Eclipse Car Audio Wins JVC Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 137

Posted on July 24, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (07.24.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Eclipse Car Audio won the JVC Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, July 23rd.

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

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 137th time on Friday morning July 23rd. The Wheel landed on the JVC space. The Eclipse Car 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 John at the retailer’s store in Vancouver WA. John said he would like to have the Qi Wireless Charger and we will sent it his 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, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, 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, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, July 30th.

SoundSkins Intros Pre-Cut Sound Dampening Kits for Jeep JL and Camaro

Posted on July 22, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

CERRITOS, CA (07.23.2021) – The following SoundSkins kits are now available for pre-order and will begin shipping July 30, 2021:

The SoundSkins Pro Jeep Wrangler JL Trunk Template Kit is a pre-cut sound dampening kit designed to cover the trunk and wheel wells in the vehicle to cut down on road noise and improve the car stereo system’s performance.

It covers the trunk floor and wheel wells totaling to 18 sq ft of coverage.

The SoundSkins Pro Chevy Camaro 2-Door Template Kit is a pre-cut sound dampening kit for Camaro’s designed to cover your door panels as well as the inside of the door panel cover. This kit will reduce road noise and improve the stereo sound performance.

It covers 2x doors, inner layer and door panels for a total of 12 sq ft.

Visit soundskinsglobal.com for more.

The KICKER ArenaCross at the Red Rock Park Arena in Gallup, NM

Posted on July 21, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

GALLUP, NM (07.22.2021) – The KICKER ArenaCross filled the amazing Red Rock Park Arena in Gallup NM on Friday and Saturday evenings, July 16th and 17th.

At the event KICKER was definitely ‘Livin’Loud’ as were the racers on the track and vehicles racing down the Mud Bog strip.

This amazing drone image by Jack Jaxson shows the KICKER Arenacross at the Red Rock Park Arena in Gallup NM.

A large KICKER area was positioned prominently on a walkway with a large trailer, demo RZR loaded with KICKER gear and a large tent with KICKER Audio, Marine and Lifestyle products on display. MadDog Media with Lorin Morrell orchestrated KICKER’s activities at the event.

KICKER was set up to demo the RZR plus showcase Car Audio, Marine and Lifestyle products.

“The Red Rock Park Arena was an amazing venue. Crews set up the track with tight turns and jumps so the rider’s skills were tested to the limit. In addition there was a Mud Bog strip set for a variety of trucks and vehicles to race through a strip of mud and water,” Morrell stated.

Early in the day this post was made to show the event was sold out.

The Mud Bog Track was a crowd favorite as vehicles raced thru the mud and water.

The capacity of the Red Rock Park Arena is listed at 5,000. Saturday night was sold out with the Friday night crowd almost the same.

“The KICKER RZR was a magnet for members of the crowd. We did demo after demo both nights. We also showed a number of new KICKER PowerSports products, including a new SoundBar to enthusiasts. Under the tent the KICKER Lifestyle products grabbed attention with the Bullfrog being a standout,” Morrell added.

No doubt about it, KICKER was Livin’Loud at the KICKER ArenaCross in Gallup, NM.

Visit kicker.com for more.

KICKER Returns to DuneFest

Posted on July 20, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Kicker.

STILLWATER, OK (07.21.2021) – KICKER has announced its return to DuneFest at the Oregon Dunes Recreation Area in Winchester Bay, from July 27 through August 1.

KICKER will be on hand to support longtime DuneFest sponsor and KICKER authorized dealer Brad’s Car Tunes (Eugene, Ore.), which will have a booth area in Vendors Row during the event. Brad’s Car Tunes will have multiple show cars in the KICKER booth, including a Jeep Gladiator and a pair of Polaris RZRsall with custom installs. Brad’s Car Tunes will be offering on-site installations and products available to purchase during the six-day event.

DuneFest is packed with family-fun experiences throughout the week. In conjunction with JetCity FMX freestyle motocross demo team, KICKER rider and X Games medalist Robert Haslam will take to the air in a wild freestyle show all week long. Haslam and other JetCity FMX riders will also host a youth mini-camp for kids 7-13 years, teaching them basic maintenance and long-jumping skills.

A poker run, long-jump contests, treasure hunts and multiple races across the dunes offer riders plenty to try from sunup to sundown. As evening sets in, night rides will be offered in addition to live music Friday and Saturday nights.

For more information, consumers can go online to www.dunefest.com and www.bradscartunes.com.

