Kicker Marine Audio Joins Reef Runner Boats as Sponsor for Battle Breast Cancer Giveaway

STILLWATER, OK (01.24.2020) – Kicker Marine Audio lives its “Go Overboard!” tagline as it joins Reef Runner Boats in the boat manufacturer’s third annual “Battle Breast Cancer Giveaway,” culminating at the Miami International Boat Show. At the show’s closing on Sunday, February 17, 2020, Reef Runner will draw an entry of one lucky donor for a 23’ Open center console to celebrate its annual fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, a non-profit and leader in the fight against breast cancer.

Reef Runner Boats President Donna Milo’s own brush with the disease provided the impetus to start the benefit. She is joined this year by Kicker Marine Audio and other prestigious marine sponsors like Evinrude, TACO Marine, Edson, SeaDek by Castaway Customs, Ocean Tamer and Center Consoles Only in the packaging of a highly enticing prize. Each sponsor has donated product and services to increase the value and overall design look of the new Reef Runner 230 Open.

Kicker Marine Audio National Brand Manager Jeremy Bale met Reef Runner’s V.P. Patrick Farres at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show and the fundraising campaign struck a chord. Bale enlisted his company’s support to contribute a full sound system valued at $5,000 retail, complete with a lighted subwoofer, coaxials, amplifiers, service unit with remote and a lighting remote and receiver.

“We are pleased to support the efforts of Reef Runner Boats as so many of us have had our lives touched by cancer. We saw a great opportunity to add our expertise and products to this beautiful boat—built for a great cause,” commented Bales.

The campaign has raised over $25,000 over the past two years and to date $16,265 has been raised toward the $25,000 goal for the 2020 promotion and drawing. Tickets are available and donations can be made online at Reef Runner Boats website and at the Miami Boat Show, C-50 where the boat will be on display at the center of the Marine Stadium on Virginia Key. The winner will be drawn at 1 PM February 17 and need not be present to win.

For further information, contact Reef Runner at info@ReefRunnerBoats.com or KICKER Marine Audio via Marilyn DeMartini, md@prpower.biz. 954-649-4904.

AudioControl and Shiflet & Dickson Off to a Fast Start in 2020

GASTONIA, NC (01.23.2020) – Shiflet & Dickson hosted dealers for an AudioControl training session on Monday evening, January 20th, at the company’s facility in Gastonia NC. Matt Palumbo, AudioControl’s National Trainer, flew in from Seattle to conduct the training.

David Holland, Shiflet & Dickson GM, stated “We had about 30 people in the audience for Matt’s training. He not only thoroughly covered the technical aspects of products in the AudioControl line but gave dealers a number of sales pointers that they can use on the sales floor back in their stores. Several dealers came from over a couple hours away and they were definitely rewarded for their trip.”

Matt Palumbo (L) and Dennis Montgomery set to kick off the Shiflet & Dickson Training meeting.

Palumbo related “We trained the audience members at Shiflet & Dickson on the entire AudioControl lineup as well as a focus on new products like our LC1i and LC2iPRO, ACX Series all-weather amplifiers, new 5-channel amplifier as well as the game changing DM-RTA. Audience members were definitely in tune and asked a lot of real world questions.”

Holland added “We had a meeting in the AudioControl booth at CES. While there Matt took me through the line. In our discussions in the booth I mentioned we had not had an AudioControl training in a while. Just 10 days after CES 2020 concluded we had an AudioControl training at our facility. That’s getting after it and we appreciate the very quick action to get 2020 off to a fast start with Audio Control.”

Steven Reed (R), MIG, pictured with AudioControl’s Matt Palumbo with the AudioControl ACM4.300 he won as the raffle prize at the Training Meeting.

A drawing was held for an Audio.Control ACM4.300 at the event. Steven Reed, from Mobile Installation Group (MIG), in Gaffney SC was the winner. Reed told 12voltnews.com “Matt put on a great training and I am looking forward to putting my ACM4.300 into action.”

Reece Helms, Shiflet & Dickson’s new Territory Manager for the company’s Eastern NC and SC area, attended the meeting. Helms spent 15 years working with N Tunz in Salisbury NC and lives on the coast. Helms will provide Shiflet & Dickson greater coverage in golf cart, ATV, motorcycle and marine accounts.

Following the Shiflet & Dickson training Palumbo hit the road with Dennis Montgomery visiting dealers in the territory. Montgomery is a territory manager for Tech Marketing that reps AudioControl.

Visit audiocontrol.com and shifletdickson.com for more.

HKI SounDigital USA Brings in Great Asset to the Powersports Division

DANIA BEACH, FL (01.22.2020) – HKI SounDigital USA, the US importer and distributor for SounDigital Amplifiers and Ground Zero Car Audio, is pleased to announce a new member to their team. “Dorian Thomas will be a great asset for our company, to help us develop our growing Powersports division” stated Diogo Iannaccone, CEO of HKI SounDigital USA. “We are very excited to have him on board!”

