JUPITER, FL (10.29.2020) – Audio America, premium distributor of consumer electronics and 12V products with distribution centers currently in five states, has announced that they will now be operating under the company name Next Level Distribution, LLC. With a new and elevated vision for the future, Next Level Distribution connects retailers with hundreds of leading electronics brands. Along with the new company name comes an improved website, which provides an exceptional user journey and experience as it simplifies and streamlines the purchase process.Most importantly, the organization has the unique advantage of family ownership combined with a national footprint that leverages economies of scale with an entrepreneurial mindset and personalized small company responsiveness.

Additionally, Next Level Distribution, which acquired Consumer Electronics Distributors, Inc. in February of 2020, is planning even further growth as the company gets ready to open new distribution centers in the greater Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, California areas in the coming months. Dedicated to providing custom inventory solutions for retailers of all sizes, the organization prides itself on their ability to meet any retailer’s budget, timeline, and inventory needs. The company has more than 25 years of experience in distribution throughout the United States, offering same-day shipping and extended cut-off times for best-in-class customer service.

Next Level Distribution continues to provide customers with exceptional service. With 24-hour pick-up available at all locations, a dedicated sales representative for every account, weekly customer trainings, and flexible credit services, their attention to detail and customer satisfaction is unparalleled throughout the industry. Retailers have access to more than 14,000 SKUs, with 99.9% shipping accuracy and just-in-time inventory solutions.

Owner and Chairman Ryan J. Munder states, “As our brand continues to evolve over time and our company expands into new categories, it is important that our name matches the essence of what we do. Our decision to move forward as Next Level Distribution, LLC. reflects that very evolution, empowering the retailers we work with and elevating their businesses to the next level as well.”

“When we look out to 2021 and beyond, we see infinite opportunity,” continues CEO Jonathan Elster. “It is an exciting time to be in the distribution industry and we are committed to providing an outstanding buying experience for our customers from start to finish.We feel confident that our continued expansion, paired with our new name and enhanced website, will result in Next Level service. This approach, in name but more crucially in practice,takes us as well as our customers and retailers to where we aspire to be.”

To learn more about Next Level Distribution, visit www.getnextlevel.com.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (10.28.2020) – The Virtual SEMA Show 2020, otherwise known as SEMA360, is almost here! The SEMA Show 2020 has officially gone virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Virtual SEMA Show is looking to be a special event with new product and lineup announcements, awesome rides and installation setups, question and answer sessions, and so much more.

Rob Anderson, Marketing and Creative Director said, “SEMA is all about having fun and doing it for the customers and enthusiasts. Just because SEMA has gone virtual doesn’t mean that anyone should change their expectations of what has become a yearly celebration of cars and audio. With Maxxsonics taking part in SEMA360, we plan to bring fun showcases of new product announcements, awesome custom-built rides, question and answer sessions with our Maxxsonics team and product engineers, and so much more.”

SEMA360 is scheduled to take place on November 2nd and run through the 6th. We are looking forward to having you join in on the biggest virtual show of the fall season!

“You’re really going to experience that convention lifestyle for 4 full days all on your computer. Our team and the entire company have adapted to the current state of the global pandemic and are looking forward to showcasing the strength rooted in the Maxxsonics philosophy — quick to adapt yet having a fun time with all of you. This Virtual SEMA Show will demonstrate everyone’s hard efforts in the company from Sales to Marketing. We can’t wait for you to be a part of the biggest virtual show of the fall,” concluded Anderson.

Full details on being a part of the hottest car and audio show of the year are available at sema360.com.

Visit

BLOOMFIELD, MI (10.26.2020) – Last week the 12volt News noticed Eddy Kay Celebrated his 74th birthday. Many in the 12volt industry will remember Eddy Kay as a featured speaker at retailers like Circuit City and industry events like MERA and CES. Kay’s ‘TakeCharge! A Manager’s Guide to Specialty Retailing’ book was a must read for many in the mid-1990’s.

The 12volt News reached out to Eddy and we would like to share some of what he has been doing these past years.

“I have been basically ‘retired’ for a boat load of years. At the end there was little left for me in the 12volt industry as so much had changed. I did well with sessions for companies in jewelry, auto supply and of all things trailer hitches. Like many the crash of 2009 almost put me out of business. By 2012 it all came back… but I had really gotten used to not working during that off time. So when I was making a trip to the airport for another speaking engagement I quit my job. I basically laid myself off. I gave myself an exit interview and told myself…Good Luck.”

Continuing, Kay related “I built a recording studio in the house and went back to my roots as a professional musician. I’ve got 3 albums on Spotify and two more in the can. I write almost all the material and do play all the instruments: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Harmonica, Vocals and Backup vocals. Multi-track recording allows me to be the whole band. Personally, I would rather have a band… but those guys want to get paid. The Bastards!”

That’s Eddy

“Recently we were looking to buy a new car. We were astounded at the lack of professionalism at multiple car dealerships. The sales staffs didn’t seem to care about what we wanted and we didn’t buy anything. It’s a different world on the sales floor today. That’s why good sales people, who care and ask questions, will always be in demand for successful 12volt retailers” Kay concluded.