Mobile Solutions Announces Details of MasterTech Expo Build-Off

Posted on July 19, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

TEMPE, AZ (07.20.2021) – Mobile Solutions has released the details of its Build-Off competition, a key event of the upcoming MasterTech Expo training conference to be held March 6-9, 2022, at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. The fabrication skills contest, sponsored by Rockford Fosgate®, will match four teams of conference attendees against each other as they create unique builds live over two days.

“There was a lot of thought, planning and collaboration that went into determining the details of the MasterTech Expo Build-Off,” said Bryan Schmitt, conference creator and founder of parent company Mobile Solutions. “This event will be different from any of the build-off competitions you have seen in years past. But more important, it will comprise the same production methods, time-saving techniques and experiences of award-winning fabricators that have been taught in our classes for the past 17 years.”

The build-off event will consist of two competitions, one held on each of the conference’s two main days. Each competition will pit two teams of three participants against each other to create stylized components that finish off a premium audio installation. The two build-offs will last four hours each and feature a different vehicle theme: one for a modern passenger vehicle, the other for a hot rod. The participants must use only the materials supplied though they may use their own hand tools.

In accordance with the conference’s theme of automotive aftermarket inclusiveness, each team will have a mobile electronics expert, a fabrication expert, and an auto trim expert. Of these, one will also serve as captain. Teams will receive the build specifics prior to the conference to plan their approach. Winning teams will be announced at the conference’s awards ceremony on March 9.

All attendees at the expo will have the opportunity to see the build specifics and to be a virtual participant in the build-off by creating their own team and submitting a plan for how they would complete the competition build. The virtual team with the best plan will also receive recognition at the awards ceremony.

Installation technicians and fabrication experts who are interested in registering for a chance to compete on-stage in the build-off competition should watch for an announcement coming in early August at MasterTechExpo.com and Instagram.com/MasterTechExpo.

“We want to thank Tom Miller, owner of Musicar Northwest and a truly awesome fabricator, for his help in drafting the format of this competition,” added Schmitt. “Also, we would like to thank the team at Rockford Fosgate for their partnership and support, and their generosity in sponsoring this event as well as providing the team apparel for the build-off competitors. We know this will be an exciting event and one that brings us together as an industry, and we plan to make it grow. This year we have four teams; next year it could be more.”

To stay up to date on the MasterTech Expo Build-Off, as well as other news and events related to the expo, visit MasterTechExpo.com.

An Interview with a Legend – Rick Snelson

Posted on July 18, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Kenwood.

LONG BEACH, CA (07.19.2021) – KENWOOD USA is honored to recognize the retirement of Rick Snelson, (now previous) owner of the Car-Fi Mobile Electronics retail stores in Springfield and Nixa, Missouri.

Recently, the company had the opportunity to speak with Rick Snelson (now former owner of Car-Fi, MO). Snelson recently announced he was retiring and selling his Car-Fi retail stores. As a loyal supporter of KENWOOD for over 4 decades, we wanted to learn the tips and tricks he used to succeed in the world of 12-volt retail.

“It all started with the inspiration of my entrepreneurial father who chose to open up a TV and Appliance store when I was 15 years old. At that time, I was going to school for half of the day, and working the other half, learning the nuts and bolts of customer service,” said Snelson. Seven years later, he accelerated into his own ventures of ownership and sales management, of which soon-after he was introduced to KENWOOD, selling it for the first time at a store called Stereo Buff in Springfield, MO. His keen business sense and talent was quickly sought after, and by 1981 was recruited by World Radio in Council Bluffs, IA as their buyer. He worked with them to build their storefronts from 3 to 20 in a matter of years, where KENWOOD was their lead brand.

So, where does one go from here you may ask? Snelson had an appetite for bringing happiness and excitement to customers through his love of cars, music, and the experience achieved from that combination. It was this notion that led Snelson to open up Car-Fi in Springfield, MO in 1986 as the FIRST Car Audio only store in Springfield, MO.

The city of Springfield could feel his love for the music, as they helped him propel the business to a staff of over 14, with a 2 million dollar a year revenue by the store’s second year in business…and that was just the beginning! “At that time, we were selling cassette players, both shaft and pullout style…primarily KENWOOD (remember they created the first aftermarket removable anti-theft radio?).” We also capitalized on our local limousine business, of which an alignment with a strategic partner in the wholesale industry (George Hillman) yielded substantial results.

