Record Cold And Social Media Drives Business At Audio Solutions

FLORENCE MS (12.29.22) As the Christmas Holidays approached weather forecasts called for record low temperatures in much of the south. In Shreveport LA the temperature dropped to a very chilly 8 degrees.

This post was created and posted as cold temperatures and Christmas approached Florence MS.

In Florence MS, close to Jackson, those record low temperatures were also forecast. Wayne Holton, Audio Solutions owner, decided to let followers know that a remote car starter would be a great item for Christmas gift giving. He put a social media plan in place to drive sales.

Holton related “We had a good inventory Viper products and got together with my graphics contact and put together an ad that we posted a few days before Christmas. On yes, it got some good action.”

This is the text that accompanied the audio solutions post.

Once customers came into the store the Audio Solutions team let all know there were more benefits to a remote starter than just keeping their vehicle warm in the winter. We informed customers about heated seats, security and convenience feature benefits in addition to keeping their vehicles cool when the summer heat arrives.

Audio Solutions and now at home in this new ground up facility in Florence MS.

Continuing Holton related “Across the board there are so many products available in the mobile electronics category that consumers are not aware of today. Professionally created social media posts can get the message across for proactive 12volt retailers. An example is window tinting for farm tractors as agriculture is big in our area. We made a post of a completed job which led to more tinting jobs, cameras and audio jobs too.”

Farm and construction equipment is at work from sunup to sunset. Window tinting can make it cooler and possibly lead to increased productivity.

In the past year Audio Solutions completed construction of a large new facility in Florence that is definitely driving business for the company throughout the area.

See @audiosolutions49 on Instagram.

Towing & Hauling Has Never Been Easier

NOVI MI (12.29.22) – Introducing Brandmotion’s New Wireless Transparent Trailer System. The Transparent Trailer Rear Vision System from Brandmotion consists of two HD digital cameras delivering HD video to a full-width digital rearview mirror screen. This allows you to see behind your trailer at all times – not just while in reverse – and continuously monitor your truck bed and the front of the trailer.

The system provides obstruction-free rearview visibility, solving the traditional visibility problems for pickup drivers who tow. The rearmost camera is wirelessly mounted behind the trailer and easily snaps into trailers with built-in camera brackets. The second camera, cleanly integrated into the third brake light of the pickup truck, provides an unobstructed view of the vehicle’s bed and the front of the trailer. When not towing, you will have a view of the vehicle cargo bed and the blindspots behind the vehicle.

Together, these camera views – easily selectable with a touch of the high-quality rearview mirror display – eliminate blind spots. Unlike any other towing camera on the market, the Brandmotion Transparent Trailer system provides continuous visibility and utility with or without a trailer, making it a versatile and high-value option for drivers who detach and reattach their trailers regularly.

• See behind the trailer at all times – not just while in reverse – with HD-quality video. See if you’re being tailgated or a vehicle is about to pass you.

• Watch the front of the trailer through the integrated third brake light cargo bed camera. Want a quick check on your boat, camper, or horse trailer? Simply touch the bottom of the mirror to switch camera views.

• Capture excellent daily utility beyond towing by watching your pickup bed cargo at all times AND eliminating blind spots around the rear of your truck when not towing.

• Thanks to the wireless trailer camera that snaps into most existing trailer camera brackets, installation of the entire system is simple, with no hole-drilling or loss of vehicle features (professional installation recommended).

Click to select your vehicle.

Recognizing the Leaders of SBN’s All-Female Bronco Build

Since 2018, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has raised awareness of successful women in the automotive aftermarket through its ‘She Is SEMA’ campaign. Every month features a new and exciting feature spotlighting what these women do, how they landed their careers and how they continue to thrive in a male-dominated industry.

This month’s She Is SEMA spotlight is raising awareness of the 11 women who led the SBN All-Female Bronco Build to success. Coming from various industry careers, these women put in countless hours of organizing and planning to ensure each of the 127 total SBN build volunteers had a hand in the build.  

Read about each SBN build lead below to learn about who ‘She Is’:

SBN Build Leads

Cathy Clark

Clark is the president of Bob Cook Sales, SBN chair and a 14-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket industry.

Sara Morosan

Morosan is the SBN chair-elect, president of BAJA Forged and SEMA’s 2021 Person of the Year. Raised in an automotive family, Morosan has been building cars since she was 13 years old and currently volunteers with several SEMA committees and initiatives including SBN, SEMA Cares, TORA and SEMA Education.

Build Week Leads

Jennifer Petraitis

Petraitis is employed at Driven Lighting Group. Petraitis takes pride working in the automotive aftermarket, focused on being the best in automotive lighting. When she is not at work or home, you can find her at the dragstrip with a camera or lending a hand helping a radial tire car.

