It’s Summertime… Let’s Get ‘Jammin’ N June’ to Drive Sales

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.02.23) – ‘Jammin’ N June’… It’s Summertime and time for 12volt dealers to ‘Crank It Up’ and drive sales! It’s Summertime and time for consumers to get Jammin’ N June with great gear for their rides. HiTech in-dash media, powerful amps and speakers that rock plus much more will get their rides Jammin’ N June.

This custom Jammin’ N June graphic can get the ball rolling. There is No Charge. In today’s marketplace proactive 12volt retailers are utilizing social media to connect with followers and consumers. 12volt retailers can post this FREE graphic on their Instagram and Facebook accounts. The graphic is square for the Instagram and Facebook templates….Simply screenshot and size the graphic!!! In the comments area dealers can highlight their brands and exciting activities…. Special offers too!

Jammin’ N June. Those words, and that message, can grab the attention of followers and consumers to create in-store traffic for 12volt retailers.

Online sales have been on a steady rise for the past several years. The COVID-19 Pandemic, along with stimulus checks, led to a dramatic spike in overall 12volt sales which has come to an end. Jammin’ N June themed activities by proactive 12volt retailers can drive social media awareness and traffic into their stores… and very importantly drive sales.

It’s imperative that 12volt retailers create a powerful in-store experience for consumers in the showroom. An impressive demonstration will bring a smile to the consumer’s face and can raise the hair on their arms.

Sound-Off events and in-person activities are once again creating excitement. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts are ready to Crank It Up and get Jammin’ N June.

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. The new 12voltSTP Tool makes that easier than ever. Snap an image with your smartphone. Txt that image to 318-469-2526. PRESTO. Your store’s positive activities could be in the news.

As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Let’s get Jammin’ N June!

Much more to come from the 12volt Central Studios.

Maxxsonics Launches All-New Brick-and-Mortar Initiative for New Dealers

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.02.23) – Starting on June 1st (Thursday), Maxxsonics is launching an ALL-NEW Brick-and-Mortar Initiative. With this new program and launch, Maxxsonics will be calling thousands of brick-and-mortar dealers nationwide to discuss the exciting details. Get ready to pick up the phone and talk to us! There will be incredible new dealer perks and incentives included with high-profit margin products to becoming a dealer with Maxxsonics. You don’t want to miss out on this special Brick-and-Mortar Initiative launch!

“This is the most progressive independent specialist program Maxxsonics has ever had. The concept is simple – Dealer profit is our focus! This is an exciting time, and I can’t wait to see the results! Get ready to answer and PICK UP THE PHONE!”

-Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics

Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales at Maxxsonics, said, “This is simply a fantastic initiative and incentive for new dealers nationwide to join Maxxsonics in selling our products. Stay tuned for more details coming soon, but we are incredibly excited for what’s ahead and exclusive for brand-new Maxxsonics dealers.”

Maxxsonics is very excited to be launching this brand-new Brick-and-Mortar Initiative. With tons of benefits and perks to becoming a new dealer with Maxxsonics that will be announced soon – the ALL-NEW Brick-and-Mortar Initiative is shaping up to be a special Maxxsonics launch program to remember with high-profit margin exclusive products. Details will be coming soon so STAY TUNED and ANSWER THE PHONE!

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.

Synergy Marketing Announces Tim Crawford Is Onboard

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

HOUSTON, TX (06.02.23) – Tim Crawford joins Synergy Marketing as Regional Territory Director for North Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Tim Crawford

“Tim Crawford is new to the 12volt world, but comes with a seasoned track record of success in retail management for over 12 years at multiple stores including hi-end retail sales for 7 years at Nebraska Furniture Mart. In addition Tim was in account management for custom install and 12volt distribution for the last 5 years at DOW Technologies” David Toliver, Synergy Marketing Principal, related.

Continuing, “With a heavy mindset on customer focus, relationship building and attention to detail, Tim will be a valuable asset to the Synergy family. Passionate about mobile and home audio, plus the technology behind it, he is looking forward to cutting his teeth in the 12volt industry.”

Based in McKinney TX, Crawford will build upon the proven brands and strategies that already exist with Synergy Marketing in the North Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas markets.

Visit synergyagency.net for more.

