ORLANDO, FL (6.4.25) – VOXX Electronics by Gentex Corporation, proudly announces the appointment of Marketing Pros, Inc. (MPI) as its new manufacturer’s representative firm for the TALO region, which includes Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, effective immediately.
The TALO region will be led by Pete Daley, and VOXX is confident that MPI’s deep roots and proven success in the territory will drive new momentum for the company’s trusted brands. Formed in 1979, Marketing Pros is celebrating 46 years of service, bringing more than 150 years of combined industry experience to the VOXX family.
Renowned for its focus on brick-and-mortar accounts, MPI has built a strong reputation for growing lines through independent specialists—a model that aligns seamlessly with VOXX’s commitment to supporting its retail partners. MPI has been nationally recognized seven times as Rep Firm of the Year by Mobile Electronics Magazine, underscoring their expertise and consistency in delivering results.
“Marketing Pros has long demonstrated their commitment to supporting retailers and driving category growth,” said Aron Demers, VOXX Electronics SVP. “Their reputation, relationships, and strategic approach make them a perfect fit to help us grow and diversify our dealer base across this critical territory.”
VOXX Electronics warmly welcomes Marketing Pros to the VOXX family and looks forward to a successful partnership that delivers exceptional value to dealers throughout the TALO region. About VOXX Electronics
LONG BEACH, CA (06.03.25) – TEZspex, the innovative brand dedicated to enhancing Tesla vehicles with premium accessories was on site at the EV Fest 2025. The took place on Saturday, May 31, from 12 PM to 4 PM, at Long Beach City College in Long Beach, CA.
“EV Fest was the perfect opportunity for us to connect with Tesla owners in SoCal and showcase our range of top-tier accessories designed to elevate their driving experiences,” said Ruben Torres, National Sales Manager for TEZspex. “Our aim is to provide solutions that enhance comfort, convenience, and performance while keeping the stunning OEM look of Tesla vehicles.”
The Rydeen setup included many in-vehicle demos, along with goodie bags and other swag.
The EV Fest 2025 took place on the large grounds at the Long Beach City College. The weather was perfect and hundreds of Teslas and cars were on site. Many Teslas feature unique custom wraps. Ruben Torres and Mira Ricchaizzi were in the booth that included the fully upgraded Rydeen Tesla Y and Rydeen Show van. The van towered above surrounding Teslas which grabbed attention and was packed with Rydeen giveaway bags and event supplies.
“The Rydeen booth was very busy throughout the day as Ruben did dozens and dozens of demos in the Model Y. Also I walked down close by show aisles and handed out our catalogs to hundreds of attendees,” Mira Ricchiazzi related.
Ruben Torres and Rydeen and staff set to go in the booth.
The Rydeen van towered above the Rydeen Tesla loaded with TEZspex upgrades and drew attention at the EV Fest in Long Beach on Saturday.
Hundreds of Teslas and other vehicles were on site.
This year TEZspex featured a fully upgraded Tesla Model Y at the festival, showcasing an array of accessory innovations set to transform the driving experience. Attendees explored products like 8.8” Front Display W/ CarPlay & Android Auto, high-def display for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y with steering column-mount. Auto door handles (RGB wireless) featuring customizable RGB ambient lighting and smart detection, Motorized Soft Closing Systems, Soft Closing trunk and Soft Door Locks for smooth operation of doors and trunk.
Even more TEZspex upgrades included Electric Sunshades, Portable refrigerator and Ventilated Seats designed to maximize comfort during hot summer drives. Footrest, Rear Seat Folding Table and Rear console 7.0 Control Systems for comfort and style and many more premium accessories aimed at enhancing the Tesla owner’s experience!
A Cybertruck with custom graphics
A Cybertruck hotdog stand… Has all the power he needs!!
“At TEZspex, we are passionate about meeting the needs of Tesla enthusiasts,” added Torres. “Every accessory we create is engineered for seamless installation and integration into Tesla vehicles, empowering owners to personalize their rides with ease.”
BLOOMINGTON, MN (06.03.25) – D Source Distributing is thrilled to announce that the company is moving to a new location!
To facilitate this transition D Source will be closed on Friday, June 27 and will resume operations on Monday, June 30.
The new building is located at 7970 Wallace Road in Eden Prairie, MN 55344 and is just a few minutes away from the current location, ensuring continued accessibility for local dealers and no ship service delays for out-of-town dealers. The D Source Team sincerely looks forward to welcoming dealers at the new space where all remain committed to providing exceptional service and support.