Kathryn Reinhardt

Reinhardt is the senior vice president of marketing and events at Hemmings, a SEMA Board member and an automotive industry veteran with a passion for marketing aftermarket parts. Reinhardt’s dedication to the automotive aftermarket includes memberships with SBN, TORA, FLN and SEMA Cares.

Parts and Sponsorship Leads

Cora Jokinen

Jokinen is the president of Toq-Masters Industries Inc. With a design, engineering and project management background, Jokinen offers consulting services for business strategy, marketing and branding in the automotive and offroad industry.

Rebeca Olavarrieta

Olavarrieta is the CEO of Roxo 4×4. Olavarrieta got involved in the automotive industry when she was 16 years old by racing 1/4-mile with her supercharged Mustang Cobra. Her company is now present in Miami, Honduras and Spain, but even her busy business schedule can’t keep her off the wheel, as she has also competed in international off-road events in Venezuela, Honduras, Panama and Germany representing her business.

Event Leads

Tiffanie Hartenstein

Hartenstein is the CEO of Oracle Lighting. Hartenstein’s approach to business includes a heavy importance on culture and people. She enjoys infusing fun into the workplace while providing new and exciting products into the industry.

Aliceje Keyburn

Keyburn is a senior graphic designer at Race Winning Brands. She has been involved in the powersports and automotive industry for almost 10 years and has been a passionate fan all her life. Uniting her passion for creativity with her love for powersports and automotive is her dream come true.

Marketing Leads

Charlene Bower

Bower is the owner of Bower Motorsports Media. Bower has worked in the off-road industry for more than 27 years between multi-line motorcycle dealerships, the magazine industry, offroad education and event and media management. Her most recent project is Ladies Offroad Network that offers education for women in the off-road space.

Mandee Bradshaw

Bradshaw is senior marketing manager for Aftermarket for Vehlo. She has spent most of her career in the automotive industry and is focused on helping shop owners get access to the technology and knowledge they need to obtain success.

Beth Brennan

Brennan is the general manager of TREAD Agency, a part of Kahn Media. Brennan has a brand marketing background and has worked in outdoor and aftermarket automotive industries. She has been involved with SEMA for more than five years and volunteers for the SBN select committee.

Volunteer Leads

Haley Keelin

Keelin is in social sales at Driven Lighting Group. Keelin is passionate about all things automotive and started her career young as her father’s professional flashlight holder. She now works with the largest brands in automotive lighting and focuses on bringing the best products available to the industry.

Melissa Parker-Boudreaux

Parker-Boudreaux is a national sales manager at ORACLE Lighting. She recently celebrated 11 years with ORACLE Lighting, where she rose through administration and sales to land the position she has today. She oversees a dynamic sales and customer service team and creates relationships with distribution accounts.

Project Manager

Sherry Kollien

Kollien is a program manager at Motor City Solutions. Prior to her current role, Kollien worked at Ford Motor Company for 30 years where she worked in the Dyno Lab performing powertrain testing and managed the SEMA Project Vehicle program and Ford/SEMA Tech transfer program. Kollien has served on the SBN and TORA select committees.

To learn more about the SBN All-Female Bronco Build, and to view a list of all 127 volunteers, visit www.sema.org/sbn-build.

The 9th Annual Audio Concepts Toys For Tots Donations Delivered Christmas Day

FRESNO CA (12.28.22) On Saturday and Christmas Day Ray Aragon and his wife Maria delivered nearly 500 toys donated at the Audio Concepts 9th Annual Toys for Tots event in Fresno on Saturday, December 17th. BassWars, IASCA, USACi and EMMA competitions took place in the lanes. Competitors,144 strong, and others attending brought toy donations for the Toys For Tots drive.

Ray Aragon is with smiling faces at the Fresno Rescue The Children facility as he delivered Toys for Tots donations.

Ray Aragon, Audio Concepts owner, related “On Saturday and Christmas day we visited 5 organizations in the Fresno area dedicated to helping unfortunate children and families. There were big smiles on faces at Angel House, Naomi’s House, Fresno Mission, Fresno County Foster and Fresno Rescue The Chuldren. This year’s Toys for Tots event was right up toward the top of our annual events. We had 476 toys donated. We thank each sound-off organization that dedicated so much time and energy for this event and worthy cause.”

Audio Concepts has 2 Crew Cab Silverados. “Maria and I carried out the boxes and set them in front of each location and let the children pick out 2 gifts a piece. It is so great to see the smiles on the faces of the children and parents” Aragon stated.

The Fresno Mission was another stop to deliver Toys for Tots donations Ray and Maria Aragon made on Christmas weekend.