KICKER Marine Audio Joins Formula 1 Powerboat Championship Official Series Audio Sponsor

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

STILLWATER, OK (06.01.23) – KICKER Marine Audio will join the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, June 1-3, 2023 as part of the LOTO Powerfest event. In conjunction with OPA (Offshore Powerboat Association) the annual event will feature some of the fastest boats in the world, including offshore and circuit boats. The Powerfest excitement will take place in front of Shady Gators waterfront bar and Camden on the Lake Resort at the 7-mile marker.

“The performance boater that is drawn to this type of event is definitely the KICKER Marine Audio customer who expects the same kind of performance from his or her boat’s sound system,” says Jeremy Bale, Brand Manager, “We are pleased to partner with Formula 1 Powerboat on this and other events to bring KICKER into the sport. ‘Go Overboard’ is our marine slogan and that certainly fits the Formula 1 and Powerfest profile!” he adds.

F1 Race Ride Experience Boat

The Stillwater, OK-based company has been “Livin’ Loud” for 50 years and will be a welcomed addition to all the festivities planned in various locations. As the “Official Series Audio Partner,” KICKER will have an active display of its marine components and sound systems, participate in the Friday Night Street Party and will again add its sponsorship to “F1 Race Ride Experience” for the second consecutive year. The 2-seater pace boat for the race series is also used to provide rides to VIPs, dignitaries, media and sponsors, to help introduce the excitement of racing to the public. Promoted via social media and at the events, the rides share the thrill of boating at dragster-like speeds of over 100 mph and is used as an educational tool to introduce youth to the sport. KICKER Marine Audio’s logo will be placed on the boat and safety gear, providing excellent visibility throughout the race.

Tim Seebold, F1 Powerboats managing director, brings the F1 Series to his hometown of the Lake of the Ozarks where powerboating is the most popular summer activity. Seebold states, “I’m proud to bring our championship caliber powerboat racing home to the lake area and look forward to an exciting weekend of racing and entertainment. We are also grateful to our sponsor, KICKER Marine Audio for adding its powerful sound and support to the championship.”

Feel the thrill of racing in the F1 Race Ride Experience!

Contrasting disciplines of Offshore Powerboat racing and F1 racing will complement each other, treating fans to the nonstop racing action. The larger offshore boats from 30’-50’ long, are capable of speeds of over 180 mph on a larger racecourse, while the F1 boats are 17’ agile Formula boats, reaching speeds of 120 mph and are capable of cornering while pulling over 5 G’s on the smaller course set up off Lazy Gators Point.

Spectators will have the opportunity to view all the racing action from land and water. Land viewing and VIP locations are at both Shady Gators and Camden on the Lake Resort. Boaters can view on the water outside of the racecourse’s safety zone, stretching between the 4 and 7-mile markers.

The events kick off at the Driver Registration/Meet and Greet Party at Horseshoe Bend Restaurant, located off Hwy HH Thursday evening at 6 PM. Friday’s activities start at 8 AM in the teams’ pit and vendor booth area. The impressive display of horsepower at the Friday Night Street Party allows fans to get up close and personal with the drivers, teams, and colorful race boats. Saturday begins with 9 AM testing, Opening Ceremonies at 11 AM, followed by racing which concludes just after 4 PM. The awards ceremony party will wrap the event at 6 PM at The Encore Lakeside Grill and Sky Bar Restaurant.

For more event information, visit Formula 1 Powerboat Championship or LOTO Powerfest. For information on KICKER Marine Audio, visit www.kicker.com/marine-audio.

Pathways Coaching & Consulting Launched by Jon Kowanetz

Posted on by in Industry.

PHOENIX, AZ (06.01.23) – Jon Kowanetz, former owner of the award winning Handcrafted Auto, Marine & Off-road, is now using his experience in personal and professional development to help other business owners with his new venture; Pathways Coaching & Consulting.

“Every few years, I see classes at industry events with the theme of ‘getting back to basics’ and I think that the only reason we need to keep revisiting these fundamentals of business management is because, while the classes provide great ideas, attendees are left on their own to execute them.” Kowanetz said. “And all too often, those pages of notes end up tucked away in a drawer somewhere, once those attendees return to their businesses and put their firefighter hats back on. But that is exactly why I started Pathways; to help my colleagues actually get from where they are now, to where they want to be, every step of the way.”

Jon Kowanetz on stage during a recent ‘Why Should I Organize’ presentation.

