The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund issued a total of $296,000 in scholarships and loan-forgiveness awards to help 119 individuals who currently work or are planning to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket industry. The winners include 97 students who received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and 22 employees of SEMA-member companies who received loan forgiveness awards to help pay off student loans.
For the first time in the program’s history, five students have been awarded Top Student Awards valued at $5,000—the highest award possible. In addition to the financial awards, this year’s scholarship program also includes 10 winners who will be selected to take part in an inaugural SEMA Show student experience. The 10 students will be flown to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November, where they will participate in the industry’s leading trade event, make business connections and gain valuable experience.
“We’re excited to honor another fantastic group of students and members to represent the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Program,” said SEMA Student Program Committee Chair Ian Lehn. “We are particularly thrilled for the student experience, and are excited to have top students join us at the SEMA Show for hands-on, real-world experience. They will see the SEMA Show up close, leave with meaningful industry connections and experience the magic that one can only get by being at the SEMA Show.”
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and the SEMA Show student experience are designed to encourage and support future talent and leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry. Scholarships are awarded annually to foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators by helping them get off to a successful start in their education and automotive aftermarket careers. This year’s awards brings the total amount issued since the program’s founding in 1984 to more than $3 million
The online application for next year’s award will open starting in January of 2022, at www.sema.org/scholarships.
For questions or additional information, contact SEMA’s Project Manager, Member Services Byron Bergmann at 909-378-4859 or byronb@sema.org.
SHREVEPORT LA (08.14.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Pinnacle Autosound won the JBL prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, August 13th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Nine months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 140th time on Friday morning August 13th. The Wheel landed on the JBL space. The Pinnacle Autosound slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out by phone and talked with Joey Knapp at the retailer’s store in Lake City FL. We was happy to hear a JBL prize would be heading his way.
A JBL CLICK Bluetooth Remote Controller will be sent. The JBL Click is one of the JBL prize items that Shawn Spedding sent to the 12volt Central Studios. We will send the prize to Joey along with a JBL Harman Koozie.
The JBL CLICK prize, along with koozie and key chain, will be sent to Pinnacle Autosound.
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, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash prizes 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 and 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 and Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, August 20th.
TULSA, OK (08.13.2021) – The motorcycle category is driving sales across the 12volt industry. Car Toys Tulsa has added fuel to their motorcycle business by partnering with local businesses. KMOD is a very popular radio station across the Tulsa marketplace. Uncle Bentley’s Pub and Grill is a popular meeting spot for area bikers. Charles Stewart, Car Toys Tulsa owner, has partnered with these two businesses to put his store’s brand and products in front of area bikers at weekly evening events.
Bikers filled the lot at Uncle Bentley’s Pub… and more bikes were to the left.
The Rockford Fosgate tent drew attention to the demo bike.
KMOD has a wrapped SUV that they utilize at events and Car Toys Tulsa has a large logo on the back hatch window. KMOD, 97.5 is Tulsa’s Rock station, is a sponsor of the Crude Roundup that is set to takes place on Saturday, September 11th at the Exchange Center.
The KMOD SUV carries the Car Toys Tulsa logo on the back hatch glass.
“Participating with Uncle Bentley’s Pub every week to host an evening event for bikers has been very strong. The center where Uncle Bentley’s Pub is located is very large with tremendous visibility from main streets. The event last Thursday had over 100 bikes in the parking lot. We sell at the event and even do some installations there. Being at the event also gives an opportunity to speak with a lot of bikers and set up appointments at the store for bigger jobs. For those bigger jobs we installed a bike lift in the installation bay. Bret Bisel is our motorcycle tech and the lift makes him time much more efficient and productive” Stewart related.
At the events donations of canned goods are requested and those donations are given to a local charity.
“Our bike business is very strong and the weekly evening events at Uncle Bentley’s Pub have a lot to do with it” Charles Stewart, Car Toys Tulsa owner, stated.
Bret Bisel, Car Toys Tulsa motorcycle tech, is pictured with the bike lift in the installation bay.
Concluding, Stewart offered, “Rockford Fosgate has such strong offerings for bikes. We have one of the RockFord Fosgate event promotion kits with 10×10 tent and large banners. We have a loaded bike under the tent too. Jeeps are hot now also and we transport things we need at the event in our Jeep Gladiator.”
Great to see 12volt retailers like Car Toys Tulsa connect and work with other area businesses to create excitement in their markets. That visibility then leads to business for the retailer.
TEMPE, AZ (08.13.2021) – Mobile Solutions has announced that Mark Fukuda will present the keynote address for its first annual MasterTech Expo training and learning event, to be held March 6-9, 2022 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. In addition, Fukuda will teach a course alongside Tom Miller, decorated fabricator and owner of Musicar in Portland, Ore. The duo will present innovative fabrication techniques as part of the event’s “School of Fab” education curriculum.
