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Memphis Audio Partners with Virtual Marketing Consultants to Cover MINK States

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MEMPHIS, TN (04.24.2020) – Memphis Audio is excited to announce big improvements in service for the M.I.N.K States (Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas & Southern Illinois). Memphis has partnered with Jon Kluiter from Virtual Marketing Consultants (VMC). Jon is a long time Memphis Audio alumni with ties to the brand dating back over 20 years. Jon was a territory sales representative for Memphis from 1997 – 2006. Jon spent several years as a retail store owner and has been deeply involved in the Powersports and motorcycle industry for decades.

Jon Kluiter, Virtual Marketing Consultants (VMC)

VMC has enhanced its coverage capacity by contracting with Anthony Weinman, a successful Memphis Audio sales rep recently with CPS and EMA to continue to provide exceptional coverage to his territory. Anthony has been a representative of Memphis for several years and has a proven track record of sales growth and exceptional service. 

Anthony Weinman

Memphis has also established a new regional distribution partnership with Santa Fe Distributing to provide fast and efficient just in time inventory for the territory to make doing business with Memphis even easier. This partnership will not impact the margins, profitability and service dealers in the territory expect from Memphis. Santa Fe Distributing will increase the availability of products and service for dealers in the area.

Change always raises nerves, but these changes are Moving Memphis in the right direction. We are servicing this territory with two seasoned Memphis Reps who have proven themselves in the field to provide the best service and expertise possible in the territory. We are expanding our just in time capabilities for dealers who need product right away. We couldn’t be happier with the way things have worked out with these new partnerships and we are confident our dealers will see a tremendous benefit to their business in the immediate future. We are looking forward to retail stores getting the green light to open back up for business and show our dealers the benefits of these recent changes,” said Nick LoMonaco, president of Memphis Audio.

Jon Kluiter from VMC can be reached immediately for any business related questions at Jon Kluiter can be reached at 913-231-1714. Memphis Audio can be reached at 800-489-2300.

Visit www.memphiscaraudio.com and vmcpros.com for more.

Race Sport Lighting Takes LED Wheel Lights to the Next Level

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RINGWOOD, IL (04.23.2020) – Race Sport Lighting, the undisputed leader of aftermarket lighting solutions for the automotive, truck accessories, marine, and power sports industries, has announced the release of updated features now available on the companies ColorSMART Led Wheel Light kits.

Rigidity of Frame

The first improvement was made to the frame thickness. We have increased the thickness of the aluminum frame to add rigidity. The stiffer frame eliminates movement of the product on the vehicle.

Turn Signal and Brake Function

The second new feature we added to these LED wheel lights is a turn signal and brake function. Now when you stop the rings can illuminate red. When you flip your turn signal on both rings on the corresponding side of the vehicle will illuminate amber. Brighter means safer while driving on the road.

Smartphone Controlled Chasing Patterns

The third feature to discuss about these LED wheel lights is that they DO feature our Chasing pattern technology. Pattern selection is made via Bluetooth on your smart device.

Visit racesportinc.com for more.

Mobile Solutions Webinar Explores the Future

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TEMPE, AZ (04.22.2020) – Mobile Solutions delivered a live webinar on April 15 aimed toward retailers thinking about the new normal of what business looks like on the other side of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 300 people attended the live stream. Since then the recorded version has had over 800 views, increasing by 45-50 per day.

To view a recording of the April 15 webinar, click here.

During the one hour webinar, Bryan Schmitt discussed the importance of being ready to respond when business returns and doors open again. He underscored new methodologies that include sterilizing customer vehicles before and after work is performed Schmitt encouraged retailers to communicate this to clientele through in-store signage, social media outreach and email marketing campaigns.

“We have to proactively communicate to the consumer that, as an industry, we are committed to take extra measures to ensure the work we perform in vehicles is done with their safety in mind,” commented Schmitt. He feels that this will go a long way to making people comfortable enough to bring in their vehicles knowing that cleaning and protecting surfaces are a top priority.

