Remembering Jill McMillan, Co-Founder of In Phase Marketing

WOODINVILLE, WA (04.26.2021) – All, it is with great sadness that I share the passing of Jill McMillan on April 8th, 2021.

Jill is survived by her husband, Dan, and their two children, Daniel and Catherine. I would be remiss if I left out Cash, the dog who has first-person status. Jill and I were married back in 1989 (I’m a great salesman), and we were together for 35 years.

Jill had many accomplishments throughout the years, her most prized being our kids. She had a passion for live music, an adoration for photography, was an avid reader, and it goes without saying, she loved chocolate.

Jill McMillan

We started our rep firm, In Phase Marketing, in the fall of 97’, and things immediately took off. From the get-go, Jill was the catalyst and glue that kept things together. She had a knack for making things look so easy and under control.

“Maria and I received the news of Jill’s passing with great shock and sadness. She was a dear friend and a valued colleague to all of us at JL Audio, and her warmth and sincerity always showed. We are all richer for having known Jill as a person and fortunate for having the opportunity to work with her all these years. We offer our deepest condolences to Dan, Daniel and Cat, as well as to Jill’s extended family.”

-Lucio and Maria Proni

I watched Jill grow up as we all did in the mobile audio revolution of the 90’s. She always carried herself with class. Never being the one that went over the rep line. She was always passionate about her causes. She was another principal in a rep firm, not merely someone’s wife. I most remember her from our exclusive days at Eclipse as she helped make that wave. This shocked all of her many dealer, rep and manufacturer friends within our mobile audio community. I know Dan is crushed. They were so passionate together. This is a great loss of one of the true pioneers of the glory days of car audio!

-Ed Dalesandro, End Result

Through highs and lows, you could count on Jill to bring you a hearty dose of perspective and levity to whatever experience you were living through. She valued and cherished learning about your family, your stories, and growing with you throughout the years.

Jill was many things to many people, including a confidant, a giver, and a friend. She always put others first and danced through life with poise, wisdom, and a wicked sense of humor.

We will be holding a celebration of life for Jill in Woodinville, WA, on June 12th, 2021.

Please email celebratingjillmcmillan@gmail.com if you would like more details or have any photographs you would like to share. If possible, please include all photos as attachments.

SounDigital EVO PS Amplifier for Power Sports, Marine & Motorcycles

DANIA BEACH, FL (04.26.2021) – SounDigital USA Introduced the new Power Sports / Marine Line of Amplifiers in April of 2021 to their arsenal. Bringing a much needed solution to market by having an Amplifier with a small footprint, great power and now in a IP64 Marine Grade Platform. The New Models, 800.1 EVO PS, 800.4 EVO PS, 1200.4 EVO PS and 2000.4 EVO PS, are geared to be the solution for retailers that do Power Sports, Motorcycles, Offroad and Marine Applications. This new EVO PS lineup joins the already popular EVO X family of mono and multichannel amplifiers.

EVO PS benefits from some upgrades not found in the EVO X Lineup of Amplifiers, such as Conformal Coating, Upgraded electronical components internally, Gold Tracing on Circuit Boards and Tiffany Style RCA Connectors. These Amplifiers are Marine Grade, IP 64 Rated, Vibration and Corrosion Protection. Tommy Spears – National Sales/Marketing Director – SounDigital USA says “I am excited to be able to offer solutions for Powersports, Marine and the Jeep Market. Coming from a retail side, having great power and IP64 Rating that the EVO PS Offers, It’s exciting to be able to offer this solution to these markets for our retailers”

EVO PS was developed and designed with the wants and needs of our Retailers, catering to the specific solutions of all our customers in our Industry. Elias Ventura – Territory Manager for SounDigital USA says “We now have Amplifiers geared for Power Sports, Motorcycles, UTV’s, ATV’s and Boats. We got you covered, great sound, small size and big power”

SounDigital which manufactures and builds their amplifiers in Brazil acted on this. Diogo Iannaccone – CEO of SounDigital stated “You asked for this solution, we listened” after having had many requests from many Retailers in the US to bring back the old marine line.

Pricing for the EVO PS Amplifiers are as follows, 800.1 EVO PS $499.99, 800.4 EVO PS $599.99, 1200.4 EVO PS $849.99 and 2000.4 EVO PS $1199.99.

The EVO PS Amplifiers are In Stock and Starting to Ship.

Visit soundigitalusa.com for more.

