SHREVEPORT, LA (12.11.22) – The 2022 Holiday Season is here and Christmas lights, along with with Toys For Tots events, in-store decorations and parties, are in full swing. The 12volt Central Studios works to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. Santa has taken a seat in the 12volt Chevy Studios Chevy and is on the road to highlight Holiday activities.
Toys For Tots events show support for, and contribute to, local communities. The 2022 Holiday Season marks the 75th Anniversary of the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
This past Saturday there was a stop at Ricky Smith’s Audio in Lafayette LA. Each year the crew decorates the store and participates in the Santa Sleigh Ride conducted by the South College Center where the company is located. Additionally Ricky Smith Audio partners with the LA Jeepers Club that hosts a Toys For Tots event in the shopping center parking lot in front of the store. Alan utilized the 12volt STP Tool and supplied images for this article…@rickysmithsaudio.
The Holiday Season is an ideal opportunity for members across the 12volt industry to showcase positives by utilizing the 12voltSTP tool. We look forward to seeing your activities in the 12volt Central Studios.
POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ (12.12.22) – “After over 36 years in the mobile electronics industry and nearly 17 years in business as your representatives, Dominick Jr. and I have decided to exit the industry and explore the next chapters of our lives effective January 1st 2023” Dominic Butta Sr shared with business partners and friends across the 12volt industry on December 1st.
Continuing “It has been our pleasure to work with each of you throughout our time in the industry. We are extremely thankful for your many years of support and for those friendships that we developed and look forward to continuing. Please share this announcement with your teams and contact us if there any questions. Each of our vendors will soon announce their territory management plans, so stay tuned for that information.”
Focused Marketing Solutions brands in the Metro NY/NY and Mid Atlantic have included Alpine, JL Audio, Scosche, Elettromedia, Epsilon and Omega.
For more information, contact Dominic Butta Sr via email at dbutta@fmsusa.com
SHREVEPORT LA (12.10.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Certified Kustoms won the SiriusXM prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 207 on Friday morning, December 9th.
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 4.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 207th time on Friday morning December 9th. The Wheel landed on the SiriusXM space and the certified_kustomsllc slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to with a phone to call and let them know the good news. Jazz Fields was very happy to learn he can be looking forward to receiving a SiriusXM SXV300 tuner prize at the store in Memphis TN.
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.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA and Smart Audio on Lawrence MA.……Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday December 16th.
LAWTON, OK (12.09.22) – High On The Hog is a company based in Lawton OK that offers helicopter hog hunting in southwest Oklahoma. Owner Travis Craig is a retired US Army helicopter combat pilot who offers hunters the opportunity to hunt wild hogs from his MD600N 7 passenger helicopter.
The High On The Hog helicopter takes off on the test flight with the new Kenwood Motorsports system.
Craig related “Feral hogs live in the wild and plague farmers, wildlife and the environment. I saw a way for hunters to go after these wild hogs and launched the High On The Hog company. Most hunts in my helicopter last just a couple hours so I was thinking of ways my clients could extend their rides with videos. In talking with a friend in retail he told me about the Kenwood Motorsports camera and gave me the contact to Marcus Vasconcellos who just happens to live and office right in Lawton. We discussed the concept and set a plan to do it.”
The Kenwood STZ-RF200WD installed in the cabin.
Marcos Vasconcellos during a camera test from the cockpit.
“As far as I know this was the first installation of a Kenwood STZ-RF200WD on a helicopter or aviation. I do a lot of riding on my bike and capture the experiences with the Kenwood camera. I immediately saw how hog hunters could extent their experience flying low over southwest Oklahoma and taking out a wild hog” Marcus, a Kenwood Specialist, related.
These hunters will be able to relive their High On The Hog experience.
Continuing, Marcus added “The actual installation was completed on Friday December 2nd. The installation went very smoothly as there was not the customization required in a vehicle interior. The control unit was mounted in the cabin and we placed one camera to capture images on the ground and the other to show passengers in the cabin. The helicopter runs on 24volts so we used an adaptor to get to 12volts for the Kenwood STZ-RF200WD. Travis has related that after just a few flights all is working as we had planned.”
The High On The Hog helicopter has participated in high school aviation classes.
“Once the trip from a hunt is complete I can supply digital files to my clients. I think many will show fellow hunters and friends. With the holiday season here we planning flights to see, and record, outdoor Christmas lights in cities and towns around Lawton. A big thank you Kenwood for the great camera system and to Marcus for working on this High On The Hog project” Craig concluded.
RICHMOND, VA (12.09.22) – Rep-Corps Inc. is launching their in-house designed dealer ordering system, in development for the past few years. Built on a modern backbone on cloud infrastructure, streamlined and optimized for Mobile, Tablet, and Desktop access, with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Square processing integrated from the start. They expect their new dealer-oriented system to set the benchmark for ordering platforms in the industry.