“If any of our dealers and friends are interested in assisting us during this move, we would greatly appreciate your help” Josh Burris, DNR Sales, related.
Please reach out to D Source for further details as they thank all for your continued partnership the D Source Distributing Team related.
SHREVEPORT, LA (06.02.25) – The 12voltBeat newsletter, delivering fresh industry news, is emailed twice weekly to subscribers across the 12volt industry. Check your inbox early each Monday and Thursday mornings to see the latest news as 12volt Central Studios reporters walk the beat across the the 12volt industry to showcase the latest positive news.
Team Nutz showed off their loaded Expedition in a Hamilton Park Community event in Castle Shannon PA.
The Rydeen van towered above the Rydeen Tesla loaded with TEZspex upgrades and drew attention at the EV Fest in Long Beach on Saturday.
Music has a beat and the 12volt Central Studios reporters walk the beat to gather the latest industry news. The two work hand in hand. See examples of positive industry activities in this article.
Industry members can also send their fresh positive news by simply utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool. Simply Snap an image with a smartphone and Txt, with a few words, to 318 469 2526. Presto, your positive news could be in a future 12voltBeat.
PowerBass was set up at the Rifle Supply Cars and Coffee in Huntington Beach on Saturday. Bluetooth portables were spotlighted.
Very early Sunday morning Brian Mitchell was behind the wheel of the Arc Audio Silverado headed the 679 miles north to the Falcon Sales/AM Dealer show. He will give demos and showcase the award winning Silverado on Monday, June 2nd, Day 2 of the show.
The 5150 Audio RAM, loaded with MUSWAY, in the booth at the REV Alaska show in Wasilla Alaska. Joseph Norton is in the House.
Alpine’s Jason Hannon it’s all smiles as he arrived at the Falcón Sales/AM Merchandising Show to spotlight cool Alpine demo cars.
In today’s world it is imperative to focus on positives to connect with consumers and create traffic into brick and mortar stores. Manufacturers, reps, distributors and dealers all must work together to make this happen.
June is a new month and the 12volt Central Studios is Jammin’ N June to redouble efforts to showcase positives across the 12volt industry.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.01.25) – It’s Summertime and time for 12volt dealers to ‘Crank It Up’ and drive sales! It’s Summertime and time for consumers to get Jammin’ N June with great gear for their rides. Vendors, reps, distributors and dealers can unite to get consumers into stores. HiTech in-dash media, powerful amps and speakers that rock plus much more will get their rides Jammin’ N June.
The custom Jammin’ N June graphic can get the ball rolling. There is No Charge. In today’s marketplace proactive 12volt retailers are utilizing social media to connect with followers and consumers. 12volt retailers can post this FREE graphic on their Instagram and Facebook accounts. The graphic is square for the Instagram and Facebook templates….Simply download or screenshot and size the graphic!!! In the comments area dealers can highlight their brands and exciting activities… Special offers too!
Jammin’ N June. Those words, and that message, can grab the attention of followers and consumers to create much needed in-store traffic for 12volt retailers.
Online sales have been on a steady rise for the past several years. Today tariffs have turned much upside down. Continuing inflation has led to lower in-store traffic. Jammin’ N June themed activities by proactive 12volt retailers can drive social media awareness and traffic into their stores… and very importantly drive sales.
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 can raise the hair on their arms.
Khalil at Armando Sounds in Chicago said customers appreciate seeing products spotlighted in a specialty retailers store.
Sound-Off events and in-person activities are once again creating excitement. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts are ready to Crank It Up and get Jammin’ N June.
Team Nutz connected with hundreds showing 2 demo vehicles at this Chevrolet dealership on Memorial Day in Pittsburgh.
From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. The 12voltSTP Tool makes that easier than ever. Snap an image with your smartphone. Txt that image with a few details to 318-469-2526. PRESTO. Your store’s positive activities could be in the news.
As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Let’s get Jammin’ N June!
