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dBDRA Sponsors Competitor Awards at Car Audio Championship

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AUSTIN, TX (10.08.2019) – The dBDRA would like to thank Incriminator Audio, Orion Car Audio and Sundown Audio for sponsoring competitor awards at for the 2019 North American dB Drag Racing Association Championship.

Incriminator Audio will be the exclusive ring sponsor for the 2019 dBDRA North American championship rings for the 5th year in a row! First Place winners at the event will receive custom personalized championship rings along with their 1st place trophy. The dedication and commitment that Incriminator Audio puts forth with the competitors is awesome! A huge thanks to the crew at Incriminator Audio.

Orion Car Audio is the exclusive trophy sponsor for the 2019 dBDRA North American Championship. The competitors in Louisville, KY and Sacramento, CA will go head to head to compete for the championship. Trophies will be awarded for 1st-4th place in 24 classes of competition including: dB Drag Racing, Bass Race, Top Dog, Psychlone and Bagger Beatz. In addition to the FINALS event, there will be an open entry 2020 Season Kick Off 3x event at each location. (independent of championship). Trophies will be awarded for 1st-3rd place in all classes. Huge shout out to Orion for acquiring the trophy sponsorship this year.

Sundown Audio will be the dBDRA 2019 Points Champion Sponsor. Each year the dBDRA awards a points champion award to the competitor that accrues the most points in each format of competition during the 2019 season. These competitors spend countless weekends in the lanes and this award is in appreciation of their efforts throughout the season. The 2019 awards will be presented for Eastern Region, Western Region and Canada. Thanks to Sundown Audio for their continued support of the competitors and all the teams out there!

On behalf of the dB Drag Racing Association and our members, the dBDRA would like to sincerely thank Incriminator Audio, Orion Car Audio and Sundown Audio for supporting the competitors!

The dBDRA would also like to extend thanks to all of the companies supporting the Car Audio Championship.

Show sponsors include: Pioneer Electronics, Sundown Audio, B2 Audio, Ampere Audio, Resilient Sounds, Lord of Bass, SoundQubed, Deaf Bonce, SounDigital, Limitless Lithium and Harley Davidson of Dothan. T-shirt sponsors include: XS Power, JL Audio, Tru Technology, Hybrid Audio Technologies, Crossfire, Avatar, Ohio Generator, Directronix, DC Audio, Slamology, 12 Volt News, Team Flop Box, Team Aint Loud, Team Imperial and TN Bass Racers.

Visit termpro.com for more.

Memphis Audio Dealer Council Meeting and Celebration

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MEMPHIS, TN (10.07.2019) – Memphis Audio played host to four of the premier dealers in the nation at the 2019 Memphis Audio Dealer Council meeting in Memphis Tennessee. The invitees were Audio Unlimited – Mobile, AL, Audio One – Virginia Beach, VA, Horizon Audio – Canton, OH, and Elite Audio Spartanburg, SC. These lucky winners qualified by winning the Memphis 2nd half golden ticket scratcher contest.

The winners were treated to an exclusive dinner at the third-generation owner of Memphis Audio, Arthur Fulmer’s home. The group had an opportunity to let loose, talk business and have a little fun with the Memphis team and enjoy Memphis’s world-famous BBQ. “Welcoming dealers into my home is something I’ve wanted to do for years. These are the people who keep our industry going and I couldn’t have been happier to host such a wonderful group of business owners and get to know them on a more personal level and how we as a manufacturer can help them succeed,” said Fulmer.

Left to Right: Tom Smith – Audio Unlimited, Nate McConohay – Horizon Audio, Joe Zelano – Elite Audio, Aaron Joseph- Horizon Audio, Jim Aiken & Dave Curtis – Audio one, Arthur Fulmer – Owner of Memphis Audio, Nick Lomonaco – President of Memphis Audio, Ellis Mathis – Regional Sales Manager Memphis Audio

The next day the group was welcomed at the corporate headquarters in downtown Memphis where they all had an opportunity to learn the inner workings of Memphis Audio. Nick LoMonaco, president of Memphis Audio lead the discussion which touched on a number of topics ranging from internet MAP pricing enforcement, product development, marketing support and more. LoMonaco took questions and feedback from the group. The real fun began when the council was provided with a confidential sneak peek at some of the amazing new products scheduled to be exhibited live at SEMA 2019 along with several projects currently in development.

