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Scottie Johnson Buys Knox News Building With XS Power To Co-Locate With The Newspaper Publication

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KNOXVILLE, TN, December 28, 2021 – Scottie Johnson, a Knoxville-based leader in after-market battery applications, has purchased the Knox News property from its parent company, Gannett, which has pursued a strategy of selling properties and leasing back office and production space.

All Knox News operations, including printing of the News Sentinel and other regional newspapers such as The Tennessean and the Lexington (Kentucky) Herald Leader, will continue at the facility, one of the nation’s busiest newspaper presses. The newsroom, advertising, circulation and human resources offices will remain in the building under the lease-back deal.

In all, Knox News will continue to use more than 115,000 square feet of the approximately 190,000 square feet of the building on News Sentinel Drive near the Mechanicsville neighborhood.

Johnson’s business will occupy much of the office space on the ground floor, and he will lease out additional office space on the first and second floors.

Press operations will remain at the 2332 News Sentinel Drive property, which was purchased from Gannett by Scottie Johnson of XS Power Batteries for $8.5 million. Johnson’s employees will move into first-floor office space in 2023, while newsroom and advertising employees at Knox News will work on the building’s second floor.

“This is a ideal relationship for everyone,” said Joel Christopher, Knox News executive editor. “Scottie Johnson gets a great location to expand his rapidly growing, locally based businesses, Knox News locks in a long-term deal for its production and office needs, and other businesses get an opportunity to lease in a location with tremendous access to downtown, the airport and the interstate system.”

He plans to construct a manufacturing facility on site before moving his employees in 2023 to the current building that was built less than 20 years ago.

“This opportunity to not only buy a building but buy a building with such a respected and well-known main tenant, the newspaper, was a no-brainer for me,” Johnson told Knox News. “I have a very solid understanding that the newspaper is not leaving any time soon. The plan is for that business to still grow here.”

Let’s All Work To Finish 2021 On A High Note

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SHREVEPORT, LA (12.27.2021) – We truly wish all across the 12volt industry had a Merry Christmas and will enjoy this week as the Happy Holidays Season and 2021 come to a close.

2021, that was driven by the COVID-19 Pandemic, certainly has been such a very strange year on so many fronts. Many retailers posted record sales in the first part of the year while vendor companies within the 12volt industry struggled with the impact of product delays. Travel restrictions by many companies added to the difficulties that impacted the overall day-to-day business across the 12volt industry.

The tremendous spike in online holiday sales no doubt impacted recent traffic in brick and mortar storefronts. Online holiday sales in 2021 were estimated at $209 BILLION.

As 2022 dawns, there will still be considerable uncertainty on many fronts….including product shortages. Even CES 2022 has been impacted by new COVID-19 Omicron variant spike across the US and around the world. General Motors, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Waymo, T-Mobile, AT&T and Twitter will undoubtedly be joined by more high profile consumer electronics firms. A significant number of major 12volt vendors announced months ago they would not exhibit as CES 2022.

The huge North Hall of the LVCC was occupied 100% by 12volt vendors less than a decade ago. Assuming CES 2022 happens, 12volt vendors will certainly make up less than 10% of the North Hall floor space. The rise in the popularity of the SEMA Show has certainly impacted the number of exhibitors attending CES. That said, the recent SEMA Show was also impacted in a negative way by the current state of the world.

The Front Page of the Las Vegas newspaper on Friday, December 24th.

The above narrative is a harsh reality that each 12volt related business is facing.

From the 12volt Central Studios, we encourage all to evaluate their situation and play to their strengths. Build on your company’s strengths and highlight the positives in your every day activities.

Utilizing social media to put your company’s brand, products and activities in a must in today’s marketplace.

We look forward to continuing to showcase positives from companies across the 12volt industry in 2022.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All Across the 12Volt Industry

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SHREVEPORT, LA (12.24.2021) – We truly wish all across the 12volt industry a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Season.

