LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.07.2025) – Maxxsonics, a leader in innovative audio solutions for Mobile, Powersports, and Marine applications, has announced the retirement of Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales, after more than a decade of dedicated service to the company and over 25 years of distinguished contributions to the automotive aftermarket industry.

Since joining Maxxsonics in 2014, Dattalo has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s sales strategies, expanding its market presence, and fostering lasting relationships with clients and partners.

“Sam Dattalo has been an integral part of our team and a driving force behind our growth and success over the past 10 years at Maxxxsonics in addition to our personal 35-year relationship,” said Alden Stiefel, Maxxsonics’ CEO.

“His expertise, vision, and passion for the car audio industry have not only elevated our company – but have also left a lasting impact on the industry as a whole. While we will miss his leadership, we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement,” concluded Stiefel.

Before joining Maxxsonics – Dattalo held key positions at Clifford Electronics and his own independent rep firm, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the automotive aftermarket.

The sales leadership team will work closely with Senior Management to ensure a seamless transition and continued focus on delivering innovative audio products and solutions to customers.

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.

LOVELAND, CO (01.06.25) – The KICKER AMA ArenaCross filled the Blue Arena in Loveland CO on Friday and Saturday evenings January 3rd and 4th for Rounds 5 and 6 of the 2024/2025 AMA ArenaCross Series.

“It was cold outside but inside the action on the track was red hot and the attendees were Livin’Loud. Riders were Livin’Loud and fast on the track too. KICKER had a display set up in the lobby area and virtually everyone who entered the Blue Arena passed by the KICKER setup with a selection of products on display. As enthusiasts came through the lobby we were showing and talking KICKER to all. Colorado is truck country so the KICKER L7T under seat drew a lot of attention as did the Harley products and woofers. Powersports is strong in the Rockies so the KICKER PowerBar grabbed attention too. Marine is a growing category in the area along with life style products” Lorin Morrell-Maddog-Media, who orchestrates the KICKER AMA ArenaCross Series events, related.

The recently renamed Blue Arena was built as a hockey arena that holds about 7000 people. For the ArenaCross event the stands were pushed back a bit to set up the fairly short, but well designed, dirt track for riders. Over 100 riders during the 2 nights were flying high and navigating the tight turns through the evening races from 7:30 until well after 9PM.

Both Friday and Saturday evening’s event got off to an early start as enthusiasts were on the track for the Pit Party. For about an hour before the racing action enthusiasts met the rides and asked them questions while having an opportunity to walk the track.

In addition to the action on the track T-shirts were fired into the crowd during race breaks and track maintenance periods. An air cannon fired wrapped KICKER T’s into the crowd. A special T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. Crowd members also participated in flag-waving sessions for a chance to win a set of new KICKER TW2 true wireless ear buds.. “Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when the PA announcer handed them their prizes was really special” Morrell offered.

Concluding Morrell added “The KICKER AMA ArenaCross got off to a great start for the 2024-2025 circuit in Reno along with Boise and Loveland continued the roll for the KICKER AMA ArenaCross series. It is terrific to see, and feel, the energy from members of the crowd as all are Livin’Loud at KICKER ArenaCross events.”

The next stop for the AMA ArenaCross and Maddog_Media is in Guthrie OK January 24th for Round 7.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Dallas, TX – January 3, 2025 – HARMAN International Industries has partnered with Crossover Marketing Group Southeast to represent the company in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas for the Car Audio division, plus Louisiana, and Arkansas for the Motorsports Categories.

“We’re excited to work with Crossover Marketing Group Southeast,” said Shawn Spedding, Director of Sales, Mobile Aftermarket at HARMAN. “Their vast industry knowledge and strong dealer relationships make them the perfect partner as we expand our presence and deliver top-quality audio products in the territory.”

This new collaboration underscores HARMAN’s commitment to providing not only innovative products but also the local expertise and support necessary to build dealer relationships and driving results. By partnering with Crossover Marketing Group Southeast, JBL aims to strengthen its dealer network and deliver tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of the Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas markets.

“We’re proud to represent a brand as iconic as JBL,” said Shawn Simpson, Principal at Crossover Marketing Group Southeast. “Our focus will always be on helping dealers thrive selling HARMAN products.”

