BURLINGTON, WA (09.23.2020) – Mobile Music recently opened a spectacular new location in Burlington WA. This new store is the company’s third location, along with Bellingham and Port Angeles, in the area.
The new Mobile Music location features company branding on 2 sides.
“We opened right after Labor Day but are not totally finished with the installation bay, displays and final touches in the showroom. The COVID-19 Pandemic caused delays but all is coming together. Our goal is to have a WOW factor with consumers when they enter the store that complements our installation expertise and customer service.” owner Shawn Gunnels related. Gunnels is a 30+ year industry veteran.
Large screen monitors draw attention to brand displays including Hertz in the foreground.
The new location is over 6000 square feet and features a shop area of 36’ x 50′ with 3 bay doors. The space will accommodate more than 8 vehicles at a time and a lift is to be installed by month’s end.
Demo vehicles up front draw attention inside and outside.
Mark Giovannetti, Pacific Rim Marketing, recently made a sales call at the new Mobile Music location. “When my wife Valentina and I drove up we could see this new location was special. Once we went inside we recognized how special the new location will be for customers looking for 12volt and related aftermarket products for their vehicles. Shawn utilized his past experience and designed everything including the showroom layout, displays and counter cabinets.”
Shawn Gunnels is pictured with Valentina Giovannetti in front of the Hertz display. Valentina was accompanying husband Mark Giovannetti on a Pacific Rim Marketing store visit representing Hertz.
Multiple large screen monitors are mounted above products displays along one wall. LED lighting definitely draws attention to the Hertz display. JL Audio and Rockford Fosgate are also featured with unique displays. A decked UTV and demo vehicle up front add to the customer experience in the new Mobile Music location.
Great company signage grabs attention from the road.
Sebastian Lee is the Store Manager of the new location. Mobile Music, with 16 employees at the 3 locations, is a MESA member.
Concluding Gunnels stated “We are certainly excited to be open in our new location. We feel all is in place at each of our locations to provide customers great products, installation and a terrific experience with Mobile Music.”
Stay tuned for more as the new Mobile Music location is completed.
SEATTLE, WA (09.22.2020) – EDA has announced the death of Steve Eatherly who passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday. A true innovator and enthusiast, Steve loved the industries within which he worked, founding (with his father) P&E Distributors, All Things Audio, and Elite Distributor Alliance. His love of cars was legendary within the industry; being able to have his career match up so nicely with his passion for automobiles and racing always brought a smile to his face.
Steve Eatherly seated far left with family members.
Steve believed deeply that quality 12 volt distribution was a great service to the industry and that identifying key distributors that could work together, share best practices, and join together in buying decisions could be something that would work well and resonate across the United States. Steve initiated the very first call on December 14, 2014 and now, nearly six years later, EDA has matured and grown to be a significant industry buying group representing well over one hundred million dollars in twelve volt wholesale business.
Steve is remembered as a true gentleman with a dry sense of humor. He was admired as a man of integrity with whom the veterans of our industry loved doing business.
Steve Eatherly
Ray Windsor, EDA’s first executive director and the recipient of that first call, said, “I’ve known Steve Eatherly a long time and can say with conviction that he was a man of integrity and a straight shooter. He tried to pretend that he was a simple country boy but he was always the smartest guy in the room.”
Kevin Taliani, president of Davis Distribution said, “Since joining the EDA, the Eatherly & Taliani families developed a very close business & personal relationship. We cherish your friendship, & our hearts go out, to each of you, during this painful time. We undoubtedly know how wonderful the Eatherly family is, which is an evident reflection of what a great man Steve was. Our thoughts & prayers are with the Eatherly & P&E family.”
Steve is survived by his wife Darcy, his children Josh and Stephanie, and three grandchildren. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no services are scheduled.