2021, that continues to be driven by the COVID-19 Pandemic, certainly has been such a very strange year on so many fronts. Many retailers posted record sales while vendor companies within the 12volt industry continue to be severely impacted by the product delays.

The tremendous spike in online holiday sales no doubt has impacted recent traffic in brick and mortar storefronts. As 2022 dawns, there will still be considerable uncertainty on many fronts. Even CES 2022 will no doubt be impacted by new COVID-19 variant spikes.

Travel restrictions by many companies added to the difficulties that impacted overall day-to-day business across the 12volt industry.

The above narrative is a harsh reality that each business is facing.

From the 12volt Central Studios, we encourage all to evaluate their situation and play to their strengths. Build on your company’s strengths and highlight the positives in your every day activities.

We look forward to continuing to showcase positives from companies across the 12volt industry in 2022.

DS18 Hosted a Very Successful 4th Annual Loud for Tots Event

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL (12.23.2021) – Loud for Tots was the place to be on Sunday December 19th, from noon until 6PM, at the DS18 HQ in Miami Gardens FL. The 4th Annual Loud for Tots event was designed as a community minded event to gather toys for children in need during the Christmas Season.

The sun popped out for this image of the Loud for Tots event in the large DS18 parking lot.

The weather on Sunday was not 100% cooperative during the day with intermittent rain showers that began shortly after 8AM when DS18 Team Members began to set up all the tents and place demo vehicles around the large DS18 HQ parking lot.

Some of the 40 DS18 tents are shown this image.

Rob Ferro, Mr DS18, contributed “We set up 40 tents in the lot. We had a several DS18 demo vehicles plus a number of people attending the event had show cars and personal cars with systems. During the event we certainly got the message across that at DS18 We Like It Loud.”

Ladies say ‘We Like It Loud’ too!

At the end of the event the count of attendees was north of 200 with over 10 huge boxes filled with unwrapped toys. During the event members of the crowd enjoyed over 200 free hot dog off the grill. Raffles grabbed attention during the event and toys were traded for raffle tickets.

Amazing vehicles were spotted around the event…all let the world know “We Like It Loud!”

Continuing Ferro noted “Last year there was quite a presence of local police as some in the local area objected to the sound from the event. This year was different even though we played it loud. Officers came by to show their support for the DS18 Loud for Tots event.”

As the event wrapped Sunday evening Rob Ferro snapped this selfie with (L to R) Rob, Tego, Henry and Gus in the background.

Chuck Kenney, new onboard with DS18 related “I think this was a terrific event. There were a lot of people in the parking lot who came together and brought toys for a great cause. The DS18 Loud for Tots was a special event for sure.”

Following the event DS18 staff members made plans to deliver the toys to diverse foundations and charities. One of the organizations top on the list was for children with Autism.

Concluding Ferro stated “Putting smiles on the faces of many children is always so very rewarding for all of us at DS18.”

Visit DS18.com for more.

KICKER Mourns the Unexpected Passing of Vice President Rob Limbaugh

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STILLWATER, OK (12.22.2021) – KICKER is deeply saddened to announce the unexpected passing of colleague Rob Limbaugh.  Limbaugh departed this life Friday while at home.  An 18-year KICKER employee and longtime industry veteran, Limbaugh first served as National Sales Director at Stillwater Designs, ultimately ascending to Director of Business Development and Vice President.

“He was an amazing visionary for the big picture,” said KICKER President and co-founder Steve Irby.  “We will certainly miss his contributions, his viewpoints, and his insightful plans.”

While under Limbaugh’s watch, KICKER expanded the Marine and Powersports lines of products, formed the Home and Portables division, and relocated 200 employees into the company’s new world headquarters in Stillwater, Okla. He was instrumental in keeping KICKER relevant into the 21st century, playing an essential part of moving KICKER products into big-box retail and developing KICKER’s current UMAP (Unilateral Minimum Advertised Pricing) policy so dealers could grow their revenue.