Entitled “Keys to Success,” the keynote address will take place March 9 prior to the event’s awards presentation. Fukuda will provide an engaging mix of life and career experience with an insightful roadmap to navigating the industry’s current challenges.
Fukuda has a storied and colorful history in the automotive aftermarket. As a car audio competitor, he holds the record for six consecutive world championships as well as 12 SPL (sound pressure level) records and 11 national championships from various competition organizations. His award-winning 1989 Chevy Astro van has become an icon in competitive circles. Achieving Master-level certification from MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professionals) in 1995, Fukuda has won numerous awards including Installer of the Year for Car Stereo Review, USACi (Unites States Autosound Competition International) and other publications.
Mark Fukuda
Fukuda’s continued creative mastery and willingness to share knowledge led to a substantial career path, founding a retail store, installation training facility and home theater building service. He later spent five years with Rockford Corporation before venturing into sales representation and distribution, leading to his current role as president and CEO of Wave Electronics.
Fukuda will be joined at MasterTech Expo by the same vehicle that put him on so many winning stages and magazine covers. The iconic Rockford Fosgate-themed Astro van, which Fukuda is currently modernizing with custom-built modifications, will be on display in front of Rockford Fosgate’s booth.
“Words don’t describe the sheer impact Mark has had on this industry,” said Bryan Schmitt, CEO and founder of MasterTech Expo. “Despite his success, he has always been willing to take guys aside and offer his advice and experience. The personal effect on many professionals in our industry, myself included, has provided us direction, drive and purpose. We are so deeply honored to have him at our inaugural event.”
Automotive aftermarket professionals can register for Mobile Solutions’ MasterTech Expo by visiting mastertechexpo.com/attendee-registration. Tuition for the learning event is $799.00. Hotel accommodations can be made at mastertechexpo.com/host-hotel.
TUCSON, AZ (08.13.2021) – Upgrade your Jeep Gladiator JT / Wrangler JL / JLU (without factory keyless remote entry) with a Kleinn Wireless Remote Start designed specifically for your model. Cool down your Jeep in the summer and warm it in the winter before you climb in and drive away. Kit is a Plug-N-Play system with no wiring connections required.
Remote start your Jeep using the included two (2) long range remotes that work up to 2000 feet away. Can be used on Jeep JT, JL and JLU equipped with the factory keyless entry to take advantage of the extended range of the Kleinn remote.
Once installed, programming the remote start unit is required. A programmer interface is included. You will need a Windows computer with USB port to program the remote start module. Check the application chart to find the right remote start for your Jeep.
TEMPE, AZ (08.12.2021) – Audio Express Team members attended an extensive training session conducted by KICKER at the Residence Inn in Tempe AZ on Monday, August 2nd. Nearly 70 Audio Express Team members from the company’s Phoenix and Tucson locations attended.
The large meeting room at the Residence Inn in Tempe was an ideal setting for the Audio Express training session.
Hands on opportunities provided attendees with first hand knowledge.
Aaron Malin, KICKER Global Training Manager and Ken Bundy traveled from Stillwater OK to conduct the session. Malin commented “The meeting was really terrific. All in attendance, nearly 70 people, were very attentive and our training included a lot of hands-on demonstrations including the KEYLOC and applications. In-vehicle listening sessions in the Murfco demo truck added a real world aspect to the session for attendees. There was some fun too with raffle drawings for audience members who asked questions.”
Aaron Malin (L) and Ken Bundy offered raffle drawings for audience members who asked questions. The KICKER Bullfrog was among the prizes.
Rob Valdez, Audio Express COO, related “We were extremely happy with the training that was so well set up and executed by Aaron Malin and Ken Bundy from KICKER with Steve Parsley from Murfco. The breakfast and location were awesome and we appreciate being partners with the KICKER Team. It was very gratifying to see our team members attend the KICKER training on their day off.”
Audio Express is closed on Sunday and Monday which allowed staff members to attend the Monday training.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.12.2021) – SEMA’s support for young, up-and-coming vehicle builders continues, as the Young Guns category of the 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition kicks off with the Eastern U.S. regional qualifier on August 14, 2021.
With three qualifier events in this year’s Young Guns program, the events are divided by regions—Eastern, Midwest and Pacific, taking place August 14, 21, and 28, respectively. Selected participants will be interviewed and judged remotely via video chat.
Top prize for one young vehicle builder (age 27 and under) at each qualifier event is an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the trade-only SEMA Show in Las Vegas, in November. The prize includes transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature vehicle spot at the Show and entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.
First introduced into the Battle of the Builders competition in 2017, the Young Guns category provides exposure for rising young builders who may not otherwise be able to qualify for the competition due to certain requirements.
The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition is the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition, with participants featured at the SEMA Show, online, in magazines and on television.
“We’re seeing great innovation from our young builders”, said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “We are beyond excited to welcome our Young Guns back to a live SEMA Show this year.”
