Renowned Engraver Hank Robinson Demos Artstry During 2025 MasterTech Expo

Robinson Will Showcase His Skills at the Rockford Fosgate Booth on March 21

Tempe, Ariz., March 4, 2025 – Mobile Solutions, a leader in creating the tools and training needed for custom automotive electronics, audio, and interior installations, is proud to announce that renowned engraver Hank Robinson will be showcasing his artistry during MasterTech Expo 2025, held March 20-23, 2025 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. On March 21 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Rockford Fosgate booth (#300), Robinson will showcase his skills by engraving a Rockford Fosgate amplifier heatsink, which will be given away to a lucky attendee during the show.

“It is our privilege to welcome back Mr. Robinson to the MasterTech Expo, a testament to his unparalleled expertise and unrivaled talent,” said Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions founder/CEO/president. “In addition, Rockford Fosgate’s commitment to the advancement of industry standards and their role in setting new trends in cultivating the Build-Off Teams is truly next-level. We invite attendees to experience a one-of-a-kind opportunity.”

Robinson, who served as an infantryman in the United States Army, discovered his innate talent for multi-material engraving and consequently established Hanro Studios in 2012. He has attained international recognition for his handcrafted art, a success attributable to his commitment to innovation, trendsetting, and personalization in design. Before affiliating with Monster Energy and Foredom Electric as their official engraver, Robinson dedicated a decade of service to the United States Army, with deployments in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His distinguished military career is marked by the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Bronze Star with Valor and two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal. Robinson is actively involved with the Wounded Warrior Project and enjoys devoting his leisure time to his wife and three children.

Zach Luke, president of Rockford Fosgate, noted, “At Rockford Fosgate, we embody creativity, leadership, and execution while pushing the boundaries of innovation. Being first is never easy – it’s a skill in itself – and while anyone can copy, few possess the vision and talent to create something truly timeless, like Hank.”

Added Robinson on his talent and drive, “It is my mission to provide individuals with bespoke engravings that enhance various facets of their lives.”

For more information, and to register for MasterTech Expo, please visit mastertechexpo.com.

For more on Hank Robinson, please visit www.hanrostudios.com.

For more on Rockford Fosgate, please visit www.rockfordfosgate.com

About Rockford Fosgate
Setting the standard for excellence in the audio industry, Rockford Corporation markets high-performance audio systems under the brand Rockford Fosgate® for the mobile, motorsport, and marine audio aftermarket and OEM market. Headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., Rockford Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK).

About MasterTech Expo
MasterTech Expo is an event where aftermarket automotive electrical, upholstery, fabrication, design and automation professionals come together to learn, collaborate and define the next generation of vehicle interior customization in a process-driven atmosphere. MasterTech Expo 2025 is March 20-23, 2025 in Mesa, AZ.

For more information and to register, please visit www.mastertechexpo.com.

About Mobile Solutions
Mobile Solutions USA is an innovation-driven company creating tools and delivering training that enable custom automotive electronics, audio and interior installations progress with a level of efficiency not otherwise efficiently achieved in the aftermarket automotive business. With the patented Smart Templates™ brand of design tools and many other process-driven innovations, Mobile Solutions USA serves the aftermarket automotive technician, fabricator and retail store community through direct sales and distributors around the globe.

For more information, please visit www.mobilesolutions-usa.com.

Don’t Miss Today’s NEW VIPER & AVITAL Training

Join the Snake Pit Training Team for an exclusive walkthrough of the NEW 2025 VIPER® and AVITAL® product lines.

What You’ll Learn:

Cutting-Edge Firmware Solutions: Discover industry-first advancements that redefine performance and reliability.

New Hardware Innovations: Explore both analog and digital technologies designed to expand your installation capabilities.

Expanded T-Harness Coverage: Learn how to streamline installations with enhanced compatibility.

Expert Installation Tips: Gain valuable techniques to maximize efficiency and ensure success.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead with the most recognized names in vehicle security and remote start solutions!

