BOCA RATON, FL (03.02.2020) – Leading automotive customization and window tinting franchise Tint World Automotive Styling Centers honored its top franchise owners at the company’s 12th annual International Franchise Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, earlier this month.
The 2020 Tint World International Franchise Convention featured a vendor trade show, seminars and training, and an awards banquet to recognize top-performing franchises.
Charles Bonfiglio, front row in the white shirt, pictured with a large group of Tint World Franchise Award Winners.
“The annual convention is one of the highlights of the year for the Tint World family,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We take some time to celebrate our success, but our franchise owners and the corporate team both are always focused on the future. The franchisees show up focused for the training and education we provide here at the convention, and it’s a chance for us to learn from them, too. The connections that we make at this event are a big inspiration to reach even further in 2020.”
Tint World presented the following awards at the 2020 Tint World International Franchise Convention:
Franchisee of the Year Award: Jeff and Penny Rackley (The Colony, Texas)
Best Performing Franchise Award: Pedro Flores (Midland, Texas)
Most Improved Franchise Award: Paul Sawhney (Baltimore)
Rookie of the Year Award: David “Kit” Pelletier (Jacksonville, North Carolina)
Local Marketing Impact Award: Pete and Barbra Muller (Longwood, Florida)
Top Gun Franchise Award: Tim and Stacy Kjaer (Medford/Long Island, New York)
Franchise Mentor of the Year Award: Austin Gurba (Lenexa, Kansas)
Franchise Ambassador of the Year Award (Canada): Trevor and Sue Dwyer (Ontario)
Franchise Ambassador of the Year Award (U.S.): Daniel Apicella (Greensboro, North Carolina)
Social Media Achievement Award: Randy and Austin Silver (Cary, North Carolina); Pete and Barbara Muller (Longwood, Florida); David “Kit” Pelletier (Jacksonville, North Carolina); Santiago and Dominica Rojas (Messapequa, New York); Todd and Michelle Simms (Saint Petersburg, Florida); Tim and Stacey Kjaer (Medford/Long Island); Paul Sawhney (Baltimore); Jeff Moolevliet (Coconut Creek, Florida); Michael Richards and Dylan Thiel (Rowlett, Texas)
Tim and Stacy Kjaer, co-owners of the Medford/Long Island store, along with store manager Kurt Kaufman, were once again honored as members of the $2 Million Club. The $1 Million Club included Jeff and Penny Rackley; Michael Richards and Dylan Thiel (Rowlett, Texas); Acey and Kerri Lightt (Lubbock, Texas); Santiago and Dominica Rojas (Massapequa, New York); and Randy and Austin Silver (Cary, North Carolina).
SHREVEPORT LA (02.29.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Just over 4 months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner is Audio Security in Houston TX. The Wheel landed on the 12volt News space and a $100. check will be headed to Ivan Castillo at his store in Houston. We hope Ivan will have a little fun…maybe a nice dinner out with family.
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, Cadence, PowerBass, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit, Wilson Electronics and Image Dynamics. SpellBrite, a manufacturer of in-store signage, also has a space. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
David Phillips with CRUX prizes for Spin-To-Win Number 62. David is pictured in The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC. The CRUX interface was the prize and CRUX included a tool kit as a bonus!
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 and Audio Depot in Arlington TX. Congratulations to all.
Bob Hering pictured in the California CRUX HQ with the 12volt Spin-To-Win number 62 prize headed to David Phillips at The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC.
WTF….Where’s The Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel Friday, March 6th. 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!
HOUSTON, TX (02.28.2020) – Alpine Electronics conducted a training session Wednesday evening February 26th at Electronic Custom Distributors in Houston. Both Alpine Direct and ECD Alpine dealers were among the 25 dealers in the audience.
Dan Greenwood conducting the Alpine session in ECD’s first rate meeting and training room.