By the late 90’s, Car-Fi grew to 5 million dollars a year in annual sales in a city of just 150,000 people. “Capturing this sort of revenue required significant promoting,” said Snelson. “In order to earn and grow your business, you must not only provide exceptional customer service, but you also have to make it fun. Sometimes I feel like I took that a bit too far… but it worked!”

Snelson was known for some outrageous sales promotions, such as the Jello Jump. No, that’s not a typo…Snelson would literally put 100 marbles in a physical pool filled with Jello. The marbles had numbers on them that correlated to a specific prize (everything from t-shirts to radios). 3,000+ people would attend the events. You couldn’t drive onto or even close to the parking lot filled with customers. Other events included car giveaways, sound-offs, and even manager on the roof sales, where he or a manager would get on the roof and live up there for days. “We couldn’t come down until we hit our sales goals,” said Snelson. “We literally had a port-a-potty on it. Radio DJ’s would be there giving things away all day, making it a fun event for all who attended.”

When we asked Snelson about what type of sales promotions he would recommend, he stated that of all the promotions they held, his tent or warehouse sales have always been the most beneficial. “I don’t think there’s anything better than a tent/warehouse sale,” said Snelson. “We would bring in $150,000 in sales on a 3-day weekend event. I would highly recommend this type of event to any 12-volt retail store location. You need to make it a selling event.”

Throughout Snelson’s career, he was pivotal in many industry organizations. When In Car Experts (ICE) debuted as a 12-volt buying/marketing group, he was one of its very first members, helping to put it together with David Schwartz. Shortly after, he became one of the first 5 board members of the Mobile Electronics Specialists of America (MESA), a 12-volt buying/marketing group led by its Executive Director Ryan Gunter.

Snelson has also been no stranger to charity work and giving back to his community, even giving away one of his vans filled with gear to a charity that will carry on this legacy. He’s supported a teen homeless outreach program for many years, helping them to get clothing and supplies for school. He even put a rack out in front of his store with a sign reading: “Need a coat, take one. Want to help? Leave one.” “I have known Snelson for over 30 years,” said Brett Phelps of Progressive Sales and Marketing, who represents the KENWOOD line for Snelson’s “former” territory. “He has a huge heart and would walk through glass for people he barely knew when they genuinely needed his help. It’s been an honor to have worked with and been a friend of Snelson for all these years.”

“What’s driven me year after year is that I’ve never lost sight that the music matters,” said Snelson. “From the way we present the product from the time a customer walks in the door, to the final in-car demonstration, the way the music sounds and that smile on your customer’s face is what truly matters and makes it all worthwhile.”

We at KENWOOD want to offer our sincerest appreciation to Snelson for his loyalty and support of the KENWOOD line over the years, and we wish him the best in his retirement.

For more information about KENWOOD, please visit www.kenwood.com/usa/car.

Action Audio Store Wins 12volt News Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 136

Posted on July 17, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (07.17.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Action Audio Store won the 12volt News $100. Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, July 16th

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

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 136th time on Friday morning July 16th. The Wheel landed on the 12volt News space. The Action Audio Store 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 a very nice lady who said she would give the good news to Kenston Harry at the Wethersfield CT store.
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, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL and California Audio in West Valley City UT. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, July 23rd.

717 Car Audio at the NJ Jeep Invasion 2021

Posted on July 15, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

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.

Jeeps on the Wildwoods Beach at the NJ Jeep Invasion stretch for well over a mile.

The 717 Companies 40’ Toy Hauler pulled out and headed to The NJ Jeep Invasion.

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.

The 717 Car Audio booth set up and ready.

The company dog Blue made the trip to provide security.

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.

Jeepers filled the install tent to upgrade their rides.

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.”

The 717 Car Audio Toy Hauler was filled with inventory.

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 Sound Continues to Move Forward with a New Store and Staff Trip to KnowledgeFest Orlando

Posted on July 14, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

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.

As the new Sanford Sound location was set to open on January 4th, 2021.

Jack Bogard is flanked by Kevin O’Malley and Andrew Lockhart and ready for KnowledgeFest in Orlando.

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.

Marcus Vasconcellos during the Kenwood seminar.

The new DS18 Jeep demo was a standout in Orlando Bogard noted.

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.

Bogard with the RZR that is driving store traffic and PowerSports sales.

“We are the place for Car Audio and Home AV in Sanford and surrounding area in Maine” Bogard stated.

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.

Elite Distributor Alliance Honors KICKER Following Unconventional 2020

Posted on July 13, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

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.”