DANIA BEACH, FL (03.08.22) – HKI USA has announced an amazing new partnership with ProLine-X (Vacaville CA) for subwoofer specific enclosures to help deliver a better overall experience to our retailers and their clients.
Proline-X does things very differently when it comes to building “pre-fab” enclosures by taking away the simplicity of mass market products, and focuses on using the highest quality materials, the best construction methods, and proper design and tuning of their enclosures.
Click above to view the full PDF
“Our goal here is to offer dealers a true solution that has the performance and quality necessary to reinforce Ground Zero subwoofers’ ability to play strong, deep, and accurate bass,” stated Robert Reilly of HKI USA, who spear headed this project with the Proline-X.
While Proline-X is not new to the enclosure game, this partnership is the first manufacturer recommended enclosure line to be available nationwide, and Ground Zero is extremely proud to be able to point their dealers in the right direction. There will be available enclosures paired to the entry level Iridium lines up through the widely loved Hydrogen line. Starting with a more traditional universal style and fit, who knows where this could lead and what awesome products could be brought to the table in the future.
For more information on the enclosures, and how to become a dealer, contact Proline-X.com.
PORTLAND, OR (03.07.22) – The Portland International Auto Show is the largest auto show in the Northwest. Stereo King was on site to show their latest builds and connect with members of the crowd, estimated at over 90,000, for the 4-Day run February 24th-27th 2022 at the Oregon Convention Center.
The Stereo King booth occupied a large area in The Garage section in the Convention Center.
Members of the Stereo King crew gathered around the SK Jeep for this image.
Attendees previewed the latest vehicles and automotive technology with over 500 new cars, trucks, SUV’s and power sports vehicles. Stereo King certainly had a lot to show in the setting that featured more than 35 auto manufacturers. The Stereo King team on site included GM Kevin Cornutt, Manager Scotty Miles and an additional crew of half a dozen. No doubt the SKJeep build was the loudest and brightest vehicle in the Contention Center. The Viper Coupe was back again and attracted a many to the booth during the event along with the Polaris side-by-side.
“Stereo King was located in The Garage area. This area in the Convention Center has grown to over 30,000 square feet and we could feel the energy as we were setting up our area on Tuesday and Wednesday before the show opened on Thursday,” Scotty Miles related.
The SK Jeep is amazing from any angle… Check out the amp rack, speaker pods and LED whips!
Ethan Larson completing one of the on-site installations in the booth. Jon Joynt and Alex Osterhousdt also worked on in-booth builds.
Continuing Miles stated “In The Garage area there were live customization jobs taking place on a 2022 Tacoma TRD and Polaris side by side and Toyota 4 Runner. Attendees were attracted to these activities and spent lots of time checking out lift kits, customized suspension, a full body wrap and vehicles in the Stereo King booth showcasing 12volt products. As attendees watched there was quality time to answer their questions and talk about aftermarket add-ons Stereo King offered for their rides.” Stereo King was listed in the event program as a company in The Garage Area.
Throughout the event’s 4-day run attendees were drawn to The Garage and spent time in the large Stereo King booth. Even the Oregon University Duck Mascot gave a big cheer in the booth. Lighting, headlights and in-vehicle LED lighting, plus radar detectors interested attendees too. The Stereo King radar display, featuring Escort and Cobra, led to sales in that category. The dash cam category also attracted interest in the booth.
The power sports category is rapidly growing in the great Northwest and this Stereo King Polaris let all know the company is tops in the area.
Even the Oregon University Duck Mascot was impressed in the Stereo King booth.
In the Stereo King booth the SKJeep was restricted and was not cranked up to anywhere near its volume potential. As a post show promo the SKJeep will be setup outside the Stereo King Clackamas store March 7th-11th. Attendees were made aware of that promotion and many expressed interest in attending. Social media posts will also add visibility for followers to experience the SKJeep at the Clackamas location.
The 2023 Portland International Auto Show is already penciled in on the Stereo King event calendar.
TULSA, OK (02.28.22) – Code Zero Customs had a major presence at the recent Starbird Show in Tulsa. The event, the 58th Annual, was held in the Tulsa Expo Center February 17th-20th. This was the 6th year for Code Zero Customs to exhibit and the company’s 5th year to be an event sponsor. As part of the event sponsorship 2500 Code Zero Customs VIP Lanyards were worn on the show floor by attendees.
