End Result on the Front Line Working with Area Dealers

Posted on March 31, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged End Result.

This screenshot on Monday, March 30th, shows Ed Dalesandro moderating the Zoom call with Ed Nuttall-Team Nutz, Dalesandro, Risa Schultz-WeConnect, John Brunett-Audio Video, Jeff Peters-Hertz and 12volt News (L to R) across the top.

CANONSBURG, PA (04.01.2020) – Ed Dalesandro and the End Result Rep Firm have been on a mission to work with dealers in the Ohio Valley Tri-State to deal with the Coronavirus National Emergency. Multiple scheduled Zoom calls have taken place with area Home AV and 12volt dealers. These calls have given those on the calls sense of community.

Sondralee Orengia, Custom Audio in Erie PA stated “The calls with Ed have been very helpful. Hearing what other dealers are faced with has given me a big picture look with what’s happening in the marketplace. We have been finishing big home jobs which definitely bolstered our spirits.”

Ed Nuttall, Team Nutz in Pittsburg, has attended all the scheduled Zoom calls. “We work closely with Ed and really applaud his efforts. It’s great to be on a call with other dealers plus vendors to get all’s perspective. Our doors are closed but we are an interlock dealer that gives up some flexibility working at the store” Nuttall related.

Click here to view the entire presentation.

Last week End Result conducted “Virtual Town Hall Meetings” with dealers across the Ohio Valley tri states. We presented advice to 36 dealers. We also listened to what they were experiencing and what questions they had. If you were not able to attend but feel that you would like the information we presented, please read on. What we feel is on the line is the health of the nation and the health of our businesses.

Here is what we talked about:

Input came from a number of home dealers after hearing presentations from Rob Keeler from CEDIA, Risa Schultz & Allison Lopez from the marketing firm Weconekt. Dealer input included:

Still uncertainty of rules
Most closed the front door but still performed existing installations carefully
Most laid off most employees allowing for unemployment
All agreed that opportunity for upgrading their systems was in the plans
Many looking for different opportunities
All recognized the importance of a bigger picture and being sensitive to it
Many realized that after the storm there could be an uptick in improving one’s home
Stimulus money is coming and money will be easy to get to improve one’s space
Urban dealers felt that they were experts on getting federal money when it came in to consumers & felt that this (stimulus) would be the same way

It is my job to keep the dealers in this territory healthy, whether you buy from us or not. If you are doing better, most likely we are too. If you are hurting, we are also. In this tough and uncharted time, use us and the dealers around you for team guidance. This is not a time for individual competition amongst reps, distributors, dealers or manufacturers. United we will win again! We are an industry of emotion, something the internet cannot provide. Show yours and let’s get on top when the time is right. For now, plan and do what you can.

Stay safe,
Ed Dalesandro

Visit endresultonline.com for more.

SSV Works Announces RZR Kits with JVC Radios Now Shipping

Posted on March 31, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged SSV Works.

OXNARD, CA (03.31.2020) – SSV Works is now shipping the new 5-speaker RZR kits with JVC backup-camera-ready radio.

SSV Works recently announced a collaboration with JVC during the 2020 CES Show in which SSV Works is now the exclusive Powersports distributor for the KD-MR1BTS marine/powersports digital media receiver.

“As a result of this collaboration, we are integrating and making available the KD-MR1BTS into a number of our existing and new Polaris RZR kits for our customers,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “JVC is a legacy in the mobile audio radio market, and we could not be more excited to partner with such a brand and provide our customers with the best powersports radio and overall audio solution kits in the market.”

The IPX6-rated KD-MR1BTS digital media receiver features Bluetooth, USB, a 2.7-inch color display, global tuner with weather band, 7-Band EQ, rear view camera capability, and is SiriusXM-Ready.

Available in Spring 2020, vehicle-specific SSV Works plug & play dash kits and harnessing to work with the JVC KD-MR1BTS include:
• 2014 – ‘18 Polaris RZR XP1000, Turbo, 900 – NOW SHIPPING
• 2019 – ‘20 Polaris RZR XP1000, Turbo, 900 – NOW SHIPPING
• 2020 Polaris RZR Pro XP – SHIPPING SOON

“Current SSV Works customers can upgrade their audio kits with a plug-and-play mounting and harness solution, as well,” added Kaplan. “And as a special incentive, we are also announcing that for a limited time, we will include the backup camera with new systems free of charge.”

Added Ron Trout, Director of Sales – Regional Sales Group – Car Electronics Sector – JVC Mobile, “SSV Works is the market leader in aftermarket powersports audio solutions, making them the ideal partner for our KD-MR1BTS. We are looking forward to both our and SSV’s customers to benefit from each other’s expertise and experiencing the next level of powersports audio.”

