See the 12voltSTP Tool at Work Across the US

Posted on February 16, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged STP.

SHREVEPORT, LA (02.17.23) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.

*Jeremy Bale, KICKER Marine National Brand Manager, shows the new KMXL speakers to Ray Lee (R) Publisher Speedboat Magazine.*

*The Wet Sounds booth was a rousing success from the opening bell Thursday morning.. the new REV12HD 12” tower speakers grabbed attention” Enrique Avalos, International Sales Manager, related.*

This weekend is very busy across the US for industry trade events and consumer events. On the trade side the Miami International Boat Show in taking place. In addition, the AIMEXPO, the largest Motorcycle and Powersports in the nation is filling the upper floor of the LVCC South Hall.

KICKER Marine Audio is showcasing the revolution tower systems, amplifiers and speakers. There will be onsite sales with KICKER dealer El Capitan Sports Center. Wet Sounds has a large booth on the event floor and is showcasing the company’s 2023 line up of marine products. Audison and Hertz are demoing the company’s marine products in 4 boats outside at the Venetian Marine dock.

*Hertz demos took place on multiple boats dockside” Rob Osheaski, Echo Sales, relayed.*

*The RPM Team-John Gray, Scott Hochmuth and Joe Stellmack (LTOR)-by the JBL/ Infinity booth after setup at the AIMEXPO.*

Harman is a 12volt company with a presence on the AIMEXPO highlighting the new JBL RallyBar Series and Kappa Perfect Harley Davidson Kits,

On the consumer show side the Pittsburgh International Auto Show will fill the David Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh February 17th through 20th. In Tulsa the Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Show will fill the Tulsa Expo Center.

*Team Nutz will show a wide selection of demo vehicles as well as paint and body protection plus graphics.*

*This overhead shot shows the Car Toys Tulsa booth an a portion of the event floor at the Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Show in the Tulsa Expo Center.*

Team Nutz, with Ed Nuttall and a crew of 10, have set up a 6,500 sq ft booth at the Pittsburgh Auto Show and anticipate an event that will be attended by 30,000 over the event’s 4-day run. At the Darryl Starbird event Car Toys Tulsa has a large booth set up with a Sony ES Contest Prius, a Harley fully loaded with a full Rockford system with 8 mids and two 10’ subs plus a Chance Rotert S10 with a Rockford system. Code Zero Customs is set up under a tent spotlighting displays plus a classic Chevrolet pickup and aTeam BACCO pickup.

There will be much more to come next week as coverage of the above events will be expanded.

*The Code Zero Customs booth is filled with displays and flanked with demo vehicles.*

The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever for industry members and companies to showcase 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.

Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 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.

Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

Register Now for All-New 2023 Honda Civic Type R Measuring Session

Posted on February 16, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (02.17.23) – In partnership with Honda, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a measuring session for the all-new ’23 Honda Civic Type R, to be held February 28–March 2.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle’s public release.

This event will include a ’23 Honda Civic Type R equipped with:

A 2.0L Turbo: 315 hp and 310 lb.-ft.
Limited-slip differential
13.8-in. front rotors and 12-in. rear rotors
6MT with rev-matching
Weighted aluminum shift knob
Adaptive dampers
Four drive modes, including Comfort, Sport, +R and a new Individual mode
19-in. alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
LED headlights and taillights
Rear spoiler
Exhaust system features a straight through design and active exhaust valve
Honda Sensing
Type R-exclusive red racing seats and carpet
10.2-in. configurable digital instrument cluster
9-in. color touchscreen with navigation
LogR Performance Datalogger
12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless charging
Sirius XM satellite radio
Active sound control

Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage and will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited. Please only register for one attendee per member company, and a follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.

Click here for event registration details.

SEMA: Post-Pandemic Workforce Trends

Posted on February 16, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (02.17.23) – If anything, The Great Resignation is teaching us that finding and keeping “right-fit” talent is harder than we could have imagined. Hiring managers and recruiters find themselves negotiating a realm of developing benefits like flexible work arrangements, philanthropy and even mental well-being.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to attracting talent,” says executive Angelia Pelham. “Every industry is struggling to find right-fit talent, and every industry is struggling to figure out how to retain this talent.”