Code Zero Customs booth up front at the Starbird Show
Cody Landis, Code Zero Customs owner, related “Being on site with a 20 x 40 booth at the Starbird Show is always a real branding opportunity for our company. Attendees are serious automotive aftermarket enthusiasts and it’s a great way to showcase our brand, products and work to the right audience.”
The amazing interior of the ‘67 Camaro grabbed eyeballs.
When attendees walked by the ‘67 Camaro they were drawn to the custom work in the trunk.
Code Zero Customs had 3 vehicles in the booth-two of which were exhibited at previous SEMA Shows in Las Vegas.
“Showing 3 great project vehicles vehicles of ours in the booth really let attendees see our custom work. The ’67 Camaro really grabbed a lot of eyeballs as our custom work is showcased throughout. People also smiled when they saw my son’s Escalade mini up front in the booth” Landis added.
2,500 Event Sponsor lanyards provided even more branding for Code Zero Customs.
On the table at the front of the booth there was a prize package that included a cooler with Bluetooth and custom koozies. A QR Code was printed on a large card for attendees to scan for a chance to win the cooler package.
A very happy Cody Landis is already excited about planning for the 2023 Starbird Show.
“At the Starbird shows our goal is to put our brand in front of the right crowd. Every year we quote packages to members of the crowd and that turns into business at our store. We look forward to the 2023 Starbird Show” Landis concluded.
ELKHART, IN (02.25.22) – Patrick Industries, Inc. has signed a definitive agreement under which Arizona-based Rockford Corporation (“Rockford”) will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Patrick by merger. Rockford, through its brand Rockford Fosgate®, is a global leader in the design and distribution of premier, high-performance audio systems and components, primarily serving the powersports, marine, and automotive markets and aftermarkets. Rockford’s full-year 2021 revenues were approximately $155 million, and the acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to net income per share. The Company anticipates completing the acquisition on or around March 7, 2022.
“Rockford’s innovative designs, marketing, brand recognition and performance have afforded it the opportunity to be a favored supplier with both OEM customers and consumers,” said Andy Nemeth, Chief Executive Officer of Patrick. “We are excited to partner with Bill Jackson and the creative team at Rockford as we expand our presence in the audio solutions markets.
“In addition, Rockford’s proven track record of consistently and creatively adapting to changing market dynamics, with its extensive in-house design, engineering, and marketing resources, provides us with an excellent opportunity to leverage our combined distribution capabilities and geographic footprint to bring synergies to our markets and continue to expand our aftermarket product platform. As with previous acquisitions, we will support Rockford with a financial and operational foundation that will allow it to continue to capitalize on its core competencies.”
Bill Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockford, said, “The Rockford team and I are delighted to join the Patrick family, whose vision aligns with our goal of providing the highest quality, innovative solutions to our customers. We look forward to the next phase of executing the many strategic initiatives and opportunities in front of us. Patrick’s core values, competencies, relationships and strong focus on customer service mirror the mission that has been a cornerstone of the Rockford brand since its inception more than 40 years ago. We are committed to growing our capacity and capabilities as we strive to be the best partner for our customers.”
Following closing, Rockford will continue its operations as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Patrick under the Rockford Fosgate® name in its existing facilities.
MIDDLETOWN, CT (02.24.22) – GoFast Solutions is excited to announce the official date for the 2022 Mobile Expo… April 6th at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA from 9 AM-6 PM.
“The Mobile Expo is the traditional kick-off to the season,” said David Prinz CEO of GoFast Solutions. “As the weather starts to turn and the days get longer, consumers are anxious to break out recreational vehicles (cars, ATVs, boats, motorcycles, etc.) that were stored for the winter.”
Last year, GoFast held the Mobile Expo virtually… this year, it’s back Live and in-person and bigger than ever! GoFast, together with the Mobile Expo Platinum Sponsors, is offering attendees the opportunity to win nearly $2 Million. Three Grand Prizes are sponsored by some of the biggest names in the Mobile Electronics industry. Sony ES is sponsoring the $1 Million Challenge, Boss Audio is sponsoring the $500k Challenge, and Diamond Audio is sponsoring the $250k Challenge.
