Sam Porter Joins Eleven Engineering as Operations Manager

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

EDMONTON, ALBERTA (05.19.22) – Eleven Engineering, Inc. is proud to announce the addition of Sam Porter as Operations Manager.

“Sam’s unique and broad work experience lends the perfect balance of focus between systems management and wireless audio,” said Rex Whitehead, Eleven Engineering executive vice president, sales & marketing. “As operations manager, Sam will coordinate efforts and goals between our teams as well as provide valuable oversight on quality and consistency by diligently building and refining our systems and processes. We’re excited to welcome Sam to our fast-paced, innovation-driven team.”

After several years of study at the University of Alberta, majoring in Performance Arts, Sam left to pursue a wireless audio startup venture, whose products featured Eleven Engineering’s SKAA technology. Throughout the subsequent years, she has served in many roles including procurement, manufacturing management, quality control, supply chain management, and logistics.

“I like to dub myself as a ‘Swiss-Army Knife’ of operations as I am well equipped to solve complex problems in an efficient and effective manner,” said Porter. “Eleven Engineering has terrific teams in place and everyone is very goal oriented, and so I am looking forward to jumping in and helping solve everyday challenges and helping keep our teams functioning as best as possible.”

SKAA is the new wireless HiFi audio standard developed by Eleven Engineering, Inc. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack. SKAA is also available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products, which are featured at SKAA.com. In environments laden with heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic, SKAA navigates through these hostile environments with best-in-class reliability. SKAA also allows for uninterrupted audio signals which are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.

For more information, please contact Rex Whitehead at 480-650-3979 or email whitehead@eleveneng.com, and please visit  www.elevenengineering.com, www.SKAA.com, SKAA wireless YouTube channel, and Facebook.

Design Engineering Releases GM Classic Truck-Specific Insulation Kits

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

AVON LAKE, OH (05.19.22) – Specific truck models have specific heat and sound control issues. Get the right solution for your classic pickup with DEI Interior Insulation Kits that are custom-cut for 1973-’87 Chevrolet/GMC regular-cab truck models.

“Design Engineering, Inc. is leading the way with the most advanced thermal acoustic kits for vehicle-specific applications,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Using a combination of our proven 2mm damping material and Under Carpet Lite, we offer an effective and affordable solution to unwanted heat and noise in easy-to-install, pre-cut, vehicle-specific kits.”

Square-body 1973-’87 Chevy/GMC pickups are favorites among restorers and hobbyists, offering a classic look and plenty of customization options. Big engine swaps often result in increased sound and heat levels in the cab, prompting the need for quality kits that keep occupants cool and comfortable.

Pre-cut, peel-and-stick Damping Kits eliminate unwanted engine and road noise while reducing vibrations. Pair them with a custom cut Floor Insulation Kit featuring DEI’s Under Carpet Lite for total interior protection. Includes detailed instructions showing where to place damping material and insulation.

Each piece is CNC-cut for a precise fit and simple installation on floors, and firewalls. Choose from Insulation and Damping Kits that fit low or high transmission humps in 1973-’87 Chevrolet/GMC regular-cab builds:

Floor Damping Kit for low hump (# 50018)
Floor Insulation Kit for low hump (# 50019)
Floor Insulation for high hump (# 50026)
Floor Damping Kit for high hump (# 50027)

The economical insulating solutions deliver a comfortable interior in any weather conditions and enhance stereo sound and performance. Do away with annoying road, tire, and exhaust noise for an improved driving experience.

For more information about custom-cut Interior Insulation Kits for 1973-’87 Chevrolet/GMC regular-cab pickups and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

The R&D Distributing ‘Rock The House’ 2022 Tour Rocked In Grand Rapids

Posted on by in Featured.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (05.18.22) – The 2022 R&D Distributing ‘Rock The House’ 6-City Tour rocked in Grand Rapids Tuesday, May 17th.