STILLWATER, OK (09.22.2020) – As the 2020 IBEX Online becomes “a virtual experience,” beginning September 29, top-quality, KICKER Marine Audio sound waves will still carry over the web. With the show theme, “Better Boats Begin Here,” OEM boat builders engaging KICKER Marine Audio through CPS get a direct line to what is new and trending in marine audio and accessories.
One of the current trends is the advance of Tower Systems on a variety of boats—not just the wake and wave boats that initially made them popular. KICKER has broadened its existing tower system collection with new technology and yet another set of mounting solutions, this time providing bolt pattern and wiring location that matches many factory tower hard-points. The KMFC 9 and 11 feature a horn-loaded, compression-driver system (HLCD), using an advanced KICKER proprietary horn design with titanium-dome drivers.
Both models are now finished in the popular glossy black or white and the grills come with a seven color LED light system which can be upgraded further to 20 colors and 19 lighting modes with the KMLC remote.
Like most KICKER Marine audio components, the KMFC9 and 11 meet or exceed ASTM standards for UV and salt fog exposure. The polypropylene woofer and Santoprene surround are UV-treated and the polyurethane basket is UV resistant.
Both models have four Ohm voice coils and for installation, use 1.4” titanium tweeters, a through-mount wiring system and 316L stainless mounting hardware, making them easy to install and dependable in harshest marine environment. And don’t forget KICKER’s unmistakable mid and high-range sound! MSRP $1,179.95 for the KMFC9 and $1,379.95 for the KMFC11.
These tower systems are only a part of the broad offerings that KICKER Marine Audio brings to the market, ensuring that pure and clear sound is part of the great boating experience. KICKER’s new head units add easy installation and operation for round or square mounting surfaces and offer top-quality performance and reliability. All KICKER Marine Audio products boast excellent customer service, making any customer issues easy to address on the spot.
“We have found IBEX an ideal venue to help our OEM boat builders select the best products for their markets,” says Phil White, KICKER’s Unit Director, Marine Audio Systems, “CPS has excellent relationships in the industry, and they are great long-term partner. Having brought automotive and marine components to the market for almost 50 years, KICKER Marine Audio adds the perfect blend of quality and value to CPS’ offerings.”
KICKER Marine Audio and CPS Distributors can be accessed at IBEX beginning September 29, 2020 at www.IBEXShow.com
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (09.21.2020) – The Mobile Electronics Competition Association, Inc. will be presenting separate League World Finals for 2020. Commish Steve Stern offered “With the volitile and confusing COVID-19 issues and repercussions, it has been extremely difficult to secure venues for events. MECA is concentrating on fulfilling the club’s mission for quality sound-off events, with a renewed emphasis on safety and crowd health and well-being, as we deal with the realities of the pandemic, and government requirements and guidelines.”
TRU Technolgy will be the Sound Quality League (SQL) Title Sponsor for the event outside Nashville, TN at the Cheatham County Fairgrounds, in Ashland City, on the weekend of October 17th and 18th. 60+ vehicles are expected for 7 Sound Quality classes, 4 Install classes, RTA Freq Out, and 2 SQ2 2-seat Sound Quality classes. MECA will also offer it’s Show & Shine car/truck/motorcyle show on Saturday the 17th.
Incriminator Audio, Sundown Audio, and XS Power have pledged support as co-sponsors for the Sound Pressure League (SPL) World Finals to be held at SoundCheck Customs store location in Lafayette, IN on the weekend of October 24/25th. RP Patel, owner at SoundCheck Customs, voluteered to host and help sponsor the event.
“It is great to have a Retail Member with the ability and participation demonstrated by RP and his crew! There will be 18 Sound Pressure classes, 5 Park & Pound classes, and the MECA Kids classes vying for Championship rings, sponsored by SoundCheck. The traditional Qualifying on Saturday, and Top 3 on Sunday for the Ring and 6′ trophy as World Champ, contest proceedings will take place. This event will include the Finals contests for Dueling Demos, Ride The Light, and our Show & Shine competitors” Stern added.
A BBQ is being planned for Saturday for the Members, Competitors and their families and friends, and fans.
