VICTORIA, TX (11.12.2020) – Hi-Pro Audio, a 33-year old 12volt retailer located in Victoria TX, continues to make upgrades in their location to drive the in-store experience for their customers.
Henry Hosek (R) and son Justin pictured with the new Ground Zero display in the showroom of their Hi-Pro Audio store in Victoria TX.
The latest addition is a new Ground Zero display that was set in-place on Tuesday, November 10th. Chris Brinkley and Justin Hosek, with store staff members, spent the day readying the new display to rock the house. Brinkley is on the road with Southwest Sales and Marketing, the area rep firm, for the Ground Zero and SounDigital brands.
The Hi-Pro Audio showroom features an amazing assortment of gear with a recessed amplified display in the floor. The red LED’s on the Ground Zero display matched the showroom color scheme.
Justin Hosek, along with Father Henry, brought in the Ground Zero and SounDigital brands about a year ago. “We were looking to offer our cycle customers the next level in SPL for their bikes. SounDigital and Ground Zero definitely filled the bill. The new display is spotlighted in our showroom. As soon as our customers experience the display there will be a buzz in the town” Justin stated.
After Hurricane Harvey in 2017 this great new attention grabbing free-standing sign was constructed roadside. Can’t miss it… night or day.
“The Ground Zero display really rocks fits the overall look of the Hi-Pro Audio showroom which is definitely one of the coolest in the territory. Henry and Justin are doing amazing things with the store” Brinkley added.
Justin put the new laser setup to the test on his Apple watch band. Check out the detail in the Hi-Pro logo.
A highlight in the showroom is the recessed amplifier display in the showroom floor. Heavy plex cover allows customers to look down at the amplifiers. The red and white color scheme of the showroom also shines on the red LED’s on the new Ground Zero display.
The amplifiers display is recessed in the floor.
Following Hurricane Harvey a few years ago a new sign was constructed road-side to attract attention to the store. Recent interior structure work enlarged the installation bay area which now includes a wood and fabrication shop for the CNC and laser setup. The larger install bay area can handle a dozen vehicles plus has room for ski rig installations.
Social media posts of hot rides, with company branding in the background, grab attention.
Concluding, Justin offered “We work to create an atmosphere of fun and excitement for our clientele. The new Ground Zero display certainly supports that atmosphere of excitement.”
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (11.11.2020) – Effective Monday, November 9 , John Driscoll will be joining Maxxsonics USA as a Regional Sales Manager. While not being limited to just 1 region, John’s main focus will be on the nationwide network of powersports retailers.
On his new position, John Driscoll said, “Having worked with many of the current Maxxsonics team members in the past, some going back 20 years, I am excited to be back with a great team! The combination of almost 30 years’ experience in the consumer electronics and powersports industries makes this position a great fit. I am looking forward to expanding the Maxxsonics brands and sharing the impressive assortment of products well into the future.”
John Driscoll, Regional Sales Manager
John has been a car audio hobbyist since 1986 and started participating in-car audio events in 1987, going on to IASCA Finals in 1990, 1991, 1992. John went on to start in Sales, in the consumer electronics industry, with Quality Auto Sound in 1991 and graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1993 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing) degree.
Being one of the first in the nation to be certified as “MECP Installer First Class,” John worked for several CE retailers including Audio Express, Circuit City, and Ultimate Electronics. In 1997, he started with Current Marketing as a manufacturer’s rep for car and home electronics and continued up until 2009, when he became a National Sales Manager for Cerwin-Vega Mobile. In 2012, John entered the powersports industry with the Arthur Fulmer Companies (Memphis Car Audio and Fulmer Helmets) and looks to bring his many years of audio perspective and industry experience to the Maxxsonics family.
On the new hiring, Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product & Marketing commented, “I’ve known John for nearly 20 years, and he’s proven to be a valuable asset to our industry. John’s unique experience in-car audio, marine, and powersports will bring a new perspective to current and prospective – Maxxsonics dealers. We’re certainly excited to have John join the team!”
As 2021 draws near, Maxxsonics USA is looking forward to having John come aboard bringing his experience and perspective in the car audio, marine, and powersports markets as well as his critical relationships in each industry.
ESCONDIDO, CA (10.10.2020) – The Al&Ed’s location in Escondido was action central on Sunday, November 8th. Chris DeNardo partnered with Team 619 for a very successful event. Boomin’ Audio’s Andy Teuscher flew in from Salt Lake City to handle all the judging and trophy presentations.