“Having the opportunity to sit down with these guys and pick their brains about our industry provided us all with a wealth of insight and information. They are all so passionate about our business and the products that Memphis develops. They didn’t pull any punches and told us what they need for success in this industry, it was one of most productive Q&A sessions I’ve ever been a part of,” Said Nick LoMonaco.

After talking shop had commenced the crew let loose a little a Sun Studios for a tour of some of the history behind the amazing music scene and culture that is ingrained in the city of Memphis. After the history lesson the group was treated to dinner, drinks, and more drinks until it was time to head back to their home towns.

“This contest was designed to give us the opportunity to get to know some of our most crucial business partners on a more personal level along with receiving feedback about how we can position Memphis Audio for success in the future. I feel like we really did achieve everything we set out to do and more. I’m confident that myself and the rest of the Memphis team is walking away from this event with a great deal of knowledge along with a great group of new friends who we are also proud Memphis dealers,” said LoMonaco.

Visit memphiscaraudio.com for more.

The Custom Audio Trip To The Davis Distribution Remote Starter Expo 2019

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ERIE, PA (10.04.19) On Tuesday morning, October 1st, the Custom Audio Team left Erie and headed to the Davis Distribution Remote Start Expo at the Mountaineer Casino and Resort in New Cumberland, WV. Social media posts the day before let their followers know the store would be closed so the Team could attend a product training session.

Following the CompuStar session the Custom Audio Team, Sondralee- flanked by Adam and Andrew (R), pictured with very cool swag.

Sondralee Orengia, Custom Audio owner, and Team members Nick Portonova, Adam McDermit and Andrew Wiesen made the day trip. Orengia commented “The trip to New Cumberland was 150 miles each way. On the way down we had a couple hours to talk about store business, plans and what we expected to learn at the Davis Expo.”

The 1 o’clock CompuStar session on Tuesday was very well attended.

The Davis Distribution Remote Start Expo was set up with 3 separate time slots. During each time slot remote starter vendors made their presentations. CompuStar, Directed and VOXX brands were in the house.
Custom Audio is a key CompuStar dealer and attended their 2 hour session.

Sondralee checked out some of the Firstech Drone ‘Your Car, Connected’ products.

“We learned about all of the new products and the lineup for CompuStar. This information will definitely help us with our product mix and direction we need to go with remote starters this season. There are so many options and opportunities for profit” Orengia offered.

Davis Distribution is also a Sony distributor and Andrew Wiesen checked out the new Sony Jeep demo.

Following the CompuStar training session at the Davis Expo the Custom Audio Team stopped at a Top Golf for some Team Building time prior to the 150 mile drive back to Erie.

After leaving the Davis Distribution Remote Start Expo 2019, the Custom Audio Team stopped at a Top Golf for some team building time on the way back to Erie.

“All in all it was a terrific day. We networked with other dealers and spent time with Rusty North and other Davis staff members. The Davis team did such a great job” Orengia concluded.

The Davis Distribution Remote Start Expo 2019, which concluded on Thursday October 3rd, included day long sessions in Blue Bell PA, New Cumberland WA and Indianapolis IN.

Visit customaudio.net and davisdistribution.com for more.

Nakamichi Appoints Robin McNeal National Sales Manager

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LONG BEACH, CA (10.03.2019) – After years of absence, Nakamichi Car Audio returns to the U.S. market through an exclusive agent. Nakamichi Car Audio is currently offered globally by dealers throughout Europe, Central and South America, and Asia & Oceania. The United States remains the one last major market for the company to supply. Long time 12-volt veteran Robin McNeal has been named as the brands National Sales Manager and is tasked with changing that.

McNeal brings with him a long history of executive sales positions with car audio companies including L.A. Sound, PowerBass, Retro Sound and Clarion.

Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager

“The first order of business is to put together a top-notch rep force to set up U.S. distribution,” McNeal noted. “Our goal is to offer the dealer reliable, high quality products and great service without sacrificing margin.”

Nakamichi currently has 7 head units available in the States. “I don’t see a need for 10 single DIN CD receivers,” stated McNeal, “Talking to dealers they prefer a short concise line up.”

The NA3605 is the flag ship multimedia model featuring a 6.8-inch capacitive touch screen with a 1080p wide viewing angle LCD with enhanced smart phone connectivity that supports Apple CarPlay™ and wireless connectivity for Android Auto™ at an MSRP of $469.95.