For more information, visit www.SSVWorks.com, call 818-991-1SSV (1778), or email sales@SSVworks.com.

Firstech Makes Car Sharing Easier with KeyLocker

Posted on March 29, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Firstech.

SEATTLE, WA (03.30.2020) – Firstech, makers of Compustar and DroneMobile, has announced its plans to release the Drone KL1 in Summer of 2020. The Drone KL1, or “KeyLocker”, is a key management and storage solution that will make car sharing easier for families and businesses.

Over the past ten years, the term “car sharing” has taken on many different forms. Individuals are monetizing their personal vehicles on peer-to-peer car sharing platforms. Families with multiple drivers are exploring different ways to get around in conjunction with owning fewer cars. Lastly, businesses are going mobile, managing vehicles and drivers to bring products and services directly to customers.

While these car sharing applications have quickly evolved, key management has not. Families and businesses are still limited to one or two keys per vehicle and rely on outdated storage solutions like kitchen drawers and key storage lockers. Furthermore, vehicle keys can cost up to $700 to replace in the event of loss or damage.

For all of the car sharing applications mentioned, Drone KeyLocker offers a better way to manage vehicle keys. KeyLocker fits into most vehicle compartments and has a sliding door mechanism for safely storing any type of vehicle key, including bladed and smart keys. While a vehicle’s key is stored in a KeyLocker, the system keeps it protected by activating anti-tampering security sensors around KeyLocker and the vehicle. All of these sensors are capable of triggering real-time alerts that are pushed to authorized users’ smartphones over 4G LTE.

Instead of fumbling with vehicle keys, vehicle access is managed through the DroneMobile App. Vehicle owners can send an unlimited number of invitations to family members or coworkers to share access to the vehicle. Once a user is authorized to drive a car, he or she can unlock the doors with the DroneMobile app and hit the road. If the vehicle uses a smart “push to start” key, users don’t even have to remove the key from Drone KeyLocker to drive the car! In essence, the DroneMobile App and KeyLocker transform your smartphone into your vehicle’s key. Drone KeyLocker also includes a 5-digit passcode touchpad, called the “KP1”, that is mounted to the windshield as backup in the event of poor cellular coverage or a dead smartphone battery.

“Drone KeyLocker combines the best of Firstech’s strengths in vehicle control, security and telematics,” explained Firstech’s Managing Director, Jason Kaminski. “Families and businesses will save time and money with the KeyLocker and DroneMobile App, opening up even more possibilities for car sharing in the future.”

Firstech will be adding the KeyLocker to its DroneMobile brand of telematics and tracking products. Drone KeyLocker can be installed as a standalone key management and tracking solution or the device can be added to an existing Compustar remote start and alarm system. Drone KeyLocker must be installed with one of Firstech’s Drone LTE devices to enable cellular connectivity.

Drone KeyLocker will start shipping in Summer 2020 with an MSRP of $159.99 and is available for pre-order directly from Firstech or from Firstech Authorized Distributors in North America.

To learn more about Drone KeyLocker, visit dronemobile.com/keylocker or email orders@myfirstech.com

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020…Stereo City Ontario Wins

Posted on March 28, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (03.28.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Just over 4 months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner, number 69, is Stereo City Ontario. The Wheel landed on the Precision Power space and a cool prize will be headed to Jim Cavanagh in Allston MA.

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.

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 Spin-to-Win Wheel Friday, April 3rd.
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!

Alpine Electronics to Offer “Stay-In-Formed” Online Product Training for Authorized Retailers

Posted on March 26, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Alpine.

AUBURN HILLS, MI (03.27.2020) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. will offer six online training webinars for their U.S. Authorized Retailers in early April in light of recent training event cancellations and “stay-at-home” state announcements.

“This is an unprecedented time in our industry,” said Mike Anderson, Vice President and General Manager, Brand Business Unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “Alpine recognized the need to provide accessible online education and training so we could continue to provide sales and marketing support to our Authorized Retailers.”

In March, Alpine hosted a webinar on “The Journey to Alpine Sound,” highlighting the new 2020 Product Lineup, with information on carry-over models and upcoming marketing promotions.

After a positive response, Alpine decided to take it one step further and offer a new webinar, “Stay-In-Formed Alpine Product Training,” that focuses on applicable selling and marketing techniques for the new product line. The training will be fully accessible online, so attendees can “stay-in” while they learn.

Led by Alpine Brand Specialist Eric Brooks and National Trainer Chris Teguh, the webinar will feature an in-depth look at each new product, with real-life applications and tips on how to successfully market to consumers. Each webinar training is fully interactive and allows attendees to ask questions and get answers in real-time.

