AUBURN HILLS, MI (06.21.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. welcomes Gregg Thomas as the Director of National Sales for the Alpine Brand Aftermarket Division.
“We are excited to welcome Gregg to the Alpine Brand team,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director of the Alpine Brand Aftermarket Division at Alps Alpine North America. “Gregg’s reputation for excellence in our industry precedes him and we look forward to the ways he’ll positively impact our business, our dedicated retail partners, and our customers.”
With a long, illustrious career in the aftermarket car audio industry, Thomas brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise as well as a proven history of leading companies to growth and success.
“I am thrilled to join Alpine, a premier car audio brand that has always been held in high esteem in the aftermarket retail marketplace,” said Thomas. “I sold my first high-end Alpine system years ago (let’s just say it was the world’s first aftermarket car CD player). As an industry leader for decades, I am excited to join a team of exceptional professionals that have made Alpine what it is today.”
Holding senior-level positions at several high-profile retailers across the United States, such as Car Toys, Ultimate Electronics, and Magnolia Hi-Fi, as well as a stint at SiriusXM, Thomas’ depth of car audio knowledge will provide value to the Alpine salesforce and his professionalism to the Alps Alpine company culture.
Thomas will oversee all national sales activities for the Alpine Brand at Alps Alpine North America.
LONG BEACH, CA (06.21.23) – JVC Mobile Entertainment is thrilled to announce the availability of its KD-MR305BTS Marine/Motorsports Gauge-Style Waterproof Receiver. Designed to deliver exceptional audio performance even in challenging outdoor environments, this cutting-edge receiver is now shipping to authorized dealers nationwide.
The KD-MR305BTS takes marine and motorsports audio to new heights with its rugged construction and advanced features. Built to withstand the harshest conditions, this waterproof receiver ensures optimal functionality on boats, UTVs, ATVs, Golf Carts, and more. Boasting an eye-catching and installation- friendly gauge-style design, it seamlessly integrates into the dashboard or panel of any compatible vehicle, adding a touch of style and elegance.
Feature-packed, the KD-MR305BTS includes Bluetooth® Streaming Music for wireless audio playback, Variable Color Illumination buttons for customizable aesthetics, and a Switchable Back-Lit Display for enhanced visibility. With a 13-Band Equalizer and advanced DSP settings, audio can be fine-tuned to a user’s preferences. For even more entertainment and safety options, it’s compatible with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (requires an optional tuner, sold separately) and has a convenient Rear-View Camera input. The KD-MR305BTS also offers 3 sets of RCA Pre-outs, allowing easy audio system expansion. Its user-friendly front panel features subwoofer level control buttons and a glove-friendly volume knob. Additionally, the Weather Band Tuner enables weather information to be received, even in remote or rural areas with limited communication options.
To showcase the incredible capabilities and design of the KD-MR305BTS, JVC has partnered with Audio Electronics (audioelectronicsindy.com), a renowned 12-volt retail and installation specialist store based in Indianapolis, to outfit a golf cart with a complete JVC motorsports audio system. Visitors attending the upcoming KnowledgeFest event will have the opportunity to experience the KD-MR305BTS in action, as it will be proudly displayed in the golf cart at the JVC booth.
“We are excited to introduce the KD-MR305BTS Marine/Motorsports Gauge-Style Waterproof Receiver,” said Ron Trout, Director of Sales at JVC. “With its exceptional durability, sleek style, and advanced audio features, we are confident that this receiver will provide the solution that customers are looking for. We invite everyone to visit our booth at KnowledgeFest to witness the impressive performance of the KD-MR305BTS.”
JVC also D.A.R.E.’s you to compare its product offerings by attending one of its training sessions, scheduled for Friday, June 23rd at 1:45 PM and Saturday, June 24th, at 5:30 PM.