Linda Kobayashi and husband Richard were once again onsite conducting action in the BassWars and EMMA lanes. “The annual Audio Concepts Toys for Tots is a well attended event involving several sound-off organizations. Attendees from all around the state are generous in giving toys for a great cause. Richard and I are grateful to work with Audio Concepts on sound-off events at their Fresno location throughout the year with the Toys for Tots event being one we look forward to doing the most each year” Linda related.

Ray Aragon with all the 476 toys donated after the Audio Concepts Toys for Tots event on December 17th.

Concluding Aragon offered “Our two biggest and most important shows each year are our annual 9/11 Show where we donate to the Wounded Warrior Foundation and the Toys for Tots event. We have now been hosting the Toys for Tots event for 9 years and it gets bigger and better every year. A huge Christmas Thank You to all for their support.”

The 9th Annual Audio Concepts Toys For Tots Event Filled Santa’s Sleigh

FRESNO, CA (12.28.22) – Audio Concepts hosted the company’s 9th Annual Toys for Tots event in Fresno on Saturday, December 17th. BassWars, IASCA, USACi and EMMA competitions took place in the lanes. Competitors and and others attending brought toy donations for the Toys For Tots drive.

Ray Aragon pictured on Monday outside his store with all the toys donated plus his store’s competition Integra.
Are area surrounding the Audio Concepts store was filled tents from BassWars, IASCA, USACi and EMMA plus competitor‘s vehicles.

Ray Aragon, Audio Concepts owner, related “This year’s Toys for Tots event was right up toward the top of our annual events. We had well 476 toys donated. All with each sound-off organization dedicated so much time and energy for this event and worthy cause. Competitors on site with BassWars, IASCA, USACi and EMMA had an opportunity to have their systems judged, show off their projects plus donate to the Toys for Tots drive. Between the four organizations we had 144 competitors on site.”

Richard Papasin under the BassWars tent with a competitor in the lane.
 Ray Pimley working with IASCA competitors under the tent.

Richard Papasin was in charge of the BassWars competition and was setup under a large BassWars tent. Papasin also orchestrated the EMMA activities and ran the lanes for Sound Pressure. Nick Adams judged SQ for EMMA.

Ray Pimley handled the IASCA lanes for Sound Pressure as Linda Kobayashi judged SQ for IASCA.

Jose Ramos monitors a USACi competitor in the lane.
Nick Adams (R) headed the EMMA Competiton at the event and is pictured with Richard Papasin who assisted in the EMMA lanes.

Jose Ramos handled all of the action in the USACi lane for Sound Pressure.

The large area connected to the Audio Concepts facility was filled with tents from each organization. The early morning fog cleared by mid morning and the sun shined on the event for the rest of the day.

Ray Aragon holds a Certificate of Appreciation with Richard Papasin sharing a light moment for a fun image.
When the event wrapped Saturday evening many who worked the event gathered for a group image with the donated toys secured in the warehouse.

“No doubt our 9th Annual Toys for Tots event was a success. My wife Maria and I will spend time on this Saturday and Sunday visiting five or six area charity organization to personally deliver the toys donated at our Audio Concepts 2022 event. For us that is such a special occasion to see the smiles on the faces of children receiving the toys. We are looking forward to our 10th Annual Toys for Tots event in 2023” Aragon concluded.

A special thanks to Linda Kobayashi supplying images and info from the 9th Annual Audio Concepts Toys for Tots event.

Visit facebook.com/Audioconceptsfresno for more.

Spy Shots: 2024 Corvette E-Ray Spied With RHD Setup

Here’s a first look at the RHD Corvette E-Ray while testing outside of GMs Milford Proving Grounds.

Back in 2021, GM confirmed that they would offer the Z06 in right hand drive following the reveal of the C8 Corvette. The Z06 is expected to be offered in the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other RHD markets. That being said, GM has been pretty quiet when it comes to the E-Ray, but our shots confirm that it will be available in the aforementioned markets.

The Corvette E-Ray is expected to mate the 6.2L V8 from the Stingray with a hybrid configuration, adding a new model to the Corvette family. Expect an official debut in early 2023 with an on-sale date in Q2 as a 2024 model.

Sony Car Audio Announces Demo Car Build Winners

12-27-2022 – Sony Car Audio has announced the winners from the Sony Mobile ES demo car build contest, which were chosen from the pool of Top 10 candidates by industry veteran judges Bryan Schmitt (Mobile Solutions), Gary Bell (Define Concepts), Paul Trueman (SiriusXM), and Chris Cook (MEA).

