WILDWOODS, NJ (07.16.2021) – The NJ Jeep Invasion drew literally thousands of Jeeps and Jeepers to the Wildwoods Beach on the New Jersey shore July 9th thru 11th. The entire Jeep only event is on the sand just a couple hundred feet from the Atlantic Ocean and right next to the 2 mile long Wildwood iconic Boardwalk. There were 2 full days of Jeep only access and over 75 vendors representing top companies showcasing aftermarket products for Jeeps. In addition Jeepers could run the obstacle course on the beach set up by Rausch Creek Off Road Park.

717 Car Audio was one of the vendors on the sand with a major presence…in fact a 60’ x 100’ booth layout. 12volt Marketing Group vendors AAMP Global Brands plus MB Quart had booths set up adjacent to 717 Car Audio. On Thursday night Hurricane Irene rolled across the area and took out the MB Quart tent that had been setup during the day.

717 Car Audio is located in Mountville PA which is about 140 miles from Wildwoods. One Wednesday morning, July 7th, the team pulled out towing a 40’ Toy Hauler plus a 22’ trailer for the 3 hour trip to set up at the NJ Jeep Invasion. 717 Car Audio is part of the 717 Companies group that includes 717 Wraps and Graphics plus 717 Shirt Shop. The 40’ Toy Hauler, that was filled with inventory and supplies for the event, is completely wrapped with amazing full color graphics…that’s both sides and back. How about 900 square feet of eye-catching graphics to make your booth stand out on the beach! The 22’ trailer carried the loaded Pink ‘Fight Like A Girl’ Jeep.

717 Car Audio’s Scott Wagner, who contributed details for this article, stated “Stephanie and Jeremy definitely do it right with display and presentations. We had a staff of seven plus two of us were accompanied by our wives who also worked the event. We had very nice places to stay in the campground just a few miles from the event. Over the course of the NJ Jeep Invasion 717 Car Audio did a ton of business that included installations under the tent on the sand. Saturday is was 8AM til 8PM even thought the event wrapped at 5PM.”

With the Stinger Off Road Team tent located by the 717 Car Audio it was a great setup. The Stinger Heigh 10 is a top seller for Jeepers looking to upgraded their media head units. The Stinger team presented products to Jeepers and the 717 team closed the sale and made the installations. In the 717 Car Audio Toy Hauler there was MB Quart inventory that was sold and installed on site too. There were 3 of the new MQ Quart Jeep Tailgate speaker systems sold and installed.

Frankie Mark stated “The Jeep vehicle is so hot in the marketplace. Being on site at this huge Jeep only event was a great opportunity to work with key partners, connect with Jeepers and drive business.

Just last month 717 Car Audio had a very successful event at the Bantam Jeep Festival in Butler PA. The weekend of July 24th and 25th it’s Carlisle PA for another big Jeep event.

Visit www.717caraudio.com for more.

SANFORD, ME (07.15.2021) – Monday, January 4th, marked the ‘soft opening’ of the new 8000 square foot Sanford Sound store in Sanford, ME. Now, after just over 6 record months, staff members recently returned from KnowledgeFest in Orlando. “We have had a remarkable 6 months business wise and KnowledgeFest in Orlando with store staff Kevin O’Malley, Andrew Lockhart and myself was very rewarding. We closed the store for a few days to recharge after Orlando and now we are ready to hit hard as we are booked in the bay through August” Owner Jack Bogard related.

Continuing, “Orlando was very good and it was great to see people face-to-face and catch up with friends and vendors. Spending time on the show floor to see new products and amazing demo vehicles was terrific. Spending time in booths and aisles with other shop owners and staffs added so much to understanding the current conditions in the marketplace. Kevin and Andrew got a lot out of that along with the tech training sessions. Kenwood and JVC product and PAC integration sessions were definitely spot on” Bogard offered.

Next up for Sanford Sound is the company’s 25th Annual Show N’ Shine on Sunday, July 25th at the new location. A car show, NADBL Bass Competition, Live Band, Trophies and Give aways are on the schedule plus famous Hoot Dawgs on the grill with refreshments. Missing this year will be the Bikini Car Wash due to time requirements.

