STILLWATER, OK (06.24.22) – KICKER has announced the promotion of Jacob Luckey to its group of global product-training specialists, known to the brand’s dealer base as the Tech Force.
“Following an extensive interview process, we invited Jacob to join the Tech Force and will begin his training duties on July 15,” said Aaron Malin, Tech Force Global Training Manager.
Jacob Luckey
Prior to his promotion, Luckey has been a vital member of the KICKER Consumer Technical Support team for the last three years. During that time while learning KICKER’s vast product offerings, he also worked to earn MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professional) certification. Luckey began at Stillwater Designs, the manufacturer of KICKER products, in 2016 and has held duties in various departments prior to landing the Consumer Tech Support position.
Luckey becomes the fourth member of the KICKER Tech Force, a team that’s responsible for educating KICKER dealers and installers about KICKER audio products through live appearances, recorded video and live digital streaming.
RAPID CITY, SD (06.24.22) – Design Engineering, Inc. welcomes Matthew Botos as its new Lead Engineer and Designer.
Botos joined the team on May 10, with his main role focused on designing new products and improving current products. He brings extensive experience in mechanical engineering, computer aided design, computer-numerical control (CNC) machining and information technology.
After 16 years owning his own company, Botos Design & Distribution, Botos is excited to be part of DEI’s work to design and engineer products that solve problems across a multitude of industries.
Matthew Botos
“The sky is the limit for companies like DEI who have the foresight and flexibility to adapt in an ever-changing world,” Botos said.
“It’s great to have Matt on the Team, and we’re thrilled to work with him on developing new products” Mike Buca, Product Manager of DEI said.
He has a passion for designing new products and bringing them to market, and is bringing that enthusiasm and experience to continue DEI’s commitment to providing customers with the highest-quality heat and sound insulation products on the market. “Working at DEI is a perfect fit for my passions,” he said.
An Ohio native, Botos was born and raised in Grafton, and was the 1991 Ohio State Pole Vault Champion. In his free time, he enjoys motocross and anything CNC.
BOCA RATON, FL (06.23.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has been ranked no. 162 in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Global Franchise list for 2022.
The recognition follows the fast-growing franchise’s eighth consecutive appearance in Entrepreneur’s highly competitive Franchise 500 earlier this year. Tint World also appeared in Entrepreneur’s 2021 Top Global Franchise rankings.
“The Tint World family is passionately committed to growth, both in the United States and internationally,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “This important industry ranking demonstrates that our franchisees and our franchise support team members are working hard to deliver the best automotive styling experience to customers around the world.”
Entrepreneur determines its global rankings based on a formula similar to the one used for the Franchise 500. However, in the global ranking, international size and growth are weighed more heavily. Other evaluation criteria include costs and fees, franchisee support, brand strength and financial strength and stability.
FREEPORT, NY (06.23.22) – KENWOOD USA began shipping the STZ-RF200WD Integrated Dual Camera Recording System in December of 2021. Since that time motorcycle and motorsports enthusiasts have been utilizing this stealth solution to simultaneously record in both the front and rear of their vehicle in full HD 1920 and 1080 resolution.
Vik Moolchandani with the KENWOOD Motorsports display and product in the Avenue Sound Freeport NY store.
Avenue Sound, with stores in Freeport and Patchogue NY, quickly brought this new product into their inventory. Vik Moolchandani, for Avenue Sound related “The KENWOOD STZ-RF200WD was a product that was definitely needed in the marketplace. Soon after learning about the product we placed our order. I how have one installed on my Kawasaki bike and my Jet-Ski. Morris Hartman, from Big Daddy’s, let us know about the in-store product display for the STZ-RF200WD and we have one of the free-standing displays in both our stores. The displays draw attention to the product category.”
Moolchandani points to the KENWOOD Motorsports system camera mounted on the handles of his Kawasaki outside the store.
Continuing, Moolchandani stated, “These working displays are great for making product sales presentations and demos since the Kenwood STZ-RF200Wd motorsports action camera system is fully functional on the display. Kenwood had a program for the displays and we are happy we have the displays in our stores to drive sales.”