For R&D Distributing Al Congdon related “The show was well attended with solid dealer traffic from open to close. The 12volt seminars were well attended also with dealers seeming to be anxious to learn about new products. All in all the Grand Rapids ‘Rock the House’ was an excellent event.”

The R&D Rock the House reel post on Instagram, by the Digital Marketing team, grabbed attention.
Kenwood’s Tim Hill got the morning sessions underway with a session spotlighting the new STZ Motorsports Camera product.

“Everyone at R&D continues to be so excited to have our ‘Rock The House’ events back and running after a two year COVID hiatus. The Kansas City event really got the 2022 tour off to a great start. Salt Lake City, Denver and now Grand Rapids kept the house rockin’. Going forward the staffs are ready for Detroit to cap the first 5 stops on the 6-City 2022 Tour. The deals at all locations, as always, have been unbeatable. We look forward to a great event in Detroit, Thursday May 19th” Al Congdon concluded.

R&D staff and Auto Dynamix crew members set to load their order. Auto Dynamix traveled the 60 miles from Kalamazoo for the event.
Metra showed a wide selection of products from their expansive lineup.

Nina Contreras related “SiriusXM really has had a lot to talk about with dealers at each tour stop. The SiriusXM SXV300V1, that attaches to the aftermarket SiriusXM ready headunits, has had a lot of interest at the stops.  Our new online Training Portal sessions have been well attended by dealers across the US plus the new SiriusXM products for truckers is getting traction in the marketplace.” Contreras is the Western Retail representative for SiriusXM.

Shelves were well stocked with specials for dealers.
After spending time during the event dealers were hungry for a great burger.

The remaining R&D Rock the House events are Detroit May 19th and Arizona October 6th.

Dealers attending each event benefit from attending a R&D Distributing Rock the House 2022 Tour stop.

Visit teamprogressive.com for more.

A 12volt News hat’s off to Mark Todd and Jason Dubie for supplying Grand Rapids event images.

Celsus Appoints CMS for Kicker Marine in Dorset

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

POOLE, UK (05.18.22) – CELSUS UK, distributor for KICKER AUDIO Marine products in Europe, has announced their choice of Complete Marine Solutions (CMS) as authorized regional installer for Dorset. CMS will service the south coast UK region, including some of the most affluent coastline in the British Isles, ensuring boat owner’s confidence in system design, installation and tuning.

KICKER Marine is designed to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience season after season. Engineering excellence, rigorous testing and high-quality components combine to provide the best value premium performance marine audio on the market. The range provides complete end-to-end audio system solutions for external areas on all types of watercraft.

Pictured: L-R Dan Wootton, Tim Lees, Paul Baker & Neil Phillips

Established in 2016, CMS is a company founded by boat enthusiasts for boat enthusiasts. Committed to providing the best possible customer experience and outstanding value for a wide range of boating-related services including maintenance, electrics, entertainment system and much more. The company’s reputation in the local market make them the perfect partner for Celsus UK & Kicker Marine.

Commenting on their appointment Paul Baker, Celsus UK Managing Director, said, “I am excited about working closely with CMS to develop the Kicker brand in our local area. Marine audio is an essential part the boating lifestyle and I am confident the enthusiasm and expertise found in Neil and his team matches well with the quality of Kicker Marine Audio.”

Neil Phillips, Managing Director – Complete Marine Solutions Ltd added, “We are proud to partner with Celsus and Kicker Marine becoming their authorised local installer. This area is a mecca for boat owners and our knowledgeable team are well positioned to help create an amazing sounding audio system for any style or size of boat. We welcome the chance to demonstrate the products to you at our premises in Poole.”

David Glasgow, International Sales Manager, related “Celsus UK is a very strong KICKER partner on the Continent. We have worked marine events together, prior to COVID 19, and they are always at the top of their game.”

The KICKER marine range of source units, speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and accessories are gaining a powerful reputation for quality performance and value since their introduction to the European market in 2018. CMS join a growing and dedicated network in Europe.