And she should know: For more than three decades, Pelham has held upper-management and vice president positions in manufacturing, human resources and sales at giants like PepsiCo Frito-Lay, Yum! Brands, CineMark Holdings and Dave & Buster’s. In addition, she is the Mayor Pro Tem of Frisco, Texas, and founder and CEO of the executive coaching and mentoring firm Real-Talk (www.real-talkcoaching4women.com). “I’ve been around when it comes to talent,” she says. “I cut my teeth on what it takes to attract and retain in any industry.”

At last November’s SEMA Show, Pelham presented “Proven Strategies to Recruit and Retain Top Talent,” a seminar designed to help employers build their talent game. In her presentation—now available as a SEMA Education on-demand video—she explained how best-in-class companies use flexibility, compensation, engagement initiatives, and cultural factors to make their organizations compelling places to work.

“The smaller the organization, the more critical it is for you to have right-fit talent,” she said. “When organizations like Disney and Pepsi lack talent in one area, chances are they can absorb that missing head count until they can fill the job. When you are in a smaller organization, every head counts. And when you have one person or two people that are missing, you feel it every day.”

Pelham recommended appealing to prospective employees with the single most important component to a company’s presence in the community: reputation.

Click to continue reading this article by Chris Shelton on sema.org

Real Marine is KICKER’s Message at the Miami International Boat Show

Posted on February 15, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Kicker, MIBS.

STILLWATER, OK (02.16.23) – KICKER rolls into the Miami International Boat Show 2023 with revolutionary tower systems, amplifiers and speakers. The show is located at the Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin, running from February 15-19.

KICKER’s booth will be located in the Convention Center, number MB6065. KICKER Marine products will also be available for purchase on-site at authorized dealer El Capitan Sports Center, located at booth MB3508.

Phil White (R), Director of Marine Audio at KICKER, enjoyed informing the marine media on the new KICKER Marine Audio KMXL speakers in the booth at the Miami International Boat Show after set up on Wednesday, February 15th. The event runs through February 19th.
**Image supplied by: PR Power, Marilyn DeMartini**

KICKER Real Marine means boaters can have confidence and peace of mind when it comes to their audio systems. Real Marine gear undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets or exceeds marine industry standards for UV exposure and humidity and saltwater exposure. All KICKER Marine Speakers are weather-proof thanks to KICKER’s Real Marine standards. KICKER Marine Power Amplifiers are developed from the ground up by KICKER engineers as authentic, element-battling marine amplifiers, with key moisture-deterring features. KICKER Marine Wiring and Accessories set the brand apart from others – all ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council) and USCG (U.S. Coast Guard) compliant, including certified MRBF fusing and fuse holders.

KICKER’s new KMXL HLCD Coaxial Speakers will be featured in the booth. These horn-loaded speakers build upon the success of the KMTC and KMFC Horn-Loaded Tower Systems, widely recognized in the marine industry as the new standard in HLCD (horn-loaded compression-driver) tower-speaker design. This makeup gives the KMXL Series a sonic performance that is incredibly smooth and easy to listen to, even at extremely high volumes.

The revolutionary KMTC and KMFC 11-inch HLCD Tower Systems will also be on display. Another industry first is its specialized mating socket, which allows for easy removal and re-attachment of the speaker at the end of the cruise, all without removing a single wire from the speaker.

Visit www.kicker.com and www.miamiboatshow.com for more.

Tint World Expands Houston-Area Service with New Webster Store

Posted on February 15, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Tint World.

FORT WORTH, TX (02.16.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of its new location in Webster, Texas.

Tint World Houston-Webster, owned by John Anhalt, offers drivers throughout Webster and the Southeast Houston area with premium automotive aftermarket performance and style accessories and services, including the industry’s most reliable window-tinting solutions.

*John Anhalt, Webster store owner, pictured behind the sales counter.*

“Tint World® delivers ultra-premium service and industry-leading value for drivers in any category,” Anhalt said. “We offer a comprehensive range of products for automobile owners throughout our growing region, from window tint, paint protection film, and Nano ceramic coatings to audio and electronics, performance upgrades, and safety and security technology. In addition, customers can trust that our trained team of professionals will provide the highest level of customer experience and satisfaction.”

Tint World Houston-Webster, located at 1424 W. NASA Parkway, Webster, Texas 77598, serves Webster, Houston, serves Texas Gulf Coast, Clear Lake, Seabrook, Kemah, Friendswood, Nassan Bay, Pearland, Deer Park, and Galveston.

