Bryce Hinton Joins the Southwest Sales and Marketing Team

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FT. WORTH, TX (04.16.2021) – Southwest Sales and Marketing, a manufacturers representative firm for Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri is proud to announce the addition of Bryce Hinton to the company’s sales force. Hinton comes from an installation background and is well regarded in the car audio industry. Hinton has worked in technician and management roles for Best Buy and Car Toys. Most recently he owned and operated his own custom stereo shop as a Top 50 installer.

Scott Ringo welcomes Bryce Hinton (R) to the Southwest Sales and Marketing team. They are pictured outside of the rep firm’s offices in Fort Worth, TX.

“I felt it was time for me to take the next step in my 12volt career and to make an even greater positive impact on our industry.” Hinton stated, “Once I made the decision, there was no better fit than Southwest Sales. I have worked with many of the vendors that they represent, so hopefully it will be a short learning curve.”

Southwest Sales’ Scott Ringo added, “We are very fortunate add a new member to our team with Bryce’s talent in 12volt.”

Hinton will be managing the sales for the states of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Bryce can be reached at 817-983-6998.

Southwest Sales currently represents Epsilon, Maxxsonics, HKI, Audiofrog, Beyma America, and Soundskins. Contact Phone number is 214-212-9049.

Visit swsalesmarketing.com for more.

Model Electronics a Happy 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner

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SHREVEPORT, LA (04.16.2021) – Model Electronics, in Ramsey NJ, was the winner of the Spin-to-Win Wheel 121 on April 2nd. The Wheel landed on the 12volt News space and the Model Electronics slip was drawn from the jar. A check was fired off to the winning store and it was super to see an image of the crew smiling as they held the $100. check in the showroom.

Dave Mumford holds the 12volt Spin-To-Win prize check as Dan Winston and Andy Montesi give a big thumbs up from behind the sales counter.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Seeing those smiling faces brought a smile to all at the 12volt Central Studios.

Four months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel. We are looking forward to many more years of spinning the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

The Sling Experience 2021 Packed The Marriott Westchase Grounds in Houston

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HOUSTON, TX (04.15.2021) -The Sling Experience 2021, the 3rd Annual event showcasing Slingshots, took place at the Marriott Westchase in Houston April 8th through 11th. There was a detailed schedule of events each of the four days

The Sling Experience 2021 featured 4 fun filled days in Houston.

Literally hundreds of Slingshots filled the hotel grounds along with vendors tents, competitions and food booths too. Competitions, entertainment, demo rides, group rides and kids activities kept all busy throughout the event.

The packed Sound-Off Competiton was sponsored by House of Sounds.
The Slingshot Push Drag Race competition required a lot of leg strength!

House of Sound was back at the event for the third year. Alex Restrepo related, “The Sling Experience is an amazing event. There is so much energy fueled by the great installations, music, competitions and activities. The rides at night, with so many Slingshots decked with lights, is a sight to behold.”

This year arrangements were made by event organizers for onsite installations and detailing services.

Continuing, Restrepo offered, “We took a team to do onsite installations for Slingshot owner from Louisiana, Nebraska, Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama who knew of our work and wanted to travel to Houston for the Sling Experience 2021. Last year we had 33 customers show their rides and this year there were even more. DS18, Beyma, Ground Zero and SounDigital were big brands for onsite installations.”

DDM completed a wide variety of installs on several Slingshots each day of the Sling Experience.
Lighting is a popular add-on for Slingshot owners.

The House of Sound also sponsored the Slingshot Audio Competition. The sound competition was managed by Banger Audio Sound Series and trophies were awarded for First and Second place in four different classes.

Houston-based Sound Evoluton was onsite as a Gold Sponsor and had many customers onsite showcasing the company’s installations on their rides.

A large group of trophies was ready for the many competitions set to take place at The Sling Experience 2021.

A very big 12volt News hat’s off to Mark Mallet for his vision of The Sling Experience and orchestrating such a well organized The Sling Experience 2021.

