Featured

PowerBass Steps Up to Help 12V Retailers and Installers Make a Difference

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

ONTARIO, CA (04.29.2020) – PowerBass recently entered the safer at home order as put in place by the California State and local government in an effort to keep our employees safe during this trying time in our world. During this time we began reaching out to our customers and checking in on thing across the country and we began to see many retailers and installers banding together to make shields for the essential healthcare workers to protect themselves on the front line when dealing with sick patients and the general public. This great initiative was started from the lack of supplies seen by this great group of people and began with nothing but an idea, the money in their own pockets, and the strong desire to help our nation. 

PowerBass wanted to do its part to help these great men and women on their journey as we learned of their plans to ramp up to large scale production the need for more materials was very apparent so we decided as a company that is was our duty to in turn step up to help our friends and partners in business achieve their goals. Early on in the progress we reached out to our friend Gary Bell and offered our assistance by means of a donation to help him and others that have joined in the group for producing these much needed face shields, a bit of help to gather the needed materials for production.

Gary Bell of Define Concepts stated “Erik reached out to see how PowerBass could be most effective in helping the 12v community. The timing was perfect as we were sourcing more material to help shops across the country. Many were having trouble sourcing the PETG material need for the face shield lenses. PowerBass’s donation was able to provide the material for over 650 lenses. These lenses covered important front-line faces across the country.”

We are extremely proud of the efforts of all evolved in this valiant project to help those healthcare workers remain safe while protecting our families and friends across the country and we know they have made a positive impact on the world from their efforts. 

Erik Harbour of PowerBass stated “PowerBass wanted to show its support by helping this great group of not only 12V retailers and installers but also people we are happy to call friends. We feel this program is a great thing and has already helped so many medical and other professionals in need during this strange time in our world and we are looking forward to seeing how many more they can help along this journey. The efforts of these great men and women truly show how we can all come together to overcome obstacles that we are all facing together and by supporting and lifting each other up, this is how we as a nation will endure. We wish them and the world all the best and hope everyone around the globe remains safe and healthy during this tough time.”

For more information on how you or your company can contribute please contact Gary Bell at FreeFaceShieldsSoCal@gmail.com

Advanced Custom Sound Shines in Warren, OH

Posted on by in Featured.

WARREN, OH (04.28.2020) – The Advanced Custom Sound makeover in Warren OH is nearly complete.

Following a fall 2019 fire Advanced Custom Sound owner Dan Nezbeth made the decision to find a new location and come back stronger than ever. That decision has become a reality in downtown Warren. The old 2-story Wilt Pontiac dealership building, built in 1940, has been transformed into the new stunning new Advanced Custom Sound store.

The new Advanced Custom Sound Store is in a building built in 1940 for a Pontiac car dealership.

Nezbeth related to 12volt News “I opened Advanced Custom Sound in 2005. Prior to that I had experience working in the 12volt industry. At this point 12volt is in my DNA. After the fire at the old store I made the decision to find a location and open a new store that would be a show place. After months of hard work moving walls, replacing the the floor and ceiling in the 2400 square foot showroom it was time finish to the job. Working with 5 Axis we created a concept to turn the first floor into a stunning showroom for 12volt and aftermarket products.”

The Advanced Custom Sound showroom is truly amazing.

End Result’s Ed Dalesandro has worked with Nezbeth for years representing several key lines to Advanced Custom Sound. Dalesandro stated “When Dan mentioned working to open a stunning new location we talked about his vision and commitment to making that happen. At that point I put him in contact with Jody Culbertson at 5 Axis Innovations that I represent in the territory.”

Product displays line this wall with striking LED displays graphics above.

Culbertson offered “From the beginning the idea of creating a showroom from basically scratch was exciting. Also, the showroom area was not just a basic rectangle. The angled walls provided cool display and merchandising opportunities. Dan sent a diagram of the space and we talked back and forth at length before coming up with the actual floor plan.”

Brand and category displays are featured on the showroom floor.

Working with Culbertson at Milwaukee based 5 Axis a showroom floor layout was finalized utilizing a number of freestanding displays for categories and highlighting brands. A striking sales counter and customer meeting area were key elements. The customer meeting area was actually constructed to hide a support beam. Stunning graphics and lighting were a key part of the showroom layout that brings the large showroom to life. One LED backlit graphic is 2’x46’ and positioned to follow walls just below the ceiling that is painted black.