The KD-MR305BTS Marine/Motorsports Gauge-Style Waterproof Receiver is now available for purchase at authorized JVC dealers. To learn more about the KD-MR305B, visit: us.jvc.com/car/marinemotorsports/kd_mr305bts
To learn more about JVC’s extensive range of car, marine, and motorsports products, visit jvc.com/usa/car-entertainment
DENVER, CO (06.20.23) – The Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) was delighted to award JVCKENWOOD the prestigious honor of Vendor of the Year. The award was presented at the EDA’s annual meeting, which was held at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver.
The Elite Distributor Alliance is a prominent association comprising top-tier distributors and manufacturers in the consumer electronics industry. This annual award recognizes the manufacturer that demonstrates outstanding performance, exceptional product quality, and a strong dedication to supporting distributor success.
L to R: Ron Trout, Steve Cote, Jim Warren, Dave Hoag, John Lucas, and Josh Eatherly
Jim Warren, Executive Vice President of the Elite Distributor Alliance, said, “JVCKENWOOD is a deserving recipient of the Vendor of the Year award. They have consistently demonstrated their commitment to providing their distributors with the support they need to be successful.
JVCKENWOOD’s commitment to excellence and continuous innovation has propelled the company to the forefront of the industry. With a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge audio, convenience, and safety solutions, JVCKENWOOD has consistently exceeded customer expectations and delivered exceptional value to its distribution partners.
“We are truly honored to receive this award, especially considering the excellence exhibited by all the EDA vendor partners that work tirelessly to build momentum within the group,” said Dave Hoag, Executive VP of JVCKENWOOD USA. “This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and exceptional customer experiences. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Elite Distributor Alliance for their trust and recognition, and especially to our dedicated team and distribution partners for their continuous support.”
JVCKENWOOD remains dedicated to pushing boundaries, delivering superior products, and strengthening its partnerships with distributors. This Vendor of the Year award serves as a testament to JVCKENWOOD’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in the consumer electronics industry.
LEHIGHTON, PA (06.20.23) – Mobile Edge, the award-winning retail car audio and accessory store in Lehighton, PA, founded by Mitchell Schaffer, has a new owner. As of noon on June 6, 2023, Ben Tuckett, skilled installation manager and window tint specialist, has taken the wheel.
“Taking ownership of Mobile Edge is a dream come true for me,” said Tuckett. “I’ve always been passionate about car audio in general and providing exceptional service to our Mobile Edge customers in particular. This opportunity allows me to take that passion to new heights. Mobile Edge has a long-standing reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. I’m honored to carry on that legacy and build upon it, ensuring that our customers continue to receive the best products and service in the industry.”
“I’m thrilled to pass the torch to Ben, who’s driven by the same mission of high-quality service as I am,” Schaffer said. “Ben’s commitment to excellence is unbeatable, with a perfect attendance record and outstanding attention to detail in the install bay.”
The business began in 1994 as Schaffer’s Safe & Sound with the goal of providing topnotch products, installations and customer service. Over time, both the name — Mobile Edge — and the business evolved to serve the changing interests of customers and expanding technological advances in the field. In the process, Mobile Edge has received several industry honors, including Retailer of the Year.
Warranties and gift cards remain in place, and there are no immediate plans to change the product lines or policies that have served Mobile Edge customers well for almost three decades.
Hailing from Andreas, PA, Tuckett loves hiking, kayaking and everything outdoors. His car audio passion ignited in high school, and after exploring other industries, he found his true calling at Mobile Edge in 2017. He has become the proud owner at only 31 and after six years with the company. “Ben is young and energetic, and will bring an invigorating spark of passion and innovation to Mobile Edge,” Schaffer said.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the community I grew up in,” said Tuckett. “Mobile Edge has been my home away from home for years, and I’m excited to take on this new role and contribute to its continued growth and success.”
Schaffer will remain available to steer the new owner through the transition and help him manage the administrative side of the business. “Having the support and guidance of the previous owner during this transition is invaluable,” Tuckett said. “I’m fortunate to have a mentor who has built such a reputable business.”
As he planned to step away from the company, Schaffer offered a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made Mobile Edge the success it is today. “From past employees and our awesome customers to the many people I’ve called ‘mentor’ throughout the years, building Mobile Edge was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done — and I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said.