The KENWOOD USA motorsports-grade STZ-RF200WD Integrated Dual Camera Recording System has a MAP of $399.95.
Motorcycle and motorsports enthusiasts now have a stealth solution to simultaneously record in both the front and rear of their vehicle in FULL HD 1920 x 1080 resolution. The STZ-RF200WD consists of 2 externally-mounted cameras, a control switch, and a GPS antenna, all carrying an IP66/67 rating, meaning that they can resist high-pressure, heavy sprays of water and are fully sealed against dust entry. The “brain” of the system is an IP55 rated hide-a-way control box, meaning that it is protected against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets. The control box would typically mount underneath a seat or in another covered location in most motorcycles, side-by-sides/UTV’s, ATV’s and more. When additional length beyond each camera’s 6.6 ft. cable is needed, optional camera extension cables in lengths of 3.3 ft. (STZ-RFCC100, MAP $34.95), 9 ft. (STZ-RFCC300, MAP $49.95), and 16 ft. (STZ-RFCC500, MAP $64.95) can be added.
The STZ-RF200WD’s compact cameras come in at just under 1” in size for ease of installation and a stealthy look, all without compromising recording quality or their wide viewing angle of 195°. High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology is implemented to ensure the image is clearly defined in all lighting conditions day and night. They also feature Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), which creates a smooth and clear video by reducing blurring caused by vibration.
With its Auto On/Off recording functionality, the STZ-RF200WD’s built-in GPS records speed, latitude, and longitude whenever the system is active. It’s also equipped with a 3-axis G-Sensor and adjustable sensitivity, which is designed to detect a collision and store that event in a dedicated folder. Its built-in Super Capacitor provides enough backup supply to ensure that even if the system’s power is lost, the recorded video file will save correctly and not become corrupted.
Users have two methods to access recorded videos. They can install the KENWOOD Motorsports CAM App on their iOS or Android device, then connect via a localized Wi-Fi network by pressing and holding the STZ-RF200WD’s control switch for 3 seconds and continuing to follow their device connection prompts. Once connected, this method enables users to visually adjust each camera’s field of view, adjust all system settings and review all recorded files. Upon reviewing, each file can be downloaded directly to the user’s device for easy file sharing. Alternatively, the included 32GB microSD card (upgradeable to 256GB) can be manually removed from the control box, allowing users to open the files from their PC or Mac using the KENWOOD Motorsports CAM viewer desktop software. This viewing software expands upon the app’s reviewing capabilities, including map data and speedometer display.
“From protection in case of insurance fraud to capturing beautiful road, backroad, and water scenery, motorcycle and motorsports enthusiasts have long demanded a high-quality dashboard camera-type recording solution. This product is more than just safety, it allows you to capture and share your epic adventures with your friends and family,” said Mike Roberts, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for KENWOOD USA’s car electronics sector. “Our team of engineers has truly delivered on this challenge and we are thrilled to be continuing to fulfill our mission of expanding our motorsports presence.”
For detailed information on specific features for each product, please view their respective product pages at www.kenwood.com/usa/car.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.23.22) – The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the first time almost 4 years ago. With each spin there is a happy 12volt retailer receiving a prize from a top company in the 12volt industry. Dealers that follow the 12volt News on Instagram or #12voltspin have their store’s slip placed in the jar.
The Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner 183 on June 17th, Maximumts in Manville NJ, will be receiving their prize via FedEx this week. We know they will enjoy the Kenwood Qi Wireless charging mount.
ZierBox won the 12volt News $100 prize on June 10th…Spin-To-Win 182. We reached out by Instagram message several times requesting an address to send the check with no reply. Hope we can reach Todd in the Dallas area to get the check in the mail.
Still waiting to hear back with address info to send this winner’s check for Wheel 182.
We received a nice voicemail from 12voltOutfitters letting us know they received their $100 winners check for Spin-To-Win 179.
The crew from 740 Audio in Athens OH sent an in-shop image of the DS18 components prize for their for Spin-To-Win 178.