CT Custom Wins ZZ-2 Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 124

SHREVEPORT LA (04.24.21)  WTF…Win This Friday. CT Custom won the ZZ-2 prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, April 23rd.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Three months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 124th time on Friday morning April 23rd. The Wheel landed on the ZZ-2 space. The CT Custom 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 to CT Custom and Cliff Dowd was surprised and happy to hear the news. We will contact Rich DeSclafani and a cool ZZ-2 CPLAY/Android Auto interface prize will be headed to CT in Philadelphia.

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, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 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 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 and Just Audio in North Providence RI. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 30th.

CMA LIVE Motorcycle Audio Episode Was Very Informative… Now On Demand

TORONTO, CANADA (04.23.2021) – THE CMA LIVE Motorcycle Audio Episode, presented by SiriusXM on Wednesday evening April 21st, welcomed some of the biggest motorcycle audio manufacturers as they showcased their new products for the coming season. Host Ben Woo discussed some of the latest products on the market today such as direct-fit speakers, amplifier options, integration accessories and much more! The panel experts included Eric Russell of Rockford Fosgate, Joe Gross of KICKER USA, Fred Lynch of ARC AUDIO, Justin Bond of FOCAL and Tim Shell of METRA Electronics.

“CMA and SiriusXM were excited to unveil the new CMA LIVE production studio and we’re looking forward to enhancing the viewing experience for our audience. Wednesday night’s episode was further enhanced by having several key influential and innovative audio brands in the category, proving once again that great content is King” stated CMA President Frank Spezzano.

Rockford Fosgate was first out of the gate with Eric Russell and Jerry Pitts from the company’s Tempe AZ studio. A key point was the touring riders who are looking at high performance audio on the road at posted speed limits and above. Speaking rider’s language and participating in biker events was offered as a key for 12volt retailers to connect and be successful selling Rockford Fosgate’s broad offerings of motorcycle audio.

Arc Audio’s Fred Lynch participated from an area set up in the company’s Modesto CA facility. Efficiency of speakers, along with the plug and play products, were key points. Understanding the large investments many bikers make on their rides is important as 12volt retailers must stress quality and top performance to be successful in the motorcycle audio category. Did we hear DSP?

Focal was represented by Justin Bond from the BB Distribution facility in Edmonton Alberta. Focal products are manufactured in France. Speaker cone material, plus the small size of the Focal amps for bikes, were emphasized as being part of Focal’s DNA for quality sound reproduction.

Tim Small presented the Metra Electronics session from the company’s Holly Hill FL studio. Metra produces a wide variety of installation accessories, lighting and other products for the 12volt industry. Specifically for the motorcycle category Metra offers the Saddle Tramp brand. A highlight of Shell’s session was the introduction of a Harley-Davidson fairing kit that will accept a Double DIN aftermarket head unit.

KICKER was the last brand on the Wednesday evening CMA Live presentation and originated in KICKER’s UnMASKED Studio at the company’s World HQ in Stillwater OK. Kip Litsey and Joe Gross presented a broad overview of KICKER’s history and activities in the 2-Wheel sports category. From products for DIY enthusiasts to the high end Litsey and Gross covered all the KICKER options available including everything needed for a complete installation. Gross heads the OEM and MotorSports technical aspects for KICKER and is a Biker and audio enthusiast of 2 decades plus. Of special note for 12volt retailers was an emphasis on providing actual sound demos for bike enthusiasts.

The motorcycle category is growing rapidly and can contribute significantly to sales and profitability for 12volt retailers. CMA LIVE is focused on the Canadian Mobile Audio industry. That said, the brands featured on the Motorcycle Audio Episode are key brands in the US also. For that reason 12volt Central Studios staff recommends 12volt retailers across the US tune into on demand viewing options shown in the links below.

If you want to watch the Motorcycle Audio Episode on demand.. Check out the following links:

For more info, visit www.canadianmobileaudio.com/LIVE/ or facebook.com/canadianmobileaudio/videos/965728334169302

Iconic SEMA Celebration Set for Las Vegas in July

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.23.2021) – SEMA leadership, volunteers, and industry icons will gather in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA Installation & Gala on Friday, July 30.

The SEMA Installation & Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are recognized and celebrated. Since 1976, the SEMA Gala has served as a formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, incoming Board of Directors are sworn in, and outgoing Board of Directors are honored.

Individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry will be recognized and celebrated on July 30 during the SEMA Installation & Gala. The annual event will be held in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

This year’s event will take place for the first time in Las Vegas, Nevada. Specifically, the event will be held in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the same facility where thousands of industry professionals will gather for the 2021 SEMA Show in November.