To accomplish this, Pathways utilizes two very different, purpose-built programs that are designed to not only help identify the opportunities for personal and professional growth, but support the business owner in achieving them with proven tools, techniques and training.

One such feature is the “Implementation Calendar” which provides not only a week-by-week timeline with which the owner can use to track their progress through specific tasks, but also quick access to unique and helpful ideas on how to do so, all through their own Client Portal.

Another is the “Pathways Academy”; a library of videos and training materials to educate the dealer on how to improve their business in 16 different categories, as well as an 8 part program on understanding their financials and a 51-week educational series called the “Virtual MBA”.

Jon Kowanetz

In addition to all of this, Pathways also supports it’s clients’ understanding and implementation of their chosen improvements with bi-weekly, one-on-one video or audio calls. During these sessions, progress toward stated goals is analyzed to identify what is working and what is not, so that changes can be made in real-time.

“These are not just hypothetical ideas based on imaginary figures that the client is then left to figure out how to apply to their business on their own” Jon explained, “We are using real data from their own P&L to identify changes that we both agree need to be made in their specific business, and then follow a new pathway made just for them until they achieve their goals.”

Combining the proprietary software with his own 15 years of experience in running a successful and profitable business, Jon was able to identify opportunities to add over $17k of annual profit to the bottom line of one of Pathway’s clients, while planning a strategic marketing plan for the future and creating policies and procedures that will later be included in an employee handbook, making the business more valuable and scalable.

“One of my biggest priorities in working with a business owner or manager is to help them finally do what we have all been told to do for so long; learn to work on their business and not in their business.” Kowanetz said emphatically, “I know very well, not only how hard it can be to do that and also how liberating it is once you do. Success for me, in this new role, is when I’ve helped my client create a better work/life balance and a higher Net Profit in a business that no longer needs them to be there every day.”

Kowanetz is proud to offer Pathways’ services to the Northern California and Nevada territories through cooperation with Cardoza & Company and to the rest of the industry directly.

For more information about Pathways, please visit https://whatsyourpathway.com/intro/
For more information about Cardoza & Company, please visit http://www.cardozaandcompany.com

SSV Works Announces New Rear Speaker Pods for 2021+ 2-Door Ford Bronco

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

OXNARD, CA (06.01.23) – SSV Works has announced the launch of the new plug-and-play 6.5-inch rear speaker-pod add-ons for 2021+ 2-door Ford Broncos. Available loaded (p/n BR-2B65A) or unloaded (p/n BR-2B65U), the patent-pending system is now shipping. SSV Works launched the 4-door solution for Ford Bronco 2021+ model years earlier this year.

“The new Broncos have become immensely popular in a short period of time, and we quickly realized its audio system needed an additional audio option,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Designed specifically for the new 2- and 4-door Broncos, our new 6.5-inch rear speaker-pod add-ons provide easy installation in the rear factory roll cage using factory mounting locations. Optimized for sound quality, these pods are weather-proof and resistant to extreme environmental conditions, making them the ideal audio systems when out on the trails or on the beach.”

The loaded pods for 2-door Broncos come with 6.5in., 120 Watt (peak) SSV Works powersports speakers with a 25mm tweeter and weather-proof EPDM dual-lock gasket with an MSRP of $359.99. Pods with included Kicker speakers have an MSRP of $469.99. If you already have the speakers, the unloaded pods have an MSRP of $249.99.

Additional features and specifications include:
• Includes stainless steel hardware, molded grommet, & integrated speaker terminals
• Plug-&-Play harness allows for both factory or external amplifier connectivity
• Dimensions: 19.75in x 11.5in x 8.6in
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty of both the pods and the SSV Works speakers

For more information, please visit www.SSVWorks.com, call 818-991-1SSV (1778), or email sales@SSVworks.com.

Audio Design Opens An Amazing New Location In San Jose

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

SAN JOSE, CA (05.31.23) – The new Audio Design location was unveiled with an Open House and Grand Opening the weekend of May 19th and 20th. The new store is 22,000 sq ft with multiple showrooms with custom active product displays. The second floor features a large conference meeting area and kitchen. The entry hall sets the stage for what consumers will see when they enter the new store. Work on the new location began in July of 2022.

A selection of super high end and classic cars greeted those arriving for the Grand Opening under a sunny sky.

