WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 16, 2026) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is celebrating the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards, dubious policy positions that empowered regulators at the federal and state levels to override consumer choices on vehicles. Among those abuses were federal- and state-led efforts to ban internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and impose nationwide electric vehicle (EV) mandates.
By following through with its intent to repeal the GHG endangerment finding, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is unleashing innovation in a significant segment of the automotive aftermarket industry that is entirely dependent on ICE technology. That segment, which has a $100 billion annual economic impact and employs more than 330,000 Americans, is now free to rely on free-market solutions to our emissions challenges.
“This is a tremendous decision by the EPA to course-correct after nearly two decades of abuses by previous administrations at the federal and state levels, and instead return sanity to our nation’s environmental policies,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “It was with great trepidation that SEMA watched our nation’s leaders demonize and ban the very motor vehicles that serve as the bedrock upon which the American people – families, small businesses, and automotive enthusiasts – rely to live their best, most prosperous lives. It was even more infuriating to watch these policymakers brazenly justify their actions with a dubious policy position that now rightly goes away, to be replaced with a common-sense, free-market view of what drives our nation’s prosperity.”
BACKGROUND
The EPA’s decision will directly impact federal new car requirements and does not impact existing emissions laws established by the Clean Air Act. Instead, it will ensure that automakers produce vehicles driven by consumer demand, rather than greenhouse gas limits, that latter of which has significantly influenced the models of vehicles available to the American people since 2009. This policy shift will directly impact the range of new vehicle choices that exist in the coming years.
In comments responding to the EPA’s rulemaking for Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2025–0194 — Reconsideration of the 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards, SEMA identified economic and cultural considerations for re-establishing a foundation of vehicle choice in the U.S. automotive market, which, because of recent GHG emissions policies, have experienced an erosion of affordability and innovation.
SEMA and its 7,000 member businesses are the heart of the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry, which annually contributes more than $337 billion to the U.S. economy and supports more than 1.3 million American jobs.
Most of the businesses that make up the aftermarket are small businesses, but there is nothing small about the innovation and ingenuity they show every day. The products that aftermarket businesses manufacture, sell, and distribute to automotive enthusiasts worldwide are a testament to our nation’s engineering superiority.
The SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the largest trade show in North America, with 160,000 attendees expected, annually includes the centerpiece “FutureTech Studio” activation, where the organization showcases different propulsion technologies, including EV, hybrid, hydrogen, alternative fuels, and other technological advancements that represent the “what’s next, what’s possible” of the American automotive industry.
SEMA is not anti-EV, nor will it ever be. Rather, SEMA is passionate about protecting the freedom of businesses to deliver the next groundbreaking product, and the American consumer’s freedom to choose whether that product fits their needs and lifestyle. Such innovation can only be delivered through technology-neutral government policy and by allowing the marketplace to drive demand for these products.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (02.14.26) The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 7.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 356th time on Friday morning on February 13th. The Wheel landed on the MUSWAY space and the Broken Silence slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning spin slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
When we tied to reach out to the lucky winning retailer to let them know about winning the MUSWAY prize we learned the store is closed February 12th-18th for a much needed vacation. We will reach out again next week for the chance to let them know about winning the MUSWAY prize. Broken Silence is located in Greenwich CT.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the 12volt industry.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, EBS Audio, King Boxes, Massive Audio, Q Power and VIPER. 12volt News and 12voltBeat $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer. A custom QR Code has been added as a prize on the wheel.
