DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.24.2021) – The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.
They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.
SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.
SHREVEPORT LA (05.22.21) WTF…Win This Friday. ST Mobile Audio won the Power Acoustik Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, May 21st.
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 128th time on Friday morning May 21st. The Wheel landed on the Power Acoustik space. The ST Mobile Audio 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 Michael Stewart in Texarkana TX and left a message on the answering machine with the news. 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, 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 and DG Motorsportz in High Point NC. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, May 28th.
METAIRIE, LA (05.21.2021) – Oracle Lighting was ranked as the third fastest growing company in the entire metro New Orleans area, with a three-year growth rate of 56 percent, according to New Orleans CityBusiness magazine.
“Oracle Lighting is not just a name…it’s made up of some truly special people who give it life,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting CEO. “Due to our employees’ hard work and dedication, we’ve been able to hire numerous new employees the past year and continue to grow with new and exciting products in the automotive and marine markets, now even including the healthcare industry, exponentially year-after-year.”
Despite major setbacks experienced due to the global pandemic, Oracle Lighting experienced substantial revenue growth in 2020. Oracle Lighting is the highest ranked manufacturer and the only automotive industry business represented on the Fastest Growing Businesses of 2020 in New Orleans CityBusiness magazine’s rankings.
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.
“I was born and raised right here in New Orleans, where I started Oracle Lighting in my garage never imagining that it would lead to what it has become more than 20 years later,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting founder and director of product development. “I’m a car guy at heart with an engineering background. With that knowledge and motivation, I started working with different lighting components in my garage back in 1999…developing niche products that were just not available at the time. Here we are two decades later, employing more than 30 people with a line of more than 10,000 products and ranked as one of the fastest growing companies in the metro area.”
COMPTON, CA (05.21.2021) – Magnadyne has announced the signing of ROCK-N-REV to represent the New Carbine and Silencer remote start & security product lines. ROCK-N-REV will cover 5 states in the upper mid-west area to call on 12V dealers and key distributors.
Jeff Budin, ROCK-N-REV
ROCK-N-REV Sales & Marketing was launched by Jeff (Boody) Budin in 2018. Jeff is a 12-volt veteran with an intense passion for the industry. Since the launch of ROCK-N-REV Jeff has earned many sales awards and looks forward to continuing his success with the representation of Carbine and Silencer Security & RS Solutions. ROCK-N-REV will cover Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Southern Illinois south of Interstate 72.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Jeff over the coming years in bringing new Value-added products and relationship opportunities to the 12V retail industries with our New innovative Carbine and Silencer RS & Security solutions.” Armando Parra – Magnadyne
For more information on ROCK-N-REV or to inquire about becoming an authorized Carbine dealer or authorized Silencer distributor in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Southern Illinois south of Interstate 72, contact Jeff at (402) 578-9894 or email at rocknrevsales@gmail.com.
OXNARD, CA (05.21.2021) – Becker Automotive Design, a staple in the southern California automotive aftermarket electronics community, is celebrating its 25th year in operations under its current format. The Oxnard, Calif., -based retailer started as a car audio business but in 1996 dedicated its focus to become one of the nation’s premier upfitters of luxury and secured transport. Becker Automotive Design caters to high-net worth individuals, celebrities, sports stars, municipalities and even governments, providing one-of-a-kind, on-the-road experiences that have advanced the retailer’s reputation over the past quarter century.
L to R: Doug Cannon, Chief Engineer; Don Helm, IT and Purchasing Manager; Howard Becker, CEO; Troy Becker, Sales and Marketing Manager; Debbie Becker, CFO and HR Manager
Becker Automotive Design’s website at beckerautodesign.com is not shy to tout the company’s creations while name-dropping the associated high-profile figures for which they were built. Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, Mark Wahlberg and Sylvester Stallone fare prominently on the homepage. Beyond the luxury transformations, the company’s capabilities include specialty seating layouts and armoring for security and government applications.
“Our business model is simple: create a driving environment configured to exacting client needs on top of tried-and-true build and design practices. Our clients tell their friends, and those friends tell their friends,” explained Howard Becker, owner, founder and namesake of the business. “This business strategy has allowed us to deliver unique creations that rival OEM specifications but splurge on aftermarket amenities and uniqueness.”
As the fame of the business has grown, Becker has maintained his love for the community, especially when it involves developing a love for working on cars. The company is an active sponsor of DRAGG, an automotive after-school program that encourages kids to stay in high school and work toward graduation by providing an incentive in the automotive industry through career exploration.