The winners are:

  • First Place: Xtreme Auto Sound – Louisville, KY. They receive a $5,000 credit for Sony gear at their distributor (Davis Distribution), a customized plaque, shirts and wireless noise-canceling headphones for the entire crew, and a staff dinner with their Sony Field Account Manager Mike Rundel.
  • Second Place: Absolute Electronix, Rockville, MD. They receive a $2,500 credit for Sony gear at their distributor (DAS Companies, Inc.), a customized plaque, and shirts for the entire crew.
  • Third Place: Kartele Mobile Electronics – Waterbury, CT. They receive a $2,500 credit for Sony gear at their distributor (GoFast Solutions) and a customized plaque
     

“We were overwhelmed with the high number of retailers that stepped up to be part of this contest. Each had a great example of a vehicle they can use to sell Sony Mobile ES successfully,” said Anthony Tozzi, Sony Car Audio Distribution Accounts Manager. “Our impartial, outside group of judges spent a lot of time reviewing the Top 10 candidates to make great selections with our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. We’re very proud of our retailers and the work they are capable of.”
 
Sony plans to keep retailers engaged in 2023 with new contests, some of which may be tied to new car audio products that will debut throughout the next calendar year.
 
Contact Anthony Tozzi at Anthony.Tozzi@Sony.com for more information about Sony, the Mobile ES line, or how to connect with an authorized distributor.

Don’t Wait: SEMA Board of Directors Nominations Due January 4

A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the Association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year’s election:

  • Chairman-elect (one open seat)
  • Distributor/Retailer (one open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, please include brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are
due on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola
SEMA President and CEO

WTF…Where’s The Fun…On The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 209 On Friday, January 6th

SHREVEPORT LA (12.27.22) With the Christmas and New Years Holidays falling on celebration weekends the 12volt Spin To Win Wheel 209 was postponed until January 6th to begin in year 2023. Spin-To-Win Wheel 209 will get the year 2023 off to a fast start.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 5.

A check headed to The 12volt Spin-To-Win winner on September 12th.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, JBL, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, Nakamichi and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

These JVC prizes are available as the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolls into 2023.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday January 6th. With the Christmas and New Years Holidays falling on weekends we will delay the next 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel until Friday January 6th and get Year 5 off to a very fast start with Spin 209.

Let’s Work To Finish 2022 On A High Note

SHREVEPORT LA (12.26.22) In less than a week we will say goodbye to the Year 2022. No doubt 2022 has been another year filled with continuing challenges including COVID-19 and related variants plus inflation that has impacted brick and mortar traffic. This past week, at the peak of the Christmas season, weather impacted in-store traffic and crippled holiday travel in many parts of the U.S.

The 12volt Central Studios continues to showcase positive news across the 12volt industry. Toys for Tots events during December definitely put smiles on the faces on many children. The 9th Annual Audio Concept Toys for Tots was a terrific example. During the event at the company’s Fresno location nearly 500 toys were donated during the December 17th event that was attended by 144 competitors from BassWars, IASCA, USACi and EMMA. On December 24th and Christmas Day Ray Aragon and his wife Maria visited a number of area organizations to personally deliver toys donated at the Audio Concepts Toys for Tots event.

Ray Aragon pictured with the nearly 500 toys donated at the 9th Annual Audio Concepts Toys for Tots event in Fresno CA.
Customers navigated snow covered streets to make it to Team Nutz for Christmas purchases.

The weather in Pittsburgh, as in many areas across the country, has been a real challenge for 12volt retailers. Team Nutz in Pittsburgh continued to charge forward with positive activities and social media posts right up to Christmas Day. Snow covered the city and roads. Ed Nuttall, and the crew, charged forward. The installation bay was packed and techs were on the cold floor making installs on vehicles with ice on the hoods and lights.

Long time customer Luke Heller, at the Christmas themed counter, drove 60 miles for more upgrades to his vehicle.

Companies also took time to have Christmas parties and dinners. Charles Stewart, Car Toys Tulsa, made a social media post with the crew after dinner at a local Japanese restaurant.

Toys collected for local charities are packaged in Christmas sacks and ready for pickup.

As we move into 2023, in a few short days, let’s all think about highlighting positives in our day-to-day business activities. The 12voltSTP Tool certainly makes that possible. Just Snap an image and Txt it to 318 465 0844. Presto…your positive news can be in the 12volt News.

The installation bay is filled and some techs lay on the cold, wet floor to complete jobs.

2023 will certainly begin differently for many across the 12volt industry who in the past have planned to travel to Las Vegas. CES 2023 is set for January 5-8 but definitely will not look like previous CES events from the 12volt industry perspective.

Charles Stewart, 2nd L, and the Car Toys Tulsa crew just finished a company Christmas dinner at Osaka Japanese restaurant.

The Year 2022 marked the 55th Christmas Holiday Anniversary in the 12volt industry for this old guy. Let’s finish 2022 on a high note.