One of the design goals was streamlining the process for Just-In-Time ordering, thanks to their agreement with German Maestro to offer 3-Day international free freight at only a $500 threshold to the continental U.S. and Canada. This allows retailers to prioritize ordering exactly what their clients need, as an alternative to the traditional model of pressuring retailers to stock thousands of dollars worth of product that may end up not being exactly what is needed for a given client, especially in the high-end space where system designs are sometimes completely bespoke.
With the example from the German Maestro line of mixing a’la carte [YWC] parts with standard kits, or using the YWC parts entirely to build custom sets that are not currently available, an example of such being ordering a pair of flat 8” subwoofers with passive crossovers and tweeters from the standard 8” EPIC line kit to make an ultra shallow kit for depth constrained large driver installations, or forgoing passive crossovers entirely and using active processing to instead combine their flat drivers with the higher end Status or M-line mid driver and tweeter options, the system allows easy sorting and access to these truly custom solutions for the modern high-end retailer. Especially with new lines to be added in the near future with similar customization options.
One unique feature of the system is integrated “Progressive Web App” [PWA] functions, which is a modern standard that allows a website to be “installed” to your device, and function as if it were a native app. As a result, the ordering portal can be saved to your Phone or Tablet’s home screen/app drawer for faster and easier access [It can also be saved as a traditional bookmark if the user desires]. Helping to ensure items are placed in their cart to be ordered immediately instead of having to wait to use a desktop/laptop computer as is the case with many existing systems that are designed without mobile use in mind.
Ultimately, the platform’s design goals are meant to address the issues that the founders of Rep-corps believe that many current industry B2B ordering systems have, coming from their experience of operating a storefront in the retail space. The system is designed to be a B2B experience in line what is expected from modern consumer-facing E-commerce platforms, and what they believe dealers need but has been largely unaddressed – systems that are fast, secure, and easy to use with suggestions and criticism encouraged instead of ignored.
Contact Ken or Logan Strzepka at 804-277-4141 or Sales@Rep-Corps.com to inquire about joining their growing network of retailers.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.09.22) – Following the debut of the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN) Professional Development Program (PDP) in early 2022, the network will again host the event in 2023. Aspiring leaders and those who want to sharpen their leadership and communication skills are invited to apply for the two-day conference, which is being offered at a significant cost savings.
Sponsored by FLN in partnership with the world-renown Dale Carnegie Training, the program fee is $1,600 direct from Dale Carnegie. Through the FLN, the fee is only $800 and includes complimentary meals and rooms for two days.
“We held the first PDP in 2022 and it was a massive success with a 100% instructor approval rating from all participants,” said FLN Chair Nick Caloroso. “We’re excited to offer the program for a second year and help our future leaders build upon their skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.”
The program will help participants:
Communicate professionally and confidently in business situations. Engage others by building rapport, asking pertinent questions and listening. Build relationships and deal effectively with people in a multitude of scenarios. Gain cooperation and influence people, including direct reports, laterally and upward. Use emotional controls to sustain success. “Reflecting on my experience in Diamond Bar for my first-ever FLN Professional Development Program, I am more than excited about the knowledge that I was able to absorb along with the lifetime of friendships I was able to walk away with,” said Kia Aghai of WARN Industries. “The instructors instilled excitement within the group with their teaching style, which in turn allowed all of us to be extremely open and vocal about our experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.”
Aspiring leaders and those who want to sharpen their leadership and communication skills are invited to apply for the two-day conference, which is being offered at a significant cost savings.
The program is limited to 25 FLN members. (Anyone age 39 and under who works for a SEMA-member company can join FLN at no cost.)
STOCKTON, CA (12.08.22) – During the week of December 5th RPM and Wet Sounds are on the road with a 3-stop training swing in Northern Cal. Carl Campbell, Wet Sounds National Trainer, along with the RPM Team members Scott Baughman and Brent Fujii scheduled 3 dealer product trainings… set for Livermore, Fresno and Rancho Cordova.
Scott Baughman (R) and Brent Fujii from RPM flank Wet Sounds’ Carl Campbell before the Tuesday night training in Livermore CA.
The trainings are designed for the entire shop covering both sales and technical information. Attendees will see first hand the new Wet Sounds REV HD product, Zero Speakers and the Stealth Series Sound Bars.
The first training session was Tuesday night at the Cattlemens in Livermore CA. Cattlemens is a venue that offers dining and private meeting space that was ideal for the Wet Sounds training. Over 25 were seated as Campbell covered the Wet Sounds lineup with a selection of products displayed on a table for dealers to check out firsthand.
Carl Campbell conducting the Wet Sounds training for over 25 seated at Cattlemens.