Concluding, Stern stated “With a month to go, all pieces of the MECA puzzle are coming together: many State and Regional Finals in September, determining the State Champs in all classes, and then the Big Shows in October to cap of a memorable season.”
The annual Club Awards will be presented at the events, with voting by the Members closing on October 1st.
SHREVEPORT LA (09.19.20) WTF…Win This Friday. American Radio Orlando won A SiriusXM Prize on Friday, September 18th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Ten months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
On Friday morning, September 18th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 94th time and the Wheel landed on the SiriusXM space. The American Radio Orlando slip was drawn from the jar. We placed a call to the Orlando area retailer and Jeremy Bemberg was excited to hear the news. A SiriusXM SXV300 Tuner would 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, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Cadence, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit and Inkling Designs. 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 and River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, September 25th.
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 bring a smile to a lucky weekly winner’s face with one of the cool prizes on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
MIDDLETOWN, CT (09.18.2020) – GoFast Solutions has announced the official dates for the GoFast Solutions Virtual Winter Summit being held via online training webinars from Sep. 22-25, 2020. Featuring Keynote Speaker Chris Cook from the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) and webinars from Remote Start Brands: Compustar, Artic Start, NuStart, Fortin, Audiovox, Crimestopper and Omega. Remote Start related products from Metra and iDatalink.
New this year are Lighting Brands Race Sport, Putco, Heise, XK Glow, Battery Manufacturer XS Power and Safety and Heated Seat supplier Rostra. This year’s Winter Summit is sure to get Dealers prepared, informed and excited for the Winter Selling Season. Dave Prinz, CEO of GoFast stated” It is for everyone’s safety that this year’s summit is a digital event. That being said, last year’s event was named Starter Summit, but with the growth we have seen across the entire 12 Volt category, that has inspired us to expand the summit to cover all aspects of the 12v seasonal winter needs.
Remote Starters is just the beginning, but as you can see from our confirmed presenters, the training sessions are going above and beyond this year.”
HOUSTON, TX (09.17.2020) – Synergy Marketing Agency, working with Sound Evolution, utilized COVID-19 downtime to create a stunning new demo vehicle for the Houston based rep firm. David Toliver, Synergy Marketing Agency Principal, is a 12volt industry veteran of nearly 20 years. The firm’s line card includes over a dozen top brands and serves Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Some brands extend into the state of Mississippi also. During the COVID-19 downtown a new website was also created.
David Toliver pictured with the Synergy Marketing Agency Avalanche in front of the Sound Evolution location in Houston.
“We feel we have best in class brands and the new Avalanche demo vehicle will showcase those brands when I begin to travel the territory again. I look forward to pulling up in front of dealers across the territory. I am sure all be excited to see and hear this creation by Sound Evolution that showcases our firm’s brands.”
Sound Evolution Team (from left to right) Jake Jesty, Patrick Garcia, Jesh Jesty, James Mitchell, Rick Paul, and Edwin Salazar.
The following words are those of David Toliver:
“I think everyone would agree that COVID-19 has presented its fair share of challenges, but it has also created a lot of opportunities as well. As a manufacturer’s representative, I wanted to take advantage of the time spent working from home and partner up with a local dealer to build a demo vehicle showcasing the latest and greatest from Synergy Marketing Agency.”
No expense was spared to showcase brands and products in the stunning Avalanche installation.
“Sound Evolution in Houston, TX has built a solid reputation for their over the top builds and attention to detail for numerous manufacturers and high profile vehicles in the 12 Volt Industry. Owners Jesh & Jake Jesty will go above and beyond to exceed your expectations and never cut corners. Last year, when veteran installer and friend, Rick Paul, came to work for Sound Evolutions I knew I wanted him to build my next demo vehicle. It was an easy decision since Rick and the entire Sound Evolutions Team share the same passion and love for Morel Hi-Fi as he runs the top of the line Morel Supremo’s (Retail $5000) in his personal vehicle.”