Visit facebook.com/theslingexperience for more.

Changes to SEMA Launch Pad Competition Designed to Foster Greater Innovation

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.15.2021) – The 2021 SEMA Launch Pad is evolving, with eligibility now open to all qualified participants over the age of 18 years, a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000, and promotion for participants’ new products in SEMA websites and social media.

The SEMA Launch Pad, which was introduced in 2013 by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), is a program designed to help emerging entrepreneurs and inventors launch new automotive products into the marketplace. Originally created to support young entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. This year’s SEMA Launch Pad also includes an expanded prize package and cash awarded to the top three finalists, and dozens of other participants featured in video interviews that will air on SEMA’s social media networks.

Roland Hence, far right, won last year’s SEMA Launch Pad competition with his Impulse – Emergency Brake Light. The 2021 SEMA Launch Pad competition is open to all qualified participants over the age of 18 years, and includes a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000 and promotional support.

“I am really excited about the future of SEMA Launch Pad and the entrepreneurship it champions,” said James Lawrence, SEMA Chairman-Elect. “The automotive aftermarket has always been home to fresh thinking and product innovation, but it’s never had a spotlight like this before. The expansion of the Launch Pad competition will only encourage even more entrepreneurs, inventors, and developers to bring new products to the automotive market. I personally can’t wait to see what’s coming for this next SEMA Launch Pad.”

To qualify, applicants must be a business owner, company leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO), or vice president of a company and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept, or currently for sale.

Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected in June to attend the 2021 SEMA Show in November. The top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges at the SEMA Show, be recognized at the industry’s premier celebration – the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet – and be featured on SEMA publications, websites, and social media.

Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online at www.sema.org/launchpad by May 30, 2021.

Major League Baseball Games Now Available to SiriusXM’s Streaming-Only Subscribers

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NEW YORK, NY (04.15.2021) – Major League Baseball and SiriusXM have expanded their agreement to include additional streaming rights starting with the 2021 MLB season. For the first time, SiriusXM subscribers with a streaming-only subscription now have access to live play-by-play broadcasts of every MLB game as they listen on the SiriusXM app and on connected devices and speakers in their home.

The SiriusXM app offers 30 play-by-play channels dedicated to streaming the official radio broadcasts of every MLB team, giving fans the choice between the home and visiting team announcers for every game, all season long. All 30 MLB play-by-play channels are also available on vehicles equipped with next generation SiriusXM with 360L radios.

SiriusXM satellite subscribers continue to get access to every MLB game on both their SiriusXM radios and on the SiriusXM app. Certain subscriptions are required. For more info on SiriusXM’s packages and what they offer, go to SiriusXM.com/packages.

The new agreement also includes a multi-year extension of SiriusXM’s rights to broadcast every MLB game.

For a schedule of MLB games and their SiriusXM channels visit www.SiriusXM.com/MLBschedule.

SiriusXM’s exclusive 24/7 MLB Network Radio channel features live daily talk programming covering MLB 365 days a year, plus select game broadcasts.

Listeners get the most in-depth coverage of the league every day of the year with MLB Network Radio. The channel’s roster of expert hosts includes former GMs Jim Bowden, Jim Duquette and Steve Phillips, former players Matt Diaz, Jensen Lewis, Brad Lidge, CJ Nitkowski, Carlos Peña, Eduardo Perez, Rico Petrocelli, Ryan Spilborghs, Steve Sax, Mike Stanton and Kevin Frandsen, former manager Kevin Kennedy, national baseball writers Tyler Kepner, Scott Miller and Jon Morosi, as well as Casey Stern, Mike Ferrin, Jenny Cavnar, Jeff Joyce, Jim Memolo, Dani Wexelman, Scott Braun, Robert Brender, Dan Graca, Grant Paulsen and Ed Randall.