High tech product displays provide opportunities to make A/B demos for customers.

The displays were fabricated at the 5 Axis facility in Milwaukee and shipped to Warren. Culbertson and Phil Plagge pulled a trailer with counters and more of the displays to Warren for the actual setup. Dalesandro worked along side Culbertson and Plagge for 3 days with Nezbeth and Jeanna Kennedy to set up the display. Family member Cory was also part of the crew.

The building, built for a car dealership has full windows facing the street and a huge garage area that has been sectioned as an installation bay with room for 12 vehicles. There are plans for the second floor to be outfitted as an area where locals and customers could relax and see images detailing the history of the Wilt Pontiac dealership.

The showroom at night grabs attention from the street.

Concluding, Culbertson stated “Everything turned out so well. The displays and signage will really engage customers. As a matter fact the last evening we were there a customer knocked on the door to let us know how great the showroom looked at night from the street.”

The crew doing the installation is pictured at the end of a long day. Jody Culbertson, Phil  Plagge, Ed Dalesandro, Jeanna Kennedy, Dan Nezbeth and Corey Nezbeth (L to R).

“My hats off to Dan. He saw the opportunity and committed to make it happen. He is a great dealer and we look forward to working together into the future.”

“There are still plans to finalize for reopening with all that is happening with the Coronavirus. When we do open the word about our new showroom will quickly to all in Warren and the surrounding area” Nezbeth commented.

Visit acsmotorsports.com and 5axisinnovations.com for more.

KICKER Quietly Makes Community Contributions Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

STILLWATER, OK (04.27.2020) – Stillwater Designs, the parent company of KICKER Audio, is actively supporting the regional community during the international Coronavirus pandemic.

While KICKER’s management team has sent employees home to work remotely and to care for families and kids, the organization has also flexed its resources and manpower to support regional health-services providers.

Kyle Ambrose assembles the 3-D printed headbands & shield.

KICKER, with support from several component suppliers, recently stepped up to the plate to offer 10,000 facemasks in support of community efforts to fight COVID-19. Believing that “charity begins at home,” 8,300 masks were donated to Stillwater (Okla.) Medical Center to accommodate hospital patients and the staff caring for them. 

Another 1,200 face masks have been sent to Hillcrest Medical Center, a 620-bed hospital in Tulsa, Okla., through a KICKER staff connection.

Another 500 masks were contributed to a group of New York City hospitals through KICKER brand and sports marketing director Roger Demaree, whose nephew is a surgeon currently working at a NYC hospital.

6-year-old Noah demonstrates the protection of the face shield.

Additionally, the company was pleased to offer a supply of clear face shields to area first-responders.

Besides distributing the vendor-supplied face masks, a 15-year KICKER team member and his family have also found a way to make a positive impact in the local community.

Kyle Ambrose, who works in research and development, began experimenting with the company’s 3-D printer, normally used for creating prototype parts. Ambrose consulted with a healthcare professional about local needs and learned that beyond face masks, face shields were in great demand. Ambrose subsequently researched and discovered approved patterns online and created a headband that could be used to secure a clear face shield. He reached out to Stillwater Christian School where his children are enrolled to inquire about the availability of clear safety film used for overhead projectors. He enlisted the school’s participation in donating needed materials and also secured additional film donations from Fenton Office Mart (Stillwater). 

While 3-D printing is a slow process, Ambrose is able to produce three bands simultaneously in under three hours. To date, he has hand-crafted over 100 shields which were initially slated for Stillwater Medical Center and then redirected on the hospital’s recommendation to the area’s senior-assisted living homes that were experiencing shortages. Ambrose personally delivered the shields to each home where they were gratefully received.

“We are pleased to be able to share our resources with our community,” says KICKER founder Steve Irby.  “Stillwater is our home and we appreciate the opportunity to support those who care for us.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

Memphis Audio Partners with Virtual Marketing Consultants to Cover MINK States

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

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

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

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

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

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

Posted on by in Featured.

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

Posted on by in Featured and tagged , .

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

Posted on by in Featured.

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

Posted on by in Featured.

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.