Much more to come from the 12volt Central Studios.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 324th time on Friday morning on May 30th The Wheel landed on the JBL space and the Yongs Audio 317 slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning spin slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to the lucky winning in Indianapolis IN. We gave Adam Kim the news and he was very excited to hear JBL prize will be headed his way. He also mentioned he had very won any kind of a prize like this before. He is looking forward to enjoying his JBL prize.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the 12volt marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, Kenwood, JVC, THINKWARE, Race Sport Lighting, EBS Audio, King Boxes, Massive Audio, Q Power and VIPER. 12volt News and 12voltBeat $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the 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, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ, Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA, Nappo Car Audio in Houston, Platinum Car Audio in Washington, Ballistic Audiowerks in Smithsburg MD, Xteme-Car Audio in Bremerton WA, Beltline Motors in Decatur AL, Ultimate Sounds in Chattanooga TN, Santa Fe Auto Sound in Overland Park KS, Soundelux Car Audio in Chula Vista CA, Kartele Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, BK Audio in Pasco WA, CenCal Audio in Madura CA, Xtreme Auto Sound in Louisville KY, Victorylap Auto Styling in East Moline IL, Car Trendz in Alexandria VA, BLVD Customs in Lakeland FL, Audio Systems in Montclair CA, Fitment_nyc_shop in Jamaica NY, King Audio in Norwalk CT. Foss Audio in Tukwila WA, OG Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, Tint and Tunes in Sacramento CA, Dr Dashboard in Evansville IN, The Sound Shop in Chino CA, Extreme Concepts in Albertville AL,The-King of Custom in Longwood FL, Car Audio Depot in Modesto CA and Audio Dreams in Acworth GA, PCH Custom Audio in Long Beach CA, Crazy Ralph’s Car Stereo in Gonzales LA, Joe’s Cycle Therapy in Somerset MA, Cal Custom Audio in Tracy CA, NWA Audio in Bentonville AR, XT Audio in Miami, Tim’s Audio in Newport OR, Build’s By Paul in Litchfield AZ, DAW Discount Audio in Paramount CA and M12 Audio in Bluefield WVA, Jam City Pros in Caddo Mills TX, Finishline Shop in Lumberton NJ, Genuine Custom Audio in Riverside CA,Ballistic Autowerks in Hagerstown MD, Jeff’s Custom Car Audio in Royce TX, Pitbull’s in Houston, Aspen Sound in North Spokane WA, CP Designs in Jarrell TX and D&B Sales in Ft Wayne IN, Precision Custom Audio in Riverview FL, The King of Custom, Active Sound in NC, Car Stereo Plus in Sumter SC, Audioworks DE in Newark DE, Active Sounds in NC Speed Car Audio in Dallas, Voodoo Customs in Luling LA, BK Customs 616 in Grand Rapids MI, TPD HiFI in Broken Bow OK, HiFi Crusin’ in Hattiesburg MS, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX Intense Kustom Audio in Brentwod NY, California Audio in West Valley UT, H A Ross Entertainment, Voodoo Customs in Haltom TX and Absolutely Creative Customs in Boulder CO.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 325 on Friday, June 6th.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (05.30.25) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) named their 2024 Rep of the Year and Rep Firm of the Year for the Alpine Brand (aftermarket division) during an all-staff meeting in Auburn Hills, Michigan on Tuesday, May 20. These annual awards recognize independent rep firms and direct reps who strongly commit to the Alpine brand, providing exceptional sales and marketing growth.
“Every year, we look forward to recognizing those who embody the Alpine brand by going above and beyond in their sales, marketing, and support efforts,” said Dan Sparks, National Sales Director for the Alpine Aftermarket Division at Alps Alpine North America. “This year, we are especially honored to recognize these outstanding sales reps who have truly stepped up and exceeded our expectations during the challenging environment in 2024.”
During the ceremony, Trent Partners & Associates was named 2024 Rep Firm of the Year. The team from Trent, comprising Matt Gonzalez, Peter Huggins, Frank Lombardo, and Ralph Luce, was recognized for their strong sales results in 2024, particularly in the sound and in-dash categories.
Jason Fine was named the 2024 Direct Rep of the Year for his impressive sales growth and dedicated support to his Alpine Authorized Dealers.
A special “Ludicrous Mode” award was also given to Pete Bobsin for his strong efforts in driving Alpine Tesla sound system sales and marketing activities in 2024.
Award recipients were chosen by Alpine senior leadership based on an evaluation of their sales, marketing, customer service, and communication for 2024.
WASHOUGAL, WA (05.29.25) – “Like our inaugural event last year this is gonna be a party you don’t want to miss. We would love to have all area dealers come and join us to take advantage of incredible deals, food & beverages and FUN!! We will have some manufacturers on site to present their products and answer any questions that you may have. Dealers are also bringing demo cars,” Dave Gates related.
Continuing, “The Falcon HQ will welcome dealers to the event with plenty of space on the grounds for demos and cars.”