He also got the KICKER brand involved in his auto passion, One Lap of America, for several years, and he co-drove a BMW during the 2018 road-course race.

Limbaugh started his audio career in 1975 at Pacific Stereo in Fresno, Calif.  His passion for audio led him to be vice president at Linear Power for six years. After that he led Polk Audio’s car-audio division for more than a decade before joining KICKER’s sales team.

“Rob was always extremely sharp,” said KICKER Director of Global Supply Chain Greg Lew. “He loved going to soundoffs. He loved loud audio.  He was witty, trustworthy, and a great friend – somebody you could chat with and challenge.”

Behind his famously dry wit and wry smile, Limbaugh was known to be a deep thinker and consistent voice among KICKER leadership.

“He had an amazing mind for seeing the overall plan,” recalled KICKER General Manager Jay Ralston. “He was an integral part of every major decision and had a gift for considering all the angles.”

“He was always presenting a bigger picture solution and played that role very well,” Irby said. “It’s important to have a diversity of opinions in a company to make balanced decisions, and we could always count on Rob.  He will definitely be missed.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

SEMA Launches New Online Education Library for Automotive Professionals

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.21.2021) – SEMA launched a new online education library to provide the automotive aftermarket with easy and affordable year-round access to experts and leaders.

From technical details about advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and legislative and advocacy updates, to best practices and tips on common business skills and behind-the-scenes conversations with industry leaders, celebrities, and icons, the new SEMA Virtual Education website at www.sema.org/education includes a comprehensive collection of educational webinars and resources targeted to the automotive aftermarket.

“The SEMA Virtual Education website provides the automotive aftermarket with a one-stop shop of industry-leading education and resources that will support the industry throughout the year,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA Sr. Manager of Professional Development. “The website is user-friendly and provides businesses and employees a convenient way to learn best practices and increase their knowledge in order to advance in their careers.”

SEMA’s new online education library will provide the automotive aftermarket with year-round access to seminars and exclusive virtual content.

Employees of SEMA member companies will have the distinct advantage of being able to access most education at no cost or at a discount, but all sessions are available to anyone in the industry – regardless of SEMA membership status.

The new website includes exclusive recordings from the 2021 SEMA Show, which will be free to everyone.

Through www.sema.org/education, users will find:
Recordings of 2021 SEMA Show Education seminars (to be added in the coming months)
Live and simu-live virtual sessions that allow participants to connect with speakers in real-time
Recommended sessions, based on individual profiles
Easy-to-find sessions sorted by categories, topics, and industry segments
A personal dashboard of purchased or registered items

“We collaborate with leading subject-matter experts and the most dynamic speakers to bring the industry the best experience possible,” added Vigil. “Participants of the education program can expect comprehensive presentations, insightful discussions, and entertaining videos that teach, inform, and inspire.”

Over 50 on-demand sessions are already housed on the SEMA Virtual Education website. Searchable categories include but are not limited to marketing and sales, small business strategies, legislative and regulatory, trends and research, vehicle technology, and professional development. New content will be added weekly.

Users can access the program and create a personal profile at www.sema.org/education

Laketown Speed And Sound Traveled to KnowledgeFest Dallas

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DRAPER, UT (12.20.2021) – The opportunity to experience new products, attend trainings and network with industry members across the US drew 4 members of the Laketown Speed and Sound Team to travel from Draper UT to KnowledgeFest in Dallas December 10th-12th. Owner John Mueller, Angel Rivera, Craig Russell and Isai Hernandez spent the Friday through Sunday making the most of every minute over the 3 jam packed days.

This lunch at the Hops and Hens was a strategy session for Isai, John and Craig (L to R) with Angel in the foreground.

John Mueller, Laketown Speed and Sound owner, stated, “Three members of our staff and I attended the recent KnowledgeFest in Dallas. I was excited to find other industry professionals like Ken Ward, Carlos Ramirez, Brian Mitchell and Jason Kranitz with whom I could collaborate with on the challenges we currently face across the 12volt industry.”