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, 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. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ, Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA, Nappo Car Audio in Houston, Platinum Car Audio in Washington, Ballistic Audiowerks in Smithsburg MD, Xteme-Car Audio in Bremerton WA, Beltline Motors in Decatur AL, Ultimate Sounds in Chattanooga TN, Santa Fe Auto Sound in Overland Park KS, Soundelux Car Audio in Chula Vista CA, Kartele Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, BK Audio in Pasco WA, CenCal Audio in Madura CA, Xtreme Auto Sound in Louisville KY, Victorylap Auto Styling in East Moline IL, Car Trendz in Alexandria VA, BLVD Customs in Lakeland FL, Audio Systems in Montclair CA, Fitment_nyc_shop in Jamaica NY, King Audio in Norwalk CT. Foss Audio in Tukwila WA, OG Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, Tint and Tunes in Sacramento CA, Dr Dashboard in Evansville IN, The Sound Shop in Chino CA, Extreme Concepts in Albertville AL,The-King of Custom in Longwood FL, Car Audio Depot in Modesto CA and Audio Dreams in Acworth GA, PCH Custom Audio in Long Beach CA, Crazy Ralph’s Car Stereo in Gonzales LA, Joe’s Cycle Therapy in Somerset MA, Cal Custom Audio in Tracy CA, NWA Audio in Bentonville AR, XT Audio in Miami, Tim’s Audio in Newport OR, Build’s By Paul in Litchfield AZ, DAW Discount Audio in Paramount CA and M12 Audio in Bluefield WVA, Jam City Pros in Caddo Mills TX, Finishline Shop in Lumberton NJ, Genuine Custom Audio in Riverside CA,Ballistic Autowerks in Hagerstown MD, Jeff’s Custom Car Audio in Royce TX, Pitbull’s in Houston, Aspen Sound in North Spokane WA, CP Designs in Jarrell TX and D&B Sales in Ft Wayne IN, Precision Custom Audio in Riverview FL, The King of Custom, Active Sound in NC, Car Stereo Plus in Sumter SC, Audioworks DE in Newark DE, Active Sounds in NC Speed Car Audio in Dallas, Voodoo Customs in Luling LA, BK Customs 616 in Grand Rapids MI, TPD HiFI in Broken Bow OK, HiFi Crusin’ in Hattiesburg MS, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX Intense Kustom Audio in Brentwod NY, California Audio in West Valley UT, H A Ross Entertainment, Voodoo Customs in Haltom TX, Absolutely Creative Customs in Boulder CO, Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Redline Auto Sports in Hicksville NY, Sparked Innovations in Knoxville TN, Boosted Build in Warrenton OR, Prodigy Car Audio iManteca CA, Snow’s Auto in Spokane WA and PMC Customs, White Oak PA, InTune in Redmond OR, Tint Wrap Audio Guys in Fresno CA, Ultimate Sounds and Tinting in Chattanooga TN, MetJoe Auto Electronics in Kenilworth NJ, Pyramid Customs in Fort Worth TX, California Audio in Salt Lake Valley City UT, Sinewave in Grayslake IL, Team Nutz in Pittsburg PA and 3P Off Road in Tomball TX, Next Level Audio in Cadallic MI and Sound Master in Roswell GA and JA Electronics in Florida City FL, Island Audio and JRS_Security, Heath Moore Interiors and 569 Kustoms in Sonora CA.
Congratulations to all.
WTF……Win This Friday……See the next 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday, February 20th.
LONG BEACH, CA (02.13.26) – JVC Mobile Electronics proudly announces its Rep Firm and Rep of the Year Award recipients, recognizing outstanding performance, dedication, and partnership across its regional sales network.
These awards honor representative firms and individuals who demonstrated exceptional commitment to territory management, customer support, and the continued growth of the JVC Mobile Electronics brand.
Eastern Region
Rep Firm of the Year Tech Marketing
Steve Paul proudly holds the Tech Marketing Rep Firm of the Year plaque. Steve Cote, Mark Dombrosky and John Lucas (LtoR) flank Steve Paul.
Tech Marketing earned Eastern Region Rep Firm of the Year honors for its consistent performance, strong market presence, and dedication to supporting JVC dealers and partners throughout the region.
Rep of the Year Matt Gonzales – Trent Partners and Associates
Matt Gonzales, Trent Partners & Associates, is all smiles holding the Rep of the Year Award. Matt is Frank by Mark Dombrosky, Steve Côte and John Lucas (LtoR)
Matt Gonzales was recognized for his individual contributions, strong customer focus, and commitment to driving sales growth and strengthening relationships across the Eastern Region.
