12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIO (06.09.2020) – No doubt the world is in the midst of an unprecedented time. The COVID-19 Pandemic, amplified by the recent George Floyd death in Minneapolis, has brought so much uncertainty to everyone’s daily life. Across the 12volt industry the COVID-19 mandates impacted different regions and localities indifferent ways. The southern part of the U.S. has seen strong store traffic and sales while the northeastern part of the U.S., the upper midwest and west coast are dealing with restrictions and uncertainty on the path forward for their businesses.
That said, businesses must strive to find a way to do business. Letting the marketplace know they are open for business is extremely important for 12volt retailers. That point was made very clear by the Sharks on the Friday night, June 5th, Shark Tank episode. The Sharks further stressed the importance of utilizing social media platforms to connect across the marketplace.
A ‘Yes We’re Open’ graphic offer was made by the 12volt News. The offer …Send us you logo and, using a custom ‘Yes We’re Open’ template, staff will prepare a graphic 12volt retailers can post on their social media outreach. On Monday, June 8th, 12volt Central Studios sent ‘Yes, We’re Open’ graphics to 4 12volt retailers. The Soundshop in SoCal, Broken Silence in Greenwich CT, Aspiring Audio in Cincinnati and Car Sounds in the Netherlands were happy to receive their graphics.
All the above happened in the space of 24 hours. We encourage all across the 12volt industry to strive to put priorities in place and utilize technology available today to ‘get things done.’
We feel more requests will come in, and be completed, before the June 10th cut off for the “Yes, We’re Open” offer.
ST. GEORGE, UT (06.08.20) – Wilson Electronics has announced the launch of the weBoost Drive Reach, a powerful in-vehicle cellular signal booster designed to provide solid cellular connectivity in cars, trucks and RVs. Compatible with all mobile phones and wireless carriers in North America, it allows users to enjoy strong call quality, fewer dead zones and faster data upload / download speeds while on the road.
The Drive Reach boasts uplink output power capabilities of 29.5 dBm and 50 dB gain – the maximum allowable gain under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards – allowing it to boost signal strength from locations over two times further away from cell signal towers than previous models. This provides users with the strongest connection and fastest data rate available in the mobile amplifier market.
“Whether you’re traveling for work or play, a strong cellular signal is crucial for both productivity and safety reasons,” said Wilson Electronics’ CEO Bruce Lancaster. “Thanks to the Drive Reach’s upgraded uplink capabilities, users will see a huge improvement in cellular connectivity and speed across all wireless carriers, providing peace of mind wherever the road takes you.”
The Drive Reach also shines in its ease of installation. Its versatile mounting plate allows users to install the booster in whatever way is most convenient for them. The typical everyday user can use velcro strips to sturdily attach the booster to the carpeting of the vehicle. More advanced installers can more permanently fasten the booster to a vehicle’s side walls. Once the booster is secured, weBoost’s innovative SMB connectors provide tactile confirmation that the antenna and booster have been successfully connected.
The Drive Reach has all components needed for installation, including: ● Powerful cellular amplifier ● Mini magnetic antenna ● Versatile mounting plate ● SMB connectors ● Power supply, including an extra port with rapid charging capabilities
How it works: The powerful exterior antenna reaches out to cell phone towers to receive a signal. The antenna then transmits this signal to the booster. The booster receives this outside signal and amplifies each of the supported frequency bands throughout the vehicle using a series of sophisticated low noise amplifiers and filters.
Priced at $499.99 and certified by the FCC, the weBoost Drive Reach is available for purchase now online at weBoost.com or through authorized resellers. All boosters have a two-year warranty.
SHREVEPORT LA (06.06.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Six months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 79, is Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ. The Wheel landed on the 12volt space Friday morning June 5th. A call was made to Model Electronics for Rocco Gugliemello. The call was forwarded to the corporate office and a nice lady, Mary, took the message for Rocco. Look forward to speaking with Rocco. A check for $100. will be headed his way.
Just heard back from Rocco and he said “WaHoo..nice to get some good news for a change. With the COVID-19 mandates and recent events it has been tough in New Jersey. Thanks Mike”.
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, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit, Image Dynamics and SpellBrite. 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 and Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, June 12th.
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!
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (06.05.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of its 16th Florida location under the ownership of local entrepreneurs Chris and Michelle Mays. The store will provide full-service auto styling for Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Englewood, Arcadia, North Port and Venice.
Chris and Michelle Mays
“Our experience with Tint World has been overwhelmingly inviting and positive,” Michelle Mays said. “After working in retail management for several years, I understand how people want to feel when they are looking for a product or service. Tint World focuses on the overall experience of auto styling and offers customers a pleasant environment to visit for window tinting and other services.”
Tint World Port Charlotte, Florida will provide a full range of the following automotive styling and safety services:
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems
Paint Protection Films
Window Tinting
Car Stereo Upgrades
Mobile Electronics
Residential and Commercial Window Film
“Michelle is a customer service expert who has spent years making customers smile,” said Charles Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Michelle and Chris are passionate about providing the Tint World experience to the people of Port Charlotte. They are focused on building their business in a way that supports the local community.”