New to the MLB Network Radio roster this season are World Series-winning former Royals manager Ned Yost, former All-Star Yonder Alonso, who recently retired after a 10-year major league career, and former Cardinals 1B Xavier Scruggs. Yost hosts Happy Hour with Casey Stern two Mondays (5:00 pm ET) each month. Alonso hosts Home Plate with Dani Wexelman every Sunday at 4:00 pm ET. Scruggs hosts MLB Roundtrip every Monday night after the games with Dan Graca.

Throughout the season, listeners will hear regular one-on-one interviews with managers including: Rocco Baldelli (Twins), Bud Black (Rockies), Kevin Cash (Rays), Craig Counsell (Brewers), Alex Cora (Red Sox), Terry Francona (Indians), Joe Girardi (Phillies), AJ Hinch (Tigers), Gabe Kapler (Giants), Torey Lovullo (Diamondbacks), Mike Matheny (Royals), Don Mattingly (Marlins), Bob Melvin (Athletics), Scott Servais (Mariners), Derek Shelton (Pirates), Mike Shildt (Cardinals), Jayce Tingler (Padres) and Chris Woodward (Rangers).

MLB Network Radio also features a simulcast of Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo’s MLB Network show, High Heat with Christopher Russo presented by Liberty Mutual, every weekday afternoon at 1:00 pm ET as well as simulcasts of additional MLB Network television programming, including the flagship studio show MLB Tonight on weeknights at 6:00 pm ET.

Additionally, starting this month, SiriusXM and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum will present an exclusive new podcast series, Black Diamonds. Hosted by museum president and historian Bob Kendrick, the podcast will showcase the history of the Negro Leagues, highlighting the players, people and events that shaped them, as well as spotlighting the leagues’ achievements and innovations during a time of segregation and inequality. Listeners will hear the stories of baseball legends like Jackie Robinson, Oscar Charleston, Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige, and important figures like Rube Foster, Effa Manley, Buck O’Neil and many more. 

Black Diamonds, a SiriusXM original podcast, will debut on MLB’s Jackie Robinson Day (April 15). The 20-episode series can be heard on the SiriusXM app, Pandora, Stitcher and other podcast platforms.

Throughout the season, in tribute to Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda, who passed away earlier this year, listeners will continue to hear Lasorda’s voice before every game. Prior to the 2015 season, Lasorda narrated a special message to all baseball fans about the game they love, which airs as an introduction to every regular season game broadcast on SiriusXM. You can hear Lasorda’s introduction here: https://bit.ly/38GJPC1

SiriusXM is offering a free trial of SiriusXM Premier for eligible customers. For more info on that offer and all the programming that comes with a SiriusXM Premier Streaming subscription go to: SiriusXM.com/MLBTrial1

Alpine Electronics to Attend 2021 Jeep Beach

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.14.2021) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. announces the 18th-annual Jeep Beach Vendor Show at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida from Friday, April 23 – Saturday, April 24.

Following the cancellation of the 2020 event, Alpine’s presence at Jeep Beach signals continued support for one of the largest, Jeep-only events in the country. This also marks the return for Jeep enthusiasts who consider Alpine as the premium choice for aftermarket Jeep upgrades.

Alpine Brand Specialist Colin Vargo (L), pictured with a Jeeper at a previous Jeep Beach, will show Alpine’s latest at Jeep Beach 2021.

Located on Daytona Row, Alpine will be represented by Alpine Authorized Retailer Roco 4×4 and rep firm Dynamic Sales & Marketing, who will be available to give on-site vehicle demonstrations and answer product questions. Jeep Beach attendees who visit the Alpine booth can get hands-on with Alpine products and walk away with free giveaways.

Alpine’s 2015 Jeep Wrangler will be on-site loaded with the new X409-WRA-JK 9-inch Weather-Resistant Navigation System with Off-Road Mode, a PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, and an HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Mount Rear-View Camera. Roco 4×4 will also bring “Sandstorm,” a 2018 Jeep Wrangler with the X409-WRA-JK and PSS-22WRA.