Received a nice voicemail ‘Thank You 12volt” from Joshua after he received his winner’s check.
12volt brands on the 12volt-Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, JVC, Alphasonik, DS18, JBL, PowerBass, USA Spec, KENWOOD, AIS, SiriusXM, CRUX and NavAtlas. There are 12volt News spaces on the Wheel and we love sending winners a $100 check in the mail.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel was created to have some fun across the 12volt industry and rolls each Friday morning. That day we contact the winning 12volt retailers, post an image of the winning dealer’s slip along with a video of the spin.
The DS18 Spin-To-Win prize in the shop at 740 Audio in Athens OH.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.22.22) – Updates to the SEMA Industry Awards reflect changes in the automotive specialty-equipment industry and give winners greater recognition for their contributions.
As e-commerce expands and data-driven transactions become more routine, the SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year award has evolved and is rebranded as the new Channel Partner of the Year award. This award honors the contributions of sales, distributors, retailers, and e-commerce channel(s) in the industry, while still continuing to recognize beneficial efforts by distribution companies as they support retailers.
The SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, held Tuesday morning, November 1, before the start of the 2022 SEMA Show, will honor the Best New Products at the SEMA Show and recognize the Manufacturer of the Year and the new Channel Partner of the Year.
The Channel Partner of the Year award, along with the Manufacturer of the Year award, will be presented for the first time at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday morning, November 1, before the SEMA Show officially opens. Previously known as the New Products Awards Breakfast, the morning event on the first day of the Show makes it possible for winners to promote the honor while the industry is gathered in Las Vegas, and makes it easy for the industry to connect and honor the winners all week long.
Other industry awards, including the SEMA Person of the Year and GEN-III Innovator of the Year, will be presented at the Thursday evening SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet. Nominations for all four awards are now being accepted at www.sema.org/awards.
“The SEMA Industry Awards represent the industry, and as the industry evolves, we’re pleased to be able to evolve the awards as well,” said Chris Standifer, SEMA Project Manager of Recognition Programs. “We’re also excited to recognize the valuable contributions of leading companies at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast for the first time this year. As businesses connect throughout the week of the Show, it will be great for winning companies to be able to be recognized in Las Vegas.”
Nominating an individual or business for a SEMA Industry Award is the best way to show appreciation for one’s significant and positive impact on the specialty-equipment market. Submit a nomination by July 15 at www.sema.org/awards.
TAMPA, FL (06.22.22) – DOW Technologies, the leading independently owned technology distributor, announced today the launch of their Price Match Guarantee. The program continues DOW’s commitment to innovate new programs that provide customers the best value in distribution.
DOW’s Price Match Guarantee ensures that dealers can get the best price in the market while also taking advantage of DOW’s free shipping program, Smart Ship. DOW will match the price on identical products sold by authorized distributors within the same territory the customer is located. The guarantee covers all physical products in each of DOW’s areas of business.
“Our goal is to add value for our customers through innovative programs and policies- offering the best price and best service from a single source saves them time and money” stated president & ceo John Yodzis. “This program adds to the enhancements we’ve rolled out over the past year that make purchasing and shipping easier for a business owner to manage.”
“This new program gives us an opportunity to take price issues out of the equation,” added senior vice president Dave Elkin. “At DOW, we’ve always competed using our great customer service and knowledgeable sales team, and now we have another tool to prove our value to customers.”
To learn more about DOW Technologies, please visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900.
SHREVEPORT, LA (06.22.22) – 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.
The images below show Vik Moolchandani with in-store displays in the Avenue Sound Freeport NY Location. Larry Chijner and Bryan Huston prepping for the Steel Valley Regional XI. Marshall Woolford in the KICKER booth at K-Fest Orlando with Dynamic Sales rep Bruno Maffucci. The Alphasonik set up at the Florida Truck Meet in Homestead FL. Joe Zelano-Elite Audio in the Sony booth at K-Fest with Koi Takahiro. Steve Rogers and Ken Wiseman in the new Lucas Lighting booth at K-Fest Orlando.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s 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.