Nakamichi Car Audio will be on display at the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center booth #11632 (North Hall).

The current Nakamichi Car Audio rep roster includes:

Southern California-2

Sound Sales & Marketing-Jerry Zemming

Northern California-3

Cardoza and Company-Mark Cardoza

Dakotas-7

Arrowhead Marketing-Doug Hoaglund

Southwest-9

Alan Wojtas Associates-Alan Wojtas

Chicagoland-10

Mielenz Sales-Bill Mielenz

Michigan-11

Audex Marketing-Bill Barron

Southeast-13

M.C. Marketing-Michael Colundjia

Mid Atlantic-16

Encore Mid Atlantic-Russ DePillis

New York/No New Jersey-17

Gemini Advantage Marketing-Bruce Orr

New England-19

Impact Sales & Marketing-Ira Gold

More rep announcements coming soon.

For additional information visit www.nakamichicaraudio.com or you may contact Robin McNeal directly at robin@usa-nakamichi.com or (702) 558-4447.

Directed in the Midwest “Gears Up” for Remote Start Season

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MILWAUKEE, WI / CHICAGO, IL (10.02.2019) – Summer has turned to Fall and Directed is working hard to get in front of technicians, sales people and business owners to prepare them for the coming remote start season. The recent Midwest swing prepared a large number of 12volt retailers for the Remote Start Season.

The Directed “Gear up for the Remote Start Season” in the Midwest got started on Monday, September 23 in Milwaukee at Dave & Buster’s.

Product Specialist Rep (PSR) Justin Gear was traveling hard conducting trainings in Milwaukee WI, Chicago NorthSide, Superstore ABT Electronics and Chicago SouthSide on consecutive nights the 4th week of September. “Long days and late nights…it was a tough week, but this is a critical remote starter market and my home market. So it’s great seeing old friends at the same time” Gear stated.

This Team worked the Directed Midwest swing. Directed’s Bob Hernandez and Justin Gear with Echo Sales members Mike Lewis, Rob Osheaski and Shelby Shimkus (LtoR) pictured at the Chicago SouthSide event.

Bob Hernandez, Regional Sales Manager, Distributor Channel-Northeast & Midwest US, added; “Our PSR’s are our Rock Stars…Gear trained over 250 people over the 4 day trip. Echo Sales did a stellar job working to have strong dealer turnouts at each event. Rob Osheaski, Mike Lewis & Shelby Shimkus, and our distributor partners, worked hard to get the word out and pack the house each night.”

Justin Gear addressing an audience of 12volt retailers In Chicagoland.

Distributor partners included Woofer Electronics, Mid-State Distributing and House of Electronics.

Highlighting the time-saving Directed T-Harness was on the training agenda.

Attendees got a first look at the Directed Smartstart Connect as well as the new DS4WS Bluetooth siren plus an update on the ever growing Directed lineup of OEM Integration Harnesses.

This wide-angle shot shows Justin Gear presenting to the crowd at the Chicago Southside event.

Hernandez added, “We’re not done yet… this week, October 1st and 3rd, we’re in West Virginia and Indianapolis working with our partner Davis Distribution. Then this weekend we are in Kansas City with Pioneer Music Company. Presence Matters… and we’re making our presence known!”

Chicago Northside at the GameStop venue during Justin Gear’s session.

Visit directed.com for more.

KICKER Returns to Support Motorcycle Fun in the Ozarks

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STILLWATER, OK (10.01.19) – KICKER returned to the 4-Day Bikes, Blues and BBQ event September 25th-28h in the picturesque Northwest Arkansas region near and around the cities of Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville and Springdale.

The Kicker booth stayed busy with sales and on site installations by Hog City Customs.

During the weekend, Pig Trail Harley-Davidson of Rogers played host to the KICKER booth along with motorcycle-audio specialists Hog City Customs from Springdale. As authorized KICKER dealers, Hog City Customs sold and installed custom KICKER motorcycle sound systems on-site during the course of the show. The new audio upgrade kits KICKER recently released for Harley-Davidson bikes were hot items.

Bikers had an opportunity to check out Kicker’s latest gear for their rides.
Bikers had an opportunity to check out Kicker’s latest gear for their rides.
Bikes lined the streets in Fayetteville during the event.
Bikes lined the streets in Fayetteville during the event.