The all-new Tint World Port Charlotte store is located at 2000 Tamiami Trail #217-218, Port Charlotte, FL 33948-2182. For more information, call (941) 229-6055.
STERLING, VA (06.04.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has opened a new location in Sterling, Virginia. The second Tint World franchise in Virginia is under the ownership of LeRoy Schubert and will be managed by Hans Schubert.
“It’s exciting to be part of such a rapidly growing franchise,” LeRoy Schubert said. “I’m passionate about the diverse services we provide and the innovative products we offer, and I’m ready to give Sterling locals outstanding service.”
Tint World Sterling, Virginia will provide a full range of products and services, including:
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems Car Stereo Upgrades Custom Wheel and Tire Packages Industry-Leading Accessories Mobile Electronics Nano Ceramic Coatings Paint Protection Films Security Systems Vehicle Wraps Window Tinting
“LeRoy is an excellent addition to our team,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “He’s knowledgeable with our products and services, and he has exceptional customer service skills. We look forward to seeing his positive contributions to the brand.”
The all-new Sterling franchise is located at 42750 Trade West Drive, Sterling, Virginia 20166. For additional information, call (703) 436-4900.
LAFAYETTE, IN (06.03.2020) – Sound Check Mobile hosted dB Drag Racing and MECA competitors in Lafayette IN on Sunday, May 31st. The parking lot of the company’s store, along with adjacent business parking lots, were filled with competitors, spectators and vehicles on a warm sunny day.
The Sound Check Mobile lot was only part of the event layout.
RP Patel, Sound Check Mobile owner stated “We had a terrific turnout. The total crowd topped 150 people with north of 70 competitors. We were a bit worried that the crowd would be a problem with the local limits mandated by COVID-19 restrictions. All turned out well and everyone was happy to get back in the competition scene”
People and vehicles spread to adjacent lots during Sunday’s event.
Patel handled the dB Drag Racing and Bass Race lanes while MECA Indiana Event Director Chad Bleeke, with help from Judge Sean Paradis, were in the MECA lanes.
MECA Commish Steve Stern relayed “The event was a great way to get the season kicked off in Indiana. Sound Check Mobile was the MECA 2019 Retailer of the Year and does great store promotional events. RP Patel runs a great operation”
The Sound Check Mobile building is visible in the background.
“Our retail business has been amazing once COVID-19 restrictions were eased some in Indiana. Every year we have a number of sound competitions and this event was a great way to get the competition season off and running” Patel commented.
This B2 demo vehicle is quite a setup!
Celise Harris, DBDRA Marketing Director, related “Great news from Sound Check Mobile. The DBDRA would like to thank all the competitors that came out to compete at events this past weekend in Alberta Canada, Utah and Indiana. It is great to see everyone back in the lanes again!”
Concluding Patel offered “We certainly thank all the competitors who came out. dB Drag Racing and MECA are super organizations and we appreciate their continuing support.
TOOELE, UT (06.02.2020) – dB Drag Racing and USACi competitors filled the lanes at the Boomin’ Audio Spring Super Slam in Tooele UT on Sunday, May 31st. Under a warm and sunny Utah sky 39 dB Drag and 23 USACi entrants made their ways through the lanes.
Db Drag Racing and USACi Competitors pictured with their trophies at the Boomin’ Audio event at the Spring Super Slam in Tooele UT on Sunday, May 31st. Flags are flying on the Boomin’ Audio event tower.
This was the 3rd Annual Spring Super Slam and was held in V Auto Care’s very large parking lot. V Auto Care and Jones Subwoofer Solutions were sponsors of the event.
Competitors filled the V Auto Care lot under a warm sunny Utah sky.
Boomin’ Audio’s Andy Teuscher and Jeffrey Fernandez were behind the meters in the lanes. Fernandez, who traveled from SoCal for the event, relayed “I had an awesome time. It’s always fun coming out judging shows with Andy in the Idaho and Utah area. There are definitely a lot of diehard bass heads out there in the “Bass Elevated” State of Utah”
Andy Teuscher (L) and Jeffrey Fernandez pictured at the end of a very busy day in the lanes.
Jason Jones, Jones Subwoofer Solutions commented “Our business is designing and building subwoofer enclosures that rock. We are based about 60 miles down the in Sunset UT and really like attending the Boomin’ Audio events at V Auto Care. We had several competitors running with our enclosures and walls that took home top trophies”
These companies and organizations came together to host a very successful event.
Teuscher offered “We had competitors that showed up early and were excited to be around fellow competitors in light of all the COVID-19 restrictions. This was our 6th Boomin’ Audio event at V Auto Care and as always Cory Bird had everything in place. The company vehicle repair and also sell audio and video products as well as do tinting on vehicles of all types”
“We at Boomin’ Audio Competitions are extremely excited to get the season underway and look forward to more successful events in 2020” Teuscher concluded.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.01.2020) – “It’s Summertime and time to ‘Crank It Up’! Get Jammin’ N June with great gear for your ride. HiTech in-dash media, powerful amps and speakers that will get your ride Jammin’ N June.” Those words, and that message, can grab the attention of consumers and create store traffic for 12volt retailers.