Training 2: March 6th @ 8PM EST / 5PM PST

Join Training 4-6

Atlantic Car Stereo At The Motorcycle PowerSport Atlantic

HALIFAX NOVA SCOTIA (03.05.25) The Atlantic Car Stereo team rolled from their store in Dartmouth to Halifax to have a major presence in the Halifax Exhibition Centre for the 10th edition of the Motorcycle PowerSport Atlantic event… The largest event of its kind in Atlantic Canada. With hundreds of exhibitors, displaying their latest and greatest products in the industry, attendees found everything they needed to ride in style this season on their motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs along with accessories, parts and apparel.

This booth image, spotlighting the loaded Rockford Fosgate Harley gives a scope of the Atlantic Car Stereo booth.

Sarah and Darrell Russell led the team with great expectations. This was the first year for their store to exhibit at the event and after the three day run related that it was a terrific event and they certainly plan to attend in 2026. Chris and Amy completed the Atlantic Car StereoTeam.

Sarah and Darrell Russell in the booth at the event.

The company occupied a 50′ x 20′ booth that spotlighted 2 company Harley‘s and a customers SideXSide showcasing the possibilities for enthusiast. The company was set up with attention grabbing displays, great graphics and inventory on site. In addition there was great support from Canadian distributor Automobility, their great distributor partner, and representative Richard Wade. Automobility shipped lighted Rockford Fosgate display panels that drew attention from across the event floor.

This large graphic makes it easy for consumers to understand the benefits of automotive aftermarket products.

“Atlantic Car Stereo is a great business partner with us at Automobility. Working with this proactive dealer to drive business is a big win for all” Michael Berger related from the company’s Toronto warehouse.

Traffic was strong and steady in the Atlantic Car Stereo booth throughout the 3-day show.

After returning to the store Sarah Russell reported “We made tons of contacts and made great sales in the booth. In addition we have lots of appointments pre-booked for the spring when the weather clears up for the riding season. All in all, setting up a booth at the Motorcycle PowerSport Atlantic was a terrific investment. Exhibiting is 2026 in on the calendar”

Large Rockford Fosgate panels and Hertz branding in the booth drew attendees to check out the ATV, Harleys and products.

HIFONICS IS THE OFFICIAL AUDIO SUPPLIER FOR THE ALL-NEW LINEUP OF KAWASAKI NAV® VEHICLES

Hifonics brings POWER FROM THE GODS into the ALL-NEW 2025 Kawasaki Nav® vehicle lineup that includes the NAV® 4e LIMITED, NAV® 4e LE, and NAV® 4e.

Libertyville, IL 03/05/2025 – Hifonics is proud to announce its partnership as the official audio supplier for Kawasaki’s all-new NAV® (Neighborhood All-Terrain Vehicle) lineup at launch. The highly anticipated Kawasaki NAV® 4e series, designed to redefine personal Off-road transportation, will feature premium Hifonics audio technology and solutions to deliver an unmatched listening experience for drivers and passengers alike.

The NAV® lineup consists of the NAV® 4e LIMITED, NAV® 4e LE, and NAV® 4e, each built with Kawasaki’s renowned engineering and designed for adventure-ready performance. At launch, the NAV® 4e LIMITED will be equipped with a full Hifonics audio system, while the NAV® 4e LE and NAV® 4e will come with integrated source units, allowing for future expansion of audio capabilities.

UNLEASHING PREMIUM AUDIO PERFORMANCE
Hifonics has long been synonymous with high-powered, high-quality sound in the Powersports and Automotive industries. By integrating Hifonics audio technology into the NAV® 4e series, Kawasaki ensures that customers will experience crystal-clear sound, powerful bass, and a robust audio presence, whether they are cruising through the neighborhood or taking on Off-road terrain. This continued partnership with Kawasaki will continue to cement Hifonics’ commitment to the Powersports and Off-road lifestyle of high-quality and loud-performing audio.

The Hifonics audio system in the NAV® 4e LIMITED will feature a weather-resistant amplifier, high-output speakers, and an advanced source unit designed for intuitive control and seamless connectivity. The NAV® 4e LE and NAV® 4e will include a premium Hifonics Apple® CarPlay® and Android Auto® source unit, allowing users to upgrade their audio experience with additional speakers and amplifiers as desired.

Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing, said, “The launch of the NAV® series is a milestone for Kawasaki, and we are honored to be a part of this revolutionary step in personal off-road vehicles. Hifonics audio systems are engineered to meet the highest standards of durability and overall performance, ensuring that NAV® owners get an immersive audio experience on every ride.”

Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, said, “Partnering with Kawasaki on this launch reassures our commitment to delivering best-in-class audio solutions for Powersports and Utility vehicles. We are thrilled to provide NAV® owners with an incredible sound experience that enhances every journey. This collaboration sets a new standard for audio performance and quality in the Utility vehicle market.”

ENGINEERED FOR ADVENTURE
Kawasaki’s NAV® lineup introduces a new class of electric-powered utility vehicles tailored for both work and recreation. Designed with a spacious four-passenger layout, durable construction, and advanced suspension, these vehicles offer exceptional comfort, performance, and versatility.

Each model in the NAV® 4e series features a silent, efficient electric drivetrain with an emphasis on low-maintenance operation and environmental sustainability. Whether used for neighborhood cruising, outdoor work, or recreational exploring, the NAV® 4e series provides a smooth and capable ride — now fueled with POWER FROM THE GODS.

The ALL-NEW Kawasaki NAV® lineup HAS ARRIVED and Hifonics is proud to be a part of the 2025 vehicle launch!
Full line details are available on the Kawasaki website at https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/nav-ptv/nav/4-passenger/nav-4e.

ABOUT HIFONICS

Hifonics is the audio brand bestowed directly from the gods above and is known for its bold-looking designs while producing powerful and high-quality sound. Founded by Helmut Stieglitz in 1982, Hifonics continues to innovate and push the limits for quality audio products including amplifiers, subwoofers, car speakers, soundbars, compression horns, Marine speakers, and signal processors forged by the gods above. Our slogan, POWER FROM THE GODS, is the superhuman standard for how Hifonics holds itself accountable for pushing the bar to the absolute limit. Consumers of these products can experience a wide range of audio solutions, from delivering their needs from Powersports to Mobile vehicles. The Hifonics brand is owned by Maxxsonics, based near Chicago, IL.

For additional information, go to the brand website at https://hifonics.com/about.

ABOUT MAXXSONICS

Established in 2001 and headquartered in Libertyville, IL, Maxxsonics is a global leader in the Mobile, Marine, and Powersports audio industries. Innovating products that bring out the best in audio and sound, Maxxsonics specializes in designing and manufacturing amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers, and accessories branded; Hifonics, MB Quart, Crunch, and Autotek. Additionally – Maxxsonics is the premier OEM audio supplier of audio solutions/systems for Kawasaki off-road vehicles, Polaris® off-road vehicles, and CFMOTO. Founded by a handful of consumer electronics and automotive security veterans – Maxxsonics products are now heard and experienced around the world.

For additional information, go to the corporate website at https://maxxsonics.com/.

MTX at MasterTech Expo: New Products, Sneak Peaks, and Clean Wire Challenge

Phoenix, AZ. – March 5, 2025. – MTX, a MiTek Electronics and Communications company, is gearing up for an exciting presence at MasterTech Expo 2025, taking place March 20-23 in Mesa, AZ. Known for pushing the boundaries of car audio, MTX will be showcasing new products, offering exclusive sneak peeks at upcoming innovations, and hosting exciting giveaways for attendees.


MTX is also proud to be a sponsor of the Clean Wire Challenge, a competition that highlights expert-level wiring techniques and craftsmanship. As a brand deeply rooted in high-performance audio solutions, MTX recognizes the importance of precision installation and is excited to support this challenge at MasterTech Expo.


“MasterTech Expo is the perfect place to connect with industry professionals, showcase our latest advancements, and celebrate the art of installation,” said Jason Fickas, VP of MTX.


“We can’t wait to share what’s next for MTX and engage with the talented professionals who make this industry thrive.”


Attendees can visit MTX at Booths 604 and 605 for a firsthand look at cutting-edge car audio technology, expert insights, and exclusive product previews. Whether you’re an installer, dealer, or audio enthusiast, this is your chance to experience MTX innovation up close.

For more information about MasterTech Expo 2025 and to register, visit
www.mastertechexpo.com.

Specialty Marketing celebrates Jacksonville Grand Opening

Jacksonville 03/04/2025 -Specialty Marketing hosted their Grand Opening Celebration Dealer event at Top Golf in Jacksonville, Florida on Wednesday February 21st from 6-10pm. Vendors were welcomed with a cocktail party and tour of the new location followed with a Vendor appreciation Dinner to thank them for their support.

