AURORA, IL (11.25.2020) – On Sunday, November 22nd 100 boxes of turkeys were on a pallet under the Endless Possibilities tent on Galena Blvd in downtown Aurora IL. Endless Possibilities Auto, The Reyna Family Project, Headliners Barbershop, B1Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense-Naperville came together for the community event to provide a Thanksgiving Turkey for 100 families.
100 boxed turkeys under the Endless Possibilities Auto tent in Downtown Aurora IL on Sunday, November 22nd.
Ceasar Marungo, Endless Possibilities Auto owner, related “As a group we all wanted to give back to our community where many are having hard times. We reached out to City Hall and they were very supportive of our plan and suggested the best place to do this was in downtown Aurora. We set up our tent tent in the designated area and people picked up their box with the turkey in the drive thru lane.”
The invitation post for the Holiday Turkey community offering.
Detailed instructions for getting to the community event.
Social media posts provided detailed information on how to get to the site for people to pick up a turkey for their family. The day started at 10 AM and by mid afternoon all of the turkeys were in the hands of a family in need of something special for Thanksgiving dinner.
“During and after the event we had people come up to members of our group to tell us how appreciative they were of our efforts to help people in need during the Holiday season. As a group, knowing we brought some happiness to 100 families for 100 families was a terrific feeling” Marungo concluded.
TYLER, TX (11.24.2020) – Stereo & Video Center filled the parking lot on Friday and Saturday, November 20th and 21st, on South Broadway in Tyler TX. An Alpine X-Perience pickup and KICKER pickup were under the Tent Sale tent with plenty of red and blue balloons. South Broadway is the busiest thoroughfare in a very busy shopping and mall area in Tyler.
Early Friday morning everything was set for the Stereo & Video Center 5th Annual Tent Sale.
James Halter offered to the 12volt News “This was our 5th Annual Tent Sale and it turned out very well. With the COVID-19 Pandemic we weren’t sure what to expect with customers coming to the store for a big event. Friday traffic was somewhat better than Saturday and we extended the event until Monday and Tuesday, the 23rd and 24th, since we had the tent in place.”
The KICKER pickup demo and products under the tent.
The Alpine X-Perience pickup and KICKER pickup under the tent, along with 3 food trucks that rotated through the days Friday and Saturday, definitely caught the eye of all driving on South Broadway.
James Halter (L) and Alpine’s Jimmy Chauffe setting up on Friday morning.
Alpine Specialists Jimmy Chauffe and Dan Greenwood were onsite to provide demos for people checking out the event. Chauffe related “Showing the latest Alpine Halo setup in the X-Perience really opens people’s eyes. Stereo & Video Center does a great job with the 650 and the new Alpine display in their showroom grabs attention and sounds absolutely terrific!”
Pete Daley, Marketing Pros Principal, provided demos in the KICKER pickup. “When doing demos I had several customers saying they have had KICKER speakers for years. The L7’s really brought smiles to people’s faces when we dialed up the volume.”
A new video screen has been added to the big sign and a food truck is ready below.
Stereo & Video Center utilized social media posts to promote the event along with fliers and in-store visibility for a couple weeks prior to the Tent Sale.
A new super looking and sounding Alpine display arrived just in time for the Tent Sale.
“We are looking to close out November on a high note. Having Jimmy and Dan onsite with the Alpine X-Perience and Pete with the KICKER pickup was super. We definitely thank them for their support which added to the success of the Tent Sale.
YORKVILLE, IL (11.23.2020) – Midwest Sales Group has announced that Max Fahlmark has assumed the role of President, upon the passing of his father, Steve Fahlmark, veteran 12 Volt industry rep and founder of Midwest Sales Group. Steve passed away on November 12th, 2020 and was put to rest on November 18th, 2020. Steve Fahlmark started in the industry more than 30 years ago like many – as a young car stereo enthusiast and turned his passion into a career, which eventually led to him starting his own rep firm, Midwest Sales Group. He was truly loved by his family, friends, brand partners and customers. His bold infectious personality and loving spirit will surely be missed by those who knew him. There are no words to describe the sorrow felt as the world has lost an amazing human being. Our deepest condolences go out to Steve’s wife, Marcia Fahlmark; his daughter, Sara Roorbach and son-in-law, Kevin Roorbach; and Max.