“DRAGG is a great program that gives high school graduating credits to kids who are learning about cars hands-on,” explained Becker. “Also, it’s terrific for building trust between the kids and law enforcement and between law enforcement and the kids, something our society needs a lot more of.”
Though celebrating 25 years, Becker Automotive Design still has a single location, employing 30 people including Becker’s son Troy, and covering 25,000 square feet in three closely located facilities near the corner of Ives Ave. and Jones Way. Yet Becker Automotive is bracing for monumental growth and therefore working aggressively to enhance the staff with the right people. Insurance, competitive salary, weekends off and relocation assistance are all on the table to bring in quality technicians to join a stable team in a stable market.
“It’s a blessing to start a business, develop a vision and then be able to achieve that vision,” added Becker. “Along the way, we’ve helped our family of employees build meaningful careers and in turn support their families with a stable work environment in a recession-proof segment of the market. It’s our plan to continue to innovate, stay on top of the market and be here to celebrate another 25 years.”
TOLEDO, OH (05.20.2021) – The new Alpine PXE-0850X Digital Sound Processor is beginning to arrive in the 12volt retail marketplace. On Tuesday evening May 18th Alpine staff members Dan Sparks and Chris Reavis, along with area factory representative Steve McGaffee, hosted an Alpine DSP training for entire Car Stereo One team.
Dan Sparks, who conducted the actual presentation, stated, “This was such a terrific training. It was one of the very first in-person trainings with retailer we have done in forever. Steve McGaffee has the PXE-850X installed in his Toyota Camry and rolled it into the installation bay where the actual training took place.”
This graphic highlighted the PXE-0850X feature set for Dan Sparks’ presentation.
This presentation graphic spotlighted the products in McGaffee’s Camry plus showed the very reasonable price of an ‘Alpine DSP In-Car Concert.’
Steve Braun, Car Stereo One President related, “The new Alpine DSP delivers a new level in-vehicle sound experience. Dan covered the ins-and-outs of the unit very well. When members of our team sat in the car to listen it took the in-vehicle sound experience to a new level. Like being at a live concert. Our 4 sales staff and 4 techs were amazed when each took a seat in the car. In fact, two want to buy a PXE-0850X and install it in their personal car.”
Chris Reavis offered, “I think back to my favorite live concert… Fleetwood Mac. When listening to a system with an Alpine DSP it’s like hearing Stevie Nicks LIVE on stage at that Fleetwood Mac concert.”
“When I make a dealer sales call its top on the list for all members of the store staff to come out and listen to the PXE-850X in my Camry. The DSP module is in the console and the control unit mounted on the dash. An Alpine sub enclosure is in the trunk with the Alpine Amplifier,” Steve McGaffee offered.
Concluding, Braun added, “Business has been very strong. The last customers in the store on Tuesday were so impressed with our Alpine Wall of Bass they stayed until a little before 7. Then we enjoyed pizza and started the training. When we listened to the system in Steve’s car everyone got an idea how to demo a concert in a car. Plus, with many older cars, the Bluetooth module brings every more possibilities to improve a customer’s in-vehicle experience. A big Thank You to Alpine and the Alpine stall who presented the meeting.
CUMBERLAND, RI (05.20.2021) – John F. Sylvester, Founder of Sylvester Electronics, passed away on Sunday, May 16th. He was the husband of Jacqueline R. (Turner) Sylvester and they had been married for the past 58 years.
John F Sylvester founded Sylvester Electronics in 1976. Sylvester Electronics has served dealers in the Mobile Electronics industry for over 40 years. He worked in Cumberland RI for over 46 years. John F Sylvester was previously employed by Jabour Electronics for more than 15 years where he was the manager for many years.
John F. Sylvester
Along with his wife Jacqueline of 58 years, he is survived by his two sons; Robert J. Sylvester and his wife Susan Perrino of Warwick and Thomas J. Sylvester and his wife Julie Griffin of Burrillville. Also surviving is brother Norman Sylvester of Cumberland and five grandchildren; Vittoria, Nicholas, Aidan, Patrick, and Liam along with two nieces.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to John’s Life Celebration to begin with Visiting Hours on Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 6 pm to 8 pm and continuing on Friday, May 21, 2021, at 9 am in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Cumberland. A Prayer Service will be held at 10 am.
Burial will follow with Military Honors in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.20.2021) – SEMA is seeking entrepreneurs and inventors who have the next big automotive-related product or accessory. Through the SEMA Launch Pad, those with a functioning automotive-related product that will hit or has recently hit the market are invited to submit their 2021 SEMA Launch Pad applications for a chance to win a prize package valued at up to $92,000.
