and enthusiasts from the area. They reconnected with several from last year and made appoints for jobs in the coming days” Lorin added.
Riders flying high on the track.
Lorin, Darin and Michelle pictured with the happy Bullfrog winner of the T-shirt toss.
The Sound Hound Stereo team connected with many people and handed out over 200 cards in addition to quoting several jobs. Sound Hound Stereo is celebrating our 30th Anniversary this year. KICKER is a go to brand in the store. Auto, truck, marine and motorsports products are all hot categories in Idaho and KICKER has products in all those categories… Bullfrog portables too. Participating with KICKER again and Livin’Loud at the AMA ArenaCross was certainly a Win Win.
The AMA ArenaCross sponsored by KICKER continues with Round 3 in Loveland, CO January 3rd 2026.
SAN GABRIEL, CA (12.22.25) – Audiofrog is happy to announce that we have a new sales and marketing partner. David Tolliver and Jorge Grijalva at Synergy Marketing Agency in Houston Texas are now the official representatives for the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas markets, effective December 15, 2025.
“Synergy Marketing is thrilled to join forces with Audiofrog, a brand that shares our relentless commitment to ‘uncompromised’ quality and high-end performance. By combining our strategic marketing expertise with Audiofrog’s world-class audio engineering, we aren’t just forming a partnership, we’re creating a new standard for how premium sound experiences are delivered and shared,” stated Jorge Grijalva of Synergy Marketing.
“David and Jorge have tons of experience in the category and we are certain that Synergy Marketing is the right choice to represent Audiofrog and our mission of straightforward tech support and friendly business practices that put smiles on the faces of our customers and retail shoppers,” remarked Andy Wehmeyer, Audiofrog’s president.
Andy added, “If you’re a car audio retailer in the TOLA region and you’re interested in becoming a member of our happy family and building great sounding car audio systems please contact David, Jorge, Manny or me. Contact information is provided below. We’re eager to hear from you!”
SHREVEPORT, LA (12.22.25) – The 12voltBeat Newsletter, delivering fresh industry news, is emailed twice weekly to subscribers across the 12volt industry…..subscribe today! It’s FREE!
News reporters travel their areas to gather and deliver the news of the day. The 12volt News and 12volt Central Studios staff has been gathering news from 12volt industry members for over for 3 decades. Today the news is delivered digitally from across the US and around the world on 12voltnews.com plus @12voltnews on Instagram and Instagram.
The 12volt Central Studios launched the 12voltSTP Tool over 2 years ago. The 12voltSTP Tool makes it easier than ever for industry members to deliver news of their products and activities. With a smartphone it just takes snapping an image and txting the image, with a few words, to 318-469-2526. PRESTO that news could be in the 12voltBeat.
The 12volt industry history is based in music and good music definitely has a beat. Thus the 12voltBeat Newsletter is a natural to deliver industry news across the 12volt industry.
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There is no charge to receive the 12voltBeat. Subscribe today.
OXNARD, CA (12.19.25) – BOSS Elite proudly announces it has named Grapevine, Texas-based Southwest Sales and Marketing its new partner for the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas (TOLA) territory, effective immediately.
“BOSS Elite as well as the TOLA territory are growing, and so we needed a partner with a long history and proven track record to help further guide and grow the brand,” said Colin Ross, Elite Associate Brand Manager. “Scott Ringo and his team at Southwest Sales and Marketing are our ideal partner, as they have been a performance-driven company since 1999. We look forward to a fruitful relationship for years to come.”
Southwest Sales and Marketing will be representing BOSS Audio and BOSS Elite products in the mobile, marine, and powersports/off-road markets.
“BOSS is a managed brand with a wide spectrum of products, with leading-edge technologies at affordable prices,” said Ringo. “As the Elite brand continues to grow and take on more expensive competitors, we look forward to representing its audio and screen lines across multiple markets as they continue to push forward.”
Southwest Sales and Marketing joins Boss Elite at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, held Feb. 3-5, 2026, proudly representing the brand on the show floor.
For more information on Southwest Sales and Marketing, please call 214-212-9049 or email Sringo@swsalesmarketing.com.
For more information on BOSS Elite, please visit bosselite.com or call 805-751-4853.
TEMPE, AZ (12.19.25) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce its Digital Fab MasterClass, scheduled for Jan. 23-26, 2026 at the company’s headquarters in Tempe, Ariz.