Mike Hong, who founded Audio Design in 2007, stated “The turnout and support from industry members, customers and consumers from the community was very rewarding. Our goal for our new location was to raise the bar and create an in-store experience people had never experienced. Comments from people attending our weekend activities let us know we achieved our goals.”

The KICKER Chrysler 300 was Livin’Loud out front.

A highlight in one upfront showroom is an Alpine F#1 Tesla on display. Jason Hannon, Alpine Western Regional, related “What Mike Hong and his Team have created with this new state-of-the-art facility is truly remarkable. Audio Design is able to show consumers the very best in home and car audio. Consumers get the ultimate experience from the moment they walk through the door and having the Alpine F#1 Status Tesla on display in the showroom reinforces that messaging and experience. We were honored to be part of the Grand Opening and look forward to continuing our partnership with Mike and the entire Audio Design Team.”

The Alpine F#1 Status Tesla is showcased for live demos in an up front showroom.

KICKER area representative Dana Doyle, Doyle Sales, was in the house with his Livin’Loud Chrysler 300 out front. “The new Audio Design store is certainly a show place for consumer electronics. It’s a very big store with a second floor for meetings and trainings. Six demo cars could actually be displayed on the main level. Mike Hong and his Team are certainly to be congratulated.”

Amazing corridors led Grand Opening attendees through the new Audio Design facility.

The new Audio Design facility is located at 5158 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA.

Say tuned for updates.

Visit shopaudiodesign.com for more.

SEMA Announces Board of Director Results

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.31.23) – SEMA members have elected Melanie White, President of Hellwig Products, and Ted Wentz III, CEO of Quadratec, to lead the association over the next several years as key members of the 2023-2024 SEMA Board of Directors.

Melanie White

White was voted incoming chair and fills the position held for the past two years by Kyle Fickler (ProCharger), who will begin his term as chairman in July when James Lawrence (Power Automedia) concludes his term in that position. White’s current seat on the Board will be filled by Marcus Umlauff (Toyota North America) for the balance of the two-year seat. Current SEMA Board member Wentz was re-elected to serve another term of three years.

SEMA Board members are industry representatives who volunteer their time to lead and guide the association. They are elected by SEMA-member companies and represent the key membership categories: manufacturers, distributors/retailers, manufacturers’ rep, and services.

Ted Wentz III

The SEMA Board of Directors for 2023-2024 will be as follows:

Board Officers

  • Chairman – Kyle Fickler, Director of Business Development, ProCharger
  • Incoming Chair – Melanie White, President, Hellwig Products
  • Immediate Past-Chair/Secretary – James Lawrence, Senior Consultant, Power Automedia
  • Treasurer – TBD

Board Members

  • Rich Butler – CEO, R&R Marketing Consultants
  • Lindsay Hubley – Managing Partner, Lodestone Events LLC
  • Norris Marshall – CEO, BluePrint Engines
  • Larry Montante – VP, Category Management & Marketing, Keystone Automotive Operations
  • Kim Pendergast – CEO, Magnuson Superchargers
  • Brian Reese – President & CEO, T-Sportline
  • Kathryn Reinhardt – Senior VP of Marketing and Events, Hemmings
  • Marcus Umlauff – General Manager-Truck, Toyota North America
  • Ted Wentz III – CEO, Quadratec, Inc.
  • Steve Whipple – President, PRW Industries, Inc.

Outgoing Board Members

  • Tim Martin – CEO, Aftermarket Advisors
  • Les Rudd – President/CSO, Bob Cook Sales

The entire 2023-2024 SEMA Board of Directors and outgoing Board members will be honored and recognized during the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala (formerly the SEMA Awards Gala) in Anaheim, Calif., on July 21. All SEMA members and industry professionals are invited to join the celebration by purchasing tickets at www.sema.org/gala.

House of Electronics Hosted Very Successful 2023 Dealer Show

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

MORTON GROVE, IL (05.30.23) – The House of Electronics 2023 Dealer Show took place at the company’s Morton Grove facility on Tuesday May 23rd. A massive 5000 sq ft tent was placed in the parking area with vendor booths arranged throughout the space. Lights were in place as the the event started at 6pm with the Sound Off Competition on the grounds starting at 7pm. The Dealer Show wrapped at 11pm.

Exhibitors were setup in a 5000 sq ft tent with over brands on display.