Click above to listen to “Take It Easy”

Eddy lives in Bloomfield, which is about 10 miles north of Detroit, with his sweetheart of 15 years.

Happy Birthday again Eddy. Eddy’s email address is eddy@eddykay.com

SHREVEPORT LA (10.24.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. Audio Source Inc, with stores in Columbus and Greenwood IN, won the KICKER Prize on Friday, October 23rd.

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, October 23rd, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 99th time and the Wheel landed on the KICKER space. The Audio Source Inc slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. We called and Matt Murray was very happy to hear the news. He enjoys seeing the 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel posts. A Kicker Bluetooth Speaker 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, Farenheit and ZZ2. 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 and AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY. Congratulations to all.

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

JACKSONVILLE, NC (10.22.2020) – Street Sounds and Tint offers consumers in the area a wide selection of mobile electronics, lighting, wheels and tint with expert installation. When consumers enter the store they immediately see the broad selection of products in the well merchandised showroom.

Nick Baxter, Store Manager, related to 12volt News “Business has been so strong the last several months. When customers come into the store they immediately see our wide selection of products and want to know what will work best in their car, truck, boat or UTV. Inventory availability has been challenging but we stay on top of it and turn our inventory.”

Reese Helms, Eastern NC/SC Territory Manager for area distributor Shiflet & Dickson, recently sent several images to the 12volt News showing the Street Sounds showroom. “Street Sounds is doing a great job in their market and are a super partner with Shiflet and Dickson. JVC is a strong line for their store and we work together for inventory during this COVID-19 time. Hurricane Florence did a lot of damage to their building and the showroom was totally remodeled. The Street Sounds showroom layout is one of the best I have seen.”

Continuing, Baxter offered “Hurricane Florence in 2018 did so much damage to our building. We were able to remodel and now the showroom and installation areas are better than ever. Resurfacing the parking lot will have to wait until some major street work is completed in front of the store.”

In addition to showroom images Helms sent an image of a ’54 Chevy parked at the store. Classic vehicles parked on the store lot also grab eyeballs from the street.

Concluding ,Baxter said “We had a recent cold snap and now remote start interest has joined Apple CarPlay as a hot category in our store.”

Visit facebook.com/Streetsoundsandtint for more.

ALBERTVILLE, AL (10.21.2020) – Each year the Sand Mountain Reporter reaches out to readers for the newspaper’s Annual Best of the Best campaign. Extreme Concepts earned the Readers’ Choice Best of the Best Award in 2020. Extreme Concepts has earned the Best of the Best award since the Sand Mountain Reporter started the campaign in 2013.

The Sand Mountain Reporter is based in Albertville ,AL. The city has a population of just shy of 22,000 residents and is located between Birmingham and Huntsville, AL.

The Extreme Concepts Team made an Instagram post with their Best of the Best Award banner recently. That post grabbed eyeballs in the 12volt Central Studios which led to this article. The area 12volt retailer stocks a wide variety or 12volt products for car, marine and Powersports including Memphis Audio, JL Audio, JBL and Pioneer. Wheels, tint,lift kits, lighting and paint are also offered.

The Instagram post with the Team and banner featured a large eye-catching Extreme Concepts graphic in the background. Turns out the graphic is painted on the rollup door that leads from the showroom to the installation bay. The graphic was painted freehand by a local artist.

Vickers AV is a key supplier for Extreme Concepts. Vickers AV commented on the Instagram post “That’s great. You guys deserve it!”

A representative at the Sand Mountain Reporter offered “When I need anything done to my car I definitely take it to Extreme Concepts.”

See Extreme Concepts on social media @extremeconcepts

ANCHORAGE, AK (10.20.2020) SoundShield has introduced a visually striking merchandizing tool for its retailers; a custom-engineered, laser-engraved acrylic and LED-lit wall display to hold SoundShield retail-packaged tubes of sound deadening material.

Designed by co-founder Bryan Schmitt, the purpose of the new display is to elevate the sound deadening category within the retail setting. This allows retailers to merchandise SoundShield products, a category not commonly considered in showroom merchandising. The display invites conversations from either curious clients or as a reminder to sales professionals to include sound deadening in the sales process. The multi-color LED lighting with wireless remote allows retailers to easily customize the display to integrate into their showroom’s color scheme.

“The size of the display is compact, but commands a presence so it makes it a sensible fit for any sized retail shop” comments SoundShield CEO John Schwartz. Several 12 volt specialty retailers in the SoundShield family have tried early production models and provided feedback that proves the new display’s effectiveness.

“This is an excellent way to merchandise sound deadening that presents at eye level so clients can easily see the product” remarked Adam Devine of Devine Concepts in Naples, FL. The configurable color of the LED lighting made the display easily integrate into Adam’s showroom and company colors. Award-winning Mobile Toys, Inc. in College Station, TX also has implemented the display in their store and reports that their customers ask questions about what sound deadening is because of the display, which ultimately leads to sales.

The SoundShield wall display includes the necessary mounting hardware, multi-color programmable LED lighting and weighs just 25 pounds. SoundShield offers a direct purchase of the wall display or discounted pricing with a qualifying minimum product order. If not already a dealer, retailers can fill out a quick application at www.soundshieldusa.com.