Western Region
Rep Firm of the Year SMS TOLA
Dave Gill holds the Rep Firm of the Year Plaque with members of the SMS TOLA team and JVC staff. Pictured (LtoR) John Lucas, Yam Domino, Dave Gill, Steve Cote, Bob Connacher and Mark Dombrosky.
SMS TOLA was named Western Region Rep Firm of the Year for its active management of the territory, strong support staff, and successful onboarding during JVC’s transition to NetSuite. New to representing JVC, the team demonstrated a focused effort on learning JVC systems and processes while delivering consistent results.
Rep of the Year David Gill – SMS TOLA
Smiles from everyone as Dave Gill holds the Rep of the Year Award. John Lucas, Steve Côte, and Mark Dombrosky (LtoR) were are very happy also.
David Gill earned Western Region Rep of the Year recognition for his strong focus on generating sales and achieving goals. His collaborative approach, excellent team support, and strong working relationships with channel partners played a key role in driving success throughout the region.
“These award recipients exemplify the professionalism, commitment, and partnership that are essential to our success,” said Steve Cote Director of sales “We are proud to recognize their achievements and thank them for their continued dedication to the JVC Mobile Electronics brand.”
JVC Mobile Electronics congratulates all award winners and extends its appreciation to its representative partners nationwide for their ongoing support.
ORANGE CITY, FL (02.13.26) – On Tuesday, January 9th, PowerBass was on the road in Florida heading for a stop at LESCO Distributing in Orange City. Jeff Falk, National Sales Manager, and Territory rep Nelson Pierantoni, Tri-Srar Marketing were set for a day covering new products and a conduct a training session with the LESCO Team.
Jeff Falk (L) and Nelson Pierantoni at the Buc-cees stop.
Their first stop was for fuel at Buc-cees and this was Nelson‘s first experience at the well-known truck stop chain. ‘He said it was incredible and he has now become Buc-ceeatized and is hooked on the Beaver Nuggets,’’ Falk commented.
Once they got to the LESCO location Scott Austin -Sales Manager had everything set to go and the meeting got underway.
The training session underway with Scott Austin on the right.
New products were covered with individual images on the screen.
In the meeting room, Jeff Falk led the presentation for the 7 staff members and used a monitor to highlight the products covered. Scott Austin commented, “The 2026 new products for Teslas, Proaudio, new PowerBass Marine Amps and marine products will be hot sellers for LESCO to supply to our dealers in the territory.”
LESCO and PowerBass have been business partners for many years and has earned several PowerBass distributor awards through the years.
LESCO has branches in Sound Bend IN, Carrollton TX and Miami FL in addition to Orange City.
TAMPA, FL (02.13.26) – DOW Technologies was recently awarded Distributor of the Year 2026 at the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. This is the eighth time that DOW has been honored with the award.
The Mobile Electronics association presents the awards annually to recognize and honor those in the mobile electronics industry. The Industry Awards are voted on by the retailers and vendors working in the 12Volt industry nationwide. The awards ceremony occurred Thursday night, February 5th, at the KnowledgeFest event in Las Vegas. The KnowledgeFest exposition, trainings and demo events were held at the Paris Las Vegas.
The DOW Technologies 12Volt team saw success over the past year with their focus on returning value to the independent dealer. DOW provides unique benefits and programs that support dealers to have healthy margins and sales practices.
Smart Services program members receive freight credits when returning a defective product- accommodating a dealer for the shipping cost and time spent on return authorizations.
New freight program with an option to ship all the sub boxes on an order for as low as a $45 charge – acknowledges a dealer pain point with a program that allows them to be competitively priced and still maintain healthy margins.
Black Friday and 12 Days of 12Volt Promotions- DOW exclusive promotions on high demand items that a dealer can advertise and sell through during the holiday sales season.
