STOCKTON, CA (07.30.26) – A rep firm website that works like a dealer tool, not a brochure

Reliable Product Marketing (RPM), the manufacturers’ rep firm covering Northern California and Northern Nevada, has launched a fully rebuilt norcalrep.com. The site moves well beyond the standard rep firm line card, packing interactive system configurators, DSP education tools, and dealer sales resources into a single destination built around one goal: taking dealers to the next level of profitability with information and tools.

What dealers will find

The site is organized around how a retail store actually works. Sales staff get configurators and product knowledge they can use mid-conversation with a customer. Installers get technical tools covering time alignment, crossover behavior, and OEM integration signal analysis. Owners get stocking guidance, margin-focused programs, and the documentation that makes carrying a new line less of a leap.

On the site at a glance

• System Configurators. Guided build tools that walk a salesperson or installer through amplifier, DSP, and speaker pairings across the RPM brand portfolio, producing a coherent system spec instead of a parts list.
• DSP and tuning education. Interactive tools covering time alignment, crossover modeling, and OEM signal analysis, built so a dealer can learn the concept and apply it on the bench the same day.
• Learn RPM. Technical reference material, white papers, and product training that go deeper than a spec sheet, written for the counter and the install bay.
• Dealer Tools. Sales support resources, margin-minded stock programs, and dealer-facing documents designed to shorten the path from customer conversation to closed ticket.
• Brand coverage. Focal, ARC Audio, Gladen, Mosconi, Musway, Wet Sounds, Compustar, Momento, iDatalink Maestro, mObridge, Lucas, and Drone, all under one roof for Northern California and Northern Nevada.

Why we built it

RPM’s position is that a rep firm should make markets with its dealers, not just call on them. With roughly 30 years in the 12-volt industry, including years behind the counter and in the install bay as a retailer, principal Scott Baughman built norcalrep.com to put rep-level product knowledge in dealer hands around the clock, not just when the rep is in the store.

“A line card tells a dealer what we carry. This site shows them how to sell it, how to install it, and how to make money with it. That is the job.” – Scott Baughman, Reliable Product Marketing

The full set of configurators, dealer tools, and training resources is available now at www.norcalrep.com.

HOUSTON, TX (07.29.26) – Tuesday, July 28th, Alex Restrepo and the House of Sound team of 4 rolled out of Houston on the way to Nashville to extend the company’s Slingshot Experiences. House of Sound has been driving Slingshot Experiences in Houston for several years and recently have taken their activities on the road… most recently in Maggie‘s Valley North Carolina and the Fairgrounds in Toledo OH. Team members with Alex are Edwin Watson, Eber Flores and Walter Tobar.

This stop will be at the SLINGFEST NASHVILLE 2026 hosted by Sloan’s Motorcycle-ATV at the Nashville Fairgrounds July 30 -August 2nd. Reflecting from behind the wheel on the 780 mile 2-Day drive Alex related “We packed the trailer with tents, inventory and Slingshot specific installation products for installations on site. Once we get there we will set everything up and be ready for Thursday. We will be ready to make Slingshots shine and sound great. Slingshot enthusiasts will arrive and we will discuss the upgrades that they would like to do to their Slingshots with audio systems, custom LED lighting and accents, custom pods and customization with amps along with DSP tuning on site for their Slingshots.”

On Thursday through Sunday Slingshot enthusiasts will continue to check out activities and have the House of Sound crew make installations on their Polaris Slingshots. The crew will pack the trailer early on Monday and start the 780 miles back to Houston. All told, rhere and back, the House of Sound crew will spend almost a day and a half on the highway.

“More and more Slingshot enthusiasts are upgrading their rides with aftermarket upgrades and we are looking for a great year as we drive business with our Slingshot experiences” Restrepo concluded.

For more see houseofsoundtx.com.

SANFORD, ME (07.28.26) – “This year’s Show N’ Shine was the sixth at our new location and the weather was terrific….72 and clear. We were packed and had 225 cars registered….up from 160. We had to open an hour to let everyone in. It seemed almost every square foot of our property was filled with Show N’ Shine cars and activities. Vehicles and tents even lined the ground along Highway 4 in both directions” owner Jack Bogard related.

Continuing “Saturday the Sanford Sound Team spent the day getting everything ready for the Show N’ Shine. On site we had Jacob from SONY, Chad from Memphis, Ben from Alpine and Rockford plus Matt from Kenwood. Local business owners said they had never seen Route 4 so busy on Sunday” Bogard offered.