Fort Worth, Arlington, Westover Hills, White Settlement, Burleson, Aledo, Cleburne, Crowley, Primrose, and River Oaks. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store, call (281) 378-6888 or visit tintworld.com/locations/tx/houston-webster-036.

“John and his team are passionately committed to drives in the Webster community,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They’ve demonstrated that Tint World’s proven franchise system and processes can help Tint World owners get off to a fast start and deliver results that make us stand apart from our competitors.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

Elettromedia USA Announces Rep of the Year Awards for Audison and Hertz

Posted on February 15, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged elettromedia.

IRVINE, CA (02.16.23) – Elettromedia-USA manufacturer of premium electronics and speaker systems for the automotive, marine, and motorsports aftermarket, announced its rep awards for the East, Central, and Western regions as well as their top award – Rep of the Year at their recent sales meeting, held at Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant in Las Vegas on February 2, 2023.

Rep Firms of the Year

Rep of the Year: AVR / The Progressive Group Southeast

East Coast Rep of the Year: MAG Sales / The Progressive Group Florida

Central Region Rep of the Year: Echo Sales

West Coast Rep Firm of the Year: Santa Fe Innovative Marketing

“We are blessed to work with such a talented group of Reps said Rob Wempe, VP of Elettromedia-USA. This year’s award winners not only expanded their markets but were able to grow their business throughout 2022. Even when faced with growing inflation, slowing economy and higher inventory levels, these rep firms continued to perform.”

Award recipients were chosen by EM-USA senior management based on their sales, marketing, and customer service performance in 2022.

Visit elettromedia.com for more.

AAMP Global Announces Alex Camara to Leave the Company and Remain an Investor

Posted on February 14, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

CLEARWATER, FL (02.15.23) – AAMP Global announced today that Alex Camara will be leaving his position as EVP, AAMP Global & President, AudioControl to pursue new opportunities, effective March 1, 2023. Camara will remain a shareholder in AAMP Global and an observer to the company’s board of directors.

Camara acquired AudioControl in 2013, advancing the company to become one of the most trusted and relied-upon suppliers in both the professionally installed home entertainment and 12-volt automotive aftermarket channels. Under Camara’s leadership, AudioControl consistently experienced double-digit growth while simultaneously garnering numerous awards for design innovation, product quality, and outstanding customer service.

AAMP Global acquired AudioControl in April 2022 with the goal of leveraging numerous market and operating synergies between the two businesses. In the past year, Camara has worked with the AudioControl and AAMP Global teams to help integrate and drive the 12-volt business, while also leading AudioControl’s residential and commercial audio business.

“We are delighted with our acquisition of AudioControl,” said Scott Forst, CEO of AAMP Global. “The synergy between the two businesses is strengthening our market position and has helped us identify a number of exciting growth opportunities across both the automotive and residential businesses.”

“It has been an amazing ten-year period growing the AudioControl brand, building an incredible team, and delighting our loyal partners and customers with products and innovations beyond their expectations,” said Camara. “I am incredibly proud of the AudioControl team and what we have achieved together, and the impact we have had in our industry. Following our successful acquisition by AAMP, it is now an appropriate time for me to allow others to exercise their leadership skills and for me to pursue other interests, while remaining active in my role as an observer to the board and investor at AAMP Global.”

Visit www.aampglobal.com for more.

Elettromedia-USA Announces the Sponsorship in the Clean Wire Challenge at MasterTech Expo 2023

Posted on February 14, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged MasterTech Expo.

IRVINE, CA (02.15.23) – Elettromedia-USA announces sponsorship in the Clean Wire Challenge (CWC) at the MasterTech Expo 2023. The challenge will take place on Monday March 6 and Tuesday March 7, 2023, during the exhibit hours of the event, 12:30PM-4:30PM each day.

The Clean Wire Challenge is a completely new skills contest for MasterTech Expo 2023. The contest’s purpose is to allow participating technicians and wiring gurus to demonstrate their best in wire management skills and compete for the honor and glory of being the Clean Wire Challenge winner!

Elettromedia-USA will provide three systems for the participants to use during the competition. The three systems are: an Audison system comprised of two amplifiers – a 4-channel amplifier and a mono amplifier.