“SEMA has a deep history and connection with the city of Las Vegas,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We could not be more excited about celebrating the industry in Las Vegas, and christening the West Hall with such a noteworthy event.”

The SEMA Installation & Gala will be one of the first events held in the West Hall since construction of the 1.4 million-square-foot facility was completed in January. The event, which is expected to include about 400 individuals, will also mark SEMA’s first mass gathering to take place in more than a year.

“I look forward to the SEMA Gala each year – even more so this year than any other year since it will be a reunion for our industry’s friends and family,” said Kersting. “The SEMA Installation Gala is important to the association, the members, and the industry, and it’s about much more than just introducing new Hall of Fame members or recognizing our Board of Directors. The event is about community, family and celebration, with people who share a common passion and love for the industry.”

Tickets to the 2021 SEMA Installation & Gala are available to all SEMA members and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-sema-installation-and-gala-tickets-92403153319.

Details about the honorees (new Hall of Fame members and incoming Board of Directors) will be announced in May.

SoundSkins Introduces 4 Piece Speaker Kit

CERRITOS, CA (04.23.2021) – The SoundSkins 4 Piece Speaker Kit is is the best sound dampening material for your car audio system, designed to enhance your car stereo system and reduce road noise all in one material.

Comprised of 4 10″x12″ sheets of our premiere sound deadening product, SoundSkins Pro, this kit will help to decrease road noise and improve the performance of your car audio system by sealing your speakers to your doors and preventing lost sound, directing sound back into your cabin.

Click here to visit the product page.

This item is out for pre-order NOW and begins shipping June 1, 2021.

Visit soundskinsglobal.com for more.

KICKER Ships New-for-2021 CompRT Thin Loaded Enclosures

STILLWATER, OK (04.22.2021) – KICKER has developed and perfected four new, thin CompRT Loaded Enclosures, now shipping and ready for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live show in October, CompRT Loaded Enclosures retail from $169.95-$299.95. Compact CompRT Loaded Enclosures are also available at www.kicker.com.

The strength of the CompRT Enclosure is its extraordinary mounting flexibility. Built to fit behind the seat of a pickup or in the back of a hatchback with equal ease, these enclosures deliver serious bass without a deep box, leaving plenty of legroom or cargo space. And with the genius reFLEX passive radiator mounted in the box alongside the active CompRT woofer, listeners enjoy a significant upgrade in bass without increasing overall enclosure depth.

New for 2021, the shallow-mount CompRT features Forced-Air Cooling, which contributes to the woofer’s efficiency and durability. It allows the subwoofer to run more than 20 percent cooler than previous woofer versions. In addition, high-temp, voice-coil wire windings surround a high-mass, solid pole piece for excellent thermal management, and a bumped top plate allows for full voice-coil clearance and excursion. 

The CompRT’s large-diameter, progressive-roll spider ensures increased linearity, better overall sound quality and outstanding bass reproduction. Thanks to innovative engineering, the shallow-mount CompRT handles an exceptional amount of power without sacrificing depth. The ribbed Santoprene surround sports signature red KICKER stitching, while the thick polypropylene cone, now blacked out in color, pumps out smooth, clean bass.

Built with thick internal MDF bracing, the enclosures are carpeted and custom embroidered with the KICKER and CompRT logos for a sleek look that is uniquely KICKER.

Visit www.kicker.com for more.

SEMA and Major OHV Groups File Lawsuit to Protect Off-Roading at Oceano Dunes

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.22.2021) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and other organizations representing the off-highway vehicle (OHV) industry and enthusiast community are seeking to overturn a March 18, 2021, decision by the California Coastal Commission to terminate OHV access at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). SEMA joined with Ecologic Partners, Inc., comprised of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA), and American Motorcyclist Association District 37 (AMA District 37), in filing a lawsuit in California State Superior Court for San Luis Obispo County.

Since 1974, Oceano Dunes SVRA has been a state-designated OHV park managed and operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation (“State Parks”). The SVRA comprises 3,500 acres of which less than 1,350 acres of dunes and 3.5 miles of beach provides open riding access for OHVs. In March, the Commission voted to eliminate OHV access within three years.

The lawsuit states that the Commission does not have substantive evidence to support the closure and has failed to conduct an environmental impact review required under the California Environmental Quality Act or consider alternatives.

