LAS VEGAS, NV (02.17.26) – Diamond Audio, the industry leader in high-performance motorcycle audio, proudly announced the debut of its groundbreaking 8×12″ Cut-In Lid Kit designed specifically for 2024 and newer Harley-Davidson touring models. Unveiled at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, this kit represents a massive leap forward in output and integration for the new generation of Harley saddlebags.
The largest cone area meets precision engineering for the Ultimate Bagger Audio Experience.
At the heart of this innovation is a Patent Pending design (US Provisional Patent Application No.: 63/951,910) that utilizes a massive 8″x12″ HMXFB Series speaker. By opting for this unique oval format, Diamond Audio provides riders with the largest possible cone area for maximum sound pressure levels while strategically retaining usable storage space within the saddlebag—a feat previously thought impossible with drivers of this scale.
The large Cerwin Vega/Diamond Audio booth was a stand out on the show floor.
“On Day 2 at KnowledgeFest Nathan Larson, Director of Powersports, gave an in depth presentation on the show floor in the Cerwin Vega/Diamond Audio booth. The presentation covered the huge commitment for new products for both the Cerwin Vega and Diamond Audio brands in the Side-x-Side Market with over 160 new products combined in just this category” John Catalano, Director Product Development and Controlled Chaos, related.
Contunuing “Following Nathan’s well attended and very informative presentation we spent over 20 minutes fielding questions including inquiries about the new stuff. We just wish it was already in stock. Beginning in March-May we will see all the new products in inventory.”
Nathan Larson opens the training Day 2.
The kit features the all-new HMXFB 2-way speakers, engineered for the harsh environment of the open road: Carbon Fiber Cone: Delivers intense impact and lightning-fast transient response.
1.5″ Compression Loaded Titanium Tweeter: Provides crisp, musical high-frequency detail and increased output to cut through wind and exhaust noise.
Neodymium Motor: A high-energy magnet structure that offers immense power handling while significantly reducing weight. Fiber-Reinforced Basket: Ensures rigid stiffness and durability without the bulk of traditional cast baskets. Rugged, Reliable Engineering
Following the presentation, Nathan Larson was taking questions for over 20 minutes.
The Diamond Audio demo bike was loaded with power.
The Lid Kit is built for the long haul, featuring brass inserts to ensure the inner gasket and outer housing maintain a perfect, reliable, and water-tight fit. For riders seeking the absolute maximum in low-end punch, Diamond Audio is also offering an optional tunable port kit to further enhance bass impact and overall output.
“With the 2024+ Harley platform, we didn’t just want to make another speaker kit; we wanted to dominate the space. By utilizing the 8″x12″ format and our patent-pending housing, we are giving riders more air movement and more volume than anything else on the market, all while keeping their bags functional” Catalano concluded.
Availability: The Diamond Audio 2024+ Harley Cut-In Lid Kit is scheduled to begin shipping in April 2026.
METAIRIE, LA (02.17.26) – ORACLE Lighting is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter owners: the all-new Dual In-Dash Switch Pod engineered specifically for the 2018+ W907/W910 Sprinter platform. This OEM-style solution seamlessly integrates dual accessory controls into the vehicle’s dashboard, delivering professional fit, refined aesthetics, and intuitive functionality designed for modern adventure van builds, professional fleets, and custom conversions.
With demand accelerating for clean, efficient accessory control systems that preserve factory interior quality, ORACLE Lighting’s Dual In-Dash Switch Pod answers the call. This precision-molded pod installs directly into the Sprinter’s original dash switch location without modification, offering a finished look that blends with the vehicle’s interior architecture.
“We designed this switch pod to deliver both form and functionality for Sprinter owners who want accessory control without compromising the dashboard’s factory look,” said an ORACLE Lighting spokesperson. “Whether you’re outfitting a campervan, overland rig, or work van, this solution provides intuitive access to your 12V accessories with OEM-quality styling.”