New to the webinars is an inside look at Alpine’s 2017 Honda Civic Halo Sound Demo Vehicle. The civic will demonstrate the versatile R-A90S 6-Channel amplifier powering an active 3-way R-Series sound system with dual Halo Pre-Loaded R-Series 12-inch Subwoofer Enclosures. The demo vehicle will also showcase the OEM integration capabilities of the new PXE-X09 Hi-Resolution Wireless Digital Sound Processor with the factory head unit.

Registrants can choose from the following days to attend:

Week 1:

Monday, April 6 at 5:00 p.m. EST

Tuesday, April 7 at 3:00 p.m. EST

Wednesday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m. EST

Week 2:

Monday, April 13 at 5:00 p.m. EST

Tuesday, April 14 at 3:00 p.m. EST

Wednesday, April 15 at 1:00 p.m. EST

All Alpine Authorized Retailers are encouraged to register for this free webinar by contacting their Alpine Rep.

Alpine will continue to support its Authorized Retailers with online training, with a new webinar scheduled for the end of April covering an in-depth training session on Digital Sound Processors (DSP).

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

DS18 Joins in on the War against COVID-19

Posted on March 25, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged DS18.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL (03.26.2020) – As we all adjust to life working around the wide spread COVID-19 virus, DS18 joins in against the fight to help aid those in need with backing and knowledge from our close DS18 family and co-workers in China who have been adjusting to this Pandemic much longer then we have.

Click here to view a video on DS18’s Facebook page.

With China successfully battling and winning the fight and using firsthand knowledge of what needs to win the battle, we will be sending over personal protection equipment such as huge shipment of medical masks and gloves in care of DS18

Team member Marcia Mileidys Maceo to The Baptist Hospital in Kendall, Florida. DS18 hopes to help with the education and safe practices needed to minimalize casualties until the global efforts find a way to destroy this disease so life can return to normal.

Continuing to practice safe social distance, using PPE (gloves, mask, sanitizer) equipment, and knowledge of safely not spreading the disease is the key component to slowing down this very fast acting and deadly virus. If we all come together as a world population there is nothing we cannot overcome.

Visit ds18.com for more.

Team Nutz Staying Very Busy

Posted on March 24, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Team Nutz.

PITTSBURGH, PA (03.25.2020) – Like 12volt retailers across the U.S. Team Nutz daily business operations have been negatively affected greatly.

Ed Nuttall, Team Nutz owner, posted “Effective 3/23/2020, per the state’s direction, our store is now closed unless the repair required on your vehicle is life sustaining or ADS Interlock maintenance required.”

Team Nutz owner Ed Nuttall with the JL Audio DSP demo working live through a VXi amplifier on the display board.

While the store is officially closed there is much activity going on to prepare Team Nutz to reopen at full speed.

“We are upgrading our in-store displays, attending vendor webinars and working on jobs in the install bay. We now have an active DSP setup on our main display board for a live demonstration for customers. The JL Audio DSP is now working live on a VXi amplifier for all to experience.”

Mike and Tom shown attending a Metra Heise Lighting Davis Distribution webinar in the store on Tuesday morning, March 24th.

Continuing Nuttall offered “On Tuesday morning, yesterday, staff members attended 2 webinars here at the store, The Metra Heise Lighting with Davis Distribution and Honeywell Security presentations were both very informative.”

Team Nutz is available by phone from 9 AM to 5 PM daily for any inquiries for service and sales questions. Drop off is also available by placing keys through the company dropbox on the first garage door.

Team Nutz keeps followers and consumers informed with important posts.

Concluding Nuttall stated “At some point, and we hope sooner than later, the Coronavirus National Emergency will end. We are planning and working for an all out relaunch to make up for the down time.”

Visit teamnutztechnology.com for more.

12Volt Industry Company Coronavirus Updates

Posted on March 22, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

12VOLTCENTRAL STUDIOS (03.24.2020) No doubt the Coronavirus has thrown the world and the 12volt industry one huge curveball. Companies and individuals across the 12volt industry have been severely impacted already. Unfortunately, there is no definitive end in sight.

At 12volt News we have received multiple emails from companies providing information on business hours and current business plans. Please see the information below.

Clikc here to enlarge JVCKENWOOD’s update.

Click here to enlarge Radenso Radar’s update.

Metra Electronics – Click to view update

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. values the business relationships and personal connections we have with our business partners and the end users of our products and services.

The majority of the Pioneer staff are now working remotely to ensure we do our part to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We have also implemented social distancing and hygiene protocols for all continuing operations as mandated by government agencies.

Regardless, the entire Pioneer team remains committed to maintaining as many business activities and functions as possible during this quickly evolving situation.

Our priority is to work with each of our distribution, retail and installation partners to ensure they have Pioneer’s support in this challenging time.