Since 2013, the program has helped entrepreneurs launch their products into the marketplace, providing them with cash prizes, next-level marketing opportunities, access to business tools and resources and more.
Through the SEMA Launch Pad, entrepreneurs with a functioning automotive-related product that will hit or has recently hit the market are invited to submit their 2021 SEMA Launch Pad applications for a chance to win a prize package valued at up to $92,000.
Originally created to support emerging entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program does not have an age cap and is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. The prizes have also increased to include a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000, cash awarded to the top three finalists and featured video interviews promoting dozens of applicants on SEMA’s social media networks.
Fifteen semi-finalists will also be selected to attend the 2021 SEMA Show in November, where the top five will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges and be recognized at the industry’s premier celebration—the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.
”Before going through the Launch Pad program, I wasn”t even a blip on the industry’s radar,” recalls Jonathan Mill, who won the first-ever SEMA Launch Pad competition for this product the E-Stopp Emergency Brake. “After winning it, my product, career and network skyrocketed. All because I chose to get involved with SEMA.”
Past products included have been selected from segments such as vehicle technology, restyling, truck and off-road and more, although the program is not limited to any product that has the potential to positively impact the future of the aftermarket industry.
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. The deadline to apply is May 30, 2021.
BAKERSFIELD, CA (05.19.2021) – The MECA event season is ramping up in California as COVID-19 restrictions ease. Saturday, May 15th, over 80 Sound-off enthusiasts were on site at C.A.R. Soundz in Bakersfield. MECA’s California Director Richard Papasin was on site behind the meter. A Friday night C.A.R. Soundz and Soundstream BassNight preceded the Saturday event.
Team Soundstream proudly hold their 23 MECA Trophies.
Abdul Hafiz (L) and Ryan Custard with their MECA Trophies Saturday evening.
Team Soundsream had 18 members on site at the event. Solomon Bustamonte, Team Soundstream Team Captain, stated, “I have been running Soundstream gear my rides for over 15 years and the equipment rocks. We have 26 members on Team Soundstream and we compete in shows from Fresno to San Diego.”
Lady Soundstream is all smiles with her MECA trophy.
Soundstream Animal hoists a MECA trophy as competitors capped the day.
Jordan Shahriary, Epsilon Social/Marketing Manager, stated, “Working with Team Soundstream showcases our brand and products in Southern Cali. Importantly, it also helps create visibility for car audio products and excitement for the competition scene in the marketplace. Retailers like C.A.R. Soundz also generate visibility for their stores.”
Ricky Madrid and Chris Bailey are the owners of C.A.R. Soundz. Madrid related, “The MECA events definitely create excitement and business for our store. The Kern County Bassheads group comes together to provide a platform for competitors to go through the lanes and earn trophies for their hard work.”
Soundstream Hellboy holding heavy duty hardware as the MECA event in Bakersfield wrapped at C.A.R. Soundz.
Bustamonte has created many of the installations showcased on the Soundstream social media outreach plus provided information and a selection of images for this article highlighting the C.A.R. Soundz SPL Smackdown.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.19.2021) – “It’s always a great day when we can spend time at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar. Their location is fairly close to the PowerBass HQ in Ontario so we make the trip frequently to get hands on with new and upcoming vehicles before they hit the market. It’s a great perk for being a SEMA Manufacturer Member. The time Dave Myers and I just spent at the SEMA Garage was very productive,” Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP of Product Development & Global Marketing stated.
During sessions at the SEMA Garage PowerBass staff has an opportunity to work with site engineers and employees of OEM’s like Nissan, Ford, Toyota, GM and More.
“Time spent at the SEMA Garage was very productive as we were working to bring the PowerBass OE Direct Fit Speakers to market,” Harbour added.
“Access to the SEMA Garage was very helpful as we developed the PowerBass Direct Fit replacement speakers like the OE652-GM 6 coaxial speakers,” Harbour stated.
Each year SEMA members introduce thousands of cutting-edge tools and accessories designed to add enjoyment to vehicle ownership. While some have universal fitments, many have model-specific applications that require significantly more research and development.
The SEMA Garage gives SEMA member businesses access to the special high-tech tools and equipment they need to get their products-whether a $10. set of wiper blades or a $10,000 engine modification-off the drawing board and into customer hands. It is the only known facility of its kind in the United States.
Covering 15,000 square feet and filled with nearly $2 million of equipment, the SEMA Garage includes all the tools specialty product developers could hope for and then some, including two vehicle lifts, a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for 3D scanning, a 3D printer for fast prototyping, digital race car scales for the most precise vehicle weight and measurements, a dynamometer for precise emissions measurements and more.
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