With Mobile Edge in trusted new hands, Schaffer will focus on expanding his other business, 1sixty8 media, which provides websites, social media, and other business-building services to retailers and vendors around the U.S. and Canada along with publishing BestCarAudio.com. “I look forward to spending more time and effort on 1sixty8 media, which keeps me anchored in the car audio business that I’ve loved for the past 30-plus years,” he said.
“Swing by the store and give Ben a warm welcome to his new role — and maybe buy something!” said Schaffer. “Cheers to a fantastic new chapter for Mobile Edge.”
Tuckett and Mobile Edge can be reached by phone at 610-377-2730 or email at ben@mobileedgeonline.com.
GREENSBORO, NC (06.20.23) – Building on their success in North Carolina, Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading window tinting and automotive accessory franchise, announces an ownership change and refresh to the company’s Greensboro location.
Tint World Greensboro is the second Tint World location in North Carolina owned by Shawn McMaster, Jaysen McMaster Foreman, and Candi Krueger. They continue to provide premium automotive aftermarket styling services for auto enthusiasts and residents throughout the Greensboro area and welcome a new general manager, Chris Bivens, to operate the location. Bivens is the Guinness World Record holder for most vehicles tinted in eight hours, and he has over 15 years of experience in the industry, including 10 years managing tinting businesses.
“Candi, Jaysen and I recently opened the Fayetteville location, and we’re thrilled to be at the helm in Greensboro as well,” said Shawn McMaster. “We knew that Chris’s proven skills and experience in tinting would be a perfect match for Tint World’s world-class offerings, and with him serving as general manager, we’re confident that Tint World Greensboro will surpass the expectations of our customers.”
Tint World Greensboro also offers a refreshed 12-volt product line, including audio, visual, navigation, alarms and more, and has recruited new specialized talent to enhance service and installation offerings for this line.
“Shawn, Jaysen and Candi are great examples of our proven franchise system empowering growth through multi-unit ownership,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They’re already finding success in Fayetteville, and through trusting in our reliable processes, they are taking Greensboro to the next level as well. I can speak for the entire Tint World leadership team when I say that we expect to hear about first-class service in Greensboro and can’t wait to see what the future holds for these committed, driven owners.”
Tint World Greensboro, located at 4407 Landover Road, Greensboro, North Carolina 27407, serves Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Mebane, Summerfield, Winston-Salem, Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Archdale, Kernersville, and Gibsonville. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (336) 899-8395 or visit tintworld.com/locations/nc/greensboro-029
STILLWATER, OK (06.19.23) – As part of KICKER’s sponsorship of the event, KICKER Tech Force manager Aaron Malin and Tech Force trainer Jacob Luckey will judge the SkillsUSA Championships June 19-23, during SkillsUSA’s 59th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.
The Mobile-Electronics Installation category tests competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional mobile-electronics installers. These skills have been established through the certification objectives and items created for the Basic MECP certification by the Consumer Electronics Association.
“We hear from retailers on a regular basis that they cannot find qualified people to hire,” said Malin. “There are 107 different categories of competition within SkillsUSA, each category stresses various aspects of the real-world workplace; so when they graduate, they are positioned to enter a job and immediately contribute. The 12-volt industry needs more sharp-minded employees to bring new ideas to the table.”
The event includes a written examination covering the Basic MECP certification, a professional interview and five hands-on applications that include taking electrical measurements, installing consumer-electronics equipment, soldering, working with relay circuits and troubleshooting electronic circuitry.
KICKER is donating over $5,000 in prizes to the winners of the 12-volt competitions.
“I would like to encourage other 12-volt industry leaders and manufacturers to get involved with SkillsUSA at their local, state and national level,” Malin said. “As an industry, we need those young men and women to join us in the very exciting and quickly evolving industry.”
SHREVEPORT, LA (06.19.23) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios’ staff, works to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool in 2020 was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and positive activities to members of the 12volt industry.