“We are thankful for our Vendor Partners and awesome Dealers that took time to come celebrate our new location with us” Bill Dolsen, VP of Sales Specialty Marketing.

Prizes for raffle drawings are stacked on the tables.

Top Golf was a perfect choice to allow our Dealers and Vendors a great space to discuss new products and programs. Dealers were treated to a BBQ buffet and enjoyed swinging for prizes with our vendor partners. Dealers traveled from Atlanta to Miami and left energized from the show ready to capitalize on the upcoming tax season with fantastic specials offered.

Attendees got close up to check out products from exhibitors.

“We really had a great time at the show and cannot wait for the next one” Frank, Manager at The Installation Station, Fort Pierce, Florida.

The Top Golf show floor was very busy throughout the Specialty event.

Vendors that supported the event included, Pioneer, Boss Elite, Cerwin Vega, Diamond Audio, Firstech, Compustar, Rydeen, MMATS, MTX, Stinger, PAC, Racesport, Audio Control, Echomaster, Uniden, Audiovoxx, Directed, Rostra, Sirius XM, Soundskins, Metra, Axxess, Install Bay, Heise, Ibeam, Raptor, Shuriken, Saddle Tramp, Ballistic, Q-Power, Idatalink Maestro, Vais Technology and Polk Audio.

The Specialty Marketing event was off the chart Kent Daigle reported from the MTX booth.

IASCA At The Florida International Audio Expo

TAMPA FL (03.03.25) IASCA at the Florida International Audio Expo was a huge success. FIAE was in Tampa on Feb 21 through 23, and featured an IASCA event alongside with an SQOLOGY Money Round. Home audiophiles experienced over 20 car audio sound quality competition systems from around the country and were amazed at the performance.

The FIAE event in Tampa was very well attended.

Onsite within the expo halls were Arc Audio, OTS, Sound Factory, MSC, US Amps, Total Tuning and Florida Sound Quality. Harry Kimura and Travis Chin presented information about car audio competition, specifically about IASCA.

The IASCA competition vehicles were spotlighted outside.

‘We at IASCA look forward to participating at the FIAE event in 2026” Travis Chin related as the busy competition season kicks into high gear..

IASCA plaques ready to presented to competitors.

SiriusXM Announces Coverage of 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season

NEW YORK – March 3, 2025 – SiriusXM will offer listeners nationwide season-long coverage of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES® season, starting with the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding this Sunday, March 2 (coverage starting at 11:30 am ET).

SiriusXM subscribers will have access to the live call of every one of the 18 events on the INDYCAR calendar, including the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, plus coverage of NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifying and practice sessions.

INDYCAR coverage airs on the exclusive SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation channel, which is available in SiriusXM-enabled vehicles (channel 218) and on the SiriusXM app. For a schedule of races go to SiriusXM.com/IndySeries.

In addition to on-track coverage, SiriusXM offers fans weekly INDYCAR-focused shows and podcasts that keep them up-to-date on the latest news from the sport and deliver perspectives from true racing experts.

A new season of SiriusXM’s exclusive INDYCAR show, “Brick-by-Brick” — hosted by Jack Arute and Tony Kanaan, the 2013 Indy 500 champ and recently-named team principal for Arrow McLaren Racing — airs every Wednesday (5 pm ET) on the SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation channel, and is available on demand on the SiriusXM app.

INDYCAR fans can also tune in to the podcast “Off Track with Hinch & Rossi,” hosted by James Hinchcliffe and Alexander Rossi. New episodes of “Off Track with Hinch & Rossi” debut weekly and can be heard on the SiriusXM app and all major podcast platforms. The podcast will also air on race days on SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation.

Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) and SiriusXM will continue its sponsorship collaboration this season, showcasing SiriusXM channels on the track and merging the worlds of music and racing. MSR and SiriusXM will kick off the season featuring SiriusXM’s Octane (channel 37) – the channel for New Hard Rock – as well as multi-platinum rock band Shinedown displayed on the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda driven by Felix Rosenqvist for this week’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Shinedown’s Zach Myers and Barry Kerch will also be at the track on race day, immersing themselves in the INDYCAR action and supporting MSR from the pit lane.