Dan Greenwood, Alpine’s Texas Brand Specialist, conducted the training session covering both new and continuing Alpine 2020 products. During the session special emphasis was given to Alpine’s upcoming PXE-X09 16-Channel Digital Signal Processor, as well as the new X409-WRA-JL Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator Head Unit Solution that is now shipping. Greenwood spent a great deal of time explaining the long list of features and benefits Alpine PXE-X09 owners will enjoy.
Andy Allen, Alpine’s Brand Representative for the South Texas market, demonstrated the Alpine Jeep Wrangler JL outfitted with the new X409-WRA-JL head unit and other great Alpine sound upgrade solutions. The Alpine Jeep Wrangler was parked outside and drew raves from dealers as Allen conducted full system demos.
Dan Greenwood (L) and Matt Caldwell from Hi-Pro Audio pictured with an Alpine in-store display. Caldwell is wearing the new Alpine Jacket he won in the raffle during the meeting courtesy of Alpine and ECD.
ECD”s Larry Treibel related “Dan and Andy really conducted a super session. The dealers were very engaged and asking Dan questions during his presentation. When dealers experienced the Alpine Jeep Wrangler JL demos from Andy they were all excited about making car stereo sound good in their stores. The evening lasted until 9:30 and the crew of 5 from Hi-Pro had over a 2 hour drive back to Victoria.”
Joey Simone, owner of Advanced Aftermarket Accessories in the Houston area stated “The training really got me fired up! The new Alpine Jeep solutions are great!”
The Alpine Jeep Wrangler JL, here with Dan Greenwood at the controls, stays on the road in the territory at trainings and store events.
Jay Bradley, owner of Audio Engineers in Pearland TX, was very impressed with the PXE-X09’s capabilities. Bradley commented, “I can’t wait to get my hands on one of those!”
Matt Caldwell, of Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, was the lucky winner of an Alpine Jacket courtesy of Alpine & Electronic Custom Distributors. Caldwell offered to 12voltnew.com “We took almost everyone from the store to the meeting and got back to the shop just a little after 11PM. We learned a lot from Dan’s in depth presentation and really were impressed by Andy’s demos. I really like the Alpine jacket and have it on right now as I am speaking with you, Mike.”
ECD is planning additional Alpine training sessions at the company’s Austin and Dallas facilities.
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX (02.27.2020) – The SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns Regional Competition makes its 2020 debut at the Heat Wave Spring Break Jam, March 7-8, in South Padre Island, Texas.
Now in its fourth year, the SEMA Young Guns competition is open to anyone ages 27 or younger (as of Nov. 6, 2020) who builds their vehicle primarily on their own. Interested builders are encouraged to register immediately for the opportunity to compete among their peers at the Spring Break Jam event.
The 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns Regional Competition, for builders ages 27 years or younger will kick off at the Heat Wave Spring Break Jam, March 7-8, in South Padre Island, Texas.
Applications to participate must be submitted online at www.semayoungguns.com. SEMA will then select 10 vehicles from the pool of submissions and reach out directly to the builders prior to the event to notify them of acceptance.
A panel of professional judges will choose one winner during the two-day event who will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas (Nov. 3-6, 2020), transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the SEMA Show and entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. The second- and third-place runner-up vehicles will still have the opportunity to be invited to the SEMA Show at the conclusion of the regional qualifier events in a nationwide fan vote.
For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns Competition and to submit an application for an opportunity to be chosen to compete at a regional qualifying event, visit www.semayoungguns.com.
UNIONDALE, NY (02.26.2020) – As the boating season is fast approaching Avenue Sound, with Kicker Marine Audio, made waves at the 62nd Long Island Boat Show at the Nassau Coliseum February 21st – 23rd.
Kicker Eastern Regional Matt Matheson (L) and Avenue Sound’s Vik Moolchandani are pictured just after the booth setup was completed.