“In the early days of car audio it was simple to be successful. Now, with all the competition and the diversity of the business (mobile electronics, not car stereo) you must be on your game and be ready to adapt,” remarked Dalesandro of End Result, who encouraged 12 volt retailers to attend.

End Result represents Mobile Solutions in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia and Dalesandro is well known for helping his retailers become better business owners through frequent in-person training events.

Other topics Schmitt discussed during the webinar included taking the down time to organize, clean and paint installation bays so that the workshop areas appear more like the high-end service bays at a car dealership rather than a dreary garage.

“White walls and great lighting go a long way in making an impression, plus it’s just a better working environment,” added Schmitt. He suggests retailers take down the manufacturer banners, calendars and other non-essential wall clutter so that signage is clear and easy to understand.

To view a recording of the April 15 webinar, click here.

Mobile Solutions will be presenting other fabrication and retailer-focused webinars in the weeks ahead. Keep an eye out on Facebook, Instagram and their website for those announcements. Sign up for the email list at www.mobilesolutions-USA.com to receive the latest information directly.

Specialty Aftermarket Industry Largely Open for Business

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DIAMOND BAR, CA. (04.21.2020) – The majority of businesses in the specialty automotive industry continues to operate during the Coronavirus pandemic. Even with “shelter in place” rules in effect in many states, more than two-thirds of industry businesses have not closed any of their facilities during this time.

The findings are from a survey of SEMA member companies conducted April 1-7. SEMA has been working to identify areas to support the aftermarket industry during the pandemic as it moves towards recovery.

Click here to view full SEMA Survey results.

“The results of this survey show the resiliency of the specialty automotive industry and how it continues to push forward, working to move past the COVID-19 disruption,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “We are using this feedback to further develop resources to help member businesses through this time of economic interruption.”

Most aftermarket industry facilities remain open under the “essential business” designation, and more than half of the industry’s employees continue to work from a company site, as a large number of production, technical, logistical, and retail positions can only be done at a jobsite.

The survey also found that most business owners maintain a positive outlook, with 87% indicating that they are “impacted short-term but will get through it.” The strength of the industry is depicted by the 82% of employees who continue working from at a jobsite or from home, and by the nearly 2,000 companies that have signed up to exhibit at this year’s SEMA Show.

“The aftermarket industry and our members remain positive, and are looking forward to opening back up in the months ahead and participating in a SEMA Show that will play a key role in launching a successful 2021,” said Kersting. “Now more than ever our priority for SEMA is clear: assuring the health, safety, and business continuity for our members, partners, employees, and the overall industry community.”

To further assist businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic, SEMA has created a dedicated webpage, http://www.sema.org/coronavirus, that includes up-to-date information about how each state defines “essential” businesses, SBA (Small Business Administration) emergency loans, paid sick and family leave, unemployment benefits, and more. As developments unfold, SEMA will continue to monitor and collect information and provide updates to the site.

“It is at times like these that the power of a collective can be most beneficial,” said Kersting. “I’m optimistic that by working together, we will continue to persevere and thrive.”

For the latest updates and resources available for businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, visit www.sema.org/coronavirus.

Radenso Radar Partners with Santa Fe Distributing in Several States

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CINCINNATI, OH (04.20.2020) – Radenso Radar has announced the new partnership with Santa Fe Distributing along with Santa Fe Sales and Marketing as the newest partners to represent Radenso.

Radenso Radar CSO, Min Lane stated “We are excited to have such a cohesive territory and strong representation for Radenso in the MINK States and Rocky Mountains. Santa Fe has a strong history within the 12 volt category for over 40 years. Their expertise with sales, service and support for the dealer network harmonizes with Radenso’s philosophy regarding dealers.”  

Radenso Radar is preparing to launch the world’s first radar detector that is AI powered later this year. The new detector is named Theia, after the Titan Goddess of sight.

The Santa Fe Distributing HQ in Lenexa, KS.

“We are doubling-down on the radar detector category,” President and CEO Jonathan Dandrow commented.  “Our multi-million-dollar investment in this project, including the construction of a complete microwave R&D lab in Cincinnati, demonstrates the lengths we are willing to go to create the best products and innovate in the field we are deeply passionate about.  We appreciate our retailers and partners that have helped us grow, and we look forward to supporting them for the long run with this new platform and our expanded engineering capabilities.”