For more info, visit celsusice.co.uk, completemarinesolutions.co.uk and kickeruk.com

Metra Electronics to Host Manufacturer Training Sessions at KnowledgeFest

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

ORLANDO, FL (05.18.22) – Metra Electronics is heading to Orlando, FL to host new training sessions at KnowledgeFest and showcase their latest aftermarket installation products. At the booth will also be a 2001 Honda S2000 built by Ata Ehdaivand from Absolute Electronix in Derwood, MD, customized with Metra products. Metra’s training sessions will cover new products launched at The 2021 SEMA Show. This includes new Axxessintegration products and DSPs, Saddle Tramplighting and audio upgrades that fit Harley-Davidson, aftermarket accessories that fit Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, and new vehicle lighting solutions from Heise. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers at the event, hosted June 10-12. Training sessions include:

“Simplify your Install with Axxess DSPs” on Friday, June 10 at 1:45 PM and Sunday, June 12 at 9:30 AM

This training will cover the entire Axxess DSP product line, highlight new vehicle coverage, and showcase the newest app features. Metra will show installers how these solutions can increase sales in the showroom and decrease time in the bay. Attendees will learn how to use and set up Axxess DSPs through the app for complete tuning control and when to use the DSP “Lite” versus “X” solutions. This training will also explain how to use the different types of applications offered within the AXDSP line, including CAN-based systems, new A2B systems, MOST25, and MOST50 vehicle technology.

“New Accessories for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator” on Friday, June 10 at 3:00 PM

Installers will learn how to upgrade the look and sound system of the latest Jeep models using Metra’s newest accessories designed for JeepWrangler JL and Gladiator JT models. This session will go over installing the new Metra RGB lighting kit with plug-n-play connections and expandable Heise lighting options. It will also showcase Metra’s new Talon Attack replacement grille, amplifier installation kits, and new accessory harnesses that make adding aftermarket lighting even easier for installers.

“New Saddle Tramp Audio Upgrades for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles” on Saturday, June 11 at 4:15 PM

Metra makes it easy to upgrade the audio system in Harley-Davidson motorcycles with Saddle Tramp’s newest products. Learn more about the new DSP kits with a built-in interface that reflashes the OE radio and gives installers full tuning control from the palm of their hand. This session will also introduce the new motorcycle accessories from Metra that will upgrade the music experience and provide easy integration using Metra’s improved radio replacement kits and harnessing.

“New Vehicle Lighting Trends with Heise” on Saturday, June 11 at 5:30 PM

Lighting upgrades are in demand and Metra’s newest products from Heise deliver just what installers need to meet the latest trends in automotive lighting. Learn about the new and improved Heise lightbars and cube lights, projector series LED bulbs, new wheel lights, RGB and RGBW underglow kits, and the popular third brake light designed for the new 2021 Ford Bronco. This training session includes valuable tips for selling and installing these new LED lighting solutions from Heise.

“Advanced Integration Made Easy with Axxess and Metra” on Sunday, June 12 at 10:45 AM

Attendees will learn about the newest solutions from Axxess and Metra that make vehicle integration easy, even with some of the notoriously complex vehicle systems. This training session gives in-depth installation information for Metra’s new AXPIO integration kits for Pioneer receivers, Metra’s latest TurboTouch dash kits, and new Axxess interfaces hitting the market.

Metra’s customers can register for the KnowledgeFest event at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Once registered for the event, attendees will also need to register online at KnowledgeFest.org for each training session they will attend. Metra will be at booth #1001 from June 10-12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

See additional details about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), at KnowledgeFest.org.

SoundSkins Introduces Real Performance Marketing in Southeast and Mid-Atlantic

Posted on by in Featured and tagged , .

CERRITOS, CA/BUFORD, GA (05.17.22) – SoundSkins is excited to announce that the company has started working with a new rep group for the southeastern area of the United States – Real Performance Marketing! The SoundSkins team looks forward to working with RPM due to the their team’s extensive experience, being multifaceted in different categories within the mobile audio industry.