“Nearly 20 area businesses were on site showing their products that 12volt enthusiasts could utilize. Vehicle restoration, lift modifications, stickers and more were offered. Food trucks were on site. We also had several clubs attend the Show N’ Shine in big numbers. Plus we had a number of cars with out of state license plates… including Connecticut, Vermont, New York and Rhode Island” Bogard added.

Bogard concluded “A really big thing for us at a Sanford Sound Show N’ Shine event is seeing all the happy, smiling faces. Members of the crowd were showing their rides and checking out other’s rides.The level of customization of the vehicles in the show this year was amazing. Long term this will lead to residual business for us at Sanford Sound. A huge shout out to all, especially family and staff who participated in, and contributed to, the very successful 30th Annual Sanford Sound Show N’ Shine. Sanford Sound Team members on site included Jason, Adam, Bill, Justin, Connor, Cullen, Steve, Indigo, Jesse, Alissa, Nakia, Stefanie andTonya along with Christine and myself.”

Sanford, ME is a town of just over 20,000. Sanford Sound is a responsible business member of the community and hires local police to be on site to help with the increased traffic for the event which packed Route 4 on Sunday afternoon.

For more see sanfordsound.com and @sanfordsound.

MODESTO, CA (07.27.26) – A Look Back 2 Years Ago As Car Audio Depot Spotlighted The Ultimate The In-Store Experience.

The Car Audio Depot is a family owned business located in the heart of Modesto CA. For 26 years the Randy Leibenson family and the 10 Member team have served the community and surrounding area with top level mobile electronics products and knowledge along with the best customer service. Jorge Deras is the store manager.

In this digital driven cyber world it is more important than ever to drive store traffic into brick and mortar retail stores. The Car Audio Depot takes the in-store experience from the outside to the inside as they connect with consumers. From the street the store stands out beginning with a large monitor mounted under the eaves on the corner of the building. A large painted company logo is also presented on the outside of the building.

“On the large outside monitor we spotlight brands like ARC Audio along with store events such as Black Friday sales and car shows. As a company all team members contribute our everyday activities to drive sales and in-vehicle enjoyment for our
customers,” Liebenson stated.

The entrance to the store is very well identified in the parking lot marked with convenient parking lines. All of the above guides consumers into the best part of The Car Audio Depot….the amazing showroom. Very well positioned displays showcase the wide selection of mobile electronics products, marine audio, OEM integration, lighting, security and accessories. A large installation area provides ample room for all vehicles and the company’s strong marine category.

Check out the selection of images below from around The Car Audio Depot. Many say an image is worth 1000 words.

All 12volt retailers have digital options to create a network of social media followers to drive store traffic for the in-store experience. Proactive 12volt retailers utilize those digital social media platforms which turns into profitable business. The Car Audio Depot definitely utilizes these digital marketing tools with regularity to showcase new product and company activities.

A large 12volt Central Studios HATS Off to The Car Audio Depot as they work to drive in-store traffic and sales.

Visit caraudiodepot.com for more.

HATTIESBURG, MS (07.25.26) – N&H Electronics works closely with their dealers in the Mississippi territory and along the Gulf Coast. Recently, Ricky Gibson and team members Scott Rogers and Mark Sealey have put together a way to help their dealers connect with consumers.

The N&H team is working with the 12volt Central Studios and developing graphics that their dealers can utilize on social media posts. The graphic shows the specific retailer with a big thumbs up showcasing consumers enjoying the concert in the car. The N&H team can snap an image of a dealer picking up an order in their Hattiesburg location or traveling on the road. After getting the dealer’s image the 12volt Center Studio staff will create the social media graphic, get it approved by the dealer and send the finished graphic to the dealer to make the post on their social media.

The first example is Wizard Electronics in Summit MS. Erik Hightower provided a big thumbs up image. Happy customers in the background were added.. Shortly after receiving the Wizard Electronic graphics Eric started seeing likes on his Facebook social media page.

An added plus with this program is the dealer and N&H can select one of their brands that the dealer stocks for additional exposure… In this case Kicker.

Stay tuned for more as N&H Electronics will continue working with their dealers to create ‘concert in your car’ excitement and drive store traffic.

Contact your N&H Electronics team member for more.

AUSTIN, TX (07. 24.26) – During the latter part of last week 12 GROUND ZERO team members gathered in Austin for a HKI
BootCamp and to participate in competition activities at the 2026 Texas Heatwave.