“I approached this project with three simple goals and they knocked it out of the park! The first goal was to keep the retail price of all of the audio equipment installed in the vehicle between $5000 – $6000. My second goal was to spare no expense on showcasing the equipment. Lastly, I wanted to show how much output you could get from 2 – 10” Audiomobile Subs and 2 – 10” Audiomobile M-CAR Passive Radiators in a small sealed box (1.5CU) with only 1100 Watts!”
“I want to extend a HUGE thank you to all of the vendors that participated in this build: Morel Hi-Fi, ARC Audio, Audiomobile, Rydeen Electronics, Reikken/Energie Batteries, Silencer Security, and Lucas Lighting.”
Best in class brands are featured in the Synergy Marketing Agency line card.
ESCONDIDO, CA (09.16.2020) – With an eye to creating excitement in the marketplace Al&Ed’s Autosound in Escondido is set to present the 1st Annual ‘Rewind Car Show.’
Chris Denardo related “We are all looking positives in this crazy time. Car Shows have a way of bringing people together for a fun time. With that in mind we thought ‘The Rewind Car Show’ would be a great event. So far there has been a tremendous amount of interest and excitement about the event.”
Al & Ed’s Autosound Escondido, CA
‘The Rewind Car Show’ will be held at the Al&Ed’s location in Escondido. There is a large parking area that is well suited for the Sunday event, September 27th.
“We are expecting well over 100 vehicles at the event. There will be a $20. registration fee with trophies and cash prize for the best in class. There is a class for best vehicle entertainment but this event is not a sound-off. In addition there will be raffles to add even more excitement at the event” Denardo added.
SoundSkins, Cerwin Vega, Chemical Guys and Al&Ed’s have committed to offering raffle prizes with more in the works.
“The weather down in this area is fine. We will be following COVID-19 guidelines with masks and social distancing. Local authorities have given us the thumbs. We think all is in place to make the 1st Annual ‘Rewind Car Show’ a great event that we can continue in future years” Denardo concluded.
Roll-in for the event is 9-11 with the show 11-5. This is a family, kid friendly event. Al&Ed’s Autosound 1144 W Valley PKWY, Escondido CA 92025.
STILLWATER, OK (09.15.2020) – KICKER congratulates its 24 authorized installers, retailers and sales professionals who have earned a place in this year’s prestigious “Top 50,” as determined by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA).
“KICKER is blessed to work alongside an outstanding group of retailers and their workforce,” said Tom Heath, KICKER Vice President of Domestic Sales and Marketing. “It’s a dedicated group that we feel has progressed the KICKER brand beyond our capabilities, and we’re pleased to see they are properly recognized for their efforts.”
According to the MEA press release, the announcement comes after industry nominees submitted videos describing their business or professions. Judges appointed by the association reviewed the videos and selected the winners, comprising the “Top 50 Installers,” “Top 50 Retailers,” and “Top 20 Sales Professionals.” The complete list of winners is posted at the official Industry Awards website, meindustryawards.com.
Winners at this stage also qualify as semifinalists for the top honors of Retailer-of-the-Year, Installer-of-the-Year and Sales Pro-of-the-Year. Top 50 Installers award recipients can also opt to run for 2020 Trusted Tech, an award given to professional installers who excel more from an electronics standpoint than a design standpoint.
The next phase of the competition features voting by industry professionals and consumers to narrow the semifinalists list down to finalists. These categories are joined by other categories of which industry professionals vote to select top suppliers, reps and rep firms, distributors and expeditors, as well as retail locations that excel in specific business practices. Voting began Thursday, August 27, and will run for three weeks.
