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.

SHREVEPORT LA (10.17.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. AudioPlanet NY won the Soundstream SoundDish Prize on Friday, October 16th.

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 16th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 98th time and the Wheel landed on the Soundstream space. The AudioPlanet NY slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. We placed a call to Mike and Omid Shabtei at the Huntington Station New York retailer. The store’s voice mail stated the company had recently changed store hours. We will send a message by email and call on Monday, October 19th to let them know a Soundstream SoundDish Home Bluetooth Speaker will be headed their way.NOTE: In reading the winning ticket I misspoke and said Planet Audio. AudioPlanet NY was on the slip. Also, in the video please see the winning Soundstream SoundDish by the 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 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 and HiPro Audio in Victoria TX. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, October 23rd.

OXNARD, CA (10.16.2020) – SCOSCHE Industries have announced their range of accessories for the newly announced Apple iPhone 12 series.

While the new iPhone 12 did not come with a charger or listening device in the box, Scosche has the advanced technological accessories to maximize the phone’s capabilities. Scosche will be announcing their range of MagicMount accessories that work with Apple’s new MagSafe magnetic charger.

Using Scosche’s USB-C Power Delivery (PD) PowerVolt Fast Charger, for home and office, or a PowerVolt in-vehicle fast charger, charging is 3X faster than with a standard charger. With their smart circuitry they are backwards compatible and will charge older iPhone models, as well as new ones, at their safest and fastest rate.

The Scosche Braided StrikeLine MFi-certified USB-C to Lightning Power Delivery compatible charge and sync cables are available in convenient lengths of 1ft, 4ft, 6ft and 8ft.

Due to the popularity of AirPods, Apple has eliminated earphone jacks from the iPhones. If you miss the fidelity of a wired audio connection, or want to use your favorite pair of wired headphones, Scosche’s Lightning Audio Adapter will connect them simply and effectively via the Lightning connector.

Wireless charging is a convenient, safe and now fast way to charge your IPhone 12, or any iPhone 8 or later. Scosche offers a selection of innovative, patented, Qi-certified wireless chargers and wireless charging phone mounts that Fast Charge the iPhone12.

As the #1 Mount Brand* In the U.S. and Canada, people trust Scosche to deliver the most innovative, reliable and user-friendly mounts. With safe driving laws in effect in the majority of U.S. states, it is a legal imperative as well as a convenient necessity to install a mount and use your phone hands-free while driving. Phone mounts, including wireless charging ones are also invaluable at home and in the office, or in your home office or home classroom.

Protect, view, use hands free, and charge your valuable new iphone with one (or more) of these innovative, elegant, and hard-working mounts from Scosche:

The MagicGrip Wireless Fast Charging Auto-Grip Mount is available in a choice of six bases, which work in-vehicle, home or office and come with a car fast charger. When your Qi-enabled iPhone is aligned over the Qi-charging surface, MagicGrip’s arms automatically close and hold securely. This Qi-sensing closure ensures perfect placement for optimum charging. Qi-certified, the MagicGrip supports Apple Fast Charge. A channel between the iPhone and charging head allows heated air to disperse and be replaced by cooler air for cooler charging. The Vent base model of MagicGrip has a unique patent-pending FreeFlow design that features an articulating swing-arm and open base that never blocks airflow form the vent.

Extendo Telescoping Phone Mounts for in-vehicle, home or office use, have a telescoping arm that adjusts from 5 inches to 8.5 inches with 220-degrees of angle adjustment, so your phone comes to you instead of having to reach. For in-vehicle use Extendo mounts to the window or dash and the arm and head adjust to suit either the driver or passenger, without moving the base. For home use, attach Extendo to a countertop or backsplash to view a recipe or facetime with a friend. In the office attach the base to a desktop, away from your computer and then extend it when you need to use your phone. The Extendo range includes magnetic, universal grip, and wireless charging options.

Scosche recently introduced Cup holder Mounts that adjust to fit any cup holder and safely hold your phone for hands free use while you drive. They are available in universal, magnetic and power hub versions, with wireless charging models coming soon.

Last but definitely not least, is the customizable BaseLynx Modular Charging System.You can build your BaseLynx system to organize, display, store and charge all your devices including iPhones, iPads, AirPod charging cases, and all series of the Apple Watch. With the modules connected, it uses one power source so there are no tangled wires. You can use the modules individually or connected, and if you get a new device, just add a module. Currently there are modules with Qi-certified wireless charging, MFi-certified Magnetic Watch charging, a vertical charging module with USB-A and USB-C ports and a powered endcap with USB-A and USB-C ports. BaseLynx is the perfect solution for home, office, dorm, RV, or wherever there are people and their portable devices.

The BaseLynx White Modular Charging System and the MagicGrip Wireless Charging FreeFlow Vent Mount are available at Apple.com and at select Apple Stores worldwide. BaseLynx Black (shown above) and all the accessories mentioned above are available at Scosche.com and at select retailers.

Visit scosche.com for more.