Scott Hochmuth pictured in his Buford office with a SoundSkins vehicle-specific kit… ready to hit the road.

Real Performance Marketing firm Principal Scott Hochmuth related “A few of us have sold sound deadening products before and the market is crowded with options and more than a few audio brands are offering their own versions… When we did some research and looked into the quality of the [SoundSkins] product, spoke to some VERY enthusiastic current dealers, and most of all – saw the selection of vehicle-specific kits they offer – we were SOLD!

We are excited to offer our best dealers the SoundSkins line of sound-enhancing products.” – The RPM Team

The RPM pictured a recent 3-Day company retreat.

RPM represents lines like Wet Sounds, Arc Audio, Audiofrog, Aunex, MB Quart, MTX and Carbine as well as several well-known PowerSports lines in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic areas.

Visit soundskinsglobal.com and norcalrpm.com for more.

Experience the New PowerBass Portable Bluetooth Speakers

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

ONTARIO, CA (05.17.22) – What better way to enjoy your favorite tunes when you are not in your car than with our new BT-200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This portable speaker has dual built in 1500 man Li-ion batteries for hours of play while at the beach, camping, at home, or even at a party. Recharge the unit with the supplied dual USB-A to USB-C charge cord and let the music play!

The PowerBass BT-200 SPLIT takes TWS True Wireless Stereo to a new level when you remove the rubber bumper protector and SPLIT your BT-200 into two speakers. Place them across the room or on each side of your pool or anywhere within 30 feet to completely surround yourself and your friends with our new modular stereo sound.

The BT-200 PowerBass SPLIT is bluetooth ready and will pair with most bluetooth devices such as iPhone, iPod, android and the likes.

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

Trent Partners Adds James Winning

Posted on by in Industry.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY (05.17.22) – Trent Partners & Associates has hired James Winning to be an Account Executive for the New England market.

James comes to us with a wealth of technical experience being an installer and product specialist/trainer with Directed. Having worked a lot with James in the past I feel he has the pedigree to become an amazing manufacturer representative.

James will be working closely with Matt Herald in the New England Market. James can be reached via email jwinning@trentpartners.com.

Visit www.trentpartners.com for more.

The R&D Distributing ‘Rock The House’ Tour Rocked in Denver

Posted on by in Featured.

DENVER, CO (05.16.22) – The 2022 R&D Distributing ‘Rock The House’ 6-City Tour rocked in Denver Thursday, May 12th.

Brian Sandberg, PSM/R&D, related “Our Denver Rock the House event on Thursday May 12th was a very busy day, There were lots of happy dealers taking advantage of all the specials and checking out the many products and brands we had in the showroom. Dealers were definitely happy to be at an in-person event and network with factory staff members on site plus fellow retailers from across the area.”

R&D’s Dave Russell (R) and Pete Torres, in the white shirt, help a Denver dealer load their big show order.

Pete Torres Branch Manager along with staff members Tina, Justine and Alvino enjoyed seeing friends and dealers from across the territory. Also, over a dozen factory staff and reps were in the house to spend time with dealers at the event.

SiriusXM‘s Nina Contreras and Airon Ayala from VOXX Electronics pictured with products from their respective brands in the warehouse.

Nina Contreras-SiriusXM and Airon Ayala-VOXX Electronics representing their companies were in the house along with MESA Executive Director Ryan Gunter who is based in Denver. Dave Russel, from the R&D headquarters, was also in the house.

Ryan Gunter, MESA Example Director who offices in Denver, stopped to see Brian Sandberg (R) and network with MESA members and dealers.

