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, 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.

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.”

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.

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.”

Visit kctrends.com for more.

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.”

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 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.

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.

POTTSVILLE, PA (11.13.2020) – 12volt Dave’s Audio is a 12volt retailer that has served the Pottsville, PA community, and surrounding area, for over 19 years. Owner Dave Clews is a people person with a lot of passion for his customers and his business. When it comes to connecting with his customers Mr Clews definitely has a clue!

Recently, I noticed Dave had liked a @12voltnews Instagram post highlighting a new product which prompted my call to 12volt Dave’s Audio. As with many 12volt shops business is rockin’ and the store’s answering system picked up.

The answering system message at 12volt Dave’s is a perfect example that Dave is a people person. If unable to be answered in a few rings, the caller is greeted with an engaging “Thank you for calling” message in Dave’s voice that continues with some information about activity going on in store. The current message highlights the remote start season and lets them know he will get back with them as soon as possible.

Clews related to 12volt News “Sometimes we just can’t get to the phone quickly but I want the caller to know we appreciate their call and that we want to speak with them. We monitor the missed call messages and work to place the return call as quickly as possible.”

Continuing Clews offered “I came up with the idea to create an answering message in my voice a few years back. Every couple of weeks I record a new message. The new message could be about a new product or seasonal in nature… like the upcoming remote starter season. A cool thing is customers tell me they really like the personal feel plus the way we engage and work to fill their 12volt needs.”

Clews records new messages in his office after hours. “I close the door and make a few notes for the new answering message. Then I speak the message into my smartphone and enter that file into the store’s phone system” Clews concluded.

Clews is a lifelong resident of the Pottsville area and in total has been in the 12volt industry for nearly 4 decades. Also, he is a member of the Pottsville City Council and works to build brick and mortar business in the city.

For more see 12volt Dave’s Audio on Facebook and @12voltdaveclews on Instagram

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.”

Visit hi-proaudio.com for more.

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.