“Our Digital Fab MasterClass is where old-school craftsmanship meets future-ready innovation,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder, president, and CEO of Mobile Solutions. “This immersive four-day workshop is engineered for fabricators, builders, and designers who want to elevate their interior and fabrication skills to an elite, professional level.”
This hands-on experience blends advanced digital fabrication technologies with high-level craftsmanship to deliver precision, efficiency, and OEM-quality results. Attendees will design and build a complete take-home project using modern fabrication techniques, advanced upholstery processes, and digital manufacturing tools—learning the same methods used by today’s top builders and award-winning shops.
What You’ll Learn During the Digital Fab MasterClass: • Digital Fabrication & Future-Forward Techniques
New process: advanced 3D printing techniques that deliver professional, repeatable results
2D & 3D CAD/CAM workflow efficiency using Fusion, Aspire, Corel, and Light-Burn
Live scanning and surfacing demonstrations featuring Peel 3D technology
Expert-level laser cutting and engraving techniques with hands-on instruction
Basic-to-advanced drawing examples focused on shape creation and precision line work
Accent lighting and layering strategies for maximum visual impact
Custom trim techniques using aluminum machining, acrylic fabrication, and composite
materials
Is your 3D printer just an expensive paperweight? Not after this class. Participants will learn practical, real-world methods to optimize equipment, streamline software workflows, and achieve consistent, high-quality results using accessible tools and proven processes.
Don’t Miss: Elevated Finishes & Professional Styling: • Surface texturing techniques using paint and coatings • Pressed metal grille and insert forming • Shadow trim and specialty visual effects, including marbling and wood grain • Veneer and vinyl-wrap techniques for OEM-level design execution • Professional methods for finishing panel backs with serviceability and refinement in mind
Featured All-Star Guest Presenters: • Dean Beyett – 5 Star Car Stereo • Wesley Cato – Anything Car Audio • Gabrielle Williams – Peel 3D • Anthony Medina – Medina’s Interior Shop • Gary Bell – Stinger Solutions
“This MasterClass moves attendees firmly into the Future Fab mindset—combining design, digital automation, advanced materials, and high-end finishing techniques that set elite shops apart,” Schmitt added. “Participants leave with greater confidence, expanded capabilities, and a finished project that demonstrates what’s truly possible.”
The Digital Fab MasterClass will be held Jan. 23–26, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Mobile Solutions headquarters in Tempe, Ariz.
Seating is extremely limited to ensure maximum hands-on instruction and personalized attention.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (12.19.25) – ALL-NEW for 2025 — BRUTUS BRL amplifiers are the Hifonics flagship amplifier line, as they push sound into new boundaries of BIGGER POWER and PERFORMANCE — while creating unmatched audio detail and quality. GET READY FOR BRL POWER!
Setting a new benchmark in HIGH OUTPUT POWER — BRUTUS BRL amplifiers are innovated with a built-in VU meter and Intelligent Power Management System that pushes audio performance to the NEXT LEVEL of sound. BRUTUS BRL is built to dominate audio!
The Hifonics BRUTUS BRL series is engineered to maximize power efficiency while providing raw, undistorted power to drive subwoofers and speakers to their full potential of sound. An iron core transformer power supply assists in the ultra-low EMI design and brings BIG POWER GAINS in every beat and rhythm.
Whether it’s the BRL1200.4 for high-fidelity multi-channel setups or the thunderous BRL6000.1 in bass-heavy installs, BRUTUS BRL amplifiers transform your customer’s sound.
CHICAGO, IL (12.18.25) – Mid-State Distributing has been distributing the ZAPCO and ESB Audio lines since July of this year. Sean Davis, Branch Manager, related “The reaction from dealers across our territory has been very positive. When we learned that the President of ZAPCO and ESB Audio would be making an international trip to come to our facility we were so excited.”
Sean Davis is flanked by ZAPCO and ESB Audio president in Vincenzo Biasella and his wife in the Mid-State showroom.
Vincenzo Biasella and his wife arrived late morning on Tuesday the 16th. Vincenzo was so happy to tour our our facility, including the warehouse, to see our large stock of ZAPCO and ESB Audio inventory. We also have inventory in our Fargo and Omaha locations to support retailers in their territory. During our sit down conversations we talked about business overall and put plans in place for 2026 and beyond.
