Tint World Brings Premium Marine and Automotive Upgrades to L.A. Waterfront

LOS ANGELES, CA (01.24.25) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers is expanding its footprint in California with the launch of its 13th location, now in Marina del Rey.

Tint World Marina del Rey, owned and operated by Zaw Pine Naing, offers world-class aftermarket styling, window tinting, paint protection films, premium audio upgrades, lighting and effects, and security systems for both vehicles and watercraft.

“Starting and owning my own business in this beautiful coastal community is a dream come true, and Tint World’s unparalleled support has made this possible,” said Zaw Pine Naing. “There is incredible demand in the area for aftermarket upgrades and services for watercraft and automobiles alike, and my team and I are looking forward to providing our customers with the very best solutions available.”

Naing’s Tint World location provides premium automotive and marine styling services throughout Marina del Ray and the surrounding Los Angeles County area, including Mar Vista, Venice, Oakwood, Playa Del Rey, Sunkist Park, and Fox Hills.

“Marina del Rey is home to the nation’s largest man-made recreational harbor and a premier destination for high-end boaters, so we knew we needed a strong leader and team to represent our brand,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Naing’s experience and enthusiasm make him a perfect fit for our Tint World family, and they will serve him well in this bustling, discerning community. We look forward to supporting him with the training, tools and marketing necessary to achieve his goals and cement Tint World as L.A. County’s choice supplier for drivers and boaters.”

Tint World Marina del Rey is located at 4130 Lincoln Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. To book an appointment, request a quote or learn more about Tint World Marina Del Rey, call 424-467-1199 or visit the store online.

MasterTech Expo 2025 Unveils Cutting-Edge Training Session for Automotive Interior Design

TEMPE, AZ (01.23.25) – MasterTech Expo, held March 20-23, 2025 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz., is set to revolutionize the world of automotive interior craftsmanship with Modern Upholstery Design: Shop Talk With Industry Experts.

“This year’s event will bring together the industry’s most talented builders and designers to share their expertise and inspire the next generation of innovators,” said Bryan Schmitt, MasterTech founder/CEO/president. “Hosted by Mal Maher, Modern Upholstery Design: Shop Talk With Industry Experts will allow attendees to join five of the industry’s leading experts for a dynamic and interactive panel discussion on designing modern hot rod interiors. This engaging session brings together the creative minds behind some of the most striking custom automotive interiors to share their insights, techniques, and design philosophies.”

Modern Upholstery Design: Shop Talk With Industry Experts dives into the world of high-end custom interiors with a live panel featuring multiple seasoned experts who have mastered the art of designing for luxury clients and six-figure builds. This session provides an exclusive opportunity to explore the creative and technical processes behind crafting extraordinary automotive interiors. Gain actionable insights, practical strategies, and inspiration to elevate your work to new levels of creativity and sophistication.

Session includes:
• Host: Mal Maher – Host of the NC Carpet Shop Talk Podcast
• Panelists: Jeremy Katz; Phil Cato; Chris Pate; Justin Marks; Charles Brazil

Attendees will learn:
• Collaborative Insights: Hear the panelists discuss their design ideation processes, share behind-the-scenes stories, and reveal how they overcome challenges to deliver stunning results.
• Client-Centric Design: Discover proven strategies for attracting and working with high-end clients who value bespoke craftsmanship and are willing to invest in premium interiors.
• Innovative Solutions: Learn how to balance bold creativity with practical functionality to create interiors that are both beautiful and durable.
• Portfolio Building: Get expert tips on showcasing your skills, building your brand, and elevating your reputation in the competitive world of custom automotive interiors.

In addition, there will be free giveaways and exciting prizes every 15 minutes during this ground breaking session.

“This panel is a must-attend for anyone looking to refine their design approach, break into the luxury market, or expand their understanding of modern hot rod interiors,” Schmitt concluded. “Sessions such as this are a testament to the extraordinary talent and creativity in our industry. These builders are the best of the best, and their willingness to share their knowledge is what makes this community so special. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the industry, attendees will walk away with skills and inspiration to take their craft to the next level.”

For more information and to register for MasterTech Expo, please email info@mastertechexpo.com and visit www.mastertechexpo.com.