For more information Shawn Simpson, Principal (832) 594-4040

SHREVEPORT, LA (01.02.2025) – January 1st 2025 marked the beginning of a New Year filled with opportunities. Happy New Year’s 2025 to all across the 12volt industry!

The New Year 2025 presents all with opportunities to start with a clean slate and implement a fresh set of goals for the year ahead.

There is an old saying “Nothing is more constant than change.” The fact that online commerce continues to capture sales from brick and mortar retailers has become a constant that won’t change – unless brick and mortar retailers change their approach to the marketplace. E-commerce sales during the 2024 holiday season were up double digits over 2023. Between Black Friday and Christmas eve FedEx, UPS along with the US Postal Service combined to deliver over 2 billion packages. To be sure, not all of those packages were Christmas gifts. However, as online ordering surged, the majority were Christmas gifts. Estimates are over 18% pf those gift packages will be returned.

Brick and mortar retailers across the U.S. closed thousands of stores in 2024.

In the evermore digital marketplace, all brick and mortar retailers must change their mindset and marketing approach to engage the consumer marketplace. To be successful retailers must create an overall experience consumers can not get from an online retailer. Hearing crisp highs, and feeling bass in the chest, just can not be experienced online. Experiencing in-vehicle lighting plus power sports and marine installations first-hand will drive sales. Safety and convenience products, along with in-vehicle connectivity, are also categories where an exciting in-store experience can drive sales for brick and mortar retailers.

Social media outreach is an extremely powerful vehicle through which 12volt retailers can develop a legion of loyal followers and engage consumers. Mobile devices are in the hands of virtually all consumers today. The smartphone is such a valuable tool for 12volt retailers to showcase their respective message to their followers and consumers.

New product arrivals, hot installations, new in-store displays and proactive staff members represent ideal content to highlight through planned social media posts. By the time the morning coffee is brewed a far sighted 12volt retailer could have made an engaging Instagram post for his followers to checkout. That post could feature a new product with an invitation to come into the store for an exciting demonstration. As that Instagram post was made that content could have been shared to Facebook and Twitter accounts also.

For the good of our 12volt industry, the community of suppliers must endeavor to inform the world of the benefits mobile electronics products offer consumers. It’s is well known the price driven “Race to Zero” has stripped marketing budgets. Recent emphasis on high end in-vehicle audio, along with power sports for UTV, motorcycle and marine plus lighting, is a terrific way to kick off the New Year.

We look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities showcased in the 12volt Central Studios in 2025.

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.31.2024) – January 1st 2025 marks the beginning of a New Year filled with opportunities. Happy New Year 2025 to all across the 12volt industry!

The New Year 2025 presents all with opportunities to start with a clean slate and implement a fresh set of goals for the year ahead.

There is an old saying “Nothing is more constant than change.” The fact that online commerce continues to capture sales from brick and mortar retailers has become a constant that won’t change – unless brick and mortar retailers change their approach to the marketplace. E-commerce sales during the 2024 holiday season were up nearly double digits over 203. Between Black Friday and Christmas eve FedEx, UPS, Amazon and the US Postal Service combined to deliver over 2 billion packages. To be sure, not all of those packages were Christmas gifts. However, as online ordering surged, the majority were Christmas gifts. Estimates are over 18% pf those gift packages will be returned.

Brick and mortar retailers of all categories across the U.S. closed thousands of stores in 2024.

In the evermore digital marketplace, all brick and mortar retailers must change their mindset and marketing approach to engage the consumer marketplace. To be successful retailers must create an overall experience consumers can not get from an online retailer. Hearing crisp highs, and feeling bass in the chest, just can not be experienced online. Experiencing in-vehicle lighting plus power sports and marine installations first-hand will drive sales. Safety and convenience products, along with in-vehicle connectivity, are also categories where an exciting in-store experience can drive sales for brick and mortar retailers.

Social media outreach is an extremely powerful vehicle through which 12volt retailers can develop a legion of loyal followers and engage consumers. Mobile devices are in the hands of virtually all consumers today. The smartphone is such a valuable tool for 12volt retailers to showcase their respective message to their followers and engage consumers.

New product arrivals, hot installations, new in-store displays and proactive staff members represent ideal content to highlight through planned social media posts. By the time the morning coffee is brewed a far sighted 12volt retailer could have made an engaging Instagram post for his followers to checkout. That post could feature a new product with an invitation to come into the store for an exciting demonstration. As that Instagram post was made that content could have been shared to Facebook and Twitter accounts also.