Isai, Carlos Ramirez-NVS Audio and Angel (L to R) paused in front of the Sony booth for a quick photo on the event floor.

Mueller indicated there was excellent instruction for integration in newer vehicles and ways to improve design processes. “In updating our businesses practices, giving our personnel much needed tools plus instructions, time spent at KnowledgeFest delivered valuable direction,” Mueller added.

This post by Angel shows networking at a HKI Dinner.

During time at the event Laketown Speed and Sound staff members selected training sessions and seminars to attend so they could gain as much knowledge and insight at possible. Angel and Isai were especially interested in checking out the latest products and installations in various demo vehicles on the event floor. The Slingshot and bike in the HKI booth, bike in the Hertz booth, pickup in the Metra booth and seeing the SEMA award winning 9500 in the Sony booth were top takeaways.

These 2 images only begin to show the company’s amazing location in Draper UT.

Dinners and time spent networking with industry members who traveled from across the US was an added benefit for the Laketown Speed and Sound team.

“I am personally very appreciative of the efforts MEA and its instructors invested in the KnowledgeFest Dallas event. I would highly recommend other retailers invest their time and money to attend future KnowledgeFest events. Now that we are back at our store we are excited to implement what we learned in Big D,” Mueller concluded.

The 12volt Central Studios staff has noted very well done and informative posts on social media by Anger Rivera. Those posts showcase a very impressive facility as well as superb custom work featuring top brands the company offers to consumers in their marketplace.

A very large 12volt News hats off to John Mueller for making the commitment to take team members to KnowledgeFest in Dallas and supplying words for this article. Also, a big thank you to Angel Rivera for suppling images and input.

Visit knowledgefest.org and laketownspeedandsound.com for more.

Jose Electronics Wins SiriusXM Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 158

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SHREVEPORT LA (12.18.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Jose Electronics won the SiriusXM prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on 158 Friday morning, December 17th.

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 has now rolled into year 4.

Click to view.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 158th time on Friday morning December 17th. The Wheel landed on the SiriusXM space and the Jose Electronics slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to Jose Electronics and spoke with Jose Labasida in North Hills CA and he was happy to hear the news that a SiriusXM SXV300 Tuner was the prize. Like an early Christmas present heading that way.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Silencer, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and Magnadyne. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, 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 and J A Custom Audio in Houston TX. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, December 24th.

Memphis Audio Held 2-Day National Rep Meeting at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego

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MEMPHIS, TN (12.17.2021) – The best sales reps in the business enjoyed an informative 2-day trip to San Diego California for the Memphis Audio National Sales Meeting. Salesmen enjoyed a day packed full of technical training and a slew of new product to get them prepared to help their dealers achieve next level success in 2022. In addition to trainings and new products, Memphis wanted to bring the team together for some much needed bonding and to celebrate the success during a difficult year.

The Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego was the site of the Memphis Audio National Rep Meeting 2021.
The dinner the first night with two large tables filled with Memphis Audio reps and company staff members.

New product offerings unveiled by Memphis focused heavily on marine and powersports products as s well as new innovative car audio products purposefully designed to provide dealers with solutions to elevate their business to the next level in 2022. The attendees were particularly excited about the completely overhauled Memphis Marine amplifier line as well as the all-new marine grade Mini MOJO 8” subwoofer. On the car audio side, reps were impressed with the new VIV68DSP 6 to 8 Digital Sound Processor. A portion of the meeting was dedicated to showing just how easy and user friendly this new app-based device is and how significantly it can improve the vehicles sound. “We never stopped innovating and working on new product during the pandemic. We’ve hit some snags and hiccups due to supply chain issues, but we’ve pressed an on have an impressive list of new innovative products to share with the industry. I was really pleased with the reactions I received to the new product and I know the guys are excited to get out there and share all the new solutions we have to offer our dealers,” said Nick LoMonaco, president of Memphis Audio. 