Steve Fahlmark behind the wheel as he and son Max are pictured on the road.
Max Fahlmark said, “My heart is broken, and I know I have big shoes to fill, but I am committed to carrying on the vision my father had for Midwest Sales Group. His customers and brand partners, like family, meant the world to him and he showed it every day. I wish with all my heart that I didn’t have to take this position like this, however I appreciate the opportunity and support that has come from our brand partners and customers. My father taught me that to be the best, you have to hustle and put the work in. No shortcuts. I am determined to honor his teachings and memory. Thank you all for the kindness and understanding extended to me and my family at this time. I will never forget it.” Max grew up in the 12 Volt business and has been working with his father since he was 14 years old. Steve was proud of Max and the plan was for Max to one day take over leading Midwest Sales Group.
Midwest Sales Group’s back office will continue to be supported by Mara Bommeiman who has worked with Steve and Max for many years. Thank you all for your patience and understanding as Midwest Sales Group makes this transition. Please feel free to contact Max and the office at the following:
Max Fahlmark Email: max@midwestsalesgrp.com Mobile: 630-777-2403 Office: 630-553-7895 Fax: 630-553-7894
SHREVEPORT LA (11.21.20) WTF…Win This Friday. Custom Works 317 won a PowerBass Prize on Friday November 20th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eleven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
On Friday morning, November 20th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 103rd time and the Wheel landed on the PowerBass space. The Custom Works 317 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 to the Noblesville IN retailer and left a message with the good news. A PowerBass product will be headed their way.
Spinning out a new 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, Cadence, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, 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 and Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, November 27th.
TORONTO, CA (11.20.2020) – The Wednesday night, November 18th, episode of CMA LIVE was presented by SiriusXM. The EP7 host Ben Woo welcomed top head unit brands represented by their respective National Product Training Managers from across the industry. The elite panel included Kris Bulla from Sony, Chris Teguh with Alpine, Seth Halstead representing JVC Mobile and Kenwood plus Canada’s own Robert Mony present to showcase the Pioneer brand.
Host Ben Woo pictured as EP7 opened with SiriusXM’s Paul Trueman (R) at his North Carolina home office.
Alpine’s Chris Teguh, top right, responds to a question from host Ben Woo as Jeff Bates-Lockdown Security listens intently.
“What an amazing panel we had assembled last night. Informative and technical with only the most professional information delivered by true professionals. The future of the head unit category looks bright,” stated CMA LIVE Host Ben Woo.
Seth Halstead (R) responding with information on JVC’s latest in-vehicle technology to host Ben Woo.
This particular episode was anchored by SiriusXM Sales Director Paul Truman as well as CMA resident tech guru, Jeff Bates of Lockdown Security- Markham Ontario who provided important insight from the dealer/installer perspective.
Kris Bulla (R), representing Sony on the panel, covered the brand’s products and strategy from his Nashville TN home office.
The EP7 presentation on Facebook spanned nearly 2 very informative hours. During that time host Woo orchestrated a spot-on dialog that provided the presenter of each brand the opportunity to inform listeners how their products will enhance the time consumers spend on the road. Connectivity is key with consumers today. New head unit technology amplifies in-vehicle music, along with connectivity, safety and convenience for consumers.
Robert Mony-top right, Pioneer National Product Trainer for Canada, highlighted the brand’s latest technology and product plans for 2021. Jeff Bates, Lockdown Security listens intently to the latest info on Pioneer.
Along with new head unit technology consumers are looking for larger screens in the dash of their vehicles. Each presenter addressed their brand’s plan to bring larger screens and the latest head unit technology to the marketplace.
Seth Halstead covered Kenwood’s driver assistance and vehicle safety products that are included in the company’s head unit technology product offerings.
“Our mission is to inform and educate our audience on how these brands are focused on future technology that will not only entertain but make daily life more seamless through connectivity in our vehicles,” said CMA CEO, Frank Spezzano.
