TEMPE, AZ, (05.14.25) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce that Mobile Solutions founder / CEO / president Bryan Schmitt will be conducting the keynote address for the Pacific NW Mobile Electronics Expo (PNWCEE), held May 19-21 in Seattle at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton. Schmitt will also lead a seminar during the event entitled “High-Tech Customization: A Modern Approach to Sales and Fabrication.”

“My kenote address, entitled ‘Sharpen Your Focus – Thrive Through Challenges’ will address the current state of the mobile electronics and customization industry in 2025,” said Schmitt. “In a time marked by tariffs, economic uncertainty, and persistent supply chain issues, I will provide actionable insights on how businesses can adapt and thrive. It will be a call to action for retailers, sales associates, and Installers to sharpen their focus, deliver undeniable quality, and cultivate lasting customer relationships in a challenging market.”

Key Themes Include:

• Turning vendor relationships into strategic partnerships
• Smart pricing strategies to offset rising costs
• Focusing narrow and deep—becoming a specialist
• The importance of quality craftsmanship as a lasting value proposition
• Building a proactive success plan through goal-setting, continuous learning, and operational efficiency

In addition to the keynote, Schmitt will lead an exclusive seminar titled “High-Tech Customization: A Modern Approach to Sales and Fabrication.”

“This hands-on session explores the latest trends in vehicle aesthetics, performance upgrades, and advanced fabrication techniques, featuring real-world applications such as router-based fabrication, plastics integration, LED lighting, and modern trim design,” Schmitt continued. “Beyond fabrication, the seminar emphasizes a sales-driven mindset with my proven Best, Better, Good approach, teaching attendees how to effectively position labor and design services for premium clientele. This comprehensive training is designed to elevate both technical skills and business strategies.”

Who should attend:

• Shop owners
• Managers
• Sales professionals
• Fabricators
• Installers

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from one of the most respected educators in the mobile electronics and custom automotive industry.

For more information and to attend PNWCEE 2025, please visit www.PNWCEE.com.

For more information, visit www.MobileSolutions-usa.com.

LONG BEACH, CA (05.13.25) – JVCKENWOOD USA is proud to announce the promotion of Josh Bowen to Midwest Regional Sales Manager for the KENWOOD brand, effective immediately. Josh steps into this role following the promotion of Tim Hill to Director of Sales for KENWOOD.

Josh has served as Digital Content and Marketing Manager for JVCKENWOOD USA, where he played a vital role in driving the brand’s creative strategy, product launches, and dealer engagement. With a deep background in the 12-volt industry—including years spent in installation bays before moving into marketing—Josh brings a unique, hands-on perspective that resonates with dealers and end users alike.

In his new role, Josh will oversee KENWOOD sales initiatives across the Midwest territory, working closely with rep firms and retail partners to support growth, strengthen relationships, and ensure dealer success in a rapidly evolving market.

“The Midwest has always been a strong region for KENWOOD, and I’m incredibly honored to take on this new role. For me, it’s always been about building real relationships—being there when our dealers need support and celebrating wins together. I’m committed to being a partner they can count on and helping them grow every step of the way.”

This promotion highlights JVCKENWOOD’s commitment to investing in leadership that understands the pulse of the industry from both a technical and strategic level. Dealers can expect the same energy, dedication, and insight Josh brought to his role as trainer and product specialist—now applied directly to field support and regional sales.

Please join us in congratulating Josh Bowen on his new role.

Visit us.jvckenwood.com for more.

GRAND RAPIDS/ DETROIT, MI (05.12.25) – The Progressive Group powers the Annual Rock The House Tour and the 2025 Tour got off to a fast start in Grand Rapids on Tuesday May 6th and Detroit on Thursday May 8th. At both events there were strong specials, networking with staff and vendors along with entertainment and delicious food.

Jason Dubie, Director of Business-Midwest, related “We had strong turnouts at both events. At each event dealers from a couple hours away hit the road to attend the Rock The House event.”

