Silver Dollar Short Track Chino Was Livin’ KICKER Loud

Posted on May 4, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

CHINO CA (05.04.26) The world‘s premier dirt track motorcycle racing returned to the Silver Dollar Speedway in Chino CA on Saturday, May 2. This was Round 5 of the 2026 Progressive Flat Track Championship for the nations top riders to go for a glory on the legendary track.

Lorin Morrell, Maddog Media, had all set up and said the event was a real burner. Dana Doyle, Doyle Sales, rolled his KICKER Chrysler demo car on the grounds and was Livin’Loud making demos for attendees throughout the event.

A promotional tent and display for Kicker Performance Audio at an outdoor event, featuring audio equipment and a car wrapped in Kicker branding. — ***KICKER was set up early with the product tent and Dana Doyle with his Chrysler demo.***

A crowd of people lined up at an outdoor event with various tents displaying logos, including 'Motorcycle Lawyers' and 'Kicker,' set against a sunset sky. — ***Attendees checking out the midway before the racing began.***

Action in the booth was very strong through the day. In the local area there are many bikers and that season is ramping. KICKER is providing more products for bikes than ever. Under the tent there was a wide wide variety of products for trucks, marine, powersports and auto also.

Two men posing for a selfie in front of a car with Kicker branding. One man is wearing sunglasses and a patterned shirt, while the other is wearing a blue polo shirt. The background shows a clear sky and event setup. — ***Dana and Lorin with a quick selfie.***

“The KICKER booth was setup right by the entrance so all walked by as they were headed to the track. There were also a number of vendors in the midway that got action during breaks in the action on the track. Entering and leaving attendees saw KICKER’s wide selection of products and could experience live demos in Dana’s loaded KICKER Chrysler. This was one terrific event” Morrell related.

A group of motorcycle racers competing on a dirt track during a night race. — ***Saturday night action on the track.***

A group of motorcycle racers competing on a dirt track during dusk, with spectators in the background and advertising banners along the track. — ***It was a great night for racing in Chino.***

For more see kicker.com

Window Tint School Launches First 5-Day Training Class at New Phoenix AZ Location

Posted on May 4, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry News.

PHOENIX AZ (05.04.26) Window Tint School (WTS), a nationally recognized leader in hands-on window film training, proudly announces the successful kickoff of its first 5-day training class at its newly opened second location in Phoenix, Arizona.

With over a decade of proven success at its Jacksonville, Florida headquarters, Window Tint School continues to expand its reach… bringing its immersive, hands-on curriculum to the Southwest and making high-level training more accessible to students nationwide.

The inaugural Phoenix class featured a standout group of students, including team members from Car Toys. Owner Ed Weber sent several staff members from the Pacific Northwest to participate in the intensive 5-day program and plans to continue doing so on a regular basis as part of ongoing team development.

Group of six people posing together at a window tint school event, each holding certificates of achievement, with a branded backdrop. — ***Founders Darren Fettik and Jon Dewer with first graduating class.***

Throughout the week, students demonstrated remarkable progress. Several arrived with no prior experience in window tinting, yet by the end of the program were confidently installing film on complete vehicles.

“We built Window Tint School to deliver real-world results in a short period of time,” said Jon Dewar, cofounder of Window Tint School. “Watching students go from never touching film to completing full vehicles in just five days is exactly what this program is designed to do. Launching in Phoenix and working with forward-thinking companies like Car Toys makes this an incredibly exciting milestone.”

Window Tint School offers both open enrollment classes for individuals entering or advancing in the trade, as well as customized corporate training programs for companies looking to elevate the skill, efficiency, and consistency of their teams.

For Ed Weber, the value of hands-on training extends far beyond a single class.

“We’re committed to investing in our people and giving them the tools to succeed,” said Weber. “The results we saw in just five days were outstanding. This is the kind of training that makes a real impact, and we fully intend to continue sending members of our team through the program on a regular basis.”

Conveniently located just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the new facility reflects the same high standards and real-world training environment that have defined Window Tint School for more than a decade.

Students benefit from dedicated workstations, professional-grade tools, and extensive hands-on experience with a variety of window films, ensuring they leave with the confidence and capability to perform at a high level immediately. Graduates also gain access to an exclusive alumni network for continued support and ongoing education.

The launch of the Phoenix location marks a major step forward in Window Tint School’s mission to train the next generation of window film professionals while supporting businesses with scalable, results-driven training solutions.