SSV Works – Click to view update

Audio Control – Click to view update

The Wholesale House – Click to view update

Big 5 Electronics – Click to view update

The fight against Coronavirus and the status of Maxxsonics USA

COVID-19 has us entering a world of uncharted territory and has affected almost all of our daily lifestyles. We are in one with the rest of the world in this global event as our thoughts are with all of you. We are thankful for all of the doctors, nurses, first responders, transportation specialists, and so many more that continue to carry on through the flame of this spreading virus.

In this temporary moment, rest assured that our doors and services will continue to operate as regular daily expectations and we are doing the things you’d come to expect of us, but we are actively watching as this situation continues to unfold. We are all in this fight together and we are here for one another and the communities that are all affected.

Our team is committed to providing the products you love and the support you need to all of our loyal customers.

“Here at Maxxsonics, we are practicing the necessary steps suggested by the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is very crucial that we remember our health should never be taken for granted and that we are all in this battle together.”
-Alden Stiefel, President/CEO of Maxxsonics USA

Nakamichi Car Audio Partners,

Together we are facing a truly unprecedented situation, the COVID-19 Coronavirus is an unexpected shock to all of us. During difficult times like these communication with our customers is very important. We are fortunate thus far to be able to continue to operate in this environment and are grateful to be in a position to continue to support our customers. That said, we are following the guidelines of the global health experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Likewise we urge our valued partners to be safe and exercise common sense and caution always.

In Florida Diplomat Trading is open for business and shipping as usual. Currently we are well stocked and do not anticipate product outages in the short term.

In Nevada the Governor has ordered the closure of all non-essential business for 30-days, since I work from home so this will not affect my activities.

As you are aware this situation is very fluid and we are maintaining a proactive position until the situation stabilizes globally. Although we cannot guarantee disruptions will not occur we can assure you that if there is a change we will notify you. We are in contact with Nakamichi Asia on a daily basis.

Should you need additional operational information, please contact me directly.

Just remember out of challenge comes unity and strength—collectively we will get though this! Stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,
Robin McNeal on Behalf of Diplomat Trading

To our valued CCA clients and community:

Our thoughts go out to all impacted by COVID-19. At this time, we want you to know we are still open, and following safety procedures outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over the last weeks, we put in place enhanced safety measures to protect our staff and our clients;

All our install technicians are wearing latex gloves at all times while inside your vehicle.
We’re cleaning all customer cars before delivery.
We’re regularly cleaning and disinfecting all common areas, high touch points, sales counters, product displays, and more multiple times a day.
Practicing social distancing, we ask that no one wait on their vehicle inside our store right now. We’re asking everyone with an appointment to drop their vehicle off with us for the day and find a ride, or we can assist in arranging a ride for you.
We have a key drop box, and can take credit card payment over the phone, if you’d prefer to have no contact when dropping your vehicle off with us.
We’ve cut down the number of appointments per day for the time being to limit the number of people in our stores at once.
We have implemented new protocols for illness in our workplace, with Office staff working remotely and are not allowing any employee with even remote signs of illness to report to work in our stores.

Your trust is at the very heart of our family business and we appreciate all your support in this time. If you have any questions regarding how we’ll treat your vehicle while it’s in our hands, or if you want to reschedule your existing install appointment, just call us at 614-475-6695.

At The 12Volt News, we are redoubling our efforts to post positive industry news each business day. During the day, we have been making, and will continue to make, social media posts to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. If you or your company have a news item to post, please send it this way. My email is mike@12voltnews.com.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020…Sound in Motion Boston Wins

Posted on March 21, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (03.21.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Just over 4 months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner, number 68, is Sound in Motion Boston. The Wheel landed on the Precision Power space and a cool prize will be headed to Jim Cavanagh in Allston MA.

Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

WTF….Where’s The Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel Friday, March 27th.
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!

Coronavirus Business Suggestions from Ed Dalesandro of End Result

Posted on March 19, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged End Result.

CANONSBURG, PA (03.20.2020) – Ed Dalesandro and the End Result Rep Firm reached out to dealer partners with business strategy suggestion emails on Monday March 16th and Tuesday March 17th. Dalesandro’s emails focused on business suggestions as the Coronavirus grips the world and the 12volt industry. End Result is an award winning rep firm based in Canonsburg PA that has been serving 12volt and Home AV retailers and distributors in Ohio, West Virginia along with Western Pennsylvania for 3 decades.

Dalesandro related to The 12volt News “I believe this is a time for me to work with, and counsel with, dealers in the territory. Selling needs to take a back seat until the Coronavirus national emergency is over. At that time, dealers who have preparing for that day, will be better positioned to move forward.”