Key Features and Benefits
Factory-Integrated Design: Precision-engineered for the 2018+ Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W907/W910 to install seamlessly in the OEM dash location — no cutting or custom trimming required.
Dual Accessory Control: Two dedicated switches allow independent operation of 12V accessories such as LED lighting, compressors, fridges, and more.
Universal 12V Compatibility: Ideal for a range of aftermarket 12V accessories, providing flexible electrical control in a compact, integrated package.
Straightforward Installation: Snap-in mount with detachable wiring ensures serviceability and tidy wiring management.
This dual switch pod enables Sprinter owners to centralize electrical accessory controls in the most ergonomic and visually-cohesive way possible, preserving both the interior’s refined aesthetic and practical utility.
Availability: The ORACLE Lighting Dual In-Dash Switch Pod is currently available for pre-order exclusively through ORACLE Lighting’s online store.
For detailed product information, installation guidance, and high-resolution images, visit www.oraclelights.com.
RENO, NV (02.16.26) – THE AMA KICKER ArenaCross 2025-2026 Series Round 10 rolled in the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center for a 2-Day run on Friday, February 13th and Saturday February 14th.
Attendees gathered in the lobby mezzanine area before the track action began.
“It was great to get back to Reno this year. The Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center venue is perfect for ArenaCross. The whole track area can be seen from the stands and again this year the attendees in the stands were very engaged. Also, the lobby was very busy as attendees arrived and made stops at the KICKER booth spotlighting products before heading to the mezzanine before heading to their seats” Lorin Morrell, Maddog Media, related.
During the AMA KICKER ArenaCross Series, during pre-racing activities, enthusiasts had a chance to walk the track mounds and visit the pit area. “This time was a great way to give fans a fun experience and they got to meet and talk with their favorite riders and check out their bikes” Morrell added.
Dana Doyle, KICKER rep Doyle Sales, was on site and provided a lot of help in the booth as well as connecting with Carson City KICKER dealer Unique Sounds that was attending the event with family. Carson City is about 30 miles from Reno.
“It was great having Dana and Khalid from Unique Sounds to lend big hands to engage with attendees and spend time in the KICKER booth” Morrell added.
Lorin Morrell presents a KICKER Bullfrog prize to a T-Shirt toss winner on Friday evening night.
As soon as racers hit the track they got their rhythm as they went up a mound and easily flew over the next mound to land… 50 feet away. Between races the PA announcer let the crowd know there was a special offer inside one of the KICKER T’s being tossed into the stands had a certificate for a KICKER Bullfrog. The lucky people who caught the KICKER T with the certificate went to booth and pickup their Bullfrog prize from Lorin Morrell.
All smiles Saturday night for the T-shirt toss winner presentation. Khalid and Dana on the left joined Lorin by the KICKER booth in the lobby.
“Certainly look forward to returning to Reno next year. Every year I see enthusiasts from the previous event and talk to attendees who have KICKER gear in their rides. KICKER gear for trucks, marine, bikes and power sports are very popular in this part of the US” Morrell concluded.
HOUSTON TX (02.16.26) CAR•TOYS Texas announced the appointment of Pedro Rodriguez as Regional Install & Sales Manager (RISM), following a competitive hiring process.
Rodriguez began his career with CAR•TOYS at the Frisco, TX store as an installer years ago and has since built a strong reputation in 12-volt. Most recently, he served in territory sales with Marketing Pros, where he supported retailers and manufacturer partners. In his new RISM role, Rodriguez will focus on driving consistent installation quality, training, improving sales execution, supporting store leadership, and strengthening vendor and industry relationships.
“Pedro has charisma and high energy, and he connects quickly with installers, sales teams, and vendor partners,” said Chris Pritts. “He’ll rally our teams and strengthen key relationships with a ‘get it done’ mindset, aligning with where Troy and I are taking the business.”
Pedro is based in the Dallas area and will help oversee all 12 CAR•TOYS Texas locations across the DFW and Houston markets, reporting directly to ownership.
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.
12VoltNews.com 