Stable pricing during turbulent tariff uncertainty- made dealers aware of profitable opportunities on inventory that was brought in prior to tariffs
Updated website for convenience and product awareness- better organization that highlights new product areas and makes it quicker to order installation solutions.
“We’re really proud of the effort the team puts into providing the best customer service in the industry,” said Dave Elkin, senior vice president of sales and product management. “We put together these programs to help customers, but it’s the team that translates DOW’s value everyday that makes doing business easier for customers.”
“This award is recognition for the whole team that supports our customers, including our operations, marketing, and accounting teams,” said John Yodzis, president & ceo of DOW Technologies. “We are dedicated to making the process smooth at every touch point and giving the dealer more than just the product they ordered.”
STILLWATER, OK (02.12.26) – KICKER is proud to announce its Dealer, Rep Firm of the Year and Rep of The Award recipients which honors outstanding performance, dedication and partnership across the US. These awards recognize KICKER business partnerships that demonstrated exceptional commitment in the marketplace which will lead to the continued growth of KICKER and enjoyment of music across the marketplace.
Chuck Ottati, Opus Marketing, holds his KICKER 2025 Rep of the Year Award.
KICKER REP FIRM-of-the-Year Tech Marketing, Canton, GA
Matt Kim is all smiles with his MAS Mobile Audio Systems KICKER Dealer of a Year Award in the Northeast. Chuck Ottati, Opus Marketing, delivered the award and snapped this image.
George Polillio, with his crew, holds his store’s Bumper To Bumper Brockton KICKER Dealer of the Year Award in the Northeast. Nick Lyons, with Trent Partners, delivered the Award and snapped this image.
KICKER DEALERS-of-the-Year (KICKER rep firms in parentheses)
NORTHEAST
Bumper to Bumper, Brockton, MA (Trent New England) Road Entertainment, Tallman, NY (Trent Partners) MAS Mobile Audio Systems, Woodbridge, VA (OPUS Marketing) Installations Unlimited, Syracuse, NY (Innovative Marketing) Big Papas, Cincinnati, OH (High Point Sales) Traffic Jams, Utica, MI (CJO Sales)
CENTRAL
Baldwin Electronics, Odessa, TX (Marketing Pros) 4N Motorsports, Poplar Bluff, MO (Santa Fe Sales) Xtreme Auto Soundz, Thornton, CO (Santa Fe Sales II) Powerplant Car Audio and Truck Accessory, Twin Falls, ID (Santa Fe Sales II) Sound Pro, Rapid City, SD (Select Sales)
SOUTHEAST
Xtreme Autosound, Louisville, KY (TR Sales and Marketing) Roberts Auto Stereo, Louisville, KY (TR Sales and Marketing) Pro Audio Center, Richland, MS (Tech Marketing) Gorilla Sound, Aurora, IL (Tree and Associates) Aftak Corp, Miami, FL (Dynamic Marketing)
WEST
Outrageous Audio, Portland, OR (Crossover) LA Stereo, Victorville, CA (Murfco)
In 1973 KICKER’s Livin Loud legacy began as a two man operation hand-building professional speaker systems in a narrow one car garage. With very few resources and an extensive love for a music, company founder and current President Steve Irby, invented the mobile stereo enclosure.
KICKER graces the Stillwater skyline today and has stayed true to the values from which the company was built. KICKER products are designed and shipped from a 280,000 ft.² facility that houses nearly 200 energetic individuals who constantly push the limits of audio design, technology and performance.
As audio continues to evolve, KICKER will continue to be on the industry’s cutting-edge pushing the limits of audio design, technology, performance and integration in the quest for ultimate sounds.
BONIFAY, FL (02.12.26) – Prodigy Audio is proud to announce the recent appointment of its new National Sales Manager, Brett Barnes. Bringing over 30 years of elite experience in the technology and music reproduction sectors, he is leading the brand’s aggressive push to expand its dealer and distribution networks across the United States.