The new Sanford Sound location totals 8,000 square feet with a 2 level layout. The ground floor features showroom areas for Car and Home Audio, meeting room, office space plus customer waiting room and break area. The full basement area is set up as a large installation bay area, extensive fabrication shop plus large storage areas. Floors on both levels were steam cleaned and resurfaced.

In the showroom there are raised areas to spotlight demo vehicles. The Sanford Sound RZR 900 is spotlighted and decked with Memphis Audio. “Since acquiring the RZR 900 as a demo vehicle our Powersports sales increased at least three fold. Another favorite is the Classic Sanford Sound Gremlin. The NavAtlas handheld 2-way radios we won as a 12volt Spin-To-Win prize have been great around the shop” Bogard stated.

Sanford Sound has been ‘The Place’ for Home AV and Car Audio products in Sanford and the surrounding area for over 25 years.

Watch for more as Sanford Sound continues to move forward.

Visit www.sanfordsound.com for more.

STILLWATER, OK (07.14.2021) – KICKER Audio is honored to announce that Elite Distributor Alliance has awarded parent company Stillwater Designs as Vendor-of-the-Year 2020 (Best Supplier-in-a-Storm).  The EDA ultimately created the unique sub-headline on the award to recognize the brand’s contribution to the 12-volt industry during a tumultuous year.

“With KICKER, there was never a serious disruption of business,” said Josh Eatherly, president of the EDA.  “There was an obvious go-to-market strategy in place way before the pandemic, to have enough product (and a) sale-able price, and it carried through. We wanted to recognize that this was a significant event that happened.  This was a supplier that went above and beyond.”

The EDA consists of 11 partner distributors, servicing mobile-audio retailers across the country. Its stated mission is to “collectively seek to improve the business of EDA distributors, vendors and retailers by striving to create a more organized and predictable business environment,” per its website. KICKER is among 11 mobile-electronics manufacturers that work with the EDA.

“We have continually heard that KICKER is doing an outstanding job of supplying product through this challenging time, and this award confirmed that,” said KICKER President and founder Steve Irby, who attended the award ceremony.  “We were also honored to hear that several dealers had told their distributors that KICKER literally kept them in business through this difficult time.”

Irby also acknowledged KICKER’s West-Coast warehouse as being instrumental in allocating product into the supply chain.

Visit www.elitedistributoralliance.com for more.

SHREVEPORT LA (07.10.21)  WTF…Win This Friday. California Audio won the 12volt News $100. Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, July 9th

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Seven months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 135th time on Friday morning July 9th. The Wheel landed on the 12volt News space. The California Audio slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out by phone and talked with Alan Withers at the California Audio store in West Valley City UT. Alan was excited to hear the news. Please check out the company’s website. The graphics are super and the company’s goals of expertise and service are highlighted…along with customer comments. See www.california-audio.com
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, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 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 and 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 and C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, July 16th.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.08.2021) – The HARV Arena at the Mountaineer Casino and Resort, in New Cumberland WV, will be the site of the 2021 Steel Valley Regional IX July 24th and 25th presented by ARC Audio.

“The excitement is really growing as we get closer to the event featuring a MECA 4X, IASCA 3X and EMMA competitions. We are looking for a great event and will be excited to see competitors in the lanes and vendors set up to showcase their latest products in the HARV Arena for our SQL event,“ Larry Chijner related.

Continuing, Chijner stated, “The SVR features the Top 40 SQ Showdown where 6 judges will evaluate all the cars and rank them from 40th to 1st place. Prizes and Trophies will be presented to all who compete. Judges for this event are Harry Kimura, Brian Huston, Tony Pasquale, Scott Welch, Ron Buffington and Keith Turner. Klifton Keplinger and I will be the Head Judges for the event.”