Top 50 KICKER Retailers:
California Audio – West Valley City, UT
Mobile Toys – College Station, TX
Stereo & Video Center – Tyler, TX
Absolute Electronix – Rockville, MD
Sonic Sound – Arlington, VA
Car-Tunes – Greenville, MS
DES of Wilmington – Wilmington, NC
Greg’s Custom Audio & Video – Pikeville, KY
Showtime Audio – Chicago, IL
Tunes-N-Tint – Lakeland, FL
Top 20 KICKER Sales Professionals:
Jim Skaggs – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
Jade Lindow – Anchorage Remote Start and Sound – Anchorage, AK
Top 50 KICKER Installers:
James Halter – Stereo & Video Center – Tyler, TX
Aaron Iwane – Car Toys Denver – Denver, CO
Justin Kush – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
Matt Vowell – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
Jesse Mitchell – Safe & Sound Car Audio and Security Inc. – Manassas, VA
Dean Beyett – Five Star Car Stereo – Clearwater, FL
Alejandro Caballero – Showtime Audio – Chicago, IL
Fernando Lopez – Five Star Car Stereo – Clearwater, FL
DOVER, DE (09.14.2020) – The Dover International Speedway was the site of the 4th Annual Jeepers Back The Blue event. Area retailer Audioworks of Delaware, with KICKER and Opus Marketing, was on site supporting the event and connecting with Jeep enthusiasts from across the region. Over 600 Jeeps were on site for the event on Saturday, September 12th.
The Jeepers Back The Blue Foundation event was organized by Jeff Lehnert to honor and raise money for the Families of fallen or injured Police Officers. Lehnert is a State Probation Officer with 23 years of service.
A ceremony honoring fallen law enforcement members and families was held at 2PM Saturday.
“Jeep owners overwhelmingly support the efforts of law enforcement. Jeepers come together as a community at events across the U.S. The Dover International Speedway is well known in the area and offered a unique venue and experience for Jeepers to show support law enforcement, connect with members of their community and take a few laps around a NASCAR track in their rides. With over 600 Jeeps on site the event was certainly very successful. Over 400 Jeepers took 3 laps on the NASCAR Miracle Mile Track” Lehnert stated.
Audioworks of Delaware, with KICKER and Opus Marketing, offered great Livin’Loud deals to Jeepers.
Continuing “We had representatives from 10 Police agencies, a special Honor Guard Ceremony mid-afternoon, K-9 demos, food trucks and vendors. Audioworks of Delaware, with KICKER and Opus Marketing, was among a large number of vendors on site” Lehnert related.
Over 600 Jeeps were on site at the Dover International Speedway for the Jeepers Back The Blue event.
Jamie White and the Opus Marketing Team worked the event under the Audioworks of Delaware and KICKER tents. Darren Thomas, Audioworks of Delaware owner, along with Bruno Berg, Chuck Ottati, Todd Ess and White set up the tents Friday night. Bright and early Saturday morning the tables were stocked with KICKER products that led to a very successful day. At the end of the day all worked as the products were packed, the tents came down and all was loaded to wrap the event.
Over 400 Jeepers took their rides for a few laps on the ‘Miracle Mile’ at Dover.
“Sales were good for the day. In addition, Darren put the store’s brand in front of a large number of Jeepers that will lead to future business. Audioworks, in Newark DE, is less that an hour from Dover. KICKER makes a wide selection of products that really connect with Jeepers so it was a great match. Audioworks of Delaware also showcased the KICKER brand at the OC Jeep Week in Ocean City MD the previous week. Area Jeepers will definitely look to Darren’s store to get their Jeeps Livin’Loud with Kicker. Being able to jump in Bill Weidemoyer’s Gecko Jeep for a few laps around the Miracle Mile NASCAR track capped a great event. We look forward to next year” White offered.
Opus Marketing’s Jamie White snapped a selfie during set up Friday night. Chuck Ottati, Bruno Berg and Todd Ess with Audioworks of Delaware owner Darren Thomas. (L to R). ‘Miles’, Miracle Mile Mascot, towers in the background.
Great to see 12volt industry retailers, vendors and rep firms working together to create consumer awareness and support very worthy causes.
12VoltNews.com 