A Legacy of Excellence Prodigy Audio was founded by audio enthusiast Jonathan Demuth, whose journey in the industry began in 1988. From his early days as an installer to his success in retail, distribution, and manufacturing, Demuth’s vision has always been rooted in providing top-quality products for users seeking loud, reliable daily-use equipment. His previous venture, T3 Audio, was a dominant force in SPL competition from 2005 to 2011, and that same competitive DNA is now foundational to the Prodigy Audio brand.
Brett Barnes (R) hit the yesterday with a stop to meet with Ricky Gibson at N&H Electronics in Hattiesburg MS.
Industry Veteran Joins the Mission Brett, the newly appointed National Sales Manager, brings a diverse background that perfectly complements this heritage. His career began in the car audio scene of the 1990s and evolved into custom installations for home entertainment and security. He has served as a manufacturer’s representative for prestigious brands, including Bryston, PMC, Proceed, Revel, Niles Audio, Canton, and Straightwire.
Beyond acoustics, he brings sophisticated technical expertise in IT and automation, with deep experience in systems from Ultimate, Cisco, AMX, and Crestron. This rare combination of high-fidelity audio knowledge and technical integration ensures Prodigy Audio’s partners receive unparalleled support.
“Prodigy Audio is aiming to offer amazing products and solutions in the car audio space,” said Brett Barnes. “Our focus is specializing in high-quality subwoofers and amplifiers at a competitive price structure. We aren’t just selling hardware; we are providing a sustainable business model for our partners.”
Building a Robust Dealer Network Prodigy Audio is committed to dealer success through aggressive incentives and a market-leading warranty program, including a 3-year dealer-installed woofer warranty. The brand’s expansion is already underway:
Current Representation: Represented in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina by Vickers Distribution.
Expansion Pipeline: Potential partnerships are developing in Kentucky, Florida, and the Gulf Coast. Future Growth: The company is executing a methodical expansion nationwide, prioritizing face-to-face evaluations to ensure dealers align with the brand’s high standards.
About Prodigy Audio Founded by Jonathan Demuth, Prodigy Audio delivers high-performance automotive audio solutions. With products optimized through computer simulations and rigorous field testing by renowned experts like Eric Stevens, the brand sets a new standard for value and quality in the mobile electronics industry.
TEMPE, AZ (2.12.26) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce the official launch of FabKit™, an engineered Speaker Grille & Panel System designed to dramatically reduce fabrication time while delivering premium, layered 3D interior styling.
“Too many shops avoid custom work because they believe it’s not profitable,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder, president, and CEO of Mobile Solutions. “We’ve challenged the status quo in fabrication by asking one simple question: How can we build smarter and save valuable time? FabKit is the answer. It increases efficiency, raises consistency, and gives shops the freedom to focus on generating revenue instead of sanding and routing for hours. Wrap it in material, install it, and you’re done.”
FabKit was created to eliminate some of the most time-consuming stages of custom panel fabrication. The system allows shops to focus more on creativity and finishing, and less on layout, routing, and grille-frame construction.
Engineered Efficiency Meets Premium Design
FabKit features a precision-machined, layered construction that is ready for upholstery in leather, suede, or vinyl straight out of the box. Its integrated magnet system allows effortless grille removal and secure reinstallation.
The system is designed for universal flexibility across multiple custom audio applications and produces consistent, repeatable results across builds.
Real-World Results: Major Time Savings
Early adopters are reporting significant labor reductions.
“The MS FabKit system is easily the biggest time saver since the release of the original Smart Template system,” said Peter Riker of The Specialists in Tucson, Ariz. “We easily save 8–10 hours of fabrication time using the FabKit.”
Built for Profitability
FabKit helps shops: • Save 4–6+ hours per project • Deliver OEM-inspired layered depth styling • Increase shop throughput and revenue • Improve client satisfaction with faster turnaround
With time savings translating directly to billable hours, FabKit positions shops to take on more projects and improve margins.