KICKER Ships New Premium Line of Amplifiers Nationwide

STILLWATER, OK (01.23.25) – KICKER introduces the long-awaited LX-Series Power Amplifiers, anticipated as the perfect marriage of SQL design and high-power output, utilizing feedback from the industry to deliver the most requested features while maintaining the highest performance possible. LX-Series Premium Amplifiers are currently available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live™ streamed show, LX Premium Amps will retail from $449.99-$899.99 and will also be available for purchase online at http://www.kicker.com.

Designed in-house from the ground up at KICKER World Headquarters in Stillwater, Okla., the LX-Series is made up of seven flexible models:  four monoblock amplifiers ranging from 850W to 3000W, a 4-channel full-range stereo amplifier, and a 5-channel amplifier and 7-channel amplifier each with its own subwoofer section. All come with KICKER’s FIT+™ technology, accepting low- and high-level signals up to 40V, with full differential inputs created to eliminate noise for crystal-clear sound. All subwoofer channels are 1-Ohm stable and ship with a feature-laden remote bass control (LXRC). All multi-channel amplifiers are bridgeable and come with a hard-wired, deep-diving LX Control Center (LXCC). All amplifiers feature a choice of turn-on modes and comprehensive protections for thermal, circuit, voltage stability, ensuring reliable performance.

All three multi-channel models feature the encompassing LXCC for fine-tuning and diagnostic display. Users can dial in or view DSP-controlled options like gain trim, LED output clip indication, selectable crossover type, slopes, and variable frequency ranges, and KickEQ+™ parametric bass boost on those full-range amps with sub sections. It also includes left-channel time delay on stereo channels, and phase control on sub channels.

The six amps with mono channels come with the LXRC, providing dynamic fingertip dash direction of bass level. It features SHOCwave2.0™ (Sub-Harmonic Octave Creation), KICKER’s 2nd-gen digital bass restoration algorithm that recovers lost, low-bass frequencies vital to your music selections. It also displays battery voltage in a fuel-gauge-style readout, control of its RGB LED brightness, and output clipping indication.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Tint World Named Among the Top Franchises in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 Ranking

BOCA RATON, FL (01.23.25) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. For 46 years, achieving placement on the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500® has been a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry and is recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees. The 2025 Franchise 500® ranks Tint World as 230 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“The Franchise 500 is more than a list. It’s really a collection of life-changing opportunities, featuring strong and resilient brands that future franchisees will be proud to be a part of,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “This year’s honorees represent the bold ideas, operational excellence, and adaptability that make franchising a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success.”

In Entrepreneur’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company’s 46-year-old ranking formula continues to evolve as well. The editorial team researches and assesses several factors, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranking order.

Over its 46 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Tint World’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

“Being recognized for the 12th consecutive year on this prestigious list is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of our franchisees and the rest of the Tint World family,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “This accomplishment highlights our ongoing commitment to excellence and helping our franchise owners meet the needs of their customers in a discerning, high-demand market.”

To view Tint World in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2025 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands January 14th.

Systems Unlimited Hosted The Company’s Annual Tech Education Day

BELLEVUE, WA (01.22.25) – Charles Maddy and Systems Unlimited hosted an educational event to help members of the Porsche Club of America become better informed on what Systems Unlimited can do for them in their vehicles.

Elements of the business covered at this year‘s Tech Education Day event included Sound Deadening, Audio/Video, Radar/Laser and Security.

Members of the Porsche Club of America are pictured in the Systems Unlimited installation area during Tech Education Day.

Ken Ward and Paul Pilat drove to the Systems Unlimited location in Bellevue on Friday and prepared for the event which went all day on Saturday January 18th.

Turnout was fantastic and Ken Ward spent over an hour directly engaging the whole group in an educational talk on Hertz Audison audio and conducted live demos for over four hours with individual participants through the day

Charles Maddy and Ken Ward (R) paused during Hertz Audison demonstrations Ken conducted throughout the Tech Education Day.

Charles Maddy, Systems Unlimited owner, related “We were contacted by the Porsche Club to put on an event to showcase how we integrate aftermarket electronics into their vehicles while maintaining the factory integrity without any permanent modifications. It was great to have Ken Ward and Paul Pilat, as well as Morel’s Cory Stockland, here to help educate these car enthusiasts on what is possible.”