12volt companies planning to participate on site at the event include ARC Audio, ORCA Design, Focal, Mosconi, Gladden, Black Hole, TRU Technology, JL Audio, Dynaudio, Teamaudionutz.com, Zapco, Accuton Automotive, ESB Audio, Stinger, Hybrid Technologies, Xcelsus, Mercury, Audio Visions, Quartorgio, Audio Wave Ltd, Italia HiFi, ResoNix, German Maestro, Kharma Audio, Vibe Audio and Davis Distribution.

IASCA’s Travis Chin commented, “I’m looking forward to attending SVR. This premier SQ event is the beginning of a string of triple point events that will help members acquire enough points to earn an invite to our North American Championship in October. There will be plenty of top sound quality vehicles to check out as they prepare for their run for the championship.”

MECA Commish stated, “Larry Chijner’s SVR is a premier event on the MECA SQL schedule. This year we are bringing our enhanced 4X SQL program to the SVR, as part of SQOLOGY, sponsored by ARC Audio. Three of our top SQL judges will rate each system’s Sound Quality, individually, and scores are averaged for the most fair outcomes. Judges will give detailed notes for improvement leading to better scores for all MECA competitors. The MECA 4X events are designed to help prepare MECA competitors for our Finals event October 23/24 in Bentonville AR. Contests include 7 Sound Quality classes, 4 install classes, RTA Freq Out and two 2 seat (old School) SQ classes.”

Continuing, Stern offered, “Judges scheduled for SVR are Mike Flanagan (MS), Joseph Hedden (IL) and Mic Wallace (NC). A big thanks to Larry and Klifton from SQOLOGY for working to make this a highlight of the MECA season.”

Concluding, Chijner relayed, “We look forward to seeing everyone at the SVR IX event.”

Visit steelvalleyregional.com for more.

12VOLT CENRAL STUDIOS (07.06.21) Sunday, July 4th, marked the celebration of Independence Day 245 across the U.S. Many businesses enjoyed a 3-Day 4th of July weekend by taking off Monday, July 5th.

July 4th 2021 saw a return to somewhat normal with the COVID 19 Pandemic in retreat along plus travel and events returning to everyday life. Cities across the U.S. hosted spectacular fireworks shows that drew big crowds although the lack of rain forced cancelations some areas. Reports are that Fireworks sales topped over $1 billion for July 4th activities.

On July 4th KICKER hosted a celebration at the company’s Stillwater OK World HQ for the employee family. The KICKER XRV formed the backdrop for tents. There were multiple tables set up under the tents with a buffet of traditional 4th of July food, refreshments and desserts. The KICKER employee family numbers 200 and many enjoyed the 4th of July together.

Kevin Campbell, KICKER Marketing Director related “This was not a big production but families having a good dinner to celebrate July 4th on a nice night. Kids played in bounce houses and on slides plus there was music…Gotta have the music. The KICKER XRV was recently revamped and was open for all to experience. The KICKER family definitely enjoyed the music and was Livin’Loud.”

The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championship took place on Coney Island and once again Joey Chestnut was the winner…this for the 14th time. He downed 76 hot dogs and buns, that amounted to 22,800 calories, in 10 minutes!

It was very nice to see so many posts on social media as 12volt companies reached out to followers and friends to wish them a Happy 4th of July.

The business year is divided into 4 quarters….much like a football game. The first quarter of 2021 was strong as another round of stimulus checks arrived. Many billions more arrived in the second quarter with more stimulus checks arriving for many and sales remained strong in the first couple of months in the second quarter. As the second quarter came to a close the shortage of inventory, caused for the most part by the chip shortage, came to the forefront.

Now, as the second half of 2021 gets underway, all businesses must have a game plan in place. Importantly, businesses must then keep their eye on the ball and work their game plan.

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to focus on the positives and encourage all to work to “Get Our Shine On” as an industry.

The 12voltSTP Tool can be utilized by members of the 12volt industry to showcase positives for their brand and activities. Snap..Txt..PRESTO. Snap an Image and Txt the image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO..your company could be in the news.

As an industry let’s utilize the 12voltSTP Tool and be….. ‘Jammin’ N July’.