From the 12volt Central Studios we want to say “Happy Labor Day 2022 to all across the 12volt industry”.
This first Monday of September Federal Holiday honors all who work day-in and day-out to get the job done for the continuing success of their company.
Thinking back over my personal 60 plus years in the workforce I know it’s not always fun or easy. The uncertainties in the world today certainly don’t make it any easier!
Please recharge a bit on Labor Day and let’s all contribute to the overall success of the 12volt industry going forward into the future.
SHREVEPORT LA (09.03.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Tint World Wilmington won the Nakamichi Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 194 on Friday morning, September 2nd.
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 194th time on Friday morning September 2nd. The Wheel landed on the Nakamichi space and the Tint World Wilmington 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 Tint World Wilmington (DE) and gave them the news a Nakamichi prize will be headed their way. Greg Parker was very happy to hear the news.
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, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, JBL, Massive Audio, Kenwood, JVC, USASpec and Nakamichi. 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 and Tint and Sound in Frederick MD. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, September 9th.
WASHINGTON, DC (09.02.22) – NHRA Top Fuel champion and superstar Antron Brown will testify before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee as it considers passage of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, in Washington, D.C.
Brown – a professional NHRA driver-team owner who has won three Top Fuel Championships – began his racing career about 40 years ago by modifying street-legal motorcycles into dedicated race motorcycles. Today, this ability to compete in modified street-legal vehicles is at risk. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft ruling in 2015 stating that it is not legal to convert production vehicles into dedicated race vehicles. Although the ruling was never finalized, the EPA maintains its position that such conversions are not legal and continues to enforce against the production and sale of high-performance parts.
Antron Brown, NHRA Top Fuel Champion
“The RPM Act is essential to the racing community, particularly for grassroots racers who are just getting started,” said Brown. “It’s imperative that we protect the ability for young men and women to be able to compete at the track. The RPM Act will give racers the assurance they need to continue this American tradition.”
Most of America’s 100,000-plus racers began competing in modified street vehicles. It is a cost-effective way to get started in motorsports. Passage of the RPM Act would enshrine in Federal law the right to modify street vehicles into dedicated race vehicles, thereby giving the racing community the certainty it needs to continue a long-standing practice without fear of EPA enforcement.
“Passage of the RPM Act will bring clarity to grassroots racers and businesses that manufacture, sell, and distribute motorsports parts,” said Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the trade association representing the automotive aftermarket that is pushing for passage of the RPM Act. “We’re grateful to the elected officials who strongly support and advocate for Congress to pass the RPM Act. The industry has been in limbo and in a state of uncertainty for far too long; it’s time to pass the RPM Act!”
Brown’s testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will showcase the positive impact of racing. He will be joined by his sons Adler and Anson, who compete in NHRA’s Junior Drag Racing Series, and his wife Billie Jo. Antron will share details about his family’s personal journey in motorsports, which includes four generations of Brown family members competing on the track.
“I owe a lot to motorsports; there are many great lessons that come from racing,” said Brown. “I’m urging Congress to help protect motorsports and ensure that it remains a viable pastime for all Americans by passing the RPM Act.”
HOUSTON, TX (09.02.22) – Houston-based Synergy Marketing Agency, with David Toliver literally behind the wheel, was on the K’Fest event floor with his company’s Avalanche demo vehicle. The custom vehicle build was a collaboration with retailer Ultimate Innovations in Kemah, TX.
David Toliver pictured on the K’Fest show floor in Big D highlighting the Morel brand that is featured in the Synergy Marketing Avalanche demo truck.
“Dallas K’Fest was a huge success for Synergy Marketing and our vendor partners…Morel, Lucas, Dynamat, Rydeen, Musway, MTX and Audiomobile. Dealers who attended were very engaged and actively looking for unique high end performance lines and solutions that are exclusive and unique. Everyone was blown away with the Ultimate Innovations install and even more impressed after hearing it” Toliver related.
The custom installation completed by Ultimate Innovations in the Avalanche truly a work of art.
Eli Kunzat offered “Seeing our Ultimate Innovations work on the floor being appreciated by fellow retailers at K’Fest was terrific. Their positive comments were greatly appreciated.
Audiomobile speakers featured in the Avalanche displayed in the booth.
The Car Audio Shop in Austin TX was one of the first early August dealer stops for Toliver in his demo vehicle loaded with brands on his rep firm’s line card. Store owner David Gabriel related “It was super when David rolled up in the Avalanche. We are a Morel dealer and the system in the truck sounds great. Also, the workmanship on the system is terrific and will give other retailers ideas for their installations.”