DeNardo offered “The event was a success despite the forecast and weather. I made a call the day before the event that if we had rain we would move the judging inside the installation bay and have the competitors pull into that space for Andy and the meters. That setup worked very well and everyone had a great time. Everything ran very smoothly with Andy in charge of the Boomin’ Audio testing setup.”
The group hosting the USACi 2X event, out of the rain, in front of Al&Ed’s. Chris DeNardo (L) and Andy Teuscher (C) pictured with Team 619 members Frankie, Frankie H, Matt and Jorge.
Trophies and awards set on the Boomin’ Audio table, high and dry, in the bay.
“Outside it was a monsoon. Strong wind blew rain sideways. Then it would be calm for a bit and then more wind and rain” Andy Teuscher related.
Top competitors pictured with their trophies and awards at the conclusion of the USACi 2X event.
DeNardo continued “It was a pleasure to co-host the event with the Team 619 guys Frankie, Frankie H, Matt and Jorge. We pooled funds to supply lunch for everyone from the Chuck-e-Cheese located in our shopping center. Doing that was important to me. As a small business owner I hate to see any business suffering due to circumstances out of their control…like COVID-19. The Pandemic has permanently damaged the lively hoods of many and this is far from being over. We were happy to give them a small spark of hope. Plus the pizza was delicious.”
Andy Teuscher snapped this image as he boarded Delta in Salt Lake City early Saturday morning for the flight to LAX. LAX to SLC took place very early Monday morning.
Teuscher added “We had close to 3 dozen competitors with most running multiples in the 16 classes. I tied out my new setup using the Milwaukee Packout and storage system which worked very well in the bay out of the rain.”
USAC’s Jenissa Lillard stated “Andy is doing a super job at Boomin’ Audio. USACi competitions help create awareness for 12volt products which drives business for the industry. At USACi we are looking forward to the 2021 season.”
“Overall we had probably 60-80 people in attendance at our Sunday USACi 2X event. The September ‘Rewind Show’ created a buzz that is still being heard today. People keep asking about the next show. We have plans for an annual event but have not nailed down a date. Most likely we will wait until next year to see about COVID-19. Also wait to see how the car show world will shake out so we won’t conflict with other larger events. The events we held this year created excitement and business. We are looking forward to the 2021 season” DeNardo concluded.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.09.2020) – Click the links below to view additional info and photos from SEMA360
SEMA Industry Awards Announced at Special Celebration Although unable to celebrate in-person in Las Vegas, hundreds of viewers watched on the SEMA Show YouTube Channel as the SEMA Awards Celebration took place online.
SHREVEPORT LA (11.7.20) WTF…Win This Friday. This Friday, November 6th, marked the 101st Spin of the 12volt SpinTo-Win Wheel. All of the slips of the previous 100 Spin-To-Win winners were placed back in the jar.The 101st Wheel Spin landed on the Power Acoustik space and the Audio Finesse slip was draw from the jar. A call was placed to the Santa Monica CA retailer. Omar Eisa answered the phone and was very happy to hear the news he had won a Power Acoustic prize. He stated business has been very strong and is dealing with inventory shortages from several brands.
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.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, Audio Source in Greenwood IN and Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, November 13th.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.06.2020) – A resilient specialty equipment industry continues to converge at www.sema360.com to conduct much-needed business in preparation for a successful 2021. Held online Nov. 2-6, SEMA360 enables attendees all over the world to connect with top manufactures who are showcasing their latest products and technology.
The trade-only event was created as an alternative when uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the in-person SEMA Show in Las Vegas in 2020. The online platform makes it possible for manufacturers and buyers to connect in an effective and efficient manner.
A resilient specialty equipment industry continues to converge at www.sema360.com to conduct much-needed business in preparation for a successful 2021.
“SEMA360 is a fantastic opportunity to digitally see new products, vendors and services that we would have missed due to the pandemic situation,” said Donnie Eatherly, president of P&E Distributors. “Our goal at SEMA360 is to find those new vendors and new products from our current vendors that will help us continue the growth curve that we are experiencing now through 2021.”
With more than 650 manufacturers, over 2,200 products featured in the New Products Showcase, 300-plus custom vehicle builds showcased, exclusive education seminars, and special announcements made throughout the five-day event, SEMA360 provides attendees a complete and immersive online event experience.
“The SEMA Show has always been the best way to see new products before they hit the market, and SEMA360 continues that tradition alive,” said Barry Kellerman, owner of Truck Stuff And More. “This year I will miss the hands-on experience that the SEMA Show offers, but SEMA360 is the next best thing. Attending SEMA360 keeps us informed about the innovations and new products so we can better-serve our customers.”