For more information about upcoming classes or corporate training opportunities, visit:
🌐 www.TINT.school ☎️ 904-297-TINT

Team Get Some Audio Is Rolling

Posted on May 4, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry.

BEDFORD OH (05.04.26) Recently TGS Audio created a promo with their social media followers to select which company graphic followers liked the best. 12volt Central Studios staff members noticed the post and reached out to owner Joe Leszyeski in Bedford OH to find out which company graphic was chosen.

Last December, in the height of the remote start season, 12volt Central Studios staff members noticed a VIPER post that Joe had made on social media.

A man holding a Viper DS4 car remote start system inside a vehicle, with an interior view showing the steering wheel and dashboard. Text overlay announces it's the 8th Viper install of the day at TGS Audio. — ***The post from December with Joe making a VIPER install.***

This past Saturday, again, we reached out to Joe to follow up to find out which of his new graphics social media followers liked the best and to see how business is in today’s world. Joe indicated that they had a couple of cold days and were actually doing a couple of VIPER remote starts on Saturday. He also mentioned that they continue to promote and business with kicking along. They’re seeing projects for classic vehicles, the bike business is getting strong and that recently he went to the Davis Distribution show to see new products and connect with industry members.

This is the new graphic that followers chose as their favorite.

It’s a great to see Joe and proactive 12volt retailers, making things happen. Please keep up the good work, Joe, that you and your team have been doing in Bedford Ohio for over the past 20 years.

Put Your Company’s 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball In Play

Posted on May 2, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

SHREVEPORT, LA (05.02.26) – The 12volt Central Studios offers multiple ways for 12volt industry members to connect across the 12volt community and with consumers while delivering fresh industry news. The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball is the latest way. The 12voltSTP Tool, Custom QR Codes and 12volt Central Studios offer easy to use opportunities to connect with industry members and consumers. A SMARTPHONE and a Snap of an image and Txt with a few words is all it takes…Presto. 318 469 2526 IS THE NUMBER!

Group of six men posing together in a retail space, with signage for LESCO in the background. One man on the left holds boxes, while another on the right holds a ball labeled '12 Volt.' Text mentions Pat Szeman-L discussing energy products and donuts.

By definition’ Marketing is the activity or business of promoting and selling products or services including advertising’. An industry member can hold a product in their office, Snap an image and Txt this way with a few words, and Presto we can put them in their custom studio. That can get their 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball in play. Industry members must realize marketing is a 24/7 journey for success.

A smartphone displaying the text 'the 12volt STP TOOL' along with instructions to 'Snap and Txt an image with a few words Presto!' and a phone number '318 469 2526'.

In today’s AI driven digital 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 in-vehicle automotive upgrade awareness and business for brick and mortar retailers. Consumers can’t feel the bass in their chest or appreciate the separation of mid-range and highs on a smartphone or laptop. The in-store experience is more important than ever!

Two images side by side showcasing team members from powersports and marketing activities. The left image features five men posing in a warehouse setting with products, while the right image shows four men outside a store holding items. Text overlay mentions 'Frankie (L) & Greg play their firm’s 12volt Marketing Ball!'

A 12volt industry member can be at a show trade show, consumer show or a rep on the road calling calling on dealers. With the 12voltSTP Tool all it takes is for that industry member to Snap and Txt and Image, with a few words, to 318-469-2526 and Presto we can put the 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball in play showcasing your company’s products and activities.

Custom QR Codes are also available for industry members. Scan this QR Code to see the latest industry news.

A circular image featuring a QR code in the center, surrounded by a decorative border with lights.

The House Of Sound Garage Sale Cleaned The House

Posted on May 1, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

SAINT JOSEPH MO (05.01.26) The House Of Sound hosted a very successful Garage Sale at their location in Saint Joseph MO on Saturday, April 25th.

Owner John Gregory related, “We had been thinking about doing an event like this for sometime. Brent Hale and I finally made it happen on Saturday with the Garage Sale. We planned to open at 9AM, but people were lining up at 8:30 to come in, check out the great deals and make purchases.”

A mobile sound system trailer displaying numerous speakers with the slogan 'DARE TO LISTEN,' positioned outside a store called 'House of Sound.' — ***Chris Pace positioned the Arrowhead JBL Trailer right outside the entry.***

Continuing, “Chris Pace rolled in from Kansas City pulling the Arrowhead JBL trailer that he parked right in the driveway by the entrance. It really got a lot of attention as people were driving by. Chris did a ton of product demos that generated some on site sales. We’re thinking about doing some remodeling so clearing out some old inventory worked out very well. We had people coming in a few days after to see what was left.”