All products are available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing. Jeep Beach attendees will also have special access to an online-only promo code for select products on Roco 4×4’s website from Wednesday, April 21 – Monday, April 25.

Installation will not be offered during the event, however, recommendations can be made by the on-site Alpine/Rocco team.

Alpine will also highlight a HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System for 2007 – up Jeep Wranglers ($500 value) for the Jeep Beach raffle. Winners will be drawn and announced by Jeep Beach.

In accordance with local, state-level, and event guidelines and directions, Alpine and Roco 4×4 staff will wear a face cover or mask, and when possible, maintain a social distance of six feet, during in-person product or vehicle demonstrations. All products and vehicles will be disinfected with sanitation kits before and after each demo. Alpine will also have hand sanitizer to use before and after each demo.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

Oracle Lighting Launches Custom Illuminated Logo Decals for Multiple Applications

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METAIRIE, LA (04.14.2021) – Oracle Lighting has announced the launch of the new custom illuminated logo decals. Easily installed/applied on cars, trucks, UTVs/ATVs, boats and other vehicles and now available for custom order at oraclelights.com/logos, customers can choose between 31 custom colors and create their own text or utilize their own graphics.

“We first created these decals for race team vehicles that we support so that they would really stand out during nighttime events, and they quickly opened a door to a part of our business that we didn’t even realize was there,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “Before we knew it, fans at these races began calling us asking how they could order them for themselves and their businesses. Now, whether you are a race team, marketing professional, or just an enthusiast who wants to stand out from the crowd, Oracle’s glowing logo panels are an easy way to add that custom attention-grabbing appearance to your vehicle.”

These less than 1mm thick semi-rigid panels can be made in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes suited to anyone’s precise details. Expected lifetime is 2,500 hours of use under normal operating conditions. They are designed to stand up to most abuse but if used in motorsports or other extreme applications the overall lifespan may be reduced. Custom-made to order, these panels are constructed from an electroluminescent material which glows softly at night. Installed with adhesive tape, each panel comes with a small inverter box which simply connects to 12V power.

“The inverter box conveniently has a switch to turn the panel on and off,” Hartenstein continued. “Installation is very simple; these have an adhesive backing like a normal decal and simply stick in place. Applications are nearly endless… we’ve even had a manufacturer contact us to make logos for an autonomous marine vessel.”

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.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com

DOW Technologies Wins 8 Quest For Quality Awards

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TAMPA, FL (04.14.2021) – DOW Technologies was recently awarded eight Quest for Quality Awards in CE Pro’s 11th annual competition. In the first year DOW won any Quest for Quality Awards, it received an award in each of the available categories. 

CE Pro’s Quest for Quality Awards recognize the services offered by distributors and manufacturers that supply custom integrators. The eight distributor categories were voted on by CE Pro’s readers; this year saw a record-breaking 14,550 votes cast. The Awards are open to distributors across the nation.

DOW Technologies won a first place Platinum Award for the Best Dealer Programs/Incentives, Best COVID-19 Response, and Best Virtual Trade Show/Conference Presence categories. DOW won Gold Awards for the Best Technical Support, Best Shipping Policies, Best Website, and Best Training Programs categories. In the Best Customer Service category, DOW was awarded the Silver Award.

“I believe this is a testament to our sales team and the dedication of our whole company to provide our customers the best experience,” stated senior vice president Dave Elkin. “The tremendous support we received this year is overwhelming. We are thankful for all of our loyal dealers.”

“We are truly honored at receiving eight awards in this year’s Quest for Quality,” stated president & ceo John Yodzis. “These awards recognize the effort we put in as an organization to help our dealers succeed. As we continue to expand into new regions, we can’t rest on what we’ve achieved, but instead continue to listen to our customers’ needs and provide top level customer service.”

To learn more about DOW Technologies, visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1-800-627-2900. To read more about the CE Pro Quest for Quality Awards 2021, click here. 