On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry. To see over 500 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.
SANFORD, ME (06.21.22) – Since Sanford Sound opened in 1995, with Jack Bogard behind the wheel, the company has proactively worked to connect with consumers by hosting events in the store, in the store’s parking lot and grounds plus at off-site events. Today, Sanford Sound is the established store for audio… in-vehicle, Powersports, marine and motorcycles. Home AV and office applications are also on the menu.
Jack Bogard in the Sanford Sound showroom with branded sunglass on and holding one of the cups that were given out at the concert events.
The Pirate Beach Band on stage as Tonya Pickering (L) with Jack Bogard‘s daughters Alissa and Ashley in front of the stage.
Sanford, ME is a town of just over 22,000. Over the past 25+ years the Sanford Sound has stretched well beyond the towns borders.
Owner Jack Bogard, family and the dedicated Sanford Sound Team, are always working to put the company name in front of the community. In just the last 2 weeks Sanford Sound has organized and presented 2 offsite concerts and a sound-off event on site at the company’s new location that is just 15 over months old.
Attendees enjoyed the Pirate Beach Band’s tribute performance.
Another sign of the first class production by Sanford Sound.
On Saturday night June 11th, The Pirate Beach Band presented a tribute show highlighting Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown hits at The Runway at PCC venue. The Collie Buddz band performed Raggae style at an event a few days later. At each venue Sanford Sound was set up so attendees entered by the company’s booth with tables filled with giveaways including branded cups and sunglasses. Attendance at the first concert was just shy of 400 and topped 250 at the second event.
Branded cups and sunglasses on the table with the Collie Buddz Band performing reggae style on stage in the background.
Set ups happened in the afternoons prior to the evening events.
“The events were awesome as there was so much energy in the air. There was a lot of socializing and getting my brand out there. Think we will sell a big motorcycle system to a fellow who drove 2 1/2 hours down from Augusta for the first event,” Bogard related.
On Saturday June 17th Sanford Sound hosted a dB Drag and NADBL contest on the store grounds with nearly 80 competitors. “The weather was perfect and the high SPL was 167.9. Other than a few noise complaints from neighbors everyone had a great time,” Bogard concluded.
On the Sanford Sound’s grounds this shot shows unique sound off competitors‘ vehicles up front and more in the background.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.21.22) – Automotive aftermarket engineers and program developers are invited to a first-ever event designed to help them advance their companies and learn about industry technology.
Below are highlights of the N.E.R.D. Symposium taking place at the new SEMA Garage Detroit facility, August 16–19:
Engineer and Service Provider Meetings As technology evolves, the tools and resources to help engineers develop products faster, more accurately and cost-effectively has increased. Engineers will be able to meet and sit down in quality one-on-one meetings with product and service providers, to learn about the resources available and how they are relevant to their individual businesses. Nowhere else will engineers and service providers be able to connect in so many high-quality conversations about the latest offerings for 3-D printing, CNC or CMM equipment, testing labs for ADAS, emissions, the suspension lifecycle and more.
In-Depth Education Hear from industry experts as they share the latest developments about topics such as ADAS and vehicle technology. From the latest research to the newest innovations, you’ll learn important information that will help you develop products that will succeed in the marketplace.
Peer-to-Peer Networking Meet and connect with other engineers who share common concerns and challenges. Get to know one another over complimentary breakfast and lunch on Wednesday and Thursday of the event.
SEMA Garage Detroit Private Tour With access to OEM-quality equipment and procedures, the SEMA Garage in Detroit makes it possible for product developers to troubleshoot software/hardware obstacles as well as dynamic testing in conjunction with local facilities. Engineers will be able to see first-hand the capabilities of the SEMA Garage in Detroit, and discover how the facility is the first-of-its-kind to assist with compliance with ADAS features, emissions requirements and complex vehicle technology, as they tour the new facility during the official Grand Opening celebration.
Engineers, programmers, product developers and product and service providers interested in attending the event can learn more and register here by July 22.
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