Paul Trueman highlighted the SiriusXM SXV300 Tuner and the marketing opportunities available for proactive 12volt retailers to enhance their customer’s in-vehicle entertainment options across all head unit brands.
Stay tuned as the next episode of CMA LIVE “The OEM Integration Episode,” which airs on December 2 at 8pm ET will feature brands such as Automotive Data Solutions, Wavtech, PAC, Metra and NAV-TV on hand to dissect all things OEM Integration related.
CHICAGO, IL (11.19.2020) – CE GUYS has welcomed Mike Bergquist and Mario Zamudio to the proactive rep firm’s team in the field.
Territory manager Mike Bergquist will cover Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky from his home office in Michigan.
CE GUY’s Rep Firm Principal Michael Foundation stated, “As Territory Manager, Mike Bergquist will cover the states Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky from his Michigan home office. Bergquist comes to CE GUYS with extensive experience in the bike world, and has a firm understanding of car audio, remote starts and Powersports. Mike is ambitious, excited, and already calling on dealers!”
Foundation related “We are very excited to have solid representation for all of our factories in the area Mike covers.”
Territory Manager Mario Zamudio will cover Illinois and Wisconsin from his home office in the North West Suburbs of Chicago.
Mario Zamudio will cover the states of Illinois and Wisconsin as Territory Manager. Zamudio comes to CE GUYS with 10 years outside sales experience as a representative of a highly respected Chicago distributor. Zamudio has all of the necessary relationships to succeed in this aggressive market, and plans to hit the ground running! Zamudio resides in the North West suburbs of Chicago.
Foundation offered “Mario has a full understanding of car audio, bike audio, Powersports and remote starts.”
Continuing Foundation added “We are extremely excited for the coverage and experience Mike and Mario bring to the CE GUYS territories.”
LEHIGHTON, PA (11.18.2020) – 1sixty8 media, the team behind the consumer-facing BestCarAudio.com website, is proud to announce that they will begin offering their advertising clients hands-on product reviews under the title Test Drive Reviews.
Mitch Schaffer, President of 1sixty media, said, “We’ve reached a point where it’s time to take the information available to consumers to the next level. Thankfully, we have Dave MacKinnon in charge of content for BestCarAudio.com. His extensive experience in developing, testing and reviewing mobile audio products is nearly unmatched in the industry. I’m very excited to be able to offer Test Drive Reviews to our clients and their potential customers.”
Dave MacKinnon at home on the bench in his location in Burlington, Ontario Canada.
Dave MacKinnon, Head Writer for 1sixty8 media and Editor-in-Chief of the BestCarAudio.com website, said, “Testing products in my lab is what got me started as a writer in the mobile enhancement industry just under 20 years ago. I’m excited to get my hands on the latest and hopefully greatest offerings from the industry and share my experiences with our readers. Educating consumers on the features and performance capabilities of the products available to them will help them make a better purchasing decision. While unboxings and videos about features are interesting, they don’t get to the core of what makes one product’s performance different from another. Our Test Drive Reviews will change that.”
Schaffer added, “As the owner of a mobile enhancement store since 1994, support for brick-and-mortar retailers is a fundamental part of how BestCarAudio.com operates. It’s at our core. The vast majority of the 300+ articles currently on the site explain solutions or technologies, then directs readers to find a car audio shop in their area that can provide them with top quality service. My hope is that the new Test Drive Reviews drive business to qualified retailers looking for quality gear.”
The BestCarAudio.com team already has products on the test bench, and the first review should be available on the website (www.bestcaraudio.com) and Facebook page (facebook.com/bestcaraudio) by the end of November 2020.
Manufacturers and distributors can find out more about the marketing opportunities available from the BestCarAudio.com website by contacting Mitch Schaffer at 570-656-6900 or mitch@1sixty8.com.
OVERLAND PARK, KS (11.16.2020) – KC Trends is a very proactive retailer in Overland Park KS specializing in automotive aftermarket products. KC Trends is Kansas City’s best source for automotive luxury, performance and automotive wheels, parts and accessories since 1993.