Early Tuesday morning all was set with specials stacked on tables in the warehouse with large banners hanging from the shelves. As soon as the doors opened dealers began to arrive to check out specials with staff members Keedan Hoezee, Dan Krieter, Nick Hoffman, Nick Klaassen and Jaden Campbell. Team Progressive has strong relations with Kenwood, Rockford Fosgate, VOXX, Sirius XM, Escort, Metra, Jensen, Stinger/Audio Control and ATG. The deals were strong and dealers took advantage of the deals across the board.

The day wrapped with a cookout with burgers and brats on the grille as all spent time networking with vendors and fellow dealers and friends.

‘At the Detroit event we had close to 90 attendees and all had a blast. Vendor support on site was terrific with Tim Hill-new Kenwood Sales Director, along with Greg Schlagel-Rockford Fosgate, Al Fontane and Tom Nibert-VOXX, Paul Trueman-SiriusSXM, Brandon Masidonski-Escort, Rafael Infante-Metra, Patrick Virock and Jamie Walt-Jensen, Matt Palumbo-Stinger/Audio Control and Nick Klaassen with ATG in the house. We wrapped the day with delicious tacos from the Real Taco food truck” Dubie related.

Team Progressive Detroit staff working the event included Mike Poulson, Sherry Washburn, Marcus Williams, Donovan Butts, Dan Krieter, Kick Klaassen and Jason Dubie.

The Team Progressive Rock The House Tour continues this week in Denver and Salt Lake on Wednesday May 15th. The rock The House Tour continues in Kansas City May 21st, Pacific Northwest June 12th and Phoenix of October 16th. Tour stops in Tampa, Ft Lauderdale and Atlanta to be announced.

Visit teamprogressive.com for more.

SHREVEPORT, LA (05.09.25) – 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (05.09.25) From the 12volt Central Studios our staff works to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. New products, events and the activities of 12volt industry members on the road are showcased. Now it’s the end of Week 1 of May 2025 and members of the 12volt industry are battling Tariffs, inflation and uncertainty.

The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase a company’s positive activities and products. Snap and Txt an image….PRESTO your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 469 2526 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.

To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios posts articles on 12voltnews.com each business day and makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 469 2526. PRESTO, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.

On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 14,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.

Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities in the 12volt Central Studios.

Visit Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews for more.

SACRAMENTO, CA (05.08.25) – Windshield Skin, the original windshield protection brand, Is making an entrance into the 12volt marketplace. Windshield Skin was an exhibitor at the recent GoFast Mobile Expo 2025 and was welcomed by dealers who attended the event.

Bob Hernandez, GoFast VP, related “Windshield Skin was a hit… Their first time out of the gate at one of our events and they were extremely well received by our dealers. Miya Bray and the Windshield Skin team sold dozens of starter bundles including display stands at our show. Attendees voted Windshield Skin ‘The Best New Opportunity’ exhibited at the Mobile Expo 2025 in a post show survey.”

Windshield Skin, the original creators of windshield protection film is proudly reflecting on over 20 years of industry defining progress. First developed in 2004 and officially introduced at SEMA in 2007 Windshield Skin has remained at the forefront of automotive glass protection continuing to set the bar for quality, durability, and performance. With multiple US Patents and a growing list of high profile partnerships Windshield Skin is redefining how drivers protect what matters.

With distributor expansion across key markets, like the 12volt industry, Windshield Skin is welcoming a new wave of partners. The super stretch universal kits ensure a broad compatibility across vehicle types, combining performance with convenience. Windshield Skin continues to offer hundreds of pre-cut vehicle specific kits. Universal options provide an affordable, high performance solutions that are easy to install thus redefining accessibility for windshield protection. This opportunity fits perfectly with independent 12volt brick and mortar retailers. In addition, the company offers high-quality showroom POP options.