A second system utilizing an Audison 5-channel amplifier and an Audison DSP signal processor and a third system comprised of a Hertz 5-channel amplifier and A Hertz DSP signal processor. All three systems will include our Connection SFD 41 C solid machined brass, AFS fused, power wire distribution system.

There are eight competitors in total. Six from the USA and two from Canada. There are also two alternates selected in the event one of the initial eight competitors fails to meet the participation criteria.

Dean Beyett and Fernando Lopez of 5 Star Car Stereo are the organizers and select the initial participants. The winner will be chosen by MasterTech Expo attendees on the last day and will be announced at the closing ceremony.

“We are excited to participate in this new competition” stated Rob Wempe, VP of Elettromedia-USA. “We think this competition will help to raise the bar for professional installation standards within our industry”.

About Elettromedia USA: Elettromedia USA is the exclusive US importer for Audison and Hertz mobile audio products and is exhibiting at MasterTech Expo 2023 outside in Booths 21 & 22.

Visit www.elettromedia.com for more.

DEI Adds New VP of Sales & Marketing

Posted on February 14, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Design Engineering.

AVON LAKE, OH (02.15.23) – Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI) is excited to announce the addition of Brad Bricker to its sales team.

As the new Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Bricker will manage the inside sales team focused on DEI’s automotive aftermarket products, as well as work with automotive aftermarket representatives, outside representatives in the RV and Powersports groups, and DEI’s marketing and product development teams.

Bricker brings nearly 30 years of sales, marketing and management experience for automotive equipment and accessory manufacturers. He has a wealth of experience in automotive sales and product development, combining a servant leader mindset with a track record of growing sales and a focus on building relationships. Bricker said he looks forward to joining DEI, with its family-centric culture and reputation for excellence.

“The company treats their employees like family and everyone that works here genuinely cares about the welfare of the company and in providing the best products and service to their customers,” Bricker said, adding that the brand is well-liked and respected by everyone from consumers to fellow manufacturers. “The company philosophy is all about doing the right thing, being customer centric, and taking the time to have some fun along the way.”

A native of the Columbus, Ohio, area, Bricker will return to his home state after spending the last 28 years in Boulder, Colorado. He has two sons, ages 21 and 25, and when not at work he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, vacationing on the beach and spending time with his Pitbull mix, Lolo.

He is excited to be part of DEI and its commitment to providing innovative thermal and sound solutions for its customers. New product development is vital for automotive aftermarket companies, and DEI has made that work a priority.

“The future at DEI is bright,” said Tom Miller of DEI. “The company remains committed to listening to the needs of our consumers and distributors so we can continue to lead the field in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of quality new products and adding Bricker to our team will continue DEI in this direction.”

Visit designengineering.com for more.

The12VoltDashboard at KnowledgeFest Vegas 2023

Posted on February 13, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged KnowledgeFest.

LAS VEGAS, NV (02.14.23) – The 12vdashboard team was busy busy busy at Knowledgefest Vegas! Free Demos, Flashlights, Pens, Mousepads and T-Shirts were given to new member signups at the show along with show specials made for a great turn out in the booth.

The12vdashboard has over 16,000 vehicles in its database with over 5 million datapoints. The team adds vehicle specific products to the vehicles as well as speaker sizes with locations, ANC mic information, OEM amp locations, and other tips, tricks and handy information all needed at sales counters across the country to quote a vehicle correctly and quickly in todays fast paced 12volt stores.

The12vdashboard is a subscription based lookup tool for industry sales professionals. With all the new fitments, direct vehicle integrations, and vehicle specific products for todays vehicles: it is near impossible for sales teams to remember every single solution for every vehicle on the road. New products and solutions are being introduced every month making it even more difficult for a sales team to keep up with. The12vdashboard team does the research and displays it in an easy to navigate online tool for your team.

*TJ Kolar answering questions for this group of attendees in a Vegas about the 12voltdashboard information available to dealers.*

The12vdashboard team has more integration ideas and tools they are introducing in Q1 2023 as well. Look for Laser File download sharing between professionals and more in our latest release!

Special Thanks to Midstate Distribution as they were on hand as the sole distribution partner for the12vdashboard.com with Tom Kolar, and TJ Kolar giving free demos and enrolling new members.