The annual four-day show was packed with events, parties, concerts, and planned rides in and around the Ozarks. Rides ranged from as short as seven miles to as long as 210 miles, extending as far north as Joplin, MO.

In addition to the planned rides, show-goers could attend a car-and-truck show on Saturday morning at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Later that day, the fifth annual Frisco Inferno BBQ Competition fired up in Rogers.

Inside, bikers checked out booths with apparel and more.
Inside, bikers checked out booths with apparel and more.
This huge tent was filled with a wide selection of bikes for sale.

Billed as “the world’s largest charity motorcycle rally that benefits women, children, and the underserved members of the Northwest Arkansas community,” the event has raised over two million dollars in its 19-year history.

For more information, visit bikesbluesandbbq.org and kicker.com

Images courtesy of Kicker social media.

Bass Race for Cash – Winner Takes ALL – 129.9 dB

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AUSTIN, TX (09.30.2019) – The dBDRA has announced Bass Race for Cash – Winner Takes ALL at the Car Audio Championship in Louisville, KY. This will take place at the conclusion of the 3X event on Friday, October 11, 2019 in the Broadbent Arena. (approximately 9 pm)

Location:
Kentucky Exposition Center
Broadbent Arena
937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209

The cash pot is currently at $2,600 and will continue to grow as more competitors buy in with their chance to WIN. A huge thanks to the following sponsors: #ProjectSPL, Limitless Lithium, XS Power, Incriminator Audio, and Sundown Audio for supporting.

To be eligible to participate in Bass Race for Cash:
Must be entered in the 3X dBDRA event
Pay $100 entry fee to Bass Race for Cash

3X Registration Link: shop.termpro.com/products/2019cac3x

Rules and Regulations

  • All entry fees are put towards WINNER TAKES ALL cash pot
  • Bass Race 129.9 dB rules apply
  • Competition will only have 1 winner
  • The judge may disqualify a contestant for any infraction of rules
  • By accepting prize, winner agrees to release the dBDRA, its judges, staff, host facility, including without limitation, from any and all liability, loss, damage or expense arising from or in conjunction with the competition.
  • All taxes, fees and other expenses not specified are the sole responsibility of the winner. Prize is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

For more information, message or email Jereme Creamer on Facebook or: soundofftechnologies@outlook.com. To enter the Bass Race for Cash event, you can PayPal Jereme in advance or pay CASH on site. ONLY CASH will be taken on-site.

CPS Distributors, Inc. Names New Regional Sales Manager

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KANSAS CITY, MO (09.27. 2019) – CPS Distributors, Inc. has named Craig Wood to the position of Midwestern Regional Sales Manager. “Craig has a solid background in Marine Electronics and brings Technical expertise as well as 2 decades of OEM Marine Business experience to CPS Distributors,” Brandon Lang, Vice President said in a statement.

“Craig is another excellent addition to our growing company and existing veteran team. Craig’s knowledge enables him to deliver outstanding customer service and support which are work ethics he developed starting at the age of ten working in his father’s business,” stated Lang.

Craig Wood, Midwestern Regional Sales Manager

Craig’s career in the Marine Electronics Industry includes leading companies like Langer Krell (a foundation in the South Florida Marine Region), Garmin Marine, Clarion Marine Audio and most recently Siren Marine.

Craig started his marine career in South Florida working in Sales and in Installation. His experience quickly landed him a role as a Field Service Engineer with Garmin Marine. He then moved to the Marine Sales team with Garmin and relocated to Ohio where he worked as both a Field Service Engineer and a Regional Sales Manager. Craig soon found his niche working with OEM boat builders.

Personally, Craig has been on the water all of his life. During his childhood Craig enjoyed recreational boating, swimming and Craig became a certified diver at the age of sixteen. At seventeen he crewed for a summer on the 208 foot S/V Flying Cloud out of Tortola. That sealed his love of the water and he still is an avid boater today.

“I’m excited to be a part of CPS Distributors Inc. team and to manage the Mid-West/Great Lakes Accounts while introducing the company’s new all-in-one Kicker Media Center product line, specifically the KMC100, KMC50,and KMC45,” stated Craig.

Visit www.cpsdistributorsinc.com for more.