Ken Ward looked up a minute during tuning session.
The team that conducted the Tech Education Day gathered for a group image. (LtoR) George Gonzalez, Mike Westberg and Charles Maddy-Systems Unlimited, Ken Ward-Electtromedia, Cory Stocklin-Morel/Ariel Bravy/Vortex Radar and Paul Pilat-Crossover Marketing Group.

“Crossover Marketing was honored to have the opportunity to take part in this event and to working with Charles on future events” Paul Pilat stated.

Rob Sutton, Crossover Marketing, contributed this content.

Hazim Jainoor Announces Resignation from Director Role After 22 Years of Manufacturer Leadership in the 12V Aftermarket Industry

LONG BEACH, CA (01.22.25) – Hazim Jainoor, a respected 22-year veteran of the 12V aftermarket sector renowned for representing Tier 1 manufacturers, has officially announced his resignation from his position as Director of Key Accounts & District Sales – West Coast, with Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. after six impactful years. This marks the culmination of an illustrious career, including 13 years with Kenwood USA and three years with JVC Mobile Entertainment, during which Jainoor consistently drove excellence and solution-based principles in aligning manufacturer and retailer strategies within the 12V
aftermarket sector.

Hazim Jainoor

Reflecting on his career, Jainoor stated: “It has been a privilege to work with some of the most iconic brands in the 12V aftermarket industry and to collaborate with incredible teams and partners. These experiences have fueled my passion for fostering meaningful connections across regional and national sales channels to achieve shared success.”

During his tenure, Jainoor was instrumental in spearheading initiatives that optimized GTM strategies for manufacturers while aligning them with the unique revenue goals of diverse territories and sales channels. This approach resulted in measurable growth and fortified life-long relationships across the 12V aftermarket industry.

Jainoor extends his deepest gratitude to colleagues, partners, and clients who have supported him throughout his career. His commitment to excellence and passion for the 12V aftermarket industry remain steadfast as he prepares for the next chapter of his professional journey.

For more, contact hazim.jainoor@asmgroup-usa.com

Uniden Awards Alpha Sales Group as Exclusive East Coast Representatives for 12V Portfolio

FLOWER MOUND, TX (01.22.25) – Uniden America is excited to announce the appointment of Alpha Sales Group as its exclusive East Coast representative for Uniden’s 12V portfolio of radar and laser detection products. This partnership marks a significant step in Uniden’s commitment to providing superior service, industry knowledge, and innovative solutions to its valued customers and partners in the 12V market.

“I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Alpha Sales Group,” said Ray Woolf, Director of Specialty Radar Sales at Uniden America. “The Alpha team’s outstanding reputation for delivering unparalleled service and their deep expertise in the 12V market make them an ideal fit for Uniden. I look forward to working side by side with them as we continue to provide the best service and knowledge to the industry and grow our presence on the East Coast.”

Alpha Sales Group will represent Uniden’s full 12V product lineup, including its advanced radar detection systems, laser shifters, and innovative connectivity solutions. With their established network and dedication to excellence, Alpha Sales Group is well-positioned to expand Uniden’s reach and support in this key market.

This partnership reflects Uniden’s ongoing efforts to align with top-tier representation to ensure that dealers, distributors, and end users receive exceptional products and support.

For more information on Uniden’s 12V portfolio or to connect with Alpha Sales Group, please visit Uniden.com or contact rwoolf@uniden.com.

Team Nutz Set For A Very Strong Showing At The 64th Annual Of Wheels Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA (01.21.25) – Team Nutz, a very proactive 12volt retailer in the Pittsburg area, had a very strong showing at last year’s MAX Motive World of Wheels at the David Lawerence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. This year Team Nutz will be on site at the 64th Annual World Of Wheels with an even larger presence.

This custom Challenger installation will be spotlighted in the booth.

The Team Nutz 70’ x 90’ booth will be filled with demo vehicles, tents, product displays, live installations and importantly consumers. Several demo vehicles will be experienced by attendees. Two loaded Jeeps will feature Rockford Fosgate and more. In addition Team Nutz will have a second 20’ x 20’ booth to highlight a Challenger demo vehicle outfitted to showcase a live DSP audio experience.

Also new this year is a sister company Fuel Required with a 80’ x 70’ booth that will spotlight several classic vehicles.