Competitors gathered for a group shot with their dB Drag Racing Trophies in front of FX Audio in Saturday, May 30, in Spruce Grove Alberta.
Online sales have been on a steady rise for the past several years. The recent COVID-19 Pandemic has led to a dramatic spike in online sales. Jammin’ N June themed activities by proactive 12volt retailers can drive consumer traffic into stores and very importantly drive sales.
Competitor’s vehicles lined up at the FX Audio dB Drag Racing event in Spruce Grove Alberta Canada.
It’s imperative that 12volt retailers create a powerful in-store experience for consumers in the showroom. An impressive demonstration will bring a smile to the consumer’s face and raise the hair on their arms.
In many sections of the U.S. 12volt store traffic, and sales, have been strong for 12volt retailers. dB Drag Racing competitions in Canada, Indiana and Utah just this past weekend were very well attended. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts are ready to Crank It Up.
The dB Drag Racing event had over 100 enthusiasts in the Sound Check Mobile parking lot in Lafayette IN at 10AM Sunday morning, May 31st, for the competition.
On Saturday, May 30th, the dB Drag Racing competition at FX Audio took place under a warm sunny Canadian sky. Ray Choy, dB Drag Racing International Judge, related “Everything went very well. Overall we had 15 competitors and it was a great event plus we had a lot of spectators at the store. Several competitors came just to visit and one competitor broke down on the way into Spruce Grove. Everyone was excited to get the 2020 competition season rolling”
RP Patel, Sound Check Mobile in Lafayette IN, commented to 12volt News during a phone call Sunday morning “We have over 100 people here in store’s parking lot for the dB Drag Racing competition before noon. Looks like we will have a busy day in the lanes. It’s a great way to start the sound-off season for sure”
dB Drag Racing and USACi competitors pictured with their trophies under the Boomin’ Audio event tower at the Spring Super Slam in Tooele UT on Sunday, May 31st.
The Boomin’ Audio Spring Super Slam filled the V Auto Care parking area in Tooele UT on Sunday, May 31st. Andy Teuscher relayed “This is a great way to start the competition season. There was a lot of excitement from dB Drag Racing and USACi competitors. Jeffrey Fernandez traveled in from SoCal and we both stayed super busy judging in the lanes and meeting with competitors. The Jones Subwoofer Solutions and V Auto Care teams really worked to make all come together for a super event”
After a busy day in the Boomin’ Audio lanes, Andy Teuscher (L) and Jeffrey Fernandez already for a cool one. Or two!
As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Much more to come from the 12volt Central Studios.
SHREVEPORT LA (05.30.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Six months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 78, is Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX. The Wheel landed on the CRUX space Friday morning May 29th. Chris Savala answered the phone and was very happy to hear the news. A CRUX interface product will be headed their 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, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit, Image Dynamics and SpellBrite. 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 and Xtreme Autosports. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, June 5th.
ATLANTA, GA (05.29.2020) – RPM was a one-man show just four years ago when Scott Hochmuth took his three decades of Car Audio experience and two decades of Powersports experience and started his own rep company in the Southeast. Early on the opportunities were mainly coming from the Powersports side of the business, but with the rapid expansion of Powersports audio, RPM was in a perfect position to attract lines like MTX Powersports and Wetsounds.
The new lines allowed RPM to add a 30-year Car Audio veteran, SPL competitor, and former shop owner, Mike Hall to the team covering the Carolinas. In the middle of last year RPM added Jay McLaurin to bolster the Powersports side. bringing with him 10 plus years of dealership parts manager experience. Jay works in the Gulf Coast area for RPM.
Russ Harper
January of this year saw RPM doubling with the addition of three more reps. Russ Harper with 30 years of Powersports Rep experience has taken over the western part of their area. Jason Upchurch who was a dealership owner and GM for 25 plus years is specializing in Powersports and Marine in the Eastern Carolinas, and Chris Corry who owned businesses in both the Powersports and Marine industries is working in the South Florida area.
Jason Upchurch
Unlike many rep companies that have an experienced owner and a younger and less experienced sales team, RPM has over 130 years of combined experience in the Car Audio, Powersports, Powersports Audio, and Marine industries that they serve. According to owner Scott Hochmuth “We have an amazing team culture and we keep a group text open all day sharing our challenges and successes, plus we have such an experienced group someone on the team knows the answer to just about any question that comes up.”
Chris Corry
With smaller territories, and being able to focus more time and attention on their dealers, RPM has experienced explosive growth and is on pace for a 50% increase for 2020.
Real Performance Marketing represents Wet Sounds, MTX, ARC Audio, Audiofrog, Audio Legion, Aunex and MMats on the audio side and premium lines like Klim, 509, Shark, Quin, Race Sport and more on the Powersports side.
12VoltNews.com 