SHREVEPORT LA (07.16.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Side X Side Audio won the NavAtlas prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 187 on Friday morning, July 15th.

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 187th time on Friday morning July 15th. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space and the Side X Side Audio 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 Side X Side Audio in South Charleston WV and had the pleasure of speaking with Doug Bowen. Doug was very happy to hear the news that a NavAtlas prize would be headed his way. He mentioned he had not won anything before. Doug also related the sidexside business there is on fire with many actually in parking lots.

We will contact Patrick Brooks at NavAtlas with the news. Posts on Instagram @sidexsideaudio will show all that the company is very big in the PowerSports category.

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 and USASpec. 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 and Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY.. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, July 22nd.

FLOWER MOUND TX (07.15.22) – Firstech, maker of Compustar and DroneMobile brand products, launched its new national installer training program, “myFirstech Academy”, with sessions on July 11th and 12th at the company’s new Flower Mound TX facility. The training events, for authorized dealers, included two days of intensive instruction at three different skill levels.

“We had a great first training. In the sessions we had attendees from Texas, Washington and even Alaska. While many members of our tech team were present the instruction was primarily conducted by Doug Reed” Justin Lee, Marketing Director related.

Lee continued “Early feedback has been very positive. Brandon Murphy from Audio Source in Wichita Falls TX offered: The trainings were terrific. Our 2 techs who went came back on a new level. Thank you for making it happen Justin!”

The 3 skill levels included: Level 1 – Learn how to install remote start systems and gain a deep understanding of required 12-volt electrical theory, components, and troubleshooting.
Level 2 – Take a deeper dive into Firstech remote start and security solutions, including controllers, RF, telematics, and vehicle integration.
Level 3 – For seasoned installers only. Explore advanced troubleshooting and gain experience with manual-transmission remote start, along with other complex applications.

The students at myFirstech Academy enjoyed a wide variety of learning environments over the two-day period to ensure maximum knowledge retention. The learning environments included bench trainers for understanding fundamentals of electronics, steering columns with ignition switches for start/stop simulation, wire prep and soldering practice stations (no t-taps here, please!), minimum of 3 different vehicles for full installation walkthrough plus Q+A with Firstech technical support members and networking with other industry professionals.

All myFirstech Academy training events will be instructed by members of Firstech’s award-winning technical support team. Tech support manager Wade Beebe shared, “We have crafted our trainings to meet the growing demand for hands-on, step-by-step training on remote start.”

In addition to in-person instruction, myFirstech Academy students also received free access to self-paced virtual learning materials. These materials are made available on the web and the company’s “myFirstech” app for iOS and Android.

To view upcoming events and register, go to http://www.firstechllc.com/myfirstech-academy. Events will be limited to twenty or fewer attendees. A $99 refundable deposit will be required to reserve a spot.

“Our mission is to provide practical training and knowledge that pertains to everyday real world installations”, shared myFirstech Academy instructor, Doug Reed. “In our industry, when installers get the support and training they need – everyone wins.”

The first events in July pre sold, including the sessions on July 14th and 15th

. The full calendar can be viewed here. Visit firstechllc.com for more.

REDMOND OR (07.14.22) The Overland Expo PNW 2022 took place at the Deschutes Expo in Redmond OR July 8th thru 10th. 

Overlanding is an emerging form of outdoor recreation and camping. Overlandeers utilize gear such as roof-top tents, 12volt fridges, high quality awnings, as well as ground tents, kitchen kits, air compressors, winches and recovery gear. In today’s world overlanders want to stay connected with in-vehicle products consumers utilize in their everyday lives.

Sounds Fast is an established 12volt retailer in Bend Or. With the Overland Expo Center located just 17 miles down the road Sounds Fast owners Jamie Lewis and Colin Mecey made the decision to buy a booth and set up at the Deschutes Expo Center for the organization’s inaugural presentation in Redmond.