On Monday Team Nutz crew members working on many of the custom items to connect with attendees to drive in-store business.
A demo Jeep for the event being prepared for the in the installation bay.

Ed Nuttall, for Team Nutz, stated, “The attendance this year is to approach 20,000 and members of the crowd are really interested automotive enthusiasts. We have literally over 10,000 customized swag items including pens, stickers, screw drivers and lanyards to hand out to attendees. To drive engagement this year we printed custom QR Codes on T-Shirts and more to connect cnsumers with our website along with Instagram, Facebook and Google platforms.

This Custom T will be given to attendees that scan all the QR Codes to connect with Team Nutz social media platforms.
This image from last year‘s World of Wheels showcases many activities happening in the Team Nutz booth area.

Continuing, Nuttall relayed “On Friday morning area high school high students will be bussed to the Convention Center. We expect to see maybe 1000 high school students in an upstairs meeting room before the World Of Wheels opens where we will highlight our automotive upgrades they can see in our booth.”

Boxes of items are stacked to be prepared for the World of Wheels event.

“All at Team Nutz and our partners will certainly put a lot into pulling off this event. Our staff of 15 will work for over 3 days to set up our booths. We will put our company and products in front a very large number of people. Literally thousands will go home with some swag with our name on it too….many memories too. I think the World Of Wheels will once again be very successful. We look forward to more big events at the David Lawrence Convention Center in the coming years” Nuttall concluded.

Visit teamnutztechnology.com for more.

Nav-TV To Intro Zen Audio ZEN-H Harley Davidson Interface

CORAL SPRINGS, FL (01.21.25) – Nav-TV has expanded their award-winning Zen Audio family with a brand new interface, the ZEN-H. This interface is for 2023.5+ Harley Davidson Street and Road Glide bikes, both CVO and non-CVO. This will be the first standalone Harley A2B interface available on the market.

  • The ZEN-H allows removal of the OEM Rockford Fosgate amplifier and allows the installation of any aftermarket amplifier via its 6 RCA outputs.
  • There will be two models, the ZEN-H Pro and ZEN-H. The Pro will have a full professional grade DSP in it that will be configurable through a PC tool via the USB port.
  • All factory functionality is retained, including factory head unit updates, and will not generate any faults on Harley dealer diagnostics.
  • The ZEN-H produces a flat signal from 20-20khz at 4V RMS
  • It includes a Plug-N-Play harness for seamless integration with the existing speakers, leading to an installation with no wires cut.

Pricing on the ZEN-H will start at a $599 MSRP.

The ZEN-H will start shipping on the 17th of February. The ZEN-H Pro will start shipping roughly one to two months after.

The ZEN-H will be on display in the NAV-TV booth at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas. (Booth 815)

Visit https://navtv.com/ for more.

2025 SEMA Hall of Fame Nominations Now Open

DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.21.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is accepting nominations for induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame, the Association’s highest honor, at http://www.sema.org/hof. The SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding persons in the automotive aftermarket who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or Association’s growth.

“SEMA’s Hall of Fame is a tribute to the leaders and changemakers who have propelled the industry forward in extraordinary ways,” said Jose Escobar, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “Each year, we seek to identify new individuals whose vision and accomplishments disrupted the status quo, set new benchmarks for excellence, and left an undeniable mark on the industry’s success.”

Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is one of the Association’s longest-standing programs. To date, 180 individuals have been inducted, each exemplifying innovation, leadership, and positive change within the industry. These trailblazers have played a pivotal role in advancing the aftermarket industry through their dedication and passion.

Nominee qualifications include:

  • The candidate must have made contributions that extended beyond the local level and reached throughout the national and/or international level.
  • The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred.
  • The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity, and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty industry.
  • The candidate must have conducted himself/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty industry.
  • The candidate must be at least 50 years of age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.

SEMA is also accepting nominees that have been employed by the Association or have served as a contractor and/or vendor of SEMA. In addition to meeting the above qualifications, the nominee must have no less than one year of total separation from SEMA in any and all capacities, arrangements, or relationships.

The 2025 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in July.

Nominations are due by Friday, March 14, at www.sema.org/hof. Questions can be directed to Escobar at josee@sema.org. To view a list of SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees, visit this link.