Of course there will be free goodies, prizes and some giveaways to be raffled off each day and games. There will be rep meetups, educational trainings and a warehouse walk through. A wide selection of accessories will also b be tagged with event super deals.
AM Merchandising personnel in the house will include Randy Harcourt and Todd Curley. AM Merchandising reps on site will include Andrew Snook from Pioneer, Jared Bahley from Sony, Donnie Montgomery from Escort and Nina Contreras from SiriusXM.
Falcon Sales staff member on site will include Dave Gates, Mikala Gates, Scott Chapin, Jorge Fornos, Kam Frisbee, Kevin Ridenor, Cole Hunter and Carrie Poteet. Falcon Sales reps will include Jason Hannon from Alpine, Colby Boeder from UTVStereo, Brian Mitchell from Arc Audio and Jaysam Odeh from King Boxes. Dave Gates is Falcon Sales President.
“The PowerSports category is hot and we have the widest selection of products and I look forward to crankin’ up the volume on Side x Side that is loaded with UTV Stereo gear,” Gates concluded.
MODESTO,CA (5.27.25) – It’s well known across the 12volt industry that Brian Mitchell is a road warrior traveling across the US showcasing his custom Arc Audio builds. Mitchell‘s extraordinary recent trip included the KICKER SQ@HQ event in Stillwater, OK and from there to the PNWCEE in Seattle. When the event in Seattle wrapped, it was back ARC AudioHQ in Modesto CA. During that nine day trek May 14th thru 23rd Mitchell and Chewy in the Chevrolet pickup pulled the 30′ Arc Audio trailer. That first leg was 1611 miles behind the wheel. Chewy is Brian’s pet bull dog that is a regular at all events.
The first fuel stop, of 15+ on the trip, was in Tehachapi CA.
The 3 legs of the Arc Audio journey mapped out.
The KICKER SQ@HQ at KICKER’s world headquarters was orchestrated by KICKER Brand Promoter Ernie Ficklin to connect area IASCA and MASQ competitors for a competition that also included many enthusiast from the area. The event began early Saturday May 17th morning and wrapped that evening, following the Award ceremony. “It was terrific to welcome Brian to our SQ@HQ event. His personal dedication to the 12volt industry connects to KICKER’s mission to connect consumers with enjoyment while driving their rides. Arc Audio’s presence definitely contributed to the success of our first SQ@HQ.”
Open road in Arizona headed east to Stillwater OK.
All was set early Friday morning.
Chewy was resting Friday morning after the long drive.
In an amazing story of fate, Brian Mitchell’s Copper 12volt won the top award at the event. KICKER founder Steve Irby autographed the KICKER square sub that was featured on the Money Round Trophy crafted by Mark Eldridge. Within hours Saturday evening, Mitchell had loaded everything and departed for the 1951 miles to be on site at the PNWCEE in Seattle for Monday.
Once arriving at the Double Tree in Seattle the 12volt Copper Arc Audio car was showcased at the hotel entry. During the 3-Day event Mitchell was very active in training sessions plus showing products in the booth on the shelf floor. Networking with 12volt industry members also was a important element of the event.
Late in the afternoon Steve Irby autographed the Money Round Trophy that Brian Mitchell won just a few hours later.
This gas stop in Denver headed northwest to Seattle.
Out the window in Oregon a couple hundred miles from Seattle.
When it came time to prepare to leave for the Arc Audio HQ in Modesto, there was a big surprise… The Arc Audio trailer had been stolen from the hotel parking lot. Authorities were notified and within hours the Arc Audio trailer was located. The trailer have been robbed of Mitchell‘s tools and there were no tires on the trailer. The trailer graphics also experience damage. Between the loss of the tools, cost to replaced the tires along with the damage to the $6000 graphic on the trailer the total loss approached $15,000.
Miraculously Mitchell was able to make all of the necessary adjustments and actually returned to Modesto early on Friday morning after driving the 827 miles through the night.
The Arc Audio Copper 12volt positioned at the Double Tree entrance.
The Arc Audio table spotlighted new products on the event floor.
Brian Mitchell conducting a Tuesday training session.
Mitchell related “After looking back at the nine days it was a terrific experience in terms of what we were able to accomplish to showcase the Arc Audio brand. The KICKER SQ@HQ event was so very well organized. Everything ran very smoothly and it was an exceptional experience to actually receive the top award that included an autograph woofer by KICKER founder Steve Irby. While there, I was also able to visit the amazing museum located in KICKER’s global headquarters.”