David expounds, “These are potentially Life-Changing prizes, but the truth is that simply attending Mobile Expo 2022 and investing the time into your business, meeting with 40+ vendors, and getting specialized training & product knowledge is guaranteed to impact your business exponentially.”
This One-Day Only Live Show will Feature:
Keynote Speaker Chris Cook from the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA)
Live Training & Presentations
New Product Launches
Catered Breakfast & Lunch
Cocktail Hour
Prizes & Giveaways
Networking Opportunities
The 2022 GoFast Solutions Mobile Expo is being held LIVE & In-Person at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts on April 6th, from 9 am – 6 pm.
PITTSBURGH, PA (02.23.22) – The Pittsburgh International Auto Show was back at the David L Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh February 18th-21st. The 4-Day show, that included President’s Day, brought exciting new vehicles, displays, products and fun for the whole family. In all the show featured 21 makes and models of vehicles from around the world.
This image shows just part of the Team Nutz 7000 square-foot booth.
Team Nutz, proactive 12volt and automotive aftermarket retailer, was once again on site. This year, the Team Nutz occupied a 7000 square foot booth in the Convention Center. Team Nutz has been exhibiting at the Pittsburg Auto Show for over 15 years. During the show at times there were 16 members of the Team Nutz crew engaged with show attendees in meaningful one-on-one conversations.
The wheel display saw a lot of action and drove Monday in-store sales.
For Team Nutz Ed Nuttall stated “Our booth was filled with demo vehicles, a big selection of wheels, OEM Display, a Marine display, a wide variety of product displays plus live installations of vehicle wraps, bed liner jobs, paint protection polishing, window tinting, leather Katzkin seat installations and DSP audio demos. One of the wrap demos projects was a full wrap of our new 24’ Team Nutz Trailer. With bed liner we are actually coating the bodies of pickups and cars. A Mustang in our booth was an example that drew a lot of attention.”
The on-site wrap of the new Team Nutz was a live demo that lasted throughout the event.
Nuttall Continued “Standouts for demo vehicles was the International All Ways Safe truck loaded with Memphis Audio that debuted at SEMA 2021. Vince Murray’s Gladiator highlighting a wide range of Metra products grabbed attention throughout the show…along with the Corvette C8 with Lambo doors. Our Auto Magic delivery truck also helped get the word out about all our car care products.”
There was plenty for show goers to see in the huge Team Nutz area.
On Monday following the Auto Show the phone at the store was ringing off the hook. One of the first customers at the store picked up a $2500. set of wheels he saw at the show. All of this while Team Nutz was still manning the booth on President’s day.
This Mustang demo in the booth featured a body painted with bed liner.
“With the large crowd at the event over the 4 days I know we had probably more than 5000 direct conversations with attendees. We also passed out a ton of lanyards, stickers and koozies. We had 2500 business cards and ran out. With all that interaction we anticipate a considerable amount of business from the event. We definitely look forward to being back at the Pittsburg International Auto Show in 2023” Nuttall concluded.
LAS VEGAS, NV (02.22.22) – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced the winners of the 2022 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. The awards were presented Sunday evening at the conclusion of a successful KnowledgeFest Las Vegas event. The awards recognize and honor professionals in the mobile electronics industry that exhibit outstanding service, business ethics, professionalism, and expertise in their field.
Chris Cook, President of MEA, hosted the event which was attended in person and viewed online by thousands of industry professionals, including family and friends, from the United States and around the globe. Top honors for Installer of the Year went to Marty Adamschek of Andres Electronics – Courtenay, BC. Retailer of the Year was awarded to Titan Motoring – Nashville, TN. Sales Pro of the Year went to Robert Kowatch – Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security – Anchorage, AK. and Trusted Tech of the Year went to Adam Devine – Devine Concepts – Naples, FL. Vendor of the Year went to HKI USA and Distributor of the Year went to DOW Electronics.
“Congratulations to all the nominees, finalist, award winners”, stated Chris Cook, MEA President. “Their accomplishments set a high standard for the Mobile Electronics Industry.” Going forward, MEA will continue to hold the Industry Awards at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (02.21.22) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. unveiled the third generation AlpineF#1Status System in a Tesla Model S during an exclusive event with AlpineF#1Status Authorized Dealers and Alpine Executive Management at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
The AlpineF#1Status system is the first complete premium car audio system to achieve 384kHz/32bit High-Resolution Audio Playback, the highest recording spec possible in a car audio system. This is Alpine Electronics of America’s first complete vehicle install of the third-generation sound system.