Vik Moolchandani, Avenue Sound’s Captain at the event stated “We had a super booth location that stretched 40 feet by 15 feet. We filled that space with 3 decked out vehicles, displays and literature. The Yamaha WaveRunner, Polaris SlingShot and KTM Motorcycle, all with Kicker gear, highlighted Avenue Sound’s versatility. These vehicles definitely showed attendees that Avenue Sound can do it all. Spectators commented that they really appreciated the installation design and quality of our work.”
This graphic was utilized on social media to promote Avenue Sound’s marine business and presence at the Long Island Boat Show.
The Avenue Sound booth was jam packed from one end to the other with products stacked for sale in spaces between the demos and displays.
Matt Gonzalez, Trent Partners area Kicker representative along with Kicker’s Eastern Regional Matt Matheson were on site throughout the event.
The ‘Crew’ gathered for a photo op (RtoL) Matt Matheson, Vik, Jai and Hiru Moolchandani, Matt Gonzalez, Fernando, Pavan and Billy Billy. Check out the great Avenue Sound signage hanging in the background.
Gonzalez, related to 12voltnews.com “The Long Island Boat Show created an excellent opportunity for our firm to work with both Kicker and Avenue Sound in order to create more brand awareness with the direct consumer. It was alarming to me at just many people in the general public had no idea that they can customize their boat or WaveRunner.”
Continuing, Gonzalez stated “Many of the conversations we had in the booth also led into upgrading attendees audio and lighting on their personal vehicles besides their watercraft. It is imperative for the health of our industry that more retailers and manufacturers alike take part in these types of shows. Our futures depend on bringing in new business.”
Concluding, Moolchandani offered “The Long Island Boat Show was a great event. We received a lot of great exposure and saw a bunch of our customers there too. It was great to be in front of so many of them and consumers when they’re thinking about the upcoming boating and out-of-doors season.”
The Yamaha WaveRunner was loaded with Kicker Marine gear and the Kicker Marine Audio display was set for demos.
Kicker, long known for mobile audio, is highlighting the company’s strength in marine audio in 2020. Kicker Marine Audio recently had a major presence at the huge Miami International Boat Show. The ‘Go Overboard’ Theme is being utilized at events and retailer store level to bring attention to Kicker Marine Audio’s focus on the marine marketplace.
NASHVILLE, TN (02.25.2020) – MECA Commissioner Steve Stern organized and hosted the annual SQL Judges Training session in Nashville on February 21st – 23th. Fourteen serious Sound Quality League judge trainees participated in listening sessions throughout the weekend. MECA trains judges on an on-going basis, always on the lookout for the most talented listeners and scorers for Sound Quality contests.
MECA Commish Steve Stern with the new 2020 SQL Rulebook.
Bringing their ears to the mix: Nick Adams-CA, Chad Bleeke-IN, Dean Elzey-TX, Mike Flanagan-MS, Eric Halfacre-TN, Thomas Hendrix-SC, Klifton and Ethan Keplinger-IN, Jeremy Price and Andrea Paulson-TX, Sean Scott-PA, Mike “Conehead” Shubert-TN, Tim Smith TN and John Yi-CA.
Jeremy Price (L) and Thomas Hendrix enjoy dinner Friday night at the Caney Fork Grill while listening to the Mel-tones playing live at the table.
Friday night featured dinner and live unamplified bluegrass music at Caney Fork Grill. The Mel-tones are a must-hear for judges, and all were treated to 5 songs played live right at the table.
Saturday included listening sessions leading up to the Beethoven’s Birthday Bash concert at the Nashville Symphony Hall that night. Most of the focus during the day Saturday was on the technical side of training and geared toward scoring the official test tracks approved by MECA SQL. Four vehicles were on site for judges to score. Plus, everyone was getting dialed into the 2020 SQL Rule Book overview and fine points.
Vinny Taylor conducting a Saturday session at the Holiday Inn Express meeting room. Taylor is MECA’s longtime SQL Coordinator.