The 12volt Central Studios is Jammin’ N June. The images below are examples of the 12volt STP Tool at work in just the last 5 days. There will be much more to come as coverage of events and activities across the 12volt industry take place.
The Alpine Experience RAM was positioned early Friday morning June 16th in front of Amped Auto and Audio in Rochester MN. This was the last stop on Chris Reavis’ 9 Alpine Experience event tour in 16 days that covered well over 3000 miles.
A demo under way from the Arrowhead Sales ‘Dare To Listen JBL’ trailer at the Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence MO. Chris Pace was on site connecting with enthusiasts at the C10 Shindig on Saturday, June 17th.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever for industry members and companies to showcase their positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318-465-0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
The Horizon Audio crew-Canton OH in the showroom following the JVC training on Thursday June 15th. Josh Bowen (C) conducted the training and End Result’s Ed Dalesandro is 3rd from the left with Rusty North behind the camera.
Junior Odeh shows the new King Box center console enclosure that is now shipping. The console features a 12” cutout, two 6.5” cutouts, two tweeter cutouts plus a port.
Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends over 5 hours a day on their smartphone.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.
The JBL Palooza with Crutchfield crews showcased products and training along with providing fun times too as Leigh Powell snapped this image at the company’s Charlottesville VA HQ.
The 12voltSTP Tool is Jammin’ N June
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities by utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.19.23) – In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage Detroit is excited to announce a Measuring Session for the newly designed ’23 Ford SuperDuty.
SEMA members will be allowed to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan and measure, and have a close-up experience with their builds.
This event will feature two ’23 Ford SuperDuty Truck platforms:
6.7L Hi Output Diesel Power Stroke Tremor Off Road and Lariat Ultimate Package Pro Power Onboard-2Kw Roof clearance lights Leather seats 12-in. productivity screen 6-ft. pickup box In addition, SEMA has also recently added new, highly anticipated OEM CAD data into the Tech Transfer program. More details can be found at semagarage/techtransfter.
Event Dates: June 27–29, 2023
This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage Detroit in Plymouth, Michigan. The event will require scheduled appointments.
Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited. Please only register two attendees per member company. A follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.
Elena Johnson OSU Journalism contributed to this article
STILLWATER, OK (06.16.23) – SkillsUSA prepares students for the workforce and students in the Mobile Electronics Division will compete for recognition at the national competition in Atlanta. The conference will be held at the Georgia World Conferencee Center in Atlanta and attract over 6500 competitors in 110 competitions.
KICKER Audio is a strong supporter of the SkillsUSA initiative. Aaron Malin, TECH Force Global Training Manager, has participated in previous SkillsUSA National Conferences. Malin and Jacob Luckey are headed to Atlanta for the 2023 Skills USA Conference.
Aaron Malin working with one of the students at the local SkillsUSA local session in Stillwater. After the event the 4 winners were bussed to KICKER’s HQ for lunch and a tour.
In April, the local SkillsUSA Mobile Electronics Installation competition was held at the Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater OK, Malin was on site as students prepared to showcase their installation and communication skills to judges, and the stakes were high with only three winning spots available for the State high school and secondary/college level competition.
“Each student was prepared to perform to their best abilities for the judges. Some of the stations included soldering, wiring speakers and identifying components. Students were judged on their proficiency in those particular skills and only the top four were chosen to go to state competitions” Malin stated..
Jacob Luckey observes one of the students working on a speaker template.
The Oklahoma state SkillsUSA competition was held on April 25th at the Cox Convention Center in Tulsa. Kicker Global Trainer Jacob Luckey was in the house and presented some of the awards. “The experience was great. It was awesome to see the excitement on the faces and be able to see the students working toward their goals. The conference was well attended and put together” Luckey commented.
SkillsUSA works to bring motivated individuals to the workforce and teach them lifelong skills. There are local, state and national competitions with 53 states participating, according to SkillsUSA.org. Its mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.
The four winning students in the KICKER HQ lobby during their tour.
The 12-volt industry is in need of more sharp-minded employees to bring new ideas to the table. The overall employment of mobile electronics installers and technicians is projected to show little to no change from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics years.