Miya Bray, who traveled from Sacramento to be on site at the GoFast Expo, related “Go Fast Expo CEO Dave Prinz reached out to us a few weeks before their show. He had heard about our products and thought it would be great if we exhibited at the GoFast Expo 2025. All came together very quickly and we were able to send staff and tent along with products for display in time to have it on the floor at their GoFast Expo event. We did many live in booth demonstrations as we applied our Windshield Skin product to Dave’s car. Being on the floor at the GoFast Expo was a great introduction for our products to 12volt specialty retailers and they certainly saw the opportunity with many placing orders.”

Stay tuned for more as Windshield Skin continues to expand across the 12volt industry marketplace.

Visit windshieldskin.com for more.

TORRANCE, CA (05.07.25) – Rydeen announced the launch of the 2025 digital Catalog; downloadable to your mobile device and PC, it can be projected on a flat panel screen at the office, store, and at home, allows you to browse our entire product line effortlessly. Simply visit our homepage and scan the QR code to explore our offerings at your fingertips without the hassle of carrying printed materials.

“We also want to share exciting updates about our product lineup based on feedback from our valued customers. Our best-selling item [TOMBO360X]. A new product [R10X-SPL] has been upgraded, featuring enhanced functionality and additional important features.”

Our catalog is available for download at the link below. We encourage you to take a look.

View the catalog here.

LONG BEACH, CA (05.06.25) – KENWOOD USA Corporation is pleased to announce the promotion of Tim Hill to Director of Sales – KENWOOD, effective immediately.

Tim’s connection to the KENWOOD brand began in 1980, when he started his career as a retail salesperson selling KENWOOD products. With more than four decades in the mobile electronics industry, Tim has built a reputation rooted in trust, transparency, and a hands-on approach that continues to resonate with dealers across the country.

Since joining the KENWOOD sales team in 2020 as Midwest Regional Sales Manager, Tim has strengthened key dealer relationships and helped align the region’s rep force around KENWOOD’s dealer-first mission. His ability to lead with integrity and communicate clearly has made a measurable impact across the territory.

“Tim’s ability to build strong, authentic relationships and his straightforward leadership style make him a natural fit for this next chapter,” said John Lucas, Senior Vice President. “He’s always been about doing what’s right for the brand and the dealer — and that mindset will continue to guide our strategy moving forward.”

In his new role, Tim will manage all regional sales teams and focus on identifying growth opportunities, filling gaps in distribution, and reinforcing KENWOOD’s commitment to doing the right thing — every time.

“I’m excited about this new opportunity because it will allow me to work with several of Kenwood’s key dealers throughout the country,” said Hill.

Tim steps into the role following the promotion of John Lucas to Senior Vice President.

Visit kenwoodusa.com for more.

DANIA BEACH, FL (05.02.25) – HKI USA, the US importer for SounDigital amplifiers, announced East Coast USA Distribution for SounDigital Products in Northern New Jersey.

East Coast USA Distributors, current Distributor for Metro NY, New York and New England for SounDigital Products, expands its Territory into Northern New Jersey. “Albert and his Team at East Coast USA Distributors have been a valued partner” in the Territories appointed since February 2025 said Rep Principal L. Phil Chartier of 12Volt Specialist. “They’ve proven to be a trusted partner, and have done a respectful job of representing, selling and supporting Dealers with the SounDigital Brands in these Markets” said L.Phil Chartier.

“This expansion into Northern Jersey, with East Coast USA Distributors, aligns with our focus, commitment to support Dealers in the Northern New Jersey Territory” said Elias Ventura, Territory Manager for HKI USA. “I am looking forward to working alongside Albert and his East Coast USA Team and with 12Volt Specialist. Supporting Dealers and Providing great service for those interested in SounDigital Products” adds Ventura of HKI USA.

“We’re excited to introduce SounDigital car amplifiers to our lineup at East Coast USA Distributors Inc. Their commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier products to our customers,” said Albert Zandi, President of East Coast USA Distributors Inc.

This Addition expands East Coast USA Distributors Territory into Northern New Jersey with I-195 and North being the division for North Jersey, from the existing Metro NY, New York and New England Territories.

