FT. SMITH, AR (05.01.2020) – Tri State Enterprises, a large wholesale distributer of aftermarket automotive parts and truck accessories, is proud to announce the acquisition of O.W. Donald. 

O.W. Donald, a third generation family owned business, started in 1968, specialized in products for the RV industry. In 2005 OWD expanded to become a distributor for the 12V aftermarket, with a focus on higher quality brands and product offerings from audio and remote starts to tint and speakers. Such brands consist of JVC, Kenwood and Pioneer.

Roger Donald President of O. W. Donald commented:

“By acquiring O. W. Donald and its crew, Tri State gains 30 years of 12V Electronic experience that they will use to immediately expand their 12V product offerings. Tri State is growing at an impressive rate and the entire crew at OWD is proud to be the newest part of the Tri State team.”

Tristan Taylor, the owner of Tri State Enterprises commented, “Tri State is very excited to add O.W. Donald’s line of accessories and its team. OWD products and services allow the TSE organization to expand into new markets and at the same time continue to grow our current customer base with the addition of the 12V line.”

Visit www.etristate.com and www.owdonald.com for more.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

“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.

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.