“The Commission’s decision was unjustified since State Parks has undertaken a three-year public process to develop a long-range management plan,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “It renders meaningless the State Parks’ ongoing effort to adopt a plan consistent with the Coastal Act that will include OHV access to this unique resource.”

“It is important that government agencies follow their own rules,” said Fred Wiley, ORBA president and CEO. “The Commission is acting in a unilateral fashion that exceeds its own authority under the California Coastal Act. It is imperative that the courts step in to protect OHV access.”

Oceano Dunes SVRA provides the only opportunity for motorized recreation at a state park along California’s Pacific coast. OHV recreation is an important contributor to the local economy. While bringing pleasure to thousands of enthusiasts, the monies spent at area stores, motels, restaurants, and gas stations support jobs and generate tax revenues.

For decades, SEMA has supported reasonable land-use policies that include motorized recreation. SEMA remains committed to this mission on behalf of the off-road industry and the enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor recreation. This includes protecting Oceano Dunes SVRA.

The lawsuit asks the court to issue an injunction and vacate the Commission’s March 18 decision to eliminate OHV access to Oceano Dunes.

Visit sema.org for more.

Bowers and Wilkins Has Unveiled Two New State-of-the-Art True Wireless Headphones

WORTHING, ENGLAND (04.22.2021) – British audio brand Bowers & Wilkins has unveiled two new state- of-the-art True Wireless headphones – PI7 and PI5 – that bring the brand’s acclaimed ‘True Sound’ promise and acoustic excellence to the True Wireless category.

Both PI7 and PI5 models deliver the unrivalled high-resolution sound quality that audiophiles and music lovers have come to expect from Bowers & Wilkins. Now, that same signature sound quality is offered for the first time in True Wireless form, incorporating innovative and intuitive smart features designed to fit seamlessly into an on-the-go lifestyle.

Drawing on over fifty years of industry-leading audio excellence and innovation, Bowers & Wilkins reveals another best-in-class portfolio of products that deliver your favorite music the way it is meant to be heard – as the artist intended it.

PI7 – The new industry-defining True Wireless headphones from Bowers & Wilkins.
Every element of the flagship PI7 model has been crafted to deliver the very highest level of audio performance, redefining expectation in True Wireless. PI7 features unrivalled sound quality, driven by
high-resolution 24-bit audio processing in each earbud and Dual Hybrid Drive units that work just like high- performance speakers to create a rich and immersive listening experience.

In addition, PI7 features Adaptive Noise Cancellation that automatically adapts in real-time to its surroundings to produce the best possible listening experience – so you can block out the world and focus on the music you love. It’s driven by six microphones – three in each earbud – for crystal-clear sound quality with every call, all activated though an intuitive, one-touch user interface.

Even the Smartcase is designed for an intuitive and seamless user experience. As you would expect, it can conveniently charge your device wirelessly while you are on-the-go. But, and in an industry first, PI7 raises the bar by offering a unique wireless audio retransmission feature via its Smartcase. That means you can continue to use your PI7s even when on a plane: just connect your case directly to an audio source – such as an in-flight entertainment system – and it will retransmit sound directly to your earbuds.

PI5 – The class-leading, Bowers & Wilkins True Wireless sound that’s with you all day.
PI5 is the class-leading True Wireless headphone with all of the high quality, audio-enhancing features expected from a Bowers & Wilkins product – the perfect accompaniment to an on-the-go lifestyle.

Alongside the exceptional audio performance and call quality, the PI5 offers over 24 hours of battery life, ensuring you stay connected throughout the day. This is accompanied by advanced Active Noise Cancellation, allowing you to easily adapt to your listening environment, whether you’re working from home or on a busy street, and a fast-charging case that provides a boost of up to two hours of battery life from just a 15-minute charge.

Bold design and Smart technology.
Both models embody the Bowers & Wilkins bold design to stand out from the crowd, with accents of color to highlight the beautifully precise detailing.

Smart technology makes living with PI7 and PI5 more convenient. Both models can be configured via the Bowers & Wilkins companion App and feature a simple one-button user interface, coupled with voice assistant support via either Siri or Google Assistant. Multiple source devices can be wirelessly paired to either model allowing the user to easily and conveniently reconnect to each source as and when needed.

Developed by the same team behind the Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers found in Abbey Road Studios, PI7 and PI5 both embody the same industry-leading engineering and design philosophy that has led to the creation of some of the world’s finest audio products.

Geoff Edwards, Brand President, Bowers & Wilkins, said: “We are excited to be venturing into the True Wireless category with our new headphones. It’s long been our philosophy, established by our founder John Bowers, that we would only enter a new category if we believed that we could set a new standard for audio performance in that space. With PI7 and PI5, we truly believe we have achieved that.”