Tommy Spears, Director of Sales related “We started off the HKI Bootcamp with a team building tasting of a German drink then Nick Wingate got down with business in our trainings. We had everything from demo sessions, to what to expect in the future for Car Audio, to Sales tips, to a very engaging Q&A session. Then we honored Jason Phillips and Rick Booth with their 10 Years of being with HKI USA Plaques.”

Concluding “The biggest takeaway, apart from all of the knowledge, was the coming together and strengthening of our team. We finished off the time in Austin by introducing the team to the Texas Heatwave for the last two days.”

Jason Billups, JB Associates, related “The training session Nick presented will let me bring back not info only on product but
how to demo and help dealers demo to sell the good stuff.”

On his flight back to North Carolina Boomer Robinson, a 30 year industry member, wrote a 3000 word email to the 12volt
Central Studios reflecting on the HKI Bootcamp. “Dealers must stop competing on price and start competing on expertise and
craftsmanship. The future of our industry isn’t about finding a brand new customer but reconnecting with the customer who
never stopped loving great sound.”

The benefits from the HKI Bootcamp will continue for months for attendees. The Texas Heatwave was another benefit for
GROUND ZERO staff. Coverage of the Texas Heatwave activities was the feature on 12voltnews.com on Wednesday July
22nd.

For more see hki-usa.com.

DANIA BEACH, FL (7/23/26) – Ground Zero Car Audio is proud to announce an outstanding weekend of competition results at Texas Heatwave, where vehicles equipped with Ground Zero products earned multiple first-place finishes across IASCA and MCA sound quality classes, in addition to second and third place finishes in the head to head, random draw money round.

Texas Heatwave, held in Austin, Texas, is known for bringing together custom vehicles, audio competitors, and sound-off organizations for a high-profile weekend of competition. This year’s event featured IASCA and MCA sanctioned sound quality competition, along with other major audio formats, giving competitors the opportunity to showcase elite installation work, tuning, and system performance.

Ground Zero-equipped vehicles delivered strong results throughout the weekend, including first-place finishes for Shane Russell, Jim Rogers, and Amanda Halter, as well as a second-place finish for Ground Zero USA’s own Tommy Spears.

“Having all four of our competition cars place highly in each of the orgs they competed in and having two of the cars finish second and third in the money round with installs that are less than one month old speaks volumes to me about just how good these products are!” said Nick Wingate, Director of Car Audio Development for GZUSA/HKI. “All in all, it was a great weekend for Ground Zero!”

Competition Highlights

Shane Russell, competing in a 2023 Ford F-150, earned first place in IASCA Advanced Amateur and first place in MCA INT5+. Russell’s system featured Ground Zero Reference Tweeters and Ultra Midranges.

Jim Rogers, competing in a 2012 Ram 1500, earned first place in IASCA Pro 2 and first place in MCA INT4+. Rogers also achieved the highest MCA score of the weekend. His build featured a Ground Zero Reference three-way system, three Plutonium subwoofers, two Uranium four-channel amplifiers, and two Uranium two-channel amplifiers.

Amanda Halter, competing in a 2023 Nissan Altima, earned first place in IASCA Amateur and first place in MCA INT3. This build features GZ Reference three-way front speakers, Plutonium amplifiers, and a Radioactive 15” subwoofer in an IB setup

Tommy Spears, competing for the first time ever, in a 2023 Ford Maverick, earned second place in MCA INT3. This build is all about under promise and over deliver with Hydrogen 3-Way Quasi-Active front speakers, Hydrogen 10” Flat Subs, and a Radioactive four-channel with a Competition Series mono amp.

The Ground Zero team also conducted a Bootcamp training in Austin designed to prepare their team to spend time in the field working directly with 12volt retailers. Stay tuned for more.

For more information about Ground Zero Car Audio, please visit GroundZeroUSA.com.

WHEELING, WV (07.22.26) – The Steel Valley Regional XV rolled July 17,18,19 2026 returning to the Wesbanco Arena.
As before, this show featured the Top 48 SQ Showdown along with lASCA 3X, EMMA 3X, MASQ 3X and MECA 4X.

EVENT HOURS were Friday, July 17th: Setup 12PM – 9PM, Saturday, July 18th: Competition began at 8AM, Sunday July 19th: Competition began at 8AM with Awards presentations starting at 6PM.