A cluttered garage filled with various electronic products, including audio equipment and accessories, with people browsing and organizing items. — ***Customers checking out deals inside the garage.***

“At JBL we have a long-term relationship with John and the House of Sound. The company operates with integrity and professional support of the Saint Joe and surrounding communities. We are honored to be a partner with John Gregory” Shawn Spedding related. Spedding is the Director of Sales for JBL Mobile Audio Aftermarket Consumer Audio.

Chris setting up a demo for a customer.

Chris Pace, Arrowhead Sales and Marketing, stated “At Arrowhead we enjoy working closely with John and Brent. They are a great business partner and they certainly take care of their customers in the community. Supporting them with the JBL Trailer at the House of Sound Garage Sale was a natural. We made sales and it was an opportunity for me so connect directly with consumers to get a read on what’s hot with audio for cars, trucks, bikes, boats and powersports.”

A man wearing sunglasses stands next to a large speaker display trailer featuring multiple speakers, with the words 'DARE TO LISTEN' prominently displayed above. — ***“Sales were strong at the House of Sound Garage Sale and we did a ton of JBL demos. Look forward to John’s next event.” Chris Pace stated.***

House of Sound has served the Saint Joe community since 1993 and John is planning for many more years.

Upcoming HKI USA DSP & Sales Trainings

Posted on May 1, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry News.

DANIA BEACH FL (05.01.26) The next 2 HKI USA Digital Signal Processing training sessions are designed to simplify and strengthen the foundation of Audio Tuning for mobile electronics professionals.

The events are Monday, May 4th at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Fenton MI and Tuesday, May 5th at the Davis Distribution location in Columbus OH.

Promotional flyer for HKI Events, featuring 'DSP & Sales Training' sessions on May 4 and 5, 2026, in Fenton and Columbus, Ohio. Includes event details, RSVP information, and a photo of Nick Wingate.

The trainings will be led by industry expert Nick Wingate, who will deliver practical real-world instruction aimed at helping technicians refine their Tuning process and elevate it to a repeatable, professional skill set.

Participants can expect an interactive learning environment, with step step-by-step demonstrations and actionable techniques that can be immediately applied in the field.

This new DSP training demonstrates HKI USA’s commitment to advancing technical education within the mobile electronics industry by providing accessible, high impact learning opportunities.

“Food will be provided and RSVP is required. email jasonbillips1@yahoo.com or txt 304 633 4880. We look forward to seeing you there” Jason Billups stated.

For more see hki-usa.com

Compact design. MEAN POWER.

Posted on May 1, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry.

Libertyville, IL (May 1,2026) Compact MEAN MACHINE amplifiers are engineered for performance in a smaller, more versatile form while bringing MEAN POWER into every car audio setup. These amplifiers are designed for easy installation and greater flexibility in your audio system while still delivering BIG SOUND in compact form.

A black Autotek MM-1525.5D 5-channel class D car audio amplifier on a glittery turquoise background.

Autotek MM-3025.4D 4-channel amplifier with a sleek design and branding on a textured background.

A black 2-channel Super D-Class amplifier from Autotek, labeled MM-1525.2D, displayed against a textured blue-green background.

Unleash CLEAN POWER with PRO-FI™ high-speed MOSFETs, that deliver clean, undistorted sound at every level of playback through the Compact MEAN MACHINE amplifier series. Power forward your amplifier game TODAY!

Register Now- Pacific NW Mobile Electronics Expo 2026

Posted on April 30, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

Seattle, WA (April 30,2026) Mark Giovannetti, one of the Pacific NW Mobile Electronics organizers, reports that everything is coming together nicely for the 12th annual event on May 18,19, and 20th in Seattle, WA.

“We’re extremely pleased with the vendor interest for this year’s event! We’ve heard from vendors like Escorts’ Brady Siebert and Donny Montgomery, who will be attending again, and Donnie will be hosting a master class on Escort Radar -“Precision Selling at a Higher Level and how Milliseconds Made a Difference” on Tuesday, May 19, at 10:15 am.

Promotional graphic for the Pacific NW Mobile Electronics Expo 2026, featuring event details, countdown timer, and registration options.

For more information, and to register for the Expo and Trainings, go to:

https://www.pnwcee.com

SoundShield Announces Strategic Partnership with Aligned Sales & Marketing Group to Support Regional Growth

Posted on April 30, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry News.