The 2020 Battle of the Builders
Top 12 Finalists
SEMA announced the Top 12 builders in the seventh annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, the event that determines the builder the aftermarket community considers best.
HOT ROD Andy Leach – 1971 Plymouth Cuda Brady Ranweiler – 1963 Chevrolet two-door wagon Kyle Kuhnhausen – 1964 Chevrolet Corvette
TRUCK/OFF-ROAD Brad DeBerti – 2020 Toyota Tacoma Mark Giambalvo 1965 Chevrolet C10 pickup Randy Borcherding – 1971 Ford Ranchero
YOUNG GUNS Austin Phipps – 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS Cody Medeisis – 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Eli DeWitt – 1967 Pontiac LeMans
Judges and industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs), Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers), and Mike and Jim Ring (Ringbrothers) narrowed the Top 40 competitors to these Top 12 finalists. The Top 12 finalists will judge one another with the winner named the Top Builder in the 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition on Friday, Nov. 6.
METAIRIE, LA (11.05.2020) – Oracle Lighting will feature its new ColorSHIFT RGBA DRL upgrade for the 2020-2021 Toyota Supra GR (p/n 1400) during the SEMA360 online event Nov. 2-6, 2020. With an MSRP of $199.95, this kit is now shipping.
“The new type of installation process for this Supra ColorSHIFT DRL is incredibly simple,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “The installer does not need to dissemble the headlights because this type of DRL upgrade can be accessed from the back side of the headlamp. Simply remove the factory DRL circuit board and install our ORACLE ColorSHIFT RGB+A circuit board using the original hardware and connect the boards to your ColorSHIFT controller and you are done. I wish that all of the headlight installations could be this easy.”
Oracle Lighting’s ColorSHIFT RGBA DRL upgrade allows you to set the lights to be one single color, or use one of the ColorSHIFT controllers to program hundreds of different colors and patterns. Then simply switch the lights back to white for legal on-road use. The RGB+A design includes turn signal functionality so that the DRL maintains an amber flasher feature like the factory turn signal.
According to the SEMA360 website, with the 2020 SEMA Show live event in Las Vegas not taking place and the industry recognizing the need for a viable marketplace during these challenging times, SEMA360 was created. As an online ecommerce solution taking place Nov. 2-6, 2020, SEMA360 focuses on manufacturer/attendee/media relationships, new product introductions, project vehicle debuts, industry-leading education and unparalleled networking opportunities. SEMA360 will leverage the association’s exclusive manufacturer and attendee databases and media partnerships to provide participants with the best online experience and maximum value.
Having celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2019, Metairie, LA-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
OXNARD, CA (11.04.2020) – SCOSCHE Industries has introduced their new powerful and portable Flashlight / Jump Starter / Power Bank (Product # PBJF600).
Perhaps the only thing worse than getting stuck with a dead battery is getting stuck in the dark with a dead battery in your vehicle and an uncharged phone. That’s why we designed this rugged, powerful, lightweight multi-purpose Jump Starter with an ultra-bright flashlight and a USB charging outlet for your phone.
Able to charge both gas and diesel engines, the PBJF600 will start cars, trucks, boats, ATVs/UTVs and more. It has ample power to jump start gas engines up to 5.0 liters/ V8; or diesel engines up to 2.0 liters. It’s 600 Amp high-capacity Lithium-Ion battery has a four battery-cell design that holds a charge for up to 6 months.
The Spark-Free 6-Point Safety Protection System protects your vehicle and jump starter from: overheating, overcurrent, overcharging, over discharging, short circuits and reverse connection. Anyone can safely jump start their vehicle in three easy steps: Connect red clamp to + and black clamp to – terminals. Start the vehicle. Remove the clamps. That’s it!
The PBJF600 is rated IP65 Waterproof, with the rear cap closed, and the 300 Lumen LED flashlight has four modes, including SOS. The Flashlight/Jump Starter/Power Bank kit comes with: charging clamps and cables, a car adapter and charging cable and a protective storage case. It comes pre-charged to make a thoughtful ready-to-go gift. It will be available Spring 2021 at an MSRP of $99.99.
*Source: The NPD Group, Inc., Retail Tracking Service, U.S. & Canada, Mobile Holders/Stands, Excluding Mobile Holder Type: Mobile Grip/Stand, Dollars & Units, Jan. 2017– Aug. 2020.
LINCOLN, NE (11.03.2020) – 12-VOLT Dealers in the Midwest will now have another distributor option when it comes to their Car Audio & Accessories needs.
ROBIDOUX Distributing will open its doors November 2nd from its brand new 37,000 Square Ft facility in Lincoln, NE. With a focus on Local Dealers, ROBIDOUX’s business plan is to be loyal to selective 12-Volt brands while over servicing its dealers and building personal relationships.