On Sunday Audio Specialists in Clarksville, TN hosted the annual Freezefest SQL event at their new store location which provided a great venue for 19 vehicles involved in the 3X points contest. XS Power was on-board for awards as Tennessee Title Sponsor for 2020. The day’s activity was integrated into a SQOLOGY event with Klifton Keplinger directing the show. MECA’s longtime SQL Coordinator, Vinny Taylor, conducted the judge listening sessions during the show. Results are listed with the event at www.mecacaraudio.com. During the day Sunday there was an SPL event at the Tennessee Speed and Sport location in Nashville.
A group of the MECA Judges entering the Nashville Symphony Hall for the Beethoven’s Birthday Bash performance Saturday night.
Excitement at the events was evident with new competitors and new vehicles plus the batch of new engaged Judges for the club members to work with at the contests.
MECA judges seated in the Nashville Symphonic Hall for the Beethoven’s Birthday Bash performance.
“The weekend was a great team effort which benefits the mobile electronics industry plus all professionals and enthusiasts who love cars and trucks, the gear, and Music” Stern stated.
Contact the Commissioner at mecacaraudio@comcast.net or call 615-851-7428 to get information, and to join the club and benefit from the program.
CONROE, TX (02.24.2020) – KICKER had an exciting booth at the Lone Star Throwdown (LST) for the fifth straight year. The show, billed by organizers as the “World’s Best Truck Show,” took place Feb. 21st-23rd at the Lone Star Expo Center in Conroe, Texas. KICKER was also a host sponsor of the event, which showcased 2,000 custom vehicles from around the country. KICKER arrived in the XRV (Xtreme Recreation Vehicle) big rig. The XRV is the brand’s rolling showroom, complete with a full line of KICKER audio gear as a hands-on display that consumers checked out up close.
The XRV was at the center of Kicker’s presence at the Lone Star Throwdown. The BoomRoom inside, and award winning rides around the XRV, let all know Kicker was ‘Livin’Loud’ on the event grounds in Conroe TX.
In the pit area, under the XRV’s awning, KICKER had several show cars for people to see and hear. With more than 5,000 watts of bass and a half-dozen KICKER L7S square subwoofers, the KICKER Silverado was powered up and Livin’Loud for the weekend. The Silverado is a daily-driven show truck that tours the nation, thrilling bassheads and the “car-audio curious” across the country.
The BoomRoom inside the KICKER XRV featured 24,000 watts of ‘Livin’Loud’ power.
The HE Forged ’57 Chevy Sedan Delivery was in the booth, equipped with KICKER’s elite Q-Class line of product. Additionally, SEMA vehicle designer, Andrew Lowe brought the “Battlecat” – a tricked out Dodge Challenger featuring KICKER KX-Series Amplifiers and a CompRT shallow-mount subwoofer. John Jackson of NotStock Photography showcased his Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in the booth. Affectionately dubbed “HomeWrecker,” the Sprinter is equipped with KICKER all-weather loaded cans mounted on the roof. KICKER installer Tim Smith showed his custom ’94 Chevy C1500 loaded with an entire KICKER system.
Mike Barcia, DOW Electronics, was headed home to Florida with the Best of Show trophy for his amazing ‘No Compromize’ 1996 Chevrolet C3500 Dually.
SHREVEPORT, LA (02.22.2020) – WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Just over 3 months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner is Audio Depot in Arlington TX. The Wheel landed on the JBL space and JBL TUNE120 Wireless Earbuds will be headed to John Schellsmidt. We know John will enjoy the JBL TUNE120’s when he is traveling back and forth to area car dealerships.
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, Cadence, PowerBass, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit, Wilson Electronics and Image Dynamics. SpellBrite, a manufacturer of in-store signage, also has a space. 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 and Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA.. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s The Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel Friday, February 28th.
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!
TULSA, OK (02.21.2020) – The 56th Darryl Starbird National Rod and Custom Car Show filled the Tulsa Expo Square February 14th – 16th. Car Toys Tulsa, an event sponsor, took a large 24 x 60 booth up front to highlight demo vehicles and products.