Petra Industries Continues to Impact Lives with Upcoming 21st Annual Charity Golf Tournament

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EDMOND, OK (09.26.2019) – Petra Industries is excited to announce the 21st annual Hope In One Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

Since its inception, Hope In One has impacted countless lives thanks to the support of Petra’s giving partners. The Hope In One Charity Golf Tournament draws on support and donations of its many vendor partners in the form of financial contributions, giveaways and more.

Participants gather before the shotgun start.

Hope In One will see participants from all across North America step onto the prestigious greens of Oak Tree Country Club. Over the course of the tournament, players are able to compete in additional games and challenges for a chance to win prizes.

Golfers ready their putts for the Halo game at the 2018 Hope in One Charity Golf Tournament. During Halo, all golfers stand in a circle around the putting green and all putt at the same time. First ball in wins!

But at the center of it all are the organizations chosen to receive the proceeds from the event. Each year, Bill and Cindy Stewart select charities that have a profound impact on the local community to be beneficiaries of Hope In One. This year, proceeds from the Charity Golf Tournament will benefit Whiz Kids of Oklahoma and Mercy Multiplied. Both of these charities work tirelessly so that children and young adults have the skills and resources they need to change their situations and lead successful lives

“With every passing year, Cindy and I are continually humbled by the dedication of our giving partners and the effort Petra team members put in to make the Hope In One Charity Golf Tournament a success,” says Bill Stewart, Petra Industries’ Founder and CEO. “We’re excited to see how Hope In One continues to grow and impact the community. To know that we can enrich the lives of those in need through Whiz Kids of Oklahoma and Mercy Multiplied thanks to our generous, considerate giving partners is incredibly inspiring and very much appreciated.”

Through the years, the Hope In One Charity Golf Tournament has raised over $1 million for local charities—a milestone that was reached in 2018. Hope In One continues to ensure that lives are changed for generations to come.

Petra Industries’ Hope In One Charity Golf Tournament takes place on October 3 at the prestigious Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond, OK.

Visit petra.com for more.

2019 dBDRA European Championship Wrap Up

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Congratulations to the champions of the 2019 dBDRA European Championship. The event was held in Montichiari, Italy over the weekend of September 20-22, 2019 in conjunction with Festival del Motori. Competitors were judged by a crew of international judges and competed in 3 formats of competition representing 17 classes. Four new World Records were also established at the event:

Street Stock 1K – Team Ground Zero Stefan – 151.9 dB
Pro Stock Wall 5K – Team Kostadopoulos – Allabouttech – 163.0 dB
Super Street 1-2 – dB Devils – M&J – 171.2 dB
Extreme NL – Team GZ Pezi Frank – 181.5 dB

First Place Champions in each format of competition include:

dB Drag Racing
Street Stock 1K – Team Ground Zero – Stefan (Germany)
Pro Stock 2K – Team Soundcenter – Poulios (Greece)
Pro Stock 5K – Team Argigarage – Hulk (Greece)
Pro Stock NL – Maxx Custom (Italy)
Pro Stock Trunk 5K – 2l4y Joe (Austria)
Pro Stock Wall 5K – Team Kostadopoulos – Allabouttech (Greece)
Super Street No Wall – Team Experience – Pstuning (Greece)
Super Street 1-2 – dB Devils – M&J (Finland)
Super Street 3-4 – Toscana GZ Team Gianluca (Italy)
Super Street 5+ – Team Ground Zero – Tibor (Hungary)
Super Street X – Team Xtremeloud – Hilas (Greece)
Extreme NL – Team GZ Pezi Frank (Germany)

Bass Race
Bass Race 120.0-129.9db – Team Tr Marian (Italy)
Bass Race 130.0-139.9db – Team Ground Zero – Emmanuel (France)
Bass Race 140.0-149.9db – Team Ground Zero – Gregory (France)
Bass Race 150.0-159.9db – Team Performance – Nontas (Greece)

Top Dog
Team 2elle (Italy)

Best of Show
Team Xtremeloud – Hilas (Greece)

Click here to see a full list of winners.

Supporting Manufacturers: Ground Zero, DD Audio, GS Audio

A huge thanks goes out to Stefano Eupani and dB Drag Racing Italy for hosting the event. And to all of the judging staff: Wayne Harris, Yiannis Lekkas, Ray Choy, Bine Zupan, Stefano Eupani, Stefano Mologni and Rikard Karlsson.