On a recent Friday evening the company hosted members of the KC Exotic Club for an evening to showcase their exotic cars, network with peers and enjoy refreshments along with a selection of goodies from a local food truck.
Over 50 KC Exotics Club members attended the event at KC Trends.
KC Trends owner Chad Dearth related “We had over 50 exotic cars that circled the store and filled the parking lot. The least expensive ride at the event was a new 2020 Corvette. Over 120 people spent time in the store checking out our wide assortment of automotive accessories including lighting. We had a raffle and raised over $1,300 for a local charity. Michelin, Toyo and GoMobile Tires were great raffle partners for @shadowbuddies.”
This overhead shot really shows the great turnout for the KC Exotics Club at KC Trends Overland Park, KS event. The drone image from @thechazzcom.
KC Trends is very active on social media with eye-catching image posts. Many of the posts spotlight a recently completed project positioned in front of the store. KC Trends store branding is very visible in the background of many of the posts. Followers definitely see KC Trends is the place in the Kansas City area for automotive upgrades.
Exotic rides from the KC Exotic Club member in the KC Trends parking lot at sunset.
The night of the KC Exotic Club event amazing overhead drone pics @thechazzcom were posted. The overhead images of the exotic cars circling the building were truly amazing Instagram posts.
Concluding, Dearth offered “The KC Exotic Club night was terrific. To see all the vehicles surrounding the store, with their owners and friends in our showroom, was truly great. We plan for this to be an annual event.”
YORKVILLE, IL (11.16.2020) – “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Fahlmark, founder of Midwest Sales Group. Steve passed away on Thursday, November 12th, 2020. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Marcia Fahlmark; his daughter, Sara (Kevin) Roorbach; his son, Max Fahlmark; and his extended family and friends.”
Steve Falhmark (L) receiving the JVC Rep Firm of the Year, Eastern Region 2019, at CES 2020. JVC National Sales Manager Ron Trout (R) and Steve Cote presented the award to Midwest Sales Group during the National Sales Meeting.
A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the Nelson Funeral Home, 1617 N. Bridge St., Yorkville, IL. Friends may visit from 4:00 until the Hour of Service on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the Nelson Funeral Home in Yorkville, IL. Interment will be private.
Steve Falhmark Midwest Sales Group 1965-2020
Steve was deeply loved by his family, friends, and his customers. His infectious personality and bold spirit will be missed – no words can describe the tremendous loss that will be felt. Steve was the principal of Midwest Sales group, and an industry veteran with over 25 years in the market. His passion for car audio and electronics grew into a successful career. He started on the retail floor of Y.E.S. Electronics, where he worked his way up to store manager.
A collage of Steve Falhmark images during various activities.
Steve’s desire to focus more on the business side led to his transition to Manufacturer Representative. He began with Brook Marketing, Inc, as an account executive, moved to Sales Network, Inc. and was then named Vice President of Leading Edge Sales and Marketing, Ltd. Throughout Steve’s career as a Sales Representative, Steve has represented many premium lines such as JL Audio, Focal, Kenwood, Rockford Fosgate, Lightning Audio, JBL, Bazooka and Clarion. In 2003, Steve decided to start his own Rep Firm, and Midwest Sales Group was born. Steve has been providing outstanding service and support to his Midwest Sales Group manufacturers, dealers, and distributors for over 17 years.
For those who knew Steve, please feel free to write a few words about Steve or extend your condolences to his family at this address or on his Facebook page.
WeConekt supplied this article “Remembering Steve Fahlmark.”
SHREVEPORT LA (11.14.20) WTF…Win This Friday. Drive Customs won the 12volt News $100. Prize on Friday November 13th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eleven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
On Friday morning, November 13th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 102nd time and the Wheel landed on the 12volt News space. The Drive Customs slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. We called the San Luis Obispo CA retailer and Jesse Sprister was very happy to hear the news. A $100. Check will be headed that way.
Spinning out a new 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, Cadence, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit 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 and Audio Finesse in Santa Monica. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, November 20th.
12VoltNews.com 