“Everyone at R&D is so excited to have our ‘Rock The House’ events back and running after a two year COVID hiatus. The Kansas City event really got the 2022 tour off to a great start. Salt Lake City and this Denver kept the house rockin’. Going forward the staffs are ready in Grand Rapids and Detroit. Reps are ready too and the deals at both locations are set, and as always, will be unbeatable. The R&D events are a must attend for any dealer looking to learn, buy product or just to stop by and visit the facilities.” Al Congdon related.

Fascano Vintage Motorworks crewmembers gathered for a photo op with Brian Sandberg in the warehouse.

On the Rock the House Tour AGT is showing off their new Transcend line of car audio and new line of Bluetooth products. For AGT Congdon stated “We’ve been working on these products for quite some time and we’re excited to unveil them to dealers. These products represent tremendous margins for the dealer and a great value for the customer. In this time of rising prices AGT products were designed to fill holes in dealer’s current mix by offering high quality, value driven performance.”

Nina Contreras related “SiriusXM really has a lot to talk about with dealers. The SiriusXM SXV300V1, that attaches to the aftermarket SiriusXM ready headunits, got a lot of interest.  Our new Training Portal sessions have been well attended plus the new SiriusXM products for truckers is getting traction in the marketplace. Contreras is the Western Retail representative for SiriusXM.

The remaining R&D Rock the House Tour dates are Grand Rapids 17th, Detroit May 19th and Arizona October 6th.

Dealers in each area will benefit from attending a R&D Distributing Rock the House event.

Visit teamprogressive.com for more.

1sixty8 Media Adds Social Media Management to Service Mix

Posted on by in Industry.

LEIGHTON, PA (05.16.22) – Mobile enhancement, car audio and window tint retail stores have a new resource to enhance their visibility in the online world: the new social media management division of 1sixty8 media, which launched this month. 

“We are very excited about offering this service to the mobile enhancement industry and those who provide related services to vehicle owners,” said 1sixty8 media owner Mitch Schaffer. “Social media is important to building a business, but often not an area where retail store owners are strong. It makes sense to find a partner who can provide that service on a professional, skilled level. We want to be that partner so our colleagues in the industry can have a reliable, trustworthy resource without taking time and attention away from running their business.”  

Kyler Burk, a recent addition to the 1sixty8 media team, heads up the social media management division. “This new service is the final piece of the puzzle at 1sixty8 media, and Kyler fits in well with our unique and talented team,” said Schaffer. “Before this partnership, our clients had to find another provider for social media management. Now all of their digital media marketing can be kept under one roof.”

Music and audio have been passions of Burk’s for as long as he can remember. He played piano and percussion since early elementary school, and collected and traded home theater speakers in junior high school. When he started driving, that passion quickly translated into car audio. “I worked on all my own projects, and even worked for two local car audio installation shops in high school — in between band practices, of course!” he recalled.

After graduating from college, Burk moved into a new phase of life by starting his own digital and social media marketing agency. Joining 1sixty8 media is a natural move. “Partnering with 1sixty8 media is the perfect opportunity to take my digital skills and marry them with my love for car audio,” he said.

The new service, Schaffer noted, is totally upfront about all aspects. “We charge our clients for social media management and our clients pay Facebook directly for promoted posts and boosting. We make money by effectively managing accounts, not by padding Facebook promotion fees,” he said. “We’re going to market with social media management just like we do with all of our services: with integrity, honesty and transparency.”

Also like other programs from 1sixty8 media, the social media management offering is scalable and affordable. “Even the smallest retailers can afford our services and then grow their use of 1sixty8 media as their businesses grow,” Schaffer said. 

The new social media management division is part of 1sixty8 media’s 10th anniversary this year. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our first 10 years in business than making it even more possible for colleagues to increase their visibility and success in the important world of social media,” said Schaffer. 

To find out how the 1sixty8 media social media management program works, contact Mitch Schaffer at mitch@1sixty8.com or 570-656-6900, or submit a contact form — and prepare to see a store’s visibility and customer base take a quantum leap toward greater profits and success. 

For full details of 1sixty8 media’s history and services, go to www.1sixty8.com.