The PI7 True Wireless and PI5 True Wireless headphones are available now from www.bowerswilkins.com for $399 and $249 respectively.

KICKER Marine Audio Is “Going Overboard” in Arizona at Lake Havasu Events

STILLWATER, OK (04.21.2021) – KICKER Marine Audio is stretching West from its Oklahoma roots to join its distributors, dealers and fans in some Spring festivities at Desert Storm – April 21-25 taking place on Lake Havasu.

Since KICKER Marine Audio has been the title sponsor of the popular Desert Storm for several years, its presence will be seen on the Thursday Street Festival where the KICKER XRV will bring a travel edition of its famous headquarters “Wall of Boom” to Havasu’s Main Street, where millions of dollars of state-of-the art performance boats will be on display from 1-9 PM.

On Tuesday morning, April 20th, the KICKER XRV rolled out of Stillwater OK on the way to Lake Havasu with Tracy Focht, David Glasgow and Jeremy Wynn aboard.

On Friday, drivers will be displaying their boats on parade from Thompson Bay and through the Bridgewater Channel from 11-11:30 AM. Then, the Desert Storm Poker Run will be unleashed, with card stops along the route, ending at Havasu Landing Resort & Casino. On that run, competing for the hefty purse, will be some prominent boats, including a customized Trifecta Pontoon boat, just outfitted with top-of-the-line KICKER Marine Audio gear and an 11” Tower System. This boat owned and equipped by Dan Murphy of MurfCo. Inc., KICKER Marine Audio’s Manufacturers Rep Group, emphasizes the company’s tag line of “Livin’ Loud!”

The Trifecta is one of many boats the 38-year veteran KICKER representative has outfitted for this and many other events. Murphy, who has partnered with KICKER for so long because they are “the best” also partnered with Frank Zepeda on the “Boom Toon”. The “Boom Toon” is a “vintage” 30-foot Starlight 1986 riverboat that will also be along for the ride and the fun. The boat was transformed into a runabout double decker party barge, and is now a fan favorite, complete with a slide, party poles and a KICKING, KICKER Marine Audio system. The Desert Storm event is “sold out” with 237 boats participating in its 24th year.

The amazing Boom Toon will be shining and Livin’Loud with KICKER gear.

Also along for the ride at Desert Storm is another KICKER Marine Audio fan and partner, Rod Voegele of California-based, Gatorwraps. The company will display its specialty large-scale vehicle and vessel wraps on its Kenworth W9 Show rig, and International CXT show truck, both heavily decked with KICKER audio components and broadcasting live and loud from the Street Party and throughout the event.

Also in the event Gatorwraps will feature a 30’ Formula 302 SR-1, fully customized with 11 amps powering its over 25 speakers and subs. In addition, a Rinker Flotilla F-24 has too many KICKER Marine Audio components to list but 10, 8” Horn Coaxial speakers with LED Speaker Rings (plus 2, 6.5” Horns) and 6 11’ Horn pods, plus the appropriate number and size of amps and support gear, give some idea of the SOUND of this boat!

Says Voegele, “The clarity of KICKER Marine Audio is what sets it apart from other brands. I have a friend with a Rinker installed by Wired 4 Sound in Lake Havasu and when he pulls into a cove, everyone else shuts off their stereos because his sounds like a live concert! We get those comments all the time when we play our KICKER sound systems—the sound is that clear!”

Both MurfCo and Gatorwraps have had long-time KICKER audio affiliations including friendships with KICKER founder Steve Irby, who was a pioneer in the 12-Volt, mobile audio world.

On Saturday, Desert Storm Shootout runs from 9am – 4pm, weather permitting, with drivers running a one- mile course, starting near the Site Six Launch Ramp, heading south. Best viewing for the Shootout will be on the surrounding bluffs on the Island near Site Six to Spectator Point. For more information visit: www.stormpokerruns.com

“KICKER Marine Audio finds kindred spirits in the performance boating community,” stated Jeremy Bale, brand manager, “This group of boaters enjoys being seen and heard and KICKER certainly has all the right top-grade marine equipment to help them achieve those goals! Lake Havasu has been a good location for us with long-time dealers, distributors and installers and we enjoy getting together with Rod (Voegele) and Dan (Murphy) at these events to engage with our customers. We’re happy to lend our support!”

Visit www.kicker.com/marine-audio for more.