Visit radenso.com and s-f-d.com for more.

The 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020 – Code Zero Customs Wins

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SHREVEPORT LA (04.18.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Two months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 72, is Cody Landis at Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK. The Wheel landed on the PowerBass space and a cool PowerBass prize will be headed that way.

Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a 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, SiriusXM, Cadence, PowerBass, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit, Wilson Electronics and Image Dynamics. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Click to view.

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 and Audio Jam in Bear DE. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt-SinTo-Win Wheel Friday, April 24th.

Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy – when making an Instagram post for your store include the hashtag #12voltspin to make sure your company has a slip in the jar. There are over 1100 #12voltspin posts on Instagram.  

With 18 chances to WIN, the 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is ready to shower a lucky weekly winner with one of the cool prizes.

Stay tuned to 12voltnews.com on the web and @12voltnews on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for 12volt Spin-To-Win winner announcements every Friday!

dB DragRacing Busy from the Austin Office

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AUSTIN, TX (04.17.2020) – Everything on the dB Drag Racing planner, like the world, has been put on hold by the Coronavirus National Emergency. Wayne and Celise are well and both have been very busy connecting with members and all around the world. See the latest updates from dB DragRacing below.

Term-PRO Loudspeaker Enclosure Design Webinar
Wayne Harris demonstrated how to use the Term-PRO Enclosure Design software during a recent Zoom Webinar. Attendees learned how to manage the driver library, design various types of enclosures, compare and interpret design results, design vents, and design and view the physical enclosure. This was a free seminar open to the public. Attendees tuned in from US, South Africa, Slovenia, Canada, UK and more! It was great to see everyone and plans are in the works for continuing these type of demonstrations. To view the recorded webinar: https://youtu.be/Tnsq2p3kgtM

Term-LAB SPL Training
An online training program is being developed for the Term-LAB Sound Measurement System. The training program is geared for the first time user as well as the advanced user and consists of a combination of instructional videos, screen shots, online quiz and certificate of completion. The training can also be used in expert mode where the user can go directly to the desired topic of interest.
https://www.termpro.com/magnum/training

dB Drag Racing Competitor Highlights
The dBDRA began a series of highlighting ALL the 2019 Champions through weekly social media posts starting March 30th and running until ALL 2019 Champions are highlighted. The posts are aimed at congratulating 60+ competitors worldwide on their achievements as we look forward to seeing everyone in the lanes again soon!

dB Drag Racing Happy Hour
The dB Drag Racing association conducted a Happy Hour with Zoom last week. It was an open forum where competitors got together to talk about car audio. Many told stories about how they got started in car audio and talked about their current installation builds!

Visit dbDragRacing.com for more.

Best Buy to Furlough About 51,000 Employees Starting 4/19 as Coronavirus-Related Sales Surge Ends

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Click here to view the full story by Melissa Repko on CNBC.com

(04.16.2020) – Starting Sunday, Best Buy will furlough about 51,000 employees, the company said Wednesday. The decision will impact nearly all of its part-time store employees and some of its full-time store employees in the U.S., according to a news release. About 82% of its full-time employees who work in stores or in the field, such as the Geek Squad employees, will continue to be paid.

Best Buy’s shares were down about 7% early Wednesday afternoon. Best Buy shares, which have a market value of $16.8 billion, are down 25% since the start of the year. 

Best Buy is one of the many U.S. retailers who have had to adapt and make tough decisions as the pandemic disrupts customers’ lives and changes their behavior. Since March 22, the company’s stores across the country have been closed and it has suspended all in-home delivery, installation and repairs. It has continued to offer curbside pickup at its stores.

Initially, Best Buy continued to pay its employees, but as the disruption drags on, it will stop paying those who will be furloughed. It will continue to cover the total cost of their health benefits and pay their tuition reimbursements for at least three months, according to a news release.