ROBIODUX will offer select product lines for their dealers
“We are no stranger to the distribution business” explains owner Jamie Robidoux “My family has been in business for over 40 years and customer service has always been our #1 priority. Our goal here is to become a welcoming Local distributor that our retailers in the Midwest can count on. A distributor that is passionate about their local dealer’s business and strive to stay connected with them as much as possible. This builds the personal relationship that I feel has been missing from this industry.”
Jamie Robidoux (R) and Jeff Budin, Rock-N-Rev Sales, are in the company’s showroom that is set up for live dealer product demos.
One of the key pieces of the puzzle with any successful distributor is a solid “boots on the ground” rep and ROBIDOUX Distributing found a good one with Jeff (Boody) Budin and his award-winning rep firm ROCK-N-REV SALES & MARKETING. “Jamie Robidoux and I have had a great relationship for a lot of years” tells Budin. “The timing was just perfect to add a distribution partner once he moved into this HUGE new 37,000 Sq Ft building. I’ll be working hand in hand with their sales guys to make sure we over service the dealers and stay connected with them. I can’t tell you how excited I am about this”
The ROBIDOUX 37,000 Square Ft warehouse is FULL and ready for business.
One of the premiere lines ROBIDOUX will distribute is DIAMOND AUDIO and President Henry Razipour wasn’t short on words when asked of his involvement. “Jeff Budin has been a fantastic rep of ours for several years and I have always trusted his vision. I was really excited when Jeff introduced me to ROBIDOUX Distributing as an option in the MINKS states. The personal touch that a local distributor can offer is exactly what we are looking for. We have a lot of exciting product that needs to be talked about to dealers and I’m confident ROBIDOUX Distributing will do the job.”
A look at the brand new ROBIDOUX Headquarters in Lincoln, NE.
Other lines ROBIDOUX Distributing will offer in the MINKS states are CERWIN VEGA MOBILE, NAKAMICHI CAR AUDIO, DS18 , DEI (Design Engineering Inc) and the ever popular BUMPBOXX.
MINKS States consist of MISSOURI, IOWA, NEBRASKA, KANSASA and SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
LAFAYETTE, IN (11.02.2020) – MECA, the car audio club and sports sanctioning body, concluded the 2020 season with a big BOOM at the SPL Finals in Lafayette, IN at SoundCheck Customs over the October 24-25 weekend, with 81 entrants.
It was a chilly day in Lafayette IN on Friday October 23rd when MECA Commish Steve Stern arrived at Sound Check Customs to set up for the 2020 MECA SPL World Finals.
Competitors gathered to watch the numbers on the meter in the lane at the SPL Finals.
The SQL Finals were held the weekend before in Ashland City, TN and hosted 38 competitors. Despite the truncated season due to the COVID-19 health issues, the club was able to provide 2 high quality events for the members and the 12-Volt Industry.
The Young Family competes in MECA events. Tim Young, Team High Voltage, was SPL MS2 World Finals Champion. Daughter Jesselin, being hugged by Tim, competed in the MECA Kids Class.
Co-sponsors for the events were Arc Audio, Linear Power, and Zapco, with TRU Technology being the Title Sponsor for SQL, and Incriminator Audio, Ohio Generator, Sundown Audio, and XS Power for SPL, Show & Shine, Ride The Light, and MECA Kids contests.
Members of Team Sound Check Customs are shown with their trophies after the MECA SPL Finals wrapped.
Team Bangin’ On A Budget pictured with their MECA SPL Finals hardware.
MECA presented 300+ trophies and awards to World Champs, State Champs, and special recognition plaques to Competitors, Retail Members, and Manufacturer Members.
Chuck Pilkinton, Audio X/ Incriminator, from Florence AL with award plaques for National Points Championships.
SoundCheck Customs is the 2020 Retailer of the Year. Sundown Audio is the 2020 Manufacturer of the Year. Arc Audio received the 12-Volt Industry Award for enhanced participation and support of the Mobile Electronics Industry.
These trophy winners were having some fun at the BBQ dinner party that followed the MECA SPL Finals at the Sound Check Customs facility
Sound Quality League and Sound Pressure League World Champs lists detail the winners. The Club Awards list highlights the most involved and engaged members. State Awards may be viewed at the club website www.mecacaraudio.com in the Archives.
The 2021 season is already underway with events in FL, CA, TN, NC, IN, and OH on the books. Contact the Commissioner to receive information on club and trade organization membership and benefits. See the event results at www.mecaevents.com
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