ANCHORAGE, AK (April 30, 2026) SoundShield, the premier manufacturer of professional-grade automotive sound deadening solutions, is proud to announce the appointment of Aligned Sales & Marketing Group (ASM) as its manufacturer representative for the Western United States. This partnership reinforces SoundShield’s commitment to the 12-volt specialist by aligning with a rep firm that prioritizes dealer profitability and technical excellence.

Since its inception, SoundShield has been “Designed by Installers, for Installers.” By partnering with ASM, a firm known for its “Revenue Intelligence” and deep-rooted expertise in the mobile electronics industry, SoundShield is poised to provide its retail partners with enhanced training, localized support, and a more streamlined go-to-market strategy.

“As we continue to scale SoundShield, finding partners who understand the unique DNA of our brand is critical,” said John Schwartz, Founder and CEO of SoundShield. “Aligned Sales & Marketing isn’t just a sales team; they are strategic consultants who understand the complexities of the modern retail bay. Hazim and his team share our ‘Dealer-First’ philosophy, and I am confident that their leadership will be a major asset to our authorized installers.”

Professional portrait of a man smiling, wearing a suit and tie, with 'PACIFIC & SOUTHWEST REGION' text above and logos for 'ALIGNED' and 'soundshield' displayed.

The partnership comes at a time of significant momentum for SoundShield as it continues to expand its triple-layer acoustic solutions across North America. ASM will be instrumental in identifying and supporting elite retailers who are dedicated to providing their customers with the ultimate in-vehicle sound environment.

“We are honored to represent a brand with the reputation and integrity of SoundShield,” said Hazim Jainoor, Founder and Principal of Aligned Sales & Marketing Group. “At ASM, our focus is simple – Growth | Partnership | Execution. We bridge the gap between manufacturer objectives and retailer realities, and SoundShield delivers a premium solution that resonates at the dealer level. We look forward to driving meaningful market expansion, increasing dealer adoption, and elevating customer satisfaction across our territories.”

For more information on SoundShield or to apply to become an authorized dealer, please visit www.soundshieldusa.com

REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 4 FOR THE 2026 SEMA SHOW

Posted on April 30, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry.

Taking place Nov. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Show will feature the latest products from every corner of the aftermarket

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (April 30, 2026) – Registration for SEMA Show attendees, exhibitors, and media opens online Monday, May 4, for the 2026 event, taking place Nov. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

From cutting-edge vehicle builds to the latest advancements from leading aftermarket brands, the SEMA Show remains the premier destination for automotive innovation, business development, and industry connection. Attendees will experience exclusive product launches, custom builds from top builders, live demonstrations, and a full slate of education sessions designed to help businesses stay ahead of evolving trends.

The 2026 SEMA Show will also feature an expanded Powersports / SxS / Lifestyle section in West Hall, creating a unified “Adventure Lifestyle” destination alongside the Truck and Off-Road areas. The expanded layout reflects real-world consumer behavior, as enthusiasts often own a complete package that includes a tow vehicle, trailer, and multiple two-wheel or four-wheel vehicles. The dedicated area will showcase side-by-sides, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, V-Twin performance, and related gear, bringing greater visibility to one of the fastest-growing segments.

“Each year, the SEMA Show serves as the global gathering point for the automotive aftermarket,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “It’s where attendees can experience the latest innovations firsthand, see groundbreaking vehicle builds, and discover what’s next for the industry all in one place.”

Aerial view of a crowded automotive trade show with numerous booths and displays, showcasing cars and automotive parts, with attendees browsing around.

Attendees are encouraged to book hotel accommodations early through onPeak, the official hotel provider for the SEMA Show, to secure the lowest available rates and convenient access to the Las Vegas Convention Center. View hotel and travel options here.

“With registration opening on May 4, attendees can begin planning their experience for the 2026 Show,” said Andy Tompkins, SEMA Trade Show Director. “This year’s Show features a dynamic floor plan with new features such as the expansion of a dedicated Powersports section in West Hall, giving attendees even more targeted content and opportunities to connect across the industry.”

Organizers encourage attendees to register early once registration opens on May 4 to secure their place at the Show and begin planning. Early registration helps attendees maximize their time onsite and take full advantage of everything the Show has to offer.

Qualified attendees can secure their SEMA Show badge for $50 through June 26, after which registration pricing will increase.

For the latest updates, deadlines, and Show information, visit www.semashow.com and follow www.semanews.com.