Audience members listened intently to the Alpine F#1 Status presentation before the unveil at the MGM Grand.
Complete, High-Resolution Sound System
AlpineF#1Status was designed with one goal in mind: to bring recording studio-level sound performance into the challenging vehicle interior environment and reproduce the ultimate, high-resolution sound.
Comprised of six components – the HDS-7909 Head Unit Commander, DAP-7909 Digital Audio Player, HDP-H900 Digital Signal Processor, two HDA-F900 4-Channel Amplifiers, and HDZ-9000 4-Way Speakers including an HDZ-9000SW 11-inch Subwoofer – the entire system was designed in perfect synchronization to handle the ultra-Hi-Res audio files.
To maintain the High-Resolution Audio Playback spec, the system’s signal path uses custom connectivity, including XLR cables and A2B, making AlpineF#1Status a fully integrated, complete system, and includes RCA connections with up to six channels of high-level input to integrate the factory head unit or aftermarket head unit into the system.
As soon at the car cover came off the Tesla many rushed to check out the installation.
Custom Build for Premium Performance
To demonstrate a premium listening and driving experience, Alpine chose a 2018 Tesla Model S P100D to showcase this ultra-high-resolution sound system. A near-silent Electric Vehicle (EV) powertrain, coupled with the large EV battery bank, made the Tesla Model S an optimal acoustical choice to house and power the AlpineF#1Status system. Additionally, the interior design of the Tesla enabled a custom, recording studio-like interior build.
Built in-house by Alpine’s Detroit Fabrication Team, the Tesla Model S boasts a complete custom dashboard, center console, and trunk fabrication built from scratch. The top plane of the dash was lowered over three inches to install custom, on-axis speaker housings that host the 3-inch midrange speakers and 2.5-inch tweeters. This location was not only ideal to showcase the premium speaker design, but also serves as an optimal listening position for a true front passenger center stage sound experience.
To showcase the system’s ability to retain a factory radio, the build retains the original Tesla 17-inch touchscreen, which controls most of the car’s functions including media, backup camera, interior vehicle controls, and more. Housed underneath the massive screen is the AlpineF#1Status Head Unit Commander, which dons the iconic Alpine green chiclets and controls the media on the Digital Audio Player. A custom, motorized mechanism located at the top center of the dash reveals the factory instrument cluster panel for monitoring speed.
The front door panels house the 7-inch mid-bass speakers that replaced the Tesla factory speakers, with the lower portion fabricated from scratch. From the tweeters to the woofers, all AlpineF#1Status speakers are made from the same high-performance cone material, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) and feature Alpine proprietary technology including DDDrive, DDLinear, and Dual Emission for a completely unified, 4-way system that produces a true stereo image.
The true showstopper of the build is in the rear trunk, which was designed in perfect symmetry to represent the balance of the sound system. The factory panels were removed to utilize the entire cabin space for this premium system. A combination of wood and fiberglass custom panels were added to the sides of the trunk, where the dual 11-inch subwoofers are housed in 1.5 cu ft sealed enclosures for optimal performance.
Multiple levels were added to the bottom of the trunk to showcase the workhorse of the sound system: the Digital Signal Processor and dual, 4-channel amplifiers. A replication Alpine amplifier is featured at the crown of the install as a homage to the Alpine power indicator’s unique design.
Drawing inspiration from the heritage of the third-generation system, aesthetic touches to the front cabin include custom wood paneling and LED lights fixed around the inside of the vehicle, for an “old-school” meets “new-school” design. The wood is authentic Makore veneer (African species of wood) with a clear coat and polish. Premium black leather surrounds the trunk for a modern, clean finish.
The system was meticulously tuned by Alpine’s Detroit Fabrication Team using a specialized, High-Resolution Tuning Kit. The result is a perfectly balanced system that reproduces hair-raising details only found in this ultra-high-resolution system.
Following the unveiling ceremony, the AlpineF#1Status demo vehicle will begin a country-wide tour of the U.S. starting on the West Coast in Spring 2022, where it will be featured at local AlpineF#1Status Authorized Dealers. Details of the vehicle’s journey can be found on www.alpine-usa.com.