Dorian Thomas in the SounDigital booth at SEMA 2019.

“I’m very happy with the opportunity to be a part of two of the finest 12-volt manufacturers in the industry,” commented Dorian Thomas, “I’ve been working closely with SD and GZ for the last two years with great success in the powersports industry and I’m excited with all the new products that are going to be released in the very near future!” With a passion specializing in custom Harley Davidson audio systems and fabrication, along with ground up bike builds, Dorian has built relationships with custom and specialty parts manufacturers across this part of the industry.

Utilizing his knowledge of the powersports market and his friendships across the industry, he will be helping with the design and sales of new products for both SD and GZ specifically tailored to custom powersports audio.

Visit www.soundigitalusa.com or www.groundzerousa.com for more.

Mobile Solutions Hosts Second So. Cal. Hot Rod Fab Class

TEMPE, AZ (01.21.2020) – Mobile Solutions is hosting a special one-day Accelerated Hot Rod Interior Fabrication 2.0 training session in Southern California on Thursday February 6th, just before the official kick off of MEA KnowledgeFest in Long Beach, CA. Bryan Schmitt, president of Mobile Solutions leads the class, along with the all-star builders who’ve been part of other popular Mobile Solutions training classes including: Juan “JT” Torres, Tom Miller, Chris Pate and Gary Bell. The training session is scheduled for 1 pm – 7 pm and is hosted at Automotive Entertainment in Huntington Beach, CA.

Bryan Schmitt from Mobile Solutions comments “We had such a successful training event last year at Automotive Entertainment that we’ve stepped up the curriculum and added even more instructors so that it’ll be guaranteed to be an incredible event for those in attendance.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the most talented designers and fabrication minds in the business. Here’s a summary of what is presented in this can’t miss training:

• How to conceptualize an interior design and convert it to something you can build
• Detailed router work examples for greater safety, precision and efficiency
• Using aluminum in multiple ways for serviceable panel construction and cosmetic interest
• How to seam multiple materials together (vinyl, suede & carpet) and create interest
• New and refined vinyl embossing techniques to personalize hot rod interior design
• New and refined diamond pattern panel technique to emulate upscale vehicle interiors
• Technical leather and vinyl wrapping examples with time-saving tools and preparation
• Where to find premium OEM-grade leather, vinyl, fabric, glue and supplies

“In our automotive builder-centric community of Southern California, we appreciate the opportunity to present advanced interior fabrication techniques to 12 volt technicians and hot rod builders alike” says JT Torres of Automotive Entertainment who is hosting the event. Torres, Chris Pate and Tom Miller were all former ME-Mag Installer of the Year recipients in addition to each being accomplished business owners. Gary Bell, another guest instructor and business owner at Define Concepts, builds demo vehicles regularly for leading 12 volt manufacturers.

Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be served throughout the training day. Attendees are treated to a world-class Santa Maria-style BBQ dinner with all the trimmings at the close of the training session put on by Armando “Mandezze” Rolon of Atlas Custom Sound. Orca Manufacturing is co-sponsoring the dinner.

This is an incredible opportunity for professionals in interior design and custom fabrication to learn in a real shop environment, enjoy great food, meet and collaborate with like-minded industry professionals and get in gear for the KnowledgeFest event in Long Beach, CA that follows on Feb 7-9, 2020.

Though the training session is presented in English, Spanish speakers will have access to JT Torres and other Spanish-speaking fabricators to help translate questions on the content specifics during class breaks.

Find additional information and to register for the one-day So. Cal Accelerated Hot Rod Fab 2.0 training, visit www.mobilesolutions-usa.com.

Tuition is $199 and includes the incredible Santa Maria-style BBQ dinner after the event. Registration closes Monday February 3, 2020.

KICKER Awards the 2019 Sales Rep- and Firm-of-the-Year at CES

STILLWATER, OK (01.20.2020) – Stillwater Designs was proud to recognize Daniel Hernandez of Trent Partners and Associates (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) as the 2019 KICKER Manufacturers Representative-of-the-Year, and Marketing Pros (Conroe, Texas) as Manufacturers Representative Firm-of-the-Year during its annual meetings at CES in Las Vegas.

Covering Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas, Marketing Pros were chosen for their attentiveness to dealers, their communication skills and ability to grow new business in their territories. The Marketing Pros team consists of Pete Daley (principal), Kevin Knox, Jim Wehling, Mike Penny, George Reed and Kristin Daley.

Marketing Pros – pictured left to right are Kevin Knox, Kristin Daley, Pete Daley and Brad Ganz

“Ultimately, the reps are an extension of us,” said Brad Ganz, KICKER’s Regional Sales Manager for the Central U.S. “If they’re doing a good job, dealers are happy. If there is a problem, we want the reps to be able to handle the issue quickly and effectively. It’s a well-oiled machine that keeps moving forward.”