Teg Manchanda related “We had a great turnout for our show…over 50 dealers showed up, 106 people, and we had fresh street tacos made to order. Over 25 reps representing more than 40 vendors were setup under the tent banquet style to showcase the latest in their lines at our show that included had over 100 items with super show special prices. Some brands, including Kicker, Pioneer, Maxxsonics, SounDigital, Metra, Reikken, Atrend, Zapco, Race Sport Lighting, PRV, BOSS, Epsilon and Magnadyne showed their latest.”

The Sound Off Competiton drew over 20 competitors plus many customized rides along with Vanderhalls and SlingShots.

Kicker was Livin’Loud with a demo pickup outside and a booth inside. Tom Ebeling, area representative and Lori Boyer showed a wide variety of Kicker’s car, truck, marine, motorcycle and Powersports products. Boyer, Area Regional, traveled from Kicker HQ in Stillwater OK to attend the House of Electronics 2023 Dealer Show.

The KICKER demo pickup was Livin’Loud with Tom Ebeling behind the wheel.

Ebeling offered “The House Dealer show was top notch. Kicker has such a wide variety of products and it was great to show them all to dealers. The Kicker demo truck I have in the territory really opened eyes with the sound quality, under seat enclosure and custom installation. Kicker wrap is like a magnet at an event. The work on the Slingshots in the Sound Off Competition was amazing and gave many dealers ideas for business at their stores.”

Race Sport Lighting rolled out a new ATV  at the House of Electronics Dealer Show.

Armando Parra traveled from Magnadyne’s Florida office to show the latest from Silencer Car Security and Remote Start products. “The House Dealer Show was terrific. There was so much energy in the air with dealers checking out products plus the show cars, Slingshots and Vanderhalls in the Sound Off Competition were amazing” Parra relayed.

 Josh Johnson from Loud Stereo took home the 4’ Sound Off Competition winners trophy.

Maxxsonic’s Sam Dattalo was set up with a booth highlighting MB Quart and Hifonics. “We showed new MB Quart speakers with RGB lighting that really grabbed dealers attention along with the Hifonics amps and subwoofers” Dattalo stated.

Pat Szeman displayed the latest from Reikken Batteries while Ernie Hudnal highlighted the latest Atrend enclosures and Zapco offerings.

Race Sport Lighting rolled out a demo ATV that showcased the company’s latest light bars.

SlingShots and Vanderhalls faced off.

Concluding Manchanda stated “The Sound Off Competition started at 7pm in which 20 plus cars were entered to compete and the winner, Josh Johnson from Loud Stereo, took home a 4 foot trophy and a $400 credit to shop at House. All Dealers were given a free subwoofer if they met with every vendor and got signatures from the reps on a Signature Sheet we gave them when they entered. The Show ended at 11PM and we had a great day of business and a great time!”

Tom Ebeling-Tree Assoc, Armando Parra and Teg Manchanda supplied images for this feature article.

For more see…

Crossover Marketing Creates Innovative New Incentive Program for Dealers in the Pacific Northwest

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

BATTLE GROUND, WA (05.3023) – Trailblazers in the Pacific Northwest market, the
Crossover Marketing Group is thrilled to unveil their new incentive program, designed to reward
dealers who write orders consistently.

The rewards program enables buyers to amass ‘Crossover Points,’ for orders placed across all brands
sold by the Group. Buyers earn points in increments of $2,500 per order. For example, an order worth
$8,000 would garner three points.

The Crossover Marketing Group team

These points act as tickets that are then entered into a raffle for premium prizes, with winners selected
at the end of each month. Crossover Marketing will work closely with our Manufacturer partners to
create exciting prizes and shift focus on participating manufacturers in the months that they provide
support.

Essentially, the more a buyer writes in orders, the more Crossover Points they earn, increasing their
chances of winning a prize. Distributor accounts are factored at a rate of 10X (or $25,000 per point).
“Think of our new Crossover Rewards program as the perfect playlist for our loyal dealers. It’s all
about celebrating your hard work—each order you write is like a hit track, and we want to keep those
hits coming! Easy, fun, and a big ‘thank you’ from us to our dealers. With us you’re not just a
dealer—you’re a rockstar!” said Rob Sutton of Crossover Marketing.

Every month, we will randomly draw a winner from all the Crossover Points earned during that month,
then start over with all new points the next month. Monthly winners will be notified by email.

Please visit the following link for an informative video: https://tinyurl.com/xover-points.