Charles Stewart, Car Toys owner, stated “Car Toys has been exhibiting at the Darryl Starbird show for years. On Saturday alone the attendance was reported to top 15,000. Total attendance topped 30,000 for the show’s run. Our booth, as a sponsor, was right up front so attendees checked us out when they entered and were leaving the event. Also as a sponsor we received a lot of play over the PA system during the show”.
Charles Stewart (R), Car Toys Tulsa owner, pictured with Momentum Marketing’s Gary Biggs under the Rockford Fosgate Tent.
As an event sponsor Car Toys Tulsa also received visibility on the heavy local radio and TV schedule that aired in the Tulsa area.
Powersports and marine products were showcased at the event with 2 loaded Harleys under the Rockford Fosgate tent. A Rockford Fosgate product display was also positioned in the booth to demonstrate products to attendees.
The Car Toys Tulsa 24×60 booth provided ample room to demo Harleys and other products.
Gary Biggs, the area sales representative for Momentum Marketing, was in the booth and worked the show with Charles and the Car Toys team members. Biggs offered “We were busy throughout the show talking with attendees about adding sound to their rides…cars, boats and bikes. The Starbird show attracts folks who are interested in a wide variety of vehicles. There was plenty to show them with the Harleys running Rockford Fosgate plus the display with the new marine products featuring the M1 speakers and RGB lighting. Being in the booth over the days of the show also gave me an opportunity to talk Rockford Fosgate with members of the Car Toys staff.”
The Rockford Fosgate display got a lot of action demoing there latest marine gear in the Car Toys Tulsa Booth.
Concluding Stewart added “We got a ton of exposure for Car Toys plus a number of very positive leads. Members of the Car Toys staff really pitched in. We had the store open too so our staff members had a lot to handle. On Sunday everyone was in the booth and did great job.”
A big 12volt News hat’s off to Car Toys Tulsa for participating at a major consumer event.
MIAMI, FL (02.20.2020) – KICKER Marine Audio is coming on strong in the marine industry as evidenced by the company’s presence and activities at the just completed 2020 Miami International Boat Show, on Virginia Key, February 13th-17th.
KICKER, long recognized in the “12-Volt” world of automotive, truck and powersports mobile audio, has recently flexed its muscle in the marine environment. While the brand initially appealed to many lake boaters, excelling in the pontoon, wake and surf boat markets, Kicker Marine Audio has recently expanded to the open water fishing boats and cruiser market, thanks to the growing appeal of its strong waterproof and reliable product characteristics.
The aisle in front of the Kicker Marine Audio Booth in D Tent was extremely and many times wall to wall with marine enthusiasts.
Kicker staff members on site at the Miami International Boat Show included Lori Boyer, Kip Litsey, David Glasgow, Sandy Moore and Carlos Jimenez. Litsey, Associate Director of Marketing-B2B, offered “The Miami International Boat Show is such a terrific event. Boat builders, marine retailers, vendor representatives, 12volt dealers, distributors and enthusiasts see the latest products and trends. Kicker Marine Audio lived up to the GO OVERBOARD theme and was ‘LivinLoud’ for sure at this event. The displays in the booth engaged attendees and sponsorships of the boat show events added to Kicker’s presence at the event-including the Kicker Marine Audio $4,000 system that was added to the $85,000 Reef Runner Boat Raffle for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.”
At the Miami Show, KICKER Marine Audio teamed up with Reef Runner Boats as a key sponsor in the manufacturer’s third annual “Battle Breast Cancer Giveaway.” The charitable fundraiser featured a $25 ticket donation campaign for the giveaway of a 230 open fishing boat, valued at $85,000 retail, with all funds raised to benefit breast cancer research for the Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale organization. Total donations raised reached $20,000. KICKER Marine Audio donated a full sound system, valued at nearly $4,000, joining additional sponsors like Evinrude, TACO Marine, SeaDek, Epson and others that supported the effort. The boat was prominently displayed at the show entrance. The drawing for the Reef Runner Boat was at 1 PM on Monday, February 17 and the lucky winner was Omar Fakhri from Flower Mound TX.