“This was definitely a Car Audio Sound Quality Show that had approximately 60 of the best sounding vehicles in the country competing with experienced sound quality judges. The SVR 15 was one of the ultimate sound quality contests in the USA!” Larry Chijner related.

Here is a List of SPONSORS for SVR XV. This show could not have happened if it wasn’t for the Continued Support of the
Manufacturers and Individuals:

• ARC AUDIO Presents SVR XV-Title Brian Mitchell, Brad Ott, Fred Lynch
• ZAPCO /ESB -Gold Sponsor Chris Bennett, Enzo
• MSC AMERICA-BRAX/HELIX/MATCH/ BLAM- Gold Sponsor Jeff Smith, Larry Penn
• KARMA MOBILE AUDIO-Silver TrophySponsor Adam Schlepphorst, Harry Kimura- Gold Sponsor
• Creative Products Design-BronzeSponsor Mike Buononato
• JL AUDIO/GARMIN-Gold Sponsor Manville Smith lan Gash HAROLD JONES Brothers Boxing Club-Silver Sponsor
• Audio Intensity -PRIZE Sponsor Scott Welch
• US ACOUSTICS-Silver Sponsor Mike Nicholls
• Stereo Installs- Trophy Sponsor Bryan Huston David Wright
• DAVIS DISTRIBUTION -Prize Sponsor Nate Taliani Chuck Fauser
• Liquid HiFi-Prize Sponsor Ron Ronald K. Buffington
• ECA4X (East Coast Aydiophiles) Richard Papasin

“Based on the excitement at SVR15 we are definitely looking forward to 2027 and SVR16” Chijner concluded.”

GRAND JUNCTION, CO (07.21.26) – The Monster Truck Series at the Mesa County Fairgrounds Saturday, August 18th, was another opportunity for DJ Klamfoth and his company Konnected Auto Restylin’ to connect with consumers and enthusiast across a wide area.

Lorin Morrell, KICKER Events, once again reached out to DJ to participate at the doubleheader event. Kicker had a booth set up in the Fairground Center as people made their way into and out of the track.

DJ related “My shop caters to enthusiast looking to get their ride upgraded. We’re the only retailer of this type that does that within a 200 or 300 mile range. It was such a fun day for all as the fairground was packed with enthusiast and totally engaged attendees. As in previous years, we made literally hundreds of contacts under the tent meeting with attendees and showing pro- ducts in the booth and setting up jobs for the coming days. Looks like 6 or 8 jobs will happen”

Continuing, “It was also a family event for me as my daughters were on site and engaged during the pit party with Monster Trucks and took several several rides. Working with Lorin was great as all were Livin’Loud in Grand Junction.”

DJ has been a Car Audio enthusiast for most of his 46 years and has spent time on the sound-off circuit as a world record holder. DJ started his company nine years ago and is totally committed to providing the best service possible for his customers.

“Working KICKER events with DJ continues to be a very positive experience. DJ connects with consumers and enthusiasts at events and on the show floor in his store” Morrell related.

For more see kicker.com.

GRAND JUNCTION, CO (07.20.26) – The Mesa County Fairgrounds drew Monster Truck enthusiasts on Saturday the 18th for a full day to experience real Monster Trucks. The Pit Party started the day with opportunities to see Monster Trucks up close, meet drivers and take pictures at the family-friendly fun event. A Monster Truck ride was available for an additional charge. The Pit Party kicked off the doubleheader day with an afternoon and evening with Monster Trucks on the Fairgrounds.

Continuing “The temperature was unseasonably hot which affected the afternoon crowd but the evening event was past standing room only. There was such energy in the air, Monster Trucks in the air too!”

A KICKER booth was set up in the lobby under the grandstands by Lorin Morrell and DJ Klamfoth, with local KICKER dealer Konnected Auto Stylin’, Under the KICKER tent Lorin and DJ connected enthusiasts with a wide selection of KICKER products.

“DJ and I talked with hundreds of enthusiasts. We had some new KICKER products set up in a display and I know DJ set some jobs in his store this coming week. DJ has been a strong dealer in the area for over 20 years and is booked with installs into mid-August” Morrell, KICKER Events, related.

Concluding Morrell offered “The fairgrounds outside was the center of attention as amazing Monster Trucks were flying over lines of cars. Seeing that happen brought cheers from very excited crowd members. KICKER definitely connects with Monster Truck fans!”

Visit kicker.com for more.