Lewis related to the 12volt Central Studios “The Overland Expo was an amazing event. Reports have been this was the organization’s largest event to date. The number of vendors exhibiting topped 300 and attendance exceeded their estimated of 18-20,000. Candidly we did not know what to expect but see the overlanding community growing. Vacationing outside is big in Oregon so we made the decision to buy the booth. The jury is still out but we are leaning to doing it again next year. As a matter of fact we have been approached by a vendor to partner in a booth next year.”

Onsite Sounds Fast set up with 3 tents in their area. Tables with products were set up under a JL Audio tent and 2 others. The company’s side-by-side and 5 Axis product displays were spotted around the area for the Sounds Fast team to engage with attendees and provide demos.

Dan McMillan, In Phase Marketing, was on site with JL Audio. Bruce Gilsdof, Advanced Marketing, was in the house representing Race Sport Lighting. Both firms cover the Great Northwest with a lineup of 12volt products on their firm’s line cards.

McMillan related “Overlanders like music in their as they enjoy their time away from the normal city life. The Sounds Fast is a strong JL Audio dealer and the team sold JL Audio speakers and amps to a number of customers but there was a need for small footprints. No 15” subs and boxes. The event was a first time experience for me and I will definitely be back for next year.”

Gilsdorf offered “There as so many opportunities for lighting for Overlanders. Specialty lighting adds safety and is a real convenience on the road and set up at night. Lighting can also give the camp site at night a special glow on the campground. Sounds Fast has embraced the vehicle lighting category and doing well with it. My family recently moved to this area so I will definitely attend all Overland focused events in the future.

The opportunities for 12volt retailers are virtually unlimited in the growing Overlanding category. Terrific to see Sounds Fast embracing this new category of consumers.

For more see soundsfast.net and @sounds_fast

JOLIET, IL (07.13.2022) – Endless Possibilities Auto is a very proactive 12volt retailer that understands the value of exhibiting and connecting at consumer events. On Sunday, July 10th, the Endless Possibilities Auto Team made the short 20 mile trip from their Aurora location to participate at the SubieFest Midwest 2022 event at the Route 66 Raceway in Joliet IL.

Cesar Marungo, Endless Possibilities Auto owner, offered, “At the store we like Subarus. In fact 4 of us own various Subaru models. We have quite a number of customers who are happy with the upgrades we have made to their Subarus. We had great results at last year’s SubiFest so it was a no-brainer for us to get a booth this year and plan the short trip to Joliet. We loaded our vehicles with our tent, gear to display and sell at the event then hit the road Sunday. Having Alpine as a partner at the event, with Chris Reavis on site last year and again this year, was really big plus.”

The Route 66 Raceway was packed with vendors, Subaru owners and importantly a large turnout of enthusiasts on a sunny Sunday for the SubieFest Midwest 2022 event.

Continuing Marungo related “This year’s Subifest was much busier than last year. The COVID 19 restrictions have eased and people are looking to get out and enjoy events. At this year’s SubiFest we met with quite a few people who said they remembered coming by our booth last year. Just a couple weeks ago one of those folks came to the store to have a system installed so he could show it of at this year’s SubiFest. It was great to check out his ride at the Route 66 Raceway.”

“There is quite a community of Subaru owners in our area. Being able to show our demo vehicles at the event was terrific. Chris did great job showing the latest Alpine products. In addition, as the remote start season is on the way, we highlighted that category along with radar detectors and LED lighting. Through the day I think we had meaningful conversations with a couple hundred people under our tent and in our demos. We sold quite a bit of the product that we took to the show and handed out a ton of fliers and Alpine lit” Marungo added.

Reavis offered, “Cesar and Endless Possibilities Auto have had successful Alpine events in the past and it was very rewarding to be able to give back by supporting their efforts last year and again in 2022 at the SubieFest Midwest event. This is what a great business relationship is all about.”

“At Endless Possibilities Auto we are are starting to see in-store traffic and sales from SubiFest 2022. We are definitely looking forward to SubiFest 2023” Marungo concluded.

Visit endlesspossibilitiesauto.com and @endlesspossibilitiesauto for more.