Available Models
FabKit Speaker Grille Panel Systems are available in four configurations: • FK-APEX – 34.75in. x 13in. • FK-GT – 41.25in. x 13in. • FK-Shadow – 37.25in. x 12.5in. • FK-Covert – 42in. x 13.5in.
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (2.11.26) – The CWR Wholesale Distribution 2026 Dealer Training and Expo took place at the Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino and Marina February 2nd through the 6th. The Team Nutz crew of 4 traveled from Pittsburg to the CWR event the 365 miles each way to check out a wide variety of products in addition to attending marine trainings where three members received National Marine Electronics Association certification.
The Team Nutz crew included Ed Nuttall, Ben Bjerke, Tom Mays and Scott Olbeter. During the CWR event attendees had the opportunity to earn their NMEA basic and NMEA 2000 certifications, network with manufacturers and attend manufacturer training sessions to learn more about the brands CWR offers.
Ben Bjerke, Tom Mays and Scott Olbeter with Laura Chester and Ed Nuttall gathered holding their advanced in NMEA Certifications in front of the CWR desk.
“Ben, Tom and Scott all passed their advanced NMEA certifications which will provide more tools as we get ready for the 2026 marine season. Pittsburg is located where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River. There are boating communities along the rivers and area lakes. We work with installations in our bays in addition to jobs along the river” Ed Nuttall relayed.
Ed Nuttall’s view from his seat with 30 other students during a training.
Concluding “We also attended trainings with JLAudio, KVH and others. It was super to see the new JL Audio amps and feel the excitement for the 2026 marine season at the CWR Training and Expo. We look forward to this year’s marine season and the 2027 CWR Expo.”
The National Marine Electronics Association is a worldwide member based trade association revolving around marine electronics interface standards, marine electronics installer training and its annual marine electronics conference and expo. The NMEA and its members are committed to enhancing the technology and safety of marine electronics through installer training and interface standards. Installer trainings and certification are scheduled by the organization.
TORRANCE, CA (2.11.26) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics is proud to announce the expansion of its sales representative network across the Pacific region. By partnering with three premier manufacturer’s representative firms, Rydeen is ensuring that drivers across California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest have easier access to safety vehicle technology, including digital rear view mirrors and 360° view camera systems.
As vehicle safety continues to become a top priority for modern drivers, Rydeen is committed to “bridging the gap” between factory-installed tech and the aftermarket.
“These new partnerships will allow local car audio retailers and professional installers to provide expert support and stock for Rydeen’s most sought-after safety solutions,” says Rex Berfield, Rydeen’s National Sales Manager.
We are proud to announce the appointment of Amplified Sales, Crossover Marketing Group, and RPM Sales Group to help us expand our brand coverage.
Amplified Sales Amplified Sales and Marketing, led by 26-year industry veteran Micah Boren, provides hands-on representation and technical support throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada. The firm operates with a “storefront-first” philosophy, treating each retail partner as their own to ensure premium brands like Rydeen are correctly positioned, supported, and successful at the store level.
Crossover Marketing Group Crossover Marketing is a Manufacturer’s Rep Firm servicing the Pacific Northwest market. The company was founded by Rob Sutton and Paul Pilat, who have decades of combined experience in leadership roles within the consumer electronics industry. The company focuses on sustainable dealer development and incorporates innovative marketing strategies with a priority on customer service.
“Rydeen creates value on both the sales floor and in the bay,” added Paul Pilat, Principal Owner and Co-founder, Crossover Marketing Group. “Paired with The Crossover Way, our process-driven approach to Customer Service. We see a tremendous opportunity to grow profitability across the territory.”
RPM Sales Group RPM Sales Group is a premier manufacturer’s representative firm specializing in the mobile electronics, motorcycle, and power sports industries across the Southwest. They serve as the strategic bridge between innovative brands like Rydeen and a professional network of retailers in Southern California, Arizona, and Southern Nevada. By providing expert technical training and market support, they ensure local installers are fully equipped to bring advanced vehicle safety solutions to their customers.
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