“We hear from retailers on a regular basis that they cannot find qualified people to hire,” related Malin. “Take out qualified… they can’t find people to hire.” Malin will again be one of the judges for the National SkillsUSA competition and has been judging for two years. Malin added that many of the students are put in a position where they can find a suitable job by participating in SkillsUSA national conference.
“There are 110 different categories of competition within SkillsUSA,” Malin said. “Each category stresses various aspects of the real-world workplace…so when students qualify for the national event they are positioned to enter the job market.”
Through SkillsUSA, students have the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and make lifelong friends. “It is always exciting when you see the ‘lightbulb’ moment as something really clicks in the mind of a student,” Malin said. “The ‘ah hah!’ that lets you know they really got it! Last year at the national competition in Atlanta, one young man was so excited to introduce me to his mom and siblings after we really connected during his job interview competition. He experienced my admiration and his family’s proud moment, all at the same time.”
This student showing his soldering skills to the judge.
The SkillsUSA State Conference in Tulsa was a chance for local champions to compete for a spot at Nationals and make new valuable connections. “The students that competed got to meet industry partners that are looking for skilled employees and got to make friends with the other competitors and had new experiences while at state” Emily Goff, State SkillsUSA Director, stated.
“Students not only receive valuable skills from these events, but also priceless communication skills. From difficult interviews, to speaking with industry professionals and presenting their skills they also learn difficult communication skills” stated Chris Jack, Technical Chairperson for mobile electronics installation, for SkillsUSA. “My father always said that “I don’t care if you’re going to wipe up dirt off the floor, wear a suit and tie to an interview…no matter what it’s for.”
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce, according to SkillsUSA.org. Students excel and often have the opportunity to secure jobs at competitions. “Almost every year, one of my winners has been offered a job before they left the contest,” Jack said.
Concluding Malin commented “The12volt industry needs workers more than ever, and SkillsUSA helps to ensure that they are proficient in their trade. I would like to encourage other 12-volt industry members and manufacturers to get involved with SkillsUSA at their local, state and national level. As an industry, we need those young men and women to join us in our very exciting and quickly evolving industry.”
For more information, visit SkillsUSA.org or contact Chris Jack who handles the 12volt portion of SkillsUSA. Email at cnjacklausd@aol.com.
Elena Johnson OSU Journalism contributed to this article
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.16.23) – The specialty-equipment market showed positive results in 2022 with an overall market growth of 2% and reaching $51.8 billion in sales, according to the new “2023 SEMA Market Report.” This continues a decade of growth for the industry, even among recent economic turmoil created by the pandemic.
While the growth percentage was slightly down from the industry’s typical annual rate of 4% to 5%, the slowing was expected given current economic challenges. SEMA estimates that sales growth will remain fairly flat in 2023, before ramping back up towards the industry’s historical growth trend in 2024.
“Even as economic uncertainty looms, particularly around inflation, consumers are passionate about customizing and continue to buy from our industry,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “This report provides new and relevant findings that businesses can use to better connect with their customers, find areas of opportunity and drive their business.”
Available for download at sema.org/research, the “2023 SEMA Market Report” provides a comprehensive review of the automotive specialty-equipment market in 2022 and includes new data on the U.S. market size, consumer profiling and industry trends that can help companies make more informed business decisions.
Key findings from the report include:
Pickup accessorization remains the biggest segment for the industry, topping $15 billion in sales.
The CUV accessory market continues to grow, reaching 14% of specialty-equipment sales in 2022.
Younger people continue to be the most likely to accessorize and perform more upgrades; 50% of those modifying their vehicles are under the age of 40.
50% of accessorizers own a powersports or recreational vehicle, opening up cross-selling opportunities.
More than 80% of companies expect their sales to stay the same or grow in 2023.
SEMA members can download the report for free at sema.org/research. Discover key findings in the report during the upcoming “SEMA Market Update” webinar on Wednesday, June 21. Register for the webinar here.
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