RPM Principal Scott Baughman related “Dealers in our territory see Wet Sounds as their go to line for top quality marine sales. At Cattlemens the new REV HD10’ and 12” Tower speakers drew a lot of interest along with the new ZERO 6” and 8” coaxial speakers.”
Campbell related “In our training sessions we cover products but also marine system design and best practices plus provide an opportunity to answer technical questions for attendees. Some free stuff will also be available.”
A selection of Wet Sounds products were on display for a hands-on experience.
The Wednesday, December 7th was on the schedule at Dave and Busters in Fresno. The Thursday December 8th training, at Wake Audio in Rancho Cordova, will provide attendees with an opportunity to experience LIVE demos of some custom high-end marine installations.
The sessions are set 6 pm til 9 pm. Trainings to start a 6:30 with dinner about 7pm.
During travel between the training stops the team makes dealer visits along the route where possible.
RAPID CITY, SD (12.08.22) – The Design Engineering Inc.’s Booth at PRI this year features a cool Trans Am Series racecar, built by Pancho Weaver from Weaver Racing Concepts.
The Boris Said racecar includes several DEI heat control solutions from DEI’s Heat Screen, Floor and Tunnel Shield, Reflect-a-Cool, Titanium Exhaust Wrap & more. The Trams Am series Dodge Challenger will be on display at DEI’s PRI Booth (#301).
SEATTLE, WA (12.08.22) – The 9th Annual PNWCEE is set for May 15-17 at the Hilton Doubletree Suites at South Center near the Seattle Airport.
Mark Giovannetti and Dan McMilan, who spearhead the event related, “Learning from Factory Trainers in Educational Classes and industry peers is an opportunity to experience the newest Solutions, Technology and Award-Winning Products from Leading manufacturers. We look forward once again to seeing members from the 12volt industry in Seattle.”
Free registration for all Dealers, their Salespeople & Technicians starting December 15.
MIDLAND, MI (12.07.22) – A Mount Pleasant couple is donating more than $2 million worth of classic automobiles to support Northwood University and The Northwood Idea.
Michael and Dianne Morey have pledged 35 vehicles from their automotive collection in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
“We are incredibly grateful to Michael and Dianne for this extraordinary gift, which will be used to enhance our Midland campus, create scholarship opportunities, and build the university’s endowment for future students,” stated Northwood President Kent MacDonald.
A portion of the Morey Collection.
MacDonald noted the Morey’s family story is one of success from hard work — which is the epitome of what Northwood strives to instill in its students, and what its alumni exhibit daily in their respective fields.
The Morey’s story dates back to 1983, when they believed they could build a wood chipper better than anyone else. Mike left his job, invested in a small workshop, and with six employees and a small operating budget, built the Model 100 Brush Bandit, a 12-inch capacity disc-style chipper.
In 1987, based on the success of the Brush Bandit, Bandit Industries was created, and Dianne actively joined the company.
Bandit designed and launched the world’s first self-propelled track whole tree chipper in 1990 and continues to lead this industry segment. Bandit operates a network of more than 180 dealer locations worldwide.
Michael Morey is pictured with a portion of the Morey Collection.
In 2018, the Morey’s announced they would sell 100% of the company to their 462 employees in an employee stock ownership plan. This came after the company entertained two offers to sell from private firms.
“We realized neither was a good fit for Bandit, so we made the decision to sell to our trusted employees,” Dianne Morey told the Morning Sun in 2018.
The company now has 725 employees.
“The Morey’s are stellar examples of how ingenuity, persistence and dedication pave the way for success in a free-market society,” stated Justin Marshall, chief development and engagement officer for Northwood University.
The Morey family will transfer the vehicle titles to Northwood University prior to the close of this calendar year. By June 30, 2023, Northwood University will liquidate The Morey Collection with Mecum Auctions in a no-reserve auction.
The preference is for The Morey Collection to be auctioned at Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction on Jan. 6.
“The cars have been a large part of our lives, and each tells a story,” the Moreys said in a statement. “It’s time for these cars to write a new chapter, and support young men and women who want to work hard, build something of their own, and positively influence the communities they call home. Northwood University is a special place, filled with wonderful students, and we are thrilled to support their mission.”
Not all the cars will be auctioned off, as Northwood University will retain a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette to display on campus.
“We are very pleased to showcase this classic Corvette on campus as a reminder of the Morey’s generosity and American innovation, while using the vehicle throughout the year to support our mission to develop future leaders of global economic and social progress,” Marshall stated.
Northwood University will utilize up to $1,000,000 of the cash proceeds to enhance the campus experience and build upon recent campus improvements dedicated earlier this year in May.
The remaining proceeds will be used to build a scholarship and endowment fund supporting Northwood University’s free-enterprise mission.
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