The Instagram Business Profile, which is free, features a contact tab. A follower can tap the contact tab and call the store from their smartphone as they view the post. Also, a follower can send an email to the store as well as get a map to the store. Making a post, with the opportunity to get an immediate response from a follower, is an amazing outreach 12volt retailers can’t pass up in today’s marketplace.

For the good of our 12volt industry, the community of suppliers must endeavor to inform the world of the benefits mobile electronics products offer consumers. It’s is well known the price driven “Race to Zero” has stripped marketing budgets. Recent emphasis on high end in-vehicle audio, in-vehicle connectivity, dash cams, power sports, motorcycles and marine plus lighting upgrades to promote it’s a terrific way to kick off the New Year 2025.

We look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities showcased in the 12volt Central Studios in 2025.

SHREVEPORT LA (12.30.24) – In this digital driven cyber world it is more important than ever to drive store traffic into brick and mortar retail stores. All 12volt retailers have digital options to create a network of social media followers to drive store traffic for the in-store experience. Proactive 12volt retailers utilize those digital social media platforms.

The outside-the-store-experience is equally important for successful retailers. The retailer’s building and upgrades are a large portion of a 12volt retailer’s investment. Creating an eye-catching appearance from the street is an extremely important component to drive sales. A well maintaned parking lot is step one. Another important step is to let drivers from the street see that the store is in the car stereo and automotive aftermarket upgrade business.

A company demo vehicle spotlighted in front of a retail location is certainly an easy option, Showcasing a customer’s with just completed vehicle installation is another option. Many old-timers remember full expensive time-consuming in-vehicle car audio demo vehicles in the store’s parking lot.

Images below showcase several proactive retailers that spotlight vehicles out front plus highlight those vehicles with
social media posts. Large street-side signage is an ideal image setting. Positioning the vehicle to show the
company logo on the building in the background can add to grabbing eyeballs.

Vehicle lighting is a growing category across the 12volt industry. Smartphone control options add so many options for colors.
Winter time daylight savings adds to the timeframe a demo vehicle can grab eyeballs from the street. On building lighting can also add to grabbing drivers’ attention from the street.

Online sales continue to grow. In-store demos are the only way consumers can feel the bass in their chest and experience the mids and highs. Professional installation is truly an ace in the hole for 12volt retailers.

Let’s all continue to work to drive the in-store experience…beginning with the outside—the store experience.

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA (12.27.24) – Atlantic Car Stereo first came to the attention of the 12volt Central Studios at the April CMA Expo 2024 in Toronto. Six members of their team traveled 1100 miles from from Halifax to Toronto for the 3-day Expo. When checking out their Instagram post it became apparent they have taken the in-store experience to the next level.

The company is continuing to showcase the in-store experience with frequent social media posts as 2024 wraps to get a jump on 2025.

Periodically, the full graphic on the store’s front door have changed. Recent graphics have celebrated the company”s 40th Anniversary.

Once inside the store consumers are greeted with a tremendous layout in the showroom and other adjacent areas. Showroom highlights include a number of large monitors which can be changed digitally to showcase different graphics and specials in addition to product displays..

Once entering the lane on the floor leads customers to the sales counter. The Audio Zone features demo display boards. Each area of the store, including the installation are spotless. Even the parking lot in the shopping center is maintained daily.

Sarah Russell related “Our team thoroughly enjoyed all parts of this year’s CMA Expo…the networking, the training, the parties and the demo vehicles. We closed the store for the trip and had very detailed plans that each member of our team would do to maximize our investment. We learned a lot of information that will help us better serve our customers. The DSP training, sales training and hands on fabrication were our favorites. Vehicles are becoming more complicated as even base models are equipped with technologies, such as ANC, so having the skills and tools do our job is a must. We are looking forward to the CMA Expo 2025 April 4-6 in Toronto”

Watch for more from Sarah and Darrell Russell, along with their Team, from the 12volt Central Studios in 2025.

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.26.24) – It was terrific to see 12volt companies across the 12volt industry utilizing social media to wish their followers and friends Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas 2024 wishes. The custom graphics delivering the heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday messages jumped off the screen of 12volt Central Studios iPhone on Christmas Day.

The 12volt Central Studios Santa sleigh is now headed back to the North Pole for a much needed rest before the trip back to the US for Christmas 2025.