PowerSports and Marine Audio are hot categories and this new loaded enclosure provides a glimpse of new products to come in 2022.
After a full second day of meetings a dinner and then private party was held on the roof of the Hard Rock Hotel.

After the meeting concluded, the sales reps were treated to a private roof top party at the Hard Rock San Diego. This was the first time since the beginning of the pandemic that the salesmen were able to connect in person with each other. The team was ecstatic to be together and the fun rolled on late into the night building up to the sales award announcements. Nick LoMonaco, president of Memphis Audio took to the mic to announce the award winners to a spirited group. There were many winners but only one man could take home the Memphis Audio total sales leader strap. Thom Lerch was announced as the overall sales leader to a rowdy round of applause and was presented with the championship belt which has become a tradition for several years running with the Memphis crew.

Thom Lerch (L) Is pictured with Nick LoMonaco with his custom belt as Total Sales Leader for 2021.
Nick LoMonaco flanks Pacific Coast Marketing Reps and their award as 2021 Sales Growth Leaders for a Large Territory.

“It was amazing being around most of the team again. We’ve done remote meetings during the pandemic, but they really can’t compete with the amount of camaraderie on display at this year’s in person event. It really was a huge success, and we are really thankful that we were able to spend time with the guys that make it happen on a daily basis, This meeting served as a great reminder of how important everyone is on this team and how we can all achieve success together,” said LoMonaco.

Nick LoMonaco presented Barry White (L) with his 2021 Sales Growth Leader Award for Small Territory.
Nick LoMonaco, in the foreground, with all of the 2021 award winners.

As the night ended, it was clear that this year’s sales meeting meant a lot to everyone involved. The entire team left the meeting pumped up about the success awaiting in 2022 and are excited to kick off 2022 with a bang.

Award winners include:

2021 Sales Growth Leader (Small Territory)- Barry White

2021 Sales Growth Leader (Large Territory)- Pacific Coast Marketing

2021 Total Sales Leader- Thom Lerch

Visit memphiscaraudio.com for more.

Alpine Names the 2021 Rep Firm of the Year

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (12.16.2021) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. named their 2021 Rep Firm of the Year for the Brand (aftermarket) Business Unit during the virtual Brand Summit held on Dec. 08, 2021. The Rep Firm of the Year awards recognize independent and direct reps who have shown a strong commitment to the Alpine brand, providing exceptional sales and marketing growth.

“Despite the challenging sales environment that our industry has experienced this past year, our independent and direct reps have continued to navigate through the uncertainty with professionalism and poise,” said Ed Moriarty, Assistant Vice President of the Brand Business Unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “We are thankful for their dedication to the Alpine brand and their strong contribution to its growth in 2021 and onward.”

L to R: Jen Fritz, Mike Lewis, Rob Osheaski

During the ceremony, Echo Sales was named the 2021 Rep Company of the Year. The team from Echo Sales, Mike Lewis, Rob Osheaski, and Jen Fritz, was recognized for their incredible sales growth in 2021, especially in the sound system category, where they doubled their expected numbers. Echo was also recognized for their excellent commitment to support the Alpine brand.

“For the past five years, Echo Sales has produced consistent sales growth,” said Moriarty. “As this group is always looking for new ways to improve their organization and efforts, we expect they will continue to see great results in the coming years.”

Jason Fine

Jason Fine was named the 2021 Direct Rep of the Year for his professionalism, strong communication, and consistent sales growth year after year. Fine was also praised for his strong support of his dealers and fellow reps through events, marketing promotions, and product support.

“Jason’s organization and communication skills granted him the lead on an important project this year,” said Moriarty. “Because of his strong work ethic and attention to detail, the project experienced a smooth transition and successful execution.”

Award recipients were chosen by Alpine senior leadership based on an evaluation of their sales, marketing, customer service, and communication for 2021.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.