Jeremy Bale (L), Kicker Brand Manager for Lifestyle and Marine products, presented an award to Boats US magazine during the Miami International Boat Show opening ceremonies Thursday, February 13.
KICKER Marine Audio also participated at the show’s opening industry event on Thursday morning that featured Marine Marketers of America (MMA) and Boating Writing International (BWI) in a joint annual awards celebration. KICKER was the exclusive event sponsor for the MMA Neptune Awards, along with a category sponsorship of the BWI Travel Award. In addition, the company donated raffle prizes to the awards event that included giveaways of Kicker high-end blue tooth product, EB200 Earbuds and the Tabor Over-the-ear headset.
KICKER Marine Audio’s booth highlighted the line-up of marine audio equipment for 2020. Coaxials, subwoofers, amplifiers, receivers, service units and remotes for operation and lighting were included the offerings. KICKER Marine Audio has gone the extra mile behind the scenes to ensure that its marine components and rigging are waterproof, durable and problem-free. This attention to detail was expressly seen in items like fuses, cables, coaxial speakers and subwoofers, which are both certified and compliant to stringent marine standards.
Kevin Falvey (R), Editor of Boating Magazine won Kicker CushBT headphones presented by Jeremy Bale.
While “compliance” (relying on the manufacturer to test its own products) and “certification” (requiring third party review) are equipment terms often used, in the international marine industry these descriptors hold even more credence.
“We ensure that the right product is used for the application,” stated Phil White, KICKER’s Unit Director of Marine Audio Systems. “KICKER Audio components are designed to meet or exceed U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) as well as American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) standards. We also carry certification on certain items for water-tightness, ignition protection, and IP rating. We want to ensure that our high standards meet those of our boat builder partners, so every installation involving KICKER Marine Audio components can be waterproof, safe, and eliminate any avoidable risk in the harsh marine environment.”
Donna Milo, owner of Reef Runner Boats, pictured with the Reef Runner Boat that was the amazing raffle prize valued at $85,000. Kicker Marine Audio donated a $4,000 system as a sponsor. In addition the $25 raffle entry raised a $20,000 donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Items like fuse holders, ground distribution and cables are USCG and ABYC compliant, protecting electrical circuits against short circuits and corrosion, with construction and labelling compliant with USCG and ABYC standards. The Marine Rated Battery Fuses (MRBF) are certified IP66, meaning they are sealed to protect against dust and water intrusion. These KICKER Marine Audio fuses are also certified as Ignition Protected so they will not ignite flammable or explosive vapors in your engine compartment or enclosed spaces.
KICKER has taken a big step with ISO marine certification for its coaxial speakers and woofers. Kicker coaxial speakers and woofers are certified to meet the same ISO standard which applies to marine windows, doors and hatches, as those audio components must withstand water intrusion as well. Carrying this ISO certification has had a major impact in the EU and the rest of the global market.
KICKER tests all components in real life situations: salt fog, for corrosion; weather, for UV and moisture resistance; and IP testing for debris and water ingress, thereby providing OEM builders, dealers and customers with ultimate peace of mind when using KICKER Marine Audio. New products are also being added to the roster including more wiring, AMP kits, RCA Interconnects and terminals, all designed from the start to be marine compliant.
“KICKER Marine Audio delivers a trustworthy experience for our highly valued marine industry customers and the retail community,” stated Jeremy Bale, Brand Manager for Lifestyle and Marine Products, “We deliver total confidence in our product as proven in over 40 years of manufacturing top-quality mobile sound systems, with the goal to continually grow our brand and reputation in the recreational marine marketplace.”
