NASHVILLE, TN (07.11.24) – Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA), a leading provider of distribution services to the 12 volt aftermarket, proudly announced Automotive Data Solutions (ADS) it’s 2023 Vendor of the Year at their annual owner’s meeting.
The Elite Distributor Alliance is a distinguished network of leading distributors and manufacturers in the consumer electronics industry. This prestigious award honors the manufacturer that exemplifies exceptional performance, superior product quality, and an unwavering commitment to supporting distributor success.
L to R: Jeff Henshaw, Santa Fe Distributing, Nate Taliani, Davis Distribution, John Yodzis, Dow Technologies, Nancy Nehme, ADS, Louis-Gil Levert, ADS, Robert Di Cesar, ADS, Josh Eatherly, EDA.
“ADS has rightfully earned the Vendor of the Year award,” stated Josh Eatherly, Executive Vice President of the Elite Distributor Alliance. “Their continuous innovation and meticulous attention to every product category highlight their dedication to excellence.”
“Considering the EDA counts among its vendor partners stalwarts of our industry, this is a truly humbling achievement”, said Robert Di Cesare, General Manager of ADS. “This is also a testament of the hard work from our team. We could not do it without their dedication to excellence. We will display this award prominently in our display case back home.”
TWINSBURG, OH (07.09.24) –The Summit Sound & Security Car Show packed the entire shopping center with nearly 200 cars and hundreds of enthusiast Friday July 5th from 4-8PM. All cars and motorcycles were welcomed plus the Busted Society Car Club members drew members to the event. A DJ was set up and played music during the event. A Taco truck was in the center’s parking lot and the first 100 attendees received free tacos.
The area in front of the Summit Sound location was packed throughout the event.
An added attraction at the event was a major Alpine presence with an Alpine Jeep and and multiple Alpine tents set up in front of the store. Alpine Product Specialist Chris Reavis was in the house. Steve McGaffee, with area Alpine rep firm Online Marketing, was also on site doing demos in the Jeep.
Attendees enjoying music from the DJ and experiencing exotic cars too.
Roger Buell, behind the counter, with a thank you post for Chris and Steve for Alpine‘s support.
“This was truly an amazing event. There was so much energy at the event with all enjoying the cars, listening to the DJ, checking out the Alpine Jeep and just enjoying the Friday after July 4th…tacos too. When people took a seat in the Jeep they really got an Alpine Experience” Reavis related.
Hoods were open for attendees to check out with the Alpine set up in the background.
There were no fewer than 50 demos of the Alpine loaded Jeep.
Chris Jaenky, Summit Sound GM stated “The entire area around our store, front snd back, plus across the shopping center was packed with cars and attendees. We have been in business for 28 years and this event was one of the best. We started making social media posts 3 weeks before the event and that really got the word out across the area. We had classic cars, Corvettes, SQ cars and high priced exotic cars. Attendees inside the store at the sales counter drove business too for the day.”
The Jeep demo delivered the Alpine Experience for attendees throughout the event.
The Alpine Style Center display wall stands out in the showroom.
Roger Buell, Summit Sound & Security owner, stated “it was definitely a party. Cool show cars, music and tacos will always draw a crowd. We had 5 customers with their cars at the event that were loaded with Alpine Status systems. They were happy to show their cars. In addition we had a customer with his Tesla that was loaded with Alpine’s Tesla specific gear. We extend a big thank you to Alpine for their support plus our dedicated staff and customers.”
Inside the store the showroom was very busy. Alpine specials were stacked on the floor and customers filled the sales counter area finalizing their purchases.
WHEELING VA (07.08.24) The Steel Valley Regional XIII will be held at Wes Banco Arena in Wheeling WV July 19, 20, 21 2024. This year will feature Top 48 Sound Quality Showdown with 6 Judges from all over the country evaluating and ranking the Cars from 48 to 1st Place. The Top 10 will be eligible for 3000 Cash Payout. There is a SQOLOGY (Klifton Keplinger) Format using ICA Music. Also there will be IASCA 3X, MECA4X, EMMA 3X and MASQ 3X Formats available. The Top 48 Format is SOLD OUT but competitors can get on the waiting list.
The WesBanco Arena will once again host the Steel Valley Regional.
The Organizations will be posting if they have openings and will be taking care of their own trophies and judges accordingly. You can contact them to see if their is openings during the weekend as many have preregistered already. Also a Tune Off with approx 8 Teams of 2 that will have 90 minutes to tune a vehicle featuring the ARC AUDIO PS8PRO and will be evaluated by multiple judges on Sunday and winner gets 1000 CASH.
Trophies and Prizes will be given out by the Organizations as well as the SQ Showdown.
Hotel Rooms are up to individuals but there is a block of rooms at the Hampton at the Highlands Triadelphia WV. There are about 8 hotels in this area 10 minutes via highway to the WesBanco Arena. The website for the Highlands area is hitthehighlands.com.There is Shopping, multiple restaurant’s, gas and anything you would need all in this area. See Wesbancoarena.com for more.
Participating Sponsors to date include
ARC AUDIO-TITLE SPONSOR …Brian Mitchell , Brad , Fred
ZAPCO /ESB..Diamond