Look for the Synergy Marketing Avalanche in the states of TX, OK, AR, MS and LA. The brands on the Synergy Marketing Agency line card include Audiomobile, Dynamat, Gemini Acoustics, Lucas Lighting, Morel, MTX Audio, Musway, Polk, Rhino BOX, Rydeen, Reikken, Energie SQL Audio and TRU Technologies,
LEXINGTON, KY (09.02.22) – Audio Authority is pleased to announce the promotion of Delilah Durrum to Operations Manager at their Lexington, Kentucky headquarters.
A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Delilah moved to Lexington, Kentucky as a child. Her professional background includes 25 years of electronics manufacturing experience. Beginning as a production associate, she has been promoted throughout her career to roles of increasing responsibility including Product Engineer, Project Manager, and Program Manager. Delilah has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (with Marketing) from Sullivan University, and joined Audio Authority in 2018.
Delilah is married and has one son. She enjoys the outdoors, boating, gardening, traveling and spending time with her family.
OCEAN CITY, MD (09.01.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. attended the 2022 Ocean City Jeep Week in Ocean City, MD from Thursday, August 25 to Saturday, August 27 where they showcased exciting new vehicle-specific products designed uniquely for the Jeep driver.
The expansive Alpine booth set up as the gates opened on Day 1.
Alpine retailer, Proline Car Stereo from Brooklyn NY, partnered with Alpine and provided onsite sales and installations over the 3-Day event. The Alpine Event Truck and Trailer were open to visitors who wanted to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology, all from the comfort of the air conditioned lounge area located in the trailer.
Members of the Alpine and Proline Car Stereo teams gathered for an image at OC Jeep Week.
The Proline Car Stereo Team consisted of 25 people with 11 installation techs and a shop foreman plus sales staff along with Proline Management staff Will Sullivan, Shef Sadik and Guytano Savino.
Victoria showing the large Proline Car Stereo banner on the Ryder truck that was packed with Alpine products, tools and supplies for sales and installations.
Sadik offered “Partnering with Alpine at OC Jeep Week was amazing. Our team of 25 made the 260 mile trip from Brooklyn in several vehicles and stayed in rental B&B’s. A large Ryder truck was packed with Jeep specific products and installation accessories plus tools and supplies. We have participated with Alpine previously at successful Jeep beach events and were prepared. On the Ryder truck we had a Proline banner that was probably 18’x10’ drawing attention to the booth. Everything worked out so well with strong sales and and installations with many Jeepers headed home enjoying their new Alpine systems we sold and installed. Working on site with Alpine staff members Roy Meyer, Eric Brooks and Colin Vargo was a real pleasure for Will and myself. We look forward to more in 2023 and Alpine puts their brand in front of consumers.”
Installations underway under Alpine tents.
Featuring the latest in Jeep-specific dash and sound system offerings from Alpine, a 2018 Jeep Wrangler was on-site for product demonstrations so attendees could experience the new High-Resolution i509-WRA-JL with a High-Definition, Weather-Resistant 9-inch screen and wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The i509-WRA-JL was intentionally designed with the Jeep driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep interior and retain the features Jeep drivers use the most. High-Resolution Audio Playback (96kHz/24Bit) can stream music from popular Hi-Res streaming platforms or directly from a smartphone for incredible music detail and high-precision music reproduction.
Members of the crowd check out Alpine products.
To demonstrate the head unit integration capabilities, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler also features a premium night vision DVR-C320R Dash Camera with built-in drive assist and impact recording. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier featured in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.
Proline tents added bay space for installation.
Alpine’s 2015 Jeep Wrangler was also on-site with similar Jeep-specific solutions designed for older Jeep Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.
“Switchback,” Alpine’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator, was also on-site with a custom truck bed build that features 40 motorized Bluetooth speakers that articulate for optimal sound positioning, and a tailgate designed to look like an early Alpine stereo, complete with a large, functional volume knob and six classic “Alpine green” buttons on the faceplate to control the automation.
Alpine also provided three Turn1 AD-SPK1 Portable Bluetooth Speakers for the Ocean City Jeep Week raffle. Each Ocean City Jeep Week event participant received two raffle tickets in their registration packet, with winners announced Thursday and Friday after the Show & Shine event and mid-day Saturday from the main event stage.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.01.22) – Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.
Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.
“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”
Anticipation for this year’s SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.
“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.
Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.
“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.
Click the image to view the floorplan
Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.
For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
Adrian Manrique pictured entering the office in Grayslake, IL.
GRAYSLAKE, IL (09.01.22) – Adrian Manrique has joined the Echo Sales and Distribution Team as the firm’s inside sales rep. Adrian brings over 18 years of installation experience and vast product knowledge of Alpine, Aquatic AV, Hertz, VOXX, Metra and everything in between.
“I’m looking forward to supporting ECHO dealers, getting out into the field and maintaining strength in the territory plus growing relationships with our dealers,” Manrique related.
The new ECHO Sales and Distribution location in Grayslake, IL.
“Adrian’s dedication to bringing dealers the newest and best technology in the field earned him ‘Top 20 Sales Professional in 2018,’” Rob Osheaski related.
ECHO Sales represents number of top brands for a wide variety of car audio, marine audio, powersports, automotive audio/video integration, car alarms, remote car starters plus installation tools. In addition ECHO Sales offers cold weather outerwear for powersports and motorcycles along with helmets.
ECHO Sales covers the states of IL, WI, IN, KY, MN, ND and SD.
CHARLEROI, PA (08.31.22) – Todd Ramsey and Ed Nuttall paid a return visit to the Mon Valley Career and Technical Center in Charleroi PA on Monday morning, August 29th. Previously Ramsey and Nuttall visited the Mon Valley facility in March of this year as part of the SEMA High School Auto Shop Build Program.
Todd Ramsey and Nuttall (R) addressing the shop class at 8 AM, Monday August 29th, the first day of the Fall Semester.
“Ramsey related “Ed and I felt after that visit it would be terrific to make a return visit to the school. The program, with Instructor Chris Mance, is terrific as students follow their automotive interests. Time in class and the school shop prepares students careers in the automotive aftermarket industry once they complete their studies. Ed and I worked our schedules to match up when I would be in the area from my Phoenix home. Monday, August 29th was the date that worked.”
Tom Ramsey gives the Mon Valley CTC SEMA High School Build a well-deserved thumbs up.
“Todd and Ed met with the A.M. students on opening day of our semester and shared the wisdom they have learned from working in the automotive industry as successful business owners. Ramsey with Ramsey Consulting and Nuttall as the owner of very successful Pittsburg-based retailer Team Nutz. We finished off the visit by doing a demonstration of the Team Nutz custom built Ford competition and show vehicle. Our students even went home with some new Team Nutz promotional swag. We thank them so much” Mance related.
Students check out the loaded custom Team Nutz demo and show vehicle.
“It’s essential for local businesses in the automotive aftermarket, like Team Nutz, to get out to engage with high school or early college automotive programs in their community. The next group of technicians are going to be in those programs and making the connection early and often is important to filling those labor shortages all 12volt retailers are experiencing today” Ramsey offered.
Ed Nuttall drove the Team Nutz demo and show vehicle down to the Mon Valley Career Center meeting from Pittsburg.
Nuttall relayed “It was great to get in front of the shop students their first day of the fall semester. We handed out a bunch of swag and talked to the students about careers in the automotive aftermarket. We, as an industry, really need to get ahold of other trade schools like Mon Valley and do the same. Mon Valley is a hour drive from Pittsburg and there are certainly other schools closer.”
Team Nutz participates at various Pittsburg Automobile Shows in the downtown convention center and connects with many students from area high schools.
The 12volt industry is very fortunate to have members like Todd Ramsey and Ed Nuttall that contribute to the long term success of the industry.
AVON LAKE, OH (08.31.22) – Design Engineering, Inc. will serve as a primary and class sponsor of the 29th annual IDRC Shootout presented by Buschur’s, LLC this fall.
Billed as the “World’s Greatest DSM/EVO Event,” the Shootout will feature drag racing, autocross and Max Effort combination competitions, plus a pre-event Poker Run. Now in its 29th year, the event is set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.
“We’re looking forward to some great action at this year’s ENEOS 2022 IDRC Shootout Presented by Buschur’s,” said Will Farkas, Social Media & Sponsorship Coordinator of DEI. “A later starting date this year should mean cooler temperatures and faster times throughout the weekend.”
DEI’s performance heat and sound control products offer drag racers a competitive edge through cooler operating temperatures and thermal containment—particularly in tight engine compartments and under the body of sport compacts and other smaller competition vehicles.
For more information about DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.
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