The posts above were selected from the hundreds of Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays posts that the 12volt Central Studios staff members noted on social media feeds.

Always more at 12voltnews.com.

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.24.2024) – We truly wish all across the 12volt industry a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Season 2024.

During this time of the year we wanted to take time to thank all across the 12volt industry for their support, encouragement and business in 2024 as we continue to work each day to showcase positives across the 12volt industry.

The year 2024 continued to be an uncertain time in the world and 12volt industry with so many changing factors in play. In many cases inventory supply issues were resolved in 2024 but high inflation continued to impact consumer spending on non-essentials. Many brick and mortar retailers are stocked but are not seeing the sales spike from previous year’s stimulus checks. Increases in online spending continues impact the brick and mortar 12volt marketplace as well. Black Friday and Cyber Monday online sales again reached record levels.

Work is now underway as Las Vegas prepares for CES 2025. The presence of 12volt companies planning to exhibit seems to reach a new low each year as CES continues to be known as a gadget show. Travel concerns and associated expenses also continue to impact in-person trade show attendance.

The Christmas tree is up in the 12volt Central Studios. From the 12volt Central Studios, we encourage all to evaluate their situation and play to their strengths. Build on your company’s strengths and highlight the positives in your every day activities. Manufacturers, Distributors, Rep Firms and Retailers alike must work to inform and connect to showcase their products to consumers. Consumers must be informed about our products and the positive ways those products can add to their in-vehicle safety and enjoyment experiences.

Let’s all work to make a bigger pie for all to share across the 12volt industry.

We look forward to continuing to showcase positives from companies across the 12volt industry in 2025 and beyond.

WAILUKU, HI (12.23.24) – Certified Sounds, a multi-award-winning audio/video retailer and Hawaii’s premier A/V dealer, held the Grand Opening of its new home-audio showroom with live demonstrations of Marantz’s new 10 Series, Horizon, and Grand Horizon products on Saturday, December 7th.

“The event was a rousing success,” said Derek Pace, owner and founder of Certified Sounds. “It featured live demonstrations of Marantz’s new Model 10 integrated amplifier, Model 10 SACD player, and LINK 10 Streamer, all through Bowers & Wilkins 801 Signature loudspeakers in California burlwood finish. We also debuted Marantz’s new and very exciting Horizon and Grand Horizon high-performance wireless loudspeakers.”

Jim Knight, Red Wood Marketing a premier A/V West Coast rep firm, traveled to Hawaii to support dealer Certified Sounds. “Delivering a high-performance listening experience was the main theme Derek planned while unveiling the new showroom. Seeing the smiles on attendees faces immediately showed Derek achieved the goal.” Knight represents Masimo brands and he worked on site with Masimo Director of Sales Mike Hickman.

Certified Sounds is serious about enhancing people’s quality of life with the addition of premium audio and video equipment in people’s homes and businesses. Their new showroom was built to do something unique in Hawaii: to deliver high-performance listening experiences through equipment that is easy and enjoyable to use. To do this, Certified Sounds takes great care to partner with some of the very best brands in the industry, including Marantz, Denon, Bowers & Wilkins, JL Audio, Luxman, and Tributaries, to name just a few.

“We have been in business here on Maui for 24 years, specializing in high-performance audio and video for vehicles,” said Pace, “but our customers kept asking if we could work on their homes, too. I’m pleased to say that we now offer that service, on a par with the same level of quality we offer our mobile customers.”

More than 50 people attended to enjoy music, food and drink. “It’s exciting to have such a mix of people come from Oahu, the Big Island, and all over Maui to spend time with us and experience the best-in-class audio from Marantz and Bowers & Wilkins,” Pace continued. “The new Horizon and Grand Horizon models are huge hits with customers.” The 10 Series of reference products, and the Horizon and Grand Horizon models, deliver high-performance wireless sound from a package worthy of the Marantz name.

“I was told, ‘If you build [the new showroom for home audio], customers from all over Hawaii will come’—and they did!” Pace concluded, adding that feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive. Certified Sounds is excited to host its next event in 2025.

For more information about Certified Sounds and their new audio/video showroom, please visit their website: www.certifiedhifi.com.

Jim Knight supplied the above article showing the positives of the in-store experience for consumers… listening experiences not available on a smartphone or laptop.