Concluding “The PNWCEE event in Seattle was also very successful. There with our booth on the show floor and time spent with training sessions, plus networking, we really did a lot to connect industry members and dealers with all we’re doing with the Arc Audio brand to connect with consumers and drive business.”
A 12volt Central Studios thank you to IASCA’s Travis Chin, MASQ’s Robert McIntosh, KICKER’s Ernie Flicklin and Brian Mitchell for all their input to create this Arc Audio Journey coverage.
Based on MapQuest date the 4389 miles was 65 hours behind the wheel for the trip. Not sure that average of 67MPH can be be correct.
STILLWATER, OK (05.25.25) – In a first for the mobile-audio manufacturer, KICKER® provided the necessary space and played an active hosting role in the sound-quality event on May 17th. In a nod to its SQ and SPL successes during the 1990s and 2000s, the brand has collaborated with long-time league IASCA and relative newcomer MASQ, along with fellow industry authorities Alpine® and KENWOOD®, to host the “KICKER SQ@HQ” event at Stillwater Designs® global headquarters in Oklahoma on Saturday, May 17th.
“Partnering with MASQ and IASCA made perfect sense for both KICKER and the industry as a whole,” said KICKER Brand Promoter Ernie Ficklin. “The event turned out to be a Livin’Loud win-win situation for everyone involved.”
Early Saturday morning, all was set up and ready to go.
The triple-points IASCA (International Auto Sound Challenge Association) and MASQ (Mobile Audio Sound Quality) single-day events began the morning of May 17 on the large the KICKER HQ grounds. Representatives from Alpine and KENWOOD were on hand, as well as sound-quality judges, independent mobile-audio dealers and food trucks. The event was free to the public. The event wrapped Saturday evening after judging was completed with the awards ceremony.
The parking area around KICKER HQ was lined with show cars.
IASCA’s Travis Chin flew in from Washington State to lead the IASCA activities. “The KICKER SQ@HQ was terrific for IASCA. There was a solid turnout of IASCA team members from the area. The KICKER crew did a super job with setup. Everything ran so smoothly. A huge thank you to KICKER” Chin stated.
This image shows KICKER demos for attendees checked out.
MASQ’s Robert McIntosh related “Just a super event. Sure were a LOT of spectators…several hundred thru the day and that was fantastic to see people connecting with music in their rides. We had over 30 competitors overall with 20 being in the money round and 6 competing in the 2 seat. Mark Eldridge at MSE created some really classic trophies and we thank him very much. And a huge thank you to all at KICKER for making their HQ space available and their help getting the word out in Stillwater to attract attendees.”
KICKER founder Steve Irby autographing the Money Around Trophy, which was awarded to Brian Mitchell.
Brian Mitchell pulled the Arc Audio trailer from California to compete in the KICKER SQ@HQ event…that’s 1461 miles.. his famous pit bull Chewy navigating. ”I have been in the lanes at competitions across the US and nothing compares – the layout at the KICKER SQ@HQ. All the grounds really spotlighted the KICKER World HQ. I arrived on Friday and had a chance to visit the Museum and studios. The sparkling bright yellow Metropolitan will be in my mind for years. Thank you to all at KICKER” Brian offered.
Mark Eldridge, MSE, created these very unique awards for the event.
To add to Mitchell’s journey the Arc Audio Copper Volt competition car won the top award….The Money Round Trophy featuring an 8” Square Woofer that was autographed by KICKER founder Steve Irby. This trophy will certainly the center stage in Brian Mitchell’s large trophy collection.
KICKER opened the Visitors Center for the day, which showcases various KICKER-infused customs and the ridiculous Wall of Boom – the massive 14-by-20-foot display housing 28 subwoofers and 46 additional speakers with 18 amplifiers powering them. The KICKER XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) and other KICKER demo vehicles lined one complete side of the parking lot and were open for those who wanted to check them out. KICKER also had visits from past audio champions that propelled the brand nearly 30 years ago.
The entry to the KICKER Museum is just the beginning of the experience.
“As car-audio manufacturers, we believe we can play a crucial role in focusing more on these competitions, which we hope will help to drive the industry forward,” Ficklin continued. “Our company’s (geographical) position, located in the heart of the USA, providd us with the opportunity to make this happen.”
Stay tuned for news of future KICKER SQ@HQ events.
KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile- and home-audio aftermarkets at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers.
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