Daniel Hernandez (left) with Matt Matheson

The KICKER Rep-of-the-Year criteria is similar to that of the companies for which they work. Individual service and communication skills are evaluated in conjunction with fiscal criteria.

“Daniel has impressed me with his work ethic,” said Matt Matheson, KICKER’s Northeast Regional Sales Manager. “He works very well with everyone internally. His product knowledge and extensive technical background in the car-stereo industry have all contributed to dealers in his territory valuing his input.”

KICKER places a premium on servicing its dealers.  Every year, KICKER celebrates the representative firm and individual reps that consistently exceed expectations, measured by financial growth, providing outstanding service to customers and maintaining clear, reliable communication with members of the KICKER corporate team.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Tint World Ranked as Top Franchise for 6th Year in a Row in Franchise 500

BOCA RATON, FL (01.17.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Placement in the Franchise 500 is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry making it one of the company’s most competitive rankings ever. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500 ranks Tint World as 279 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“The 500 companies on this list all have something in common: They understand what consumers want now,” says Entrepreneur editor-in-chief Jason Feifer. “They may be an upstart in a brand-new category, or they may be a brand like Dunkin’ that’s ranked highly on our list for decades. But either way, making our list means they’re forward-thinking, nimble, and closely in touch with their customers’ needs—because in an ever-changing business environment, that’s what a franchise must do to thrive.”

An excited Charles Bonfiglio at a Tint World store in the Middle East.

The key factors that go into the evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 in ranking order.

“Appearing in the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 for the sixth consecutive year proves the dedication and work ethic of the Tint World team,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO of Tint World. “The Tint World staff and franchise owners are committed to maintaining the company’s position among the elite automotive styling franchises. We’re all extremely grateful this recognition, but it also inspires us to achieve even more in 2020.”

Over its 41 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Tint World’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto and marine accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.

To view Tint World in the full ranking, visit entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2020 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands Jan. 14.

Cadence Exhibited at CES 2020 in Las Vegas

Members of the Cadence, OnCore and Logic Team gathered for a group photo along with the hot bike and SXS in the company’s booth at CES.

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA (01.16.2020) – Cadence exhibited at CES 2020 earlier this month with an exciting presence in the LVCC North Hall. OnCore and Logic brands also showed off new products to attendees and business partners.

In 2020, Cadence is delivering an even more refined product line that incorporates today’s needs in a very competitive atmosphere. These products meet real market demands. As an example, at CES Cadence displayed the new CSB 2014 SoundBar and horn-loaded SWB 60TWS wake tower/UTV speaker that features truly wireless sound. Enthusiasts can now enjoy quality Bluetooth stereo sound in marine and off-road settings.

Raffle winners for the booth drawings are pictured with Cadence Woofer prizes.

In the Cadence North Hall Booth a raffle was held everyday during CES for giveaway prizes that included Xlerator and US12″ subwoofers to 4 lucky winners! Retailers winning the raffle prizes included Car Audio City, Heat Wave, Andre’s Electronic Experts and Thibert.

The Cadence booth was well laid out to showcase new products, activities and demo vehicles.

The OnCore line was also featured in the booth. OnCore is designed exclusively for the skilled brick and mortar independent. New OnCore models are now shipping.

“A big thank you to all who came to visit Cadence at CES! We are excited for what 2020 will bring. See our new website at www.CadenceSound.com. It’s going to be a big year!” The Cadence Team offered.

For more information or to find out how to join the #CadenceTeam, contact CadenceTeam@cadencesound.com

KICKER Space-Saving, Down-Firing Loaded Sub Enclosures Shipping Now

STILLWATER, OK (01.15.2020) – KICKER has developed and perfected three new, ultra-thin, down-firing loaded enclosures, dubbed the TRTP-Series, and all are currently shipping to Authorized Dealers and Consumers across the U.S. All enclosures come with a single 2-Ohm terminal, and are available in 8-, 10-, and 12-inch models. The enclosures are available for purchase by consumers in-store and online.

Included in each enclosure is the popular KICKER CompRT thin subwoofer, alongside a resurgent reFLEX passive radiator for a significant upgrade in bass without increasing overall depth. Barely five inches high, TRTP Enclosures are built to fit anywhere from behind the seat of a pickup to the back cargo area of a hatchback. The down-firing design allows it to fit in tight spaces, yet still deliver peak performance. The rugged enclosures design has the added benefit of allowing items to be stacked on top of it for max cargo space. TRTP Enclosures are carpeted and custom embroidered with the KICKER logo.