For more information about our brand(s) and our growing family, please visit www.hki-usa.com or e-mail info@hki-usa.com

PITTSBURGH, PA (05.01.25) – On April 15th, 2025, Davis Distribution proudly hosted its very first Davis Expo at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, PA, and it was an incredible day from start to finish! We set out to host the largest industry show this territory has ever seen, and thanks to our incredible partners and attendees, that vision became a reality.

This event was built specifically for professional installers, bringing together some of the biggest names in consumer electronics. Our goal from the beginning was to create an opportunity to connect with vendors, showcase products, and make a lasting impact in the industry we’re proud to be part of.

The Rivers Casino provided the perfect setting to bring this vision to life. With its spacious event center, convenient riverfront location, and welcoming atmosphere, it offered a balance of professionalism and fun. The setting gave vendors and attendees an ideal space to connect, explore, and enjoy everything the day had to offer.

The show kicked off with keynote from Rocky Bleier, Pittsburgh Steelers legend and Vietnam War veteran. His message of perseverance set a powerful tone for the rest of the event and reminded us all what’s possible when passion and resilience meet purpose.

From there, the show floor came alive. With over 50 booths, installers moved from one hands-on demo to the next, diving into the latest products, chatting with brand reps, and discovering solutions designed to elevate every job. From 12-volt setups to custom home install solutions, there was something for everyone.

As the show wound down, the fun didn’t stop. We wrapped up the day with an after party at the Drum Bar located in the Rivers casino, where our dealers, vendors, and Davis employees came together to celebrate, and unwind. It was the perfect ending to the event.

To everyone who attended, exhibited, or supported this event, thank you. The enthusiasm and community were everything we hoped for and more.

Davis Distribution already looking forward to next year. We can’t wait to take everything we learned, make it even better, and continue bringing more value to our dealers and vendors. We’re excited to turn it into a yearly tradition.

Visit davisdistribution.com for more.

AUSTIN, TX (04.30.25) – The dB Drag Racing Association (dBDRA) is excited to announce a call for new judges to join the exciting world of competitive car audio. With over 25,000 events hosted worldwide since 1998, the dBDRA continues to set the global standard for car stereo competitions—and now, they’re offering car audio enthusiasts the opportunity to get involved. Much like referees in professional sports, dBDRA judges are the heart of the action, ensuring fair competition, event flow, and a professional, high-energy experience for competitors and spectators alike.

“Our judges are more than officials—they’re leaders, organizers, and ambassadors of the sport,” says Wayne Harris, President of the dBDRA. “We’re looking for passionate individuals who want to be part of the organization”

Why Become a dBDRA Judge?

1. Take the Lead:
   Judges coordinate and judge events, interact with competitors, and engage audiences with energetic emceeing. Whether it’s running the Term-LAB sound measurement system, inspecting an audio system, or handing out trophies, judges are the driving force behind every successful event.
2. Gear Up with the Best:
   All judges are trained to use industry-standard equipment, including laptops, Term-LAB SPL meter, and PA systems. A clean, branded setup—complete with banners, tents, and large video displays—transforms every venue into a professional judging setup.
3. Represent Like a Pro:
   From official uniforms to social media conduct, dBDRA judges are the face of the brand. A polished appearance and clean, inclusive commentary keep the energy high and the audience engaged.
4. Climb the Ranks:
   The dBDRA offers a clear certification path:
   1X Certification – Great for beginners (no formal certification needed).
   2X Certification – Requires experience and endorsement.
   3X Certification – For regional/national event leadership.
   4X Certification – The elite level, officiating at Finals.
   Each certification level comes with increased responsibility, recognition, and opportunities to shape the future of car audio competition.

How to Get Started

The dBDRA offers a free online training module to introduce potential judges to their role. While it doesn’t cover the technical aspects of the competition, it focuses on the core responsibilities of judging—event coordination, presentation, communication, and professionalism.

Ready to join?
Visit termpro.com/magnum/training/DB010.asp to explore the training course and take your first step toward becoming a dBDRA judge.