ROSENBERG, TX (02.17.22) – Wet Sounds, Inc. has announced the recipients of their 2021 Independent Rep of the Year and 2021 Direct Rep of the Year awards.
Opus Marketing Group has been selected as the Wet Sounds 2021 Independent Rep of the Year. Jamie White, Principal, accepted the award alongside his crew of dedicated Wet Sounds reps Todd Ess, Bruno Berg, and Chuck Ottati.
Jeff Pederson (L) and Richard Prieto
“We are fortunate to have the Opus Marketing Group representing Wet Sounds in the Mid-Atlantic territory,” stated Ray Woodall, Wet Sounds East Regional Sales Manager. “Jamie White and his team bring a high level of professionalism and integrity to each of our dealers. They are accomplished at identifying opportunities and developing a business plan to capitalize on each of these possibilities.”
Ess, Berg, and Ottati worked to deliver Wet Sounds high performance audio to customers in Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, Eastern Pennsylvania, South New Jersey, and Delaware, boosting sales while growing a dedicated partnership base in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The Opus Marketing Team
Jeff Pedersen has been selected as the Wet Sounds 2021 Direct Rep of the Year. Pedersen joined Wet Sounds as a Territory Sales Manager in December 2020 and has made an instant and indelible imprint on the business.
“We are honored to have Jeff as a Territory Manger in the Pacific Northwest. His performance day in and out has led him to this recognition,” proclaimed Richard Prieto, Wet Sounds West Regional Sales Manager. “Wet Sounds is excited to see what Jeff will do in 2022 and beyond.”
L to R: Todd Ess, Jamie White, Ray Woodall, Bruno Berg, and Chuck Ottati
Pedersen has parlayed his 25 years of experience into immediate success in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, and Western Montana, securing this honor in his first full year with the company.
2021 was not without challenge. Inventory shortages and supply chain woes have had an impact on every form of consumer goods. Wet Sounds remained focused and made the most out of a very challenging year.
“Pre-pandemic Wet Sounds prided itself on providing just in time inventory to our customers, whom we consider valuable partners,” related J.R. Stocks, Wet Sounds CEO. “Our back orders are almost non-existent, and our warehouse is stocked. We have fewer than 10 models of product out of stock and that is improving daily. 2022 is going to be a great year for Team Wet Sounds. Congratulations to the Opus Marketing Team and Jeff Pedersen. Thank you for your commitment to the Wet Sounds brand.”
BOCA RATON, FL (02.16.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading window tinting and automotive accessory franchise, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2022 by building on its remarkable success in 2021, highlighted by 16 new store openings and a $15 million increase in annual revenue.
“With a total of 94 Tint World locations in operation, we’re closing in on our 40th anniversary target of 100 open stores, with 68 new franchise licenses under development for 2022,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We’re also proud to have significantly increased revenue in 2021 to over $62 million, thanks to average store sales growth and in large part to the growing number of Tint World locations that recorded more than a million dollars in annual revenue.”
Tint World’s extraordinary annual performance in 2021 demonstrates the franchise brand’s powerful value and the strength of its unique growth strategy and franchise success model.
“The innovative transparency of our franchise disclosure document has helped increase the number of area developers in the Tint World family,” Bonfiglio said. “More than 30% of the new franchises we awarded in 2021 will develop multiple locations in their territories, which is critical to our growth and also reflects the confidence that our franchisees have in the Tint World brand model.”
In addition to franchise growth, Tint World has invested in constructing a new 12,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility to house the company’s corporate office, training center, and new Tint World demonstration center serving to represent the evolving Tint World brand.
“Our focus on supporting the success of Tint World franchisees positioned us to continue growing and expanding into new markets even during an unpredictable economic climate,”. Bonfiglio said. “We are committed to equipping our franchisees with all the tools they need to succeed, including essential technology, operations and marketing solutions, so they can deliver the premier automotive services Tint World is known for.”
Tint World was recognized as a Fast & Serious Smart Franchise Brand by FranchiseTimes for 2022, and for its continuing achievements in 2021 by multiple prominent industry and business publications and organizations, including Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and Top Global Franchises, the Inc. 5000, Inc. 5000 Regionals: Florida, Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises, the Franchise Gator Top 100, and the Franchise Times Top 400.
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