Thanks to innovative engineering, the shallow-mount CompRT subwoofer handles an exceptional amount of power without sacrificing depth. The ribbed Santoprene surround sports signature red KICKER stitching, while the thick polypropylene cone pumps out smooth, clean bass. The sub’s perimeter venting and UniPlate back plate and solid pole piece provide excellent thermal management for the sub at any volume level.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc., are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Maxxsonics USA Appoints Sam Dattalo to Vice President of Sales

CHICAGO, IL (01.14.2020) – Alden Stiefel, President and CEO of Maxxsonics USA, announced the promotion of Sam Dattalo to Vice President of Sales. In his new role, Dattalo will be managing the sales strategy of the organization’s distributor and aftermarket audio businesses.

Alden Stiefel, President and CEO of Maxxsonics said, “Sammy and I have worked together for decades. His extensive knowledge of consumer electronics, specifically the mobile audio business, is an essential part of Maxxsonics future. In 2020, I look for Sam to kick our efforts into high gear and continue the buildout of a top-notch sales organization.”

Alden Stiefel (L), President and CEO of Maxxsonics USA, pictured with new VP of Sales Sam Dattalo in front of the company’s HQ in Chicago.

Sam joined Maxxsonics in 2013 after a career path through consumer electronics as a Retail Salesperson and Manager at Music Car (located in Elmwood Park, IL) before joining Alden at Clifford Electronics, where he was a Central Regional Manager in the auto alarm business.

Dattalo stated, “I pride myself as a great communicator and I’m looking forward to continuing the synergies that have started with our ISO processes in our manufacturing and engineering teams. My goal is to have everyone, from finance to the warehouse, focused on a single path with the tools they need to win.”

Sam Dattalo, VP of Sales Maxxsonics USA, pictured with the RPM sales team in the WestGate Hotel Suite during CES. Dattalo, Eddie Ramirez, David Lopez and Maria Perez (L to R).

In 2000, Sam left Clifford to start his manufactures representative firm, Spectrum Sales, where he covered Central US and Chicagoland areas. Over the last 6 years, Dattalo has served as Maxxsonics’ National Sales Manager.

Dattalo continued, “I feel that Maxxsonics had a hugely successful CES in our Suite at the Westgate. We had solid appoints with key partners. We showed new products from each brand. The new Crunch Ground Pounder Series really grabbed the eyeballs of all in the Maxxsonics Suite.”

The appointment of Dattalo to Maxxsonics senior management follows other recent announcements of Luis Larralde as Latin America Sales Director, Brian Sherman to Vice President of Product & Marketing, as well as Sherri Sawyer to Vice President: Finance & CFO.

Stiefel concludes, “With more demands on his time, Sam has agreed to give up his adult baseball career. Good news for my team.”

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.

Nakamichi Car Audio Kicked Off CES with National Sales Meeting

LAS VEGAS, NV (01.13.2020) – In the shadows of the new Las Vegas Raiders football stadium, Nakamichi held a National Sales Meeting on Monday afternoon, January 6 at the Marriott Courtyard Las Vegas South.

The meeting was opened with introductions provided by Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager for Nakamichi Car Audio. A keynote speech was given by current Nakamichi Japan President and former Pioneer USA President Kiyokazu Igarashi. Igarashi-san joined the company in May of last year and said he was humbled to head such a storied brand. He urged the reps to give their input and let him know what type of products were needed to ensure the brand’s success.

David Bradman (in the foreground) Diplomat Trading President, addressing the reps during the national sales meeting.

David Bradman, President of Diplomat Trading—the exclusive agent for Nakamichi Car Audio in the U.S. welcomed all the reps and thanked them for making the trip to Las Vegas. David shared some of his company’s past 40+ year history and his enthusiasm for the Nakamichi brand. From there a new product presentation was hosted by Sheamson Yeo, World Wide Sales Manager for Nakamichi Car Audio.

Sheamson Yeo, World Wide Nakamichi Car Audio Sales Manager, during his presentation to the representatives at the national sales meeting.

Other topics discussed were commission structures, MAP enforcement and product show specials.

McNeal and Bradman would like to recognize the rep groups that were able to make the trip to CES along with the huge investment of time and money required attend the show. Rep firms attending the meeting included

Gemini Advantage Marketing (NY/NJ)
M.C. Marketing (Southeast)
Encore (Mid Atlantic)
Cardoza and Company (No Calif and No NV)
Sound Sales and Marketing (So Calif)
Arrowhead Marketing (Dakotas and MN)
Advanced Marketing (Pac NW)
Discovery On-Mark (Rocky Mtn and AZ/NM)
Mielenz Sales (Illinois)
Foresight Marketing (Hawaii)

During Day 1 of the show Nakamichi had its 2021 CES booth selection and is pleased to announce that the company will return to Vegas next January to exhibit in the new West Hall which is currently under construction.

Visit nakamichi-usa.com for more.