The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders who are under 27 years old and have performed the majority of the work on their vehicles.
For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.
AVON LAKE, OH (08.12.2021) – Enjoy a cooler, comfortable ride on your next UTV adventure with a new Heat Control & Dirt Deflector Kit (part # 902111) from Design Engineering, Inc.
Now available for Honda Talon 2-seat models and 4-seat models, the kit is made from high quality, long-lasting, durable materials to reduce heat in the center console area while also sealing it from dirt and mud build-up. An Extreme Heat Barrier is included that blocks radiant heat from the engine and exhaust on the passenger seat to keep riders fully protected.
2019 Talon 1000X
“Our Heat Control & Dirt Deflector Kit is made using multiple materials that are best-suited for the job,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “That includes our semi rigid Form-A-Barrier™ to block heat and dirt from the lower section of the tunnel, and our Heat Screen aluminized glass fiber material to block heat on the top”
Talon riders enjoy a more comfortable ride with complete protection, including blocking dirt and mud from building up in the tunnel area. The kit installs easily with detailed instructions, and the materials will not absorb water.
Each kit includes CNC cut pieces:
Form-A-Barrier material used in the tunnel – good to 1,300° F Radiant Heat Screen material used in the console – good to1,200° F Radiant Extreme Heat Barrier used behind the passenger seat good to 1,750° F Hardware & fully detailed installation instructions
For more information about DEI’s Heat Control & Dirt Deflector Kit for Honda Talons and the company’s complete line of powersports products, visit www.designengineering.com
AVON LAKE, OH (08.11.2021) – Enjoy a traditional rite of summer as Design Engineering Inc., in partnership with the city of Avon Lake, hosts its annual DEI Cruise-In on Saturday, Aug. 21.
Offering wholesome fun for the entire family, the Cruise-In will feature food, music and, of course, the hottest cars, trucks, SUVs, race cars, motorcycles and classic vehicles around.
“We’re inviting the entire community to come out and enjoy a Saturday evening of great cars and family fun,” said Steve Garrett, Creative Director at DEI. “Community cruise-ins are a great way to meet your neighbors and take a walk down memory lane. Plus, the first 300 participants will receive a free commemorative gift!”
Free and open to the public, the event will be held at the Weiss Baseball Fields, 33401 Webber Road, across from DEI headquarters. It will include activities, music, food vendors and more.
This year the Cruise-In will also serve as a fundraiser for Valor Home of Lorain County—a transitional housing program for homeless male veterans. Funds will be raised through a $10 donation for anyone wanting to show a vehicle, with all years, makes, models and styles eligible to participate.
“Whatever you have is welcome,” Garrett said.
Originally hosted on the DEI premises beginning in 2016, the Cruise-In gained the attention of city officials when cars and trucks circled the block waiting to enter the parking lot. The city of Avon Lake now serves as an official event partner.
For more information about the annual DEI Cruise-In and how to register a vehicle, visit facebook.com/DEIcruisein
METAIRIE, LA (08.11.2021) – Oracle Lighting has announced the new ColorSHIFT RGB+W Headlight DRL Upgrade for the 2019-2021 Chevrolet Camaro LS/LT. Oracle Part #1418 is now available with an MSRP of $229.95.
“Get a head-turning style on your 2019-2021 Chevrolet Camaro LS or LT model with a new color-changing DRL accessory from Oracle Lighting,” said Justin “JP” Perret, Oracle Lighting product specialist. “Our new Chevrolet Camaro Oracle ColorSHIFT RGBA kit allows you to upgrade your lights to any color imaginable and includes turn signal functionality so the DRL maintains an amber flasher feature for the turn signal. We spent quite a bit of time making sure that we delivered a product that looks great and is a breeze to install. Simply install this in place of the existing DRL boards and you’re able to change those boring white DRL to any color you choose.”
Use one of Oracle Lighting’s ColorSHIFT controllers with the Chevrolet Camaro kit to choose from a variety of colors, patterns, and themes. Then, simply switch the lights back to white for legal on-road use. Create a custom headlight for Camaro’s by simply replacing the factory DRL circuit board with this ColorSHIFT circuit board.
Additional features and specifications include:
Bright output with less power consumption
True amber turn signal functionality
Control colors, brightness, speed, and functions with controller
Customized look with even more personalization with ColorSHIFT technology
1-year warranty
Headlight disassembly is required, and Oracle Lighting recommends professional installation utilizing Oracle’s premium silicone sealant. White and amber are road-legal colors. Other colors are not intended for on-road use, so, please verify all state and local driving laws before use.
“Using the latest lighting technology, our cutting-edge LED kits for cars are a great way to personalize your ride with show-stopping looks and industry-leading performance,” Perret continued. “Stand out from the look-alikes with a Camaro LS/LT custom headlight look from Oracle Lighting.”
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
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