Tint World Names New Director of Franchise Operations

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BOCA RATON, FL (04.13.2021) —Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading window tinting and automotive accessory franchise, has added Kelly Wruck as director of franchise operations at their headquarters.

In her role, Wruck will serve as the point-of-contact for new owners. She will be responsible for onboarding new franchisees as well as take part in project management across multiple departments.

Kelly Wruck

“Kelly has more than 10 years of experience in the franchising industry and that knowledge will be a great asset to Tint World,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “We have an amazing headquarters staff that contributes to our excellence as a leading franchise brand on a daily basis, and Kelly will add value to that team.”

Wruck will help new owners set up their locations while also distributing information to the departments at the headquarters. In addition to helping franchisees set up their stores, she will assist in the compliance department by working with new owners on their taxes, leases, and franchise development.

“I’m excited to be a part of the onboarding team, welcoming new location owners to the Tint World family,” Wruck said. “As new owners come on board, there can be a brief learning period – both from a legal and an informational standpoint. I’m pleased to help guide them through these important first steps in owning a franchise location.”

Before joining Tint World, Wruck worked in sales and logistics for companies such as Straus Building Solutions, Beerhead Bar & Eatery and United Franchise Group. In her roles with these companies, she aided in acquiring accounts for franchisees as well as developed business plans while leading franchisees through the onboarding process. Wruck is also a former police officer and has worked for the Department of Homeland Security.

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more.

Visit tintworld.com for more.

Mobile Solutions Introduces GT Template Set

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TEMPE, AZ (04.13.2021) – Mobile Solutions has announced the newest addition to the Smart Template family, the GT Template Set. Made of their signature shatter-resistant PVC, this numbered, nine piece nested set is fully compatible with their Smart Frame System (SFS) and features a new innovation for their templates: the Template Assembly Calibration (TAC) system.

“The TAC system allows for the pieces of the outermost template to be removed so that multiple template pieces can be fabricated, but all line up perfectly when reassembled in the final installation” commented Bryan Schmitt, founder and president of Mobile Solutions. “That feature makes for a virtually infinite number of design combinations, as well as hiding mounting hardware or inserting accent pieces that mimic a section of the template’s overall shape.”

Schmitt and his team at Mobile Solutions designed and engineered the GT Template Set to offer an aggressive, yet classy design that could work in multiple applications such as a trim panel for trunk-mounted equipment, rear deck trim panel or even sections of the template as a left and right door or trim panel baffle and grille. A YouTube video at the Mobile Solutions channel shows the hands-on implementation of the template set by Mark at Car Audio Fabrication (CAF).

To do an advance product launch of the GT Template Set to an audience of social media fans, on March 24, 2021 Schmitt and Mark did a live one hour Facebook training and Q&A session. This was also streamed to both Mobile Solutions and CAF YouTube channels. The top secret live feed had over 300 live attendees the whole time with virtually no advance notice, making this one of the most well-attended one hour virtual trainings of the past year since the Pandemic hit in March 2020.  The training has since had over 3000 views and counting. It just furthers the importance of the thirst for more training using real-time hands-on demonstrations.

GT Template Set Features:

  • Nine, nested shatter-resistant and numbered PVC template pieces with 3/16” gapping
  • Precision-machined alignment lines and holes
  • Fully compatible with SFS Axis Shape Creator System (sold separately)
  • New Template Assembly Calibration (TAC) allows for the outermost pieces to be used as one assembly or in separate pieces for different design aesthetics
  • Knobs and hardware for TAC system included!

GT Template Set Applications:

  • Designed for simple press grille production
  • Trunk-mounted trim panels (subwoofer enclosure, amp rack cover, power distribution panel, etc.)
  • Rear shelf trim panels or speaker grilles
  • Left and right side door speaker baffles and grilles
  • Use pieces of the template to transition a shape from two separate panels (such as front door to rear side panel) in custom hot rod and restomod builds

Priced at $129, this template set is a must have item for any fabricator.

Visit www.mobilesolutions-usa.com for more.