Best Buy saw a sales surge as the pandemic sparked demand for items that help people work from home, students attend school remotely and families stockpile and cook larger quantities of food. During an eight-day period that ended March 20, its sales were up by about 25% as people bought computers, kitchen appliances and more. The company’s quarterly sales through March 20 grew by about 4%, exceeding the company’s expectations for the period.

In recent weeks, however, Best Buy’s sales have dropped off. The company said it’s seen more demand for some items, such as gaming devices, but has had a sales decline of 30% since March 21. 

Click here to view the full story by Melissa Repko on CNBC.com

Alpine Welcomes Ed Moriarty as Assistant Vice President of Brand Business Unit

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.15.2020) – As a commitment to serving the industry, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. has continued to invest in the aftermarket sales division by creating a new position that supports 12Volt sales and activities.

This morning Alpine welcomed new hire Ed Moriarty as Assistant Vice President of the Brand Business Unit at the Headquarters location in Auburn Hills, MI. Moriarty has an extensive background in OEM and a wide range of experience in sales, product development, marketing, and customer support.

Ed Moriarty, Assistant Vice President of the Brand Business Unit

As the former Vice President and General manager for Car Audio in the Americas and the Asia Pacific at Harman International, Moriarty was responsible for all Branded Car Audio business and was instrumental in increasing revenue. He also held positions at TA instruments and Bose Corporation.

“I’m thrilled to start at a company that has such a large presence in the mobile electronics industry,” said Moriarty.” I look forward to collaborating with our network of sales representatives and contributing to the support and growth of Alpine’s Authorized Retailers.

Moriarty will oversee channel management, supporting the sales representatives and sales activities in the Brand Business Unit.

“Ed’s background speaks volumes to his business and team development, as well as his history of implementing successful sales and marketing strategies,” said Mike Anderson, Vice President and General Manager, Brand Business Unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “We are thrilled to welcome him into the Alpine family.”

Anderson will continue to support the Brand Business Unit as the Vice President and General Manager overlooking all division activity and planning.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

Oracle Lighting Donates Much Needed Personal Protective Equipment to Tulane Medical Center

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METAIRE, LA (04.14.2020) – Oracle Lighting has made a donation of 1,000 N95 respirator masks and nearly 500 surgical masks to the Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans to help its staff battle the COVID-19 crisis in Louisiana where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is much needed.

“We want to do whatever we can to support those medical professionals on the front lines battling this pandemic as New Orleans has been one of the most affected communities in the country,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “Oracle Lighting works with several companies outside of the United States and these partners have more available PPE sources than we have here in the U.S. Some of them heard about the struggles that we were having across our country and, specifically, in the New Orleans area with the shortage of masks and other PPE.”

Oracle Lighting CEO Tiffanie Hartenstein and Oracle Lighting Director of Development Justin Hartenstein are pictured outside their Metairie LA company headquarters with the PPE donation for Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans.

Hartenstein explained that many of these suppliers are now helping out by including procured PPE in Oracle Lighting’s inbound shipments so that Hartenstein and his staff can donate to places in need.

“We are now asking all of our suppliers do the same and we have more supplies on the way,” he added. “This is just the first donation that we plan to make. We will continue to import PPE from other countries with available supplies and donate to medical personnel that are struggling to help people with this virus and need adequate PPE made available to them as soon as possible.”

Hartenstein said that after procuring the PPE supplies, Oracle was able to donate the much needed masks to Tulane Medical Center through Supplies for Saints, a group that is managing the collection of PPE for local hospitals.

“Co-founding Supplies for Saints was such a crucial endeavor for us because we realized how important it was to keep our frontlines healthy so they could continue to care and heal those stricken with COVID-19,” said Kelly Becnel Rovetto, co-founder of Supplies for Saints. “These men and women deserve to feel safe that they are not bringing home this virus to their families or contracting it themselves. PPE donations like this make a big difference in the lives of these men and women.”

Hartenstein asked that other companies importing products consider procuring available PPE from their suppliers and donate to those who are in desperate need for adequate protective equipment.

For more information or to contact Oracle Lighting, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.