SiriusXM will be the primary sponsor on Rosenqvist’s No. 60 SiriusXM Honda and will be the co-title sponsor for Marcus Armstrong’s No. 66 SiriusXM / Root Insurance Honda. SiriusXM will also be featured on Helio Castroneves’ No. 06 Honda which will run in the Indianapolis 500 in May.

In addition to NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, SiriusXM will air INDY NXT by Firestone series races throughout the course of the season. The INDY NXT series features some of the world’s best young open-wheel drivers and has produced many of the stars in INDYCAR today.

The AMA ArenaCross Was Livin’Loud at the Ocean Center

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (03.03.25) – THE AMA KICKER ArenaCross 2024/2025 schedule rolled across the U.S. and wrapped the 12 Round Series with Round 12 on Friday, February 28th. The series drew big crowds and was very busy in Daytona Beach on Friday. The Ocean Center was the venue for the AMA ArenaCross. The American Flat Track series continued in Daytona Beach at the Daytona International Speedway Short Track for race events.

The Friday night Track Party was a chance for enthusiasts to walk the dirt track and meet with their favorite riders.

“With bike events in Daytona Beach going on this past week no doubt there were thousands and thousands of bikers in town. The AMA ArenaCross activities added to the options for enthusiasts. KICKER was Livin’Loud in the Ocean Center and we spent time at the American Flat Track action at the Short Track also” Lorin Morrell, Maddog Media who orchestrates the KICKER ArenaCross events, related.

In the Ocean Center lobby area a KICKER tent was set up with products on display for enthusiasts entering the event. The Friday event got rolling with Track Party event. Attendees spent time on the track connecting with riders and walking the dirt mounds that riders would soon be flying across as they raced to the finish line to collect their trophies.

There was fast action on the track for the crowd in the stands.

As soon as racers hit the track they got their rhythm as they went up a mound and easily flew over the next mound to land… 50 feet away. Between races the PA announcers let the crowd know there was a special offer inside one of the KICKER T’s being fired into the stands to attendees. The certificate was for KICKER Bullfrog prize that could be picked up in the booth from Morrell.

Lorin Morrell presented the KICKER Bullfrog prize to the winner of the KICKER T-shirt toss who caught the special KICKER-T that had the certificate inside.

The iconic Ocean Center was the venue for the KICKER AMA ArenaCross

“We talked with many enthusiasts and most had questions about what KICKER products would be best for their daily rides plus bike, UTV or boat. The KICKER PowerBar once again grabbed a lot attention as did bike gear plus lifestyle products” Morrell concluded.

American Flat Track action on Saturday as bike action continued in Daytona Beach

Visit kicker.com for more.

Support Mike Dixon’s Long Road To Recovery

HOLLYWOOD FL (03.03.25) Mike Dixon’s first purchase in car audio was at my SoundCrafter’s shop when he was 16. His affection for sound and cars initiated our alliance as he became an installer that in the early eighties followed my brother to South FL to open up SoundCrafters, South Florida.

Mike Dixon’s Audio Logic in Hollywood FL.

I hope industry gets behind this as he knows so many people and has been a center point at all the afterparties with his levity and camaraderie.

Bret Karuza owner at AMI Sales, initiated the GoFundMe and I would like to try to escalate because $20K won’t cut it after 3 months in a hospital.

Many within the mobile electronics industry who have attended trade shows, KnowledgeFest, SBN and such would know Mike Dixon of Audio Logic in Hollywood, FL as the life of the party. On December 10th, Mike was in a horrific car accident.

As of this writing, Mike has been in the hospital surviving several broken ribs, two collapsed lung and a severely broken ankle. Three months in a hospital will task anyone’s purse. With over 30 years dedicated to car audio, Mike is a friend to many and needs our support. Whatever any of us can do to assist with the fiscal burden this brings to Mike, large or small, will undoubtedly help.

In a followup to the above article Karuza related that Mike is scheduled to be released to return home very soon. There is so much to be done to equip the family’s home as Judy prepares for Mike’s rehab journey ahead. A contribution to Mike’s GoFundMe will fuel Mikes recovery.

Contributed by Paul Papadeas

Support Mike Dixon’s Long Road to Recovery: https://gofund.me/efbdcd89