ESB Audio is an Italian speaker company with over a half century of electronic acoustics history. Over the last 55 years ESB Audio has navigated the winding road of high fidelity and through its evolution. Through that evolution ESB Audio has acquired a wealth of experience and knowledge that is rarely encountered elsewhere.
ZAPCO is dedicated to the pursuit of Audio Fidelity. At ZAPCO the company has been doing the the same thing for over 40 years ….constantly searching out innovative ways to bring better sound to the automotive aftermarket environment.
LINCOLN, NE (12.18.25) – Another Tint Shop Toy Drive is in the books. “This year‘s donations did not meet expectations and we were bummed. With the recent higher cost of living, Thanksgiving being more expensive than usual and Christmas shopping in full swing we were concerned. Once again, our customers and friends came in strong the last week of the drive and that helped” Owner Keith May related.
Donated toys are stacked on the counter at the Tint Shop in Lincoln.
Continuing “We had numerous customers and friends stop in just to donate without having any vehicle to schedule. We are amazed every year by the number of toys and monetary donations that come in for this worthy cause. All toys and cash were dropped off at the Kampout For Kids the night after the event was over.”
The Tint Shop was founded in 1996 by the May family and provides tint services for auto, commercial and residential. The company also offers paint protection services. The Tint Shop is a Premier 3M Film company.
“Everyone was incredibly appreciative for everything. Not only did we end up with the pile of toys, but also had gift cards plus cash!. Once again our partnership with local radio to get the word out across the community worked very well. We want to take some time to thank everyone that scheduled a vehicle, dropped off a toy or donated cash. It’s all going to make sure that every kid has something to open on Christmas. Thank you all from all of us here at the Tint Shop” May concluded.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (12.17.25) – Maxxsonics is proud to announce a series of strategic personnel advancements within the organization as the company continues to strengthen its leadership team and expand global operations. Three long standing team members have stepped into new roles with increased responsibilities, and one new addition has joined the company to support its continued growth.
These updates come on the heels of a highly successful 2025, reinforcing Maxxsonics’ commitment to pushing sales boundaries, amplifying innovation, and preparing for strong growth into 2026 and beyond.
Gina Kim has been promoted to Director of Credit. With a strong history of performance and leadership within Maxxsonics, Gina will now oversee all credit operations, guiding financial decision making and ensuring the company maintains robust credit management practices. Her expertise and deep understanding of customer accounts will be instrumental in supporting Maxxsonics’ long term financial strategy.
Mark Lieber has been promoted to Director of Product Development. Mark has been a critical part of Maxxsonics’ product innovation efforts. In his new role, he will lead the product development team, drive new product strategy, and oversee execution from concept through launch. His technical background and market insight will continue to shape the future of Maxxsonics’ product portfolio.
Luis Larralde has been promoted to International Sales Manager. Luis has consistently delivered strong results in his sales responsibilities, and his new role will expand his leadership into global markets. He will oversee international sales initiatives, strengthen partner relationships, and support Maxxsonics’ mission to grow its global footprint.
In addition to these internal advancements, Maxxsonics is pleased to welcome Alexander Burgess, who joined the company in August of this year. Alexander brings a data driven, process focused approach to Maxxsonics as Director of Supply Chain, contributing to ongoing initiatives and supporting our commitment to providing an amazing audio and customer experience. “These changes reflect our continued focus on investing in talent and fostering growth from within,” said Brian Sherman, President of Maxxsonics. “Gina, Mark, and Luis have demonstrated exceptional dedication and hard work at Maxxsonics, and we’re excited to see them step into these expanded roles. We also welcome Alexander, whose addition strengthens our team as we head into a new year of innovation and growth.”
With a renewed focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centric development, Maxxsonics is shaping its future with purpose — and preparing for its strongest year yet. Maxxsonics looks forward to the continued success and leadership that Gina, Mark, Luis, and Alexander will bring to their roles and to the organization as a whole.
Sherman added, “We’re looking toward 2026 with excitement, starting with these role changes that will place us for even greater success. The foundation and partnerships we built this year have set the stage for new product ideas and solutions, bold thinking, and reaching horizons we haven’t explored before.” As Maxxsonics continues to evolve its product lineup across its entire family of audio brands and expand its impact across key markets, the new internal leadership structure will enable deeper collaboration, sharper execution, and faster advancement across all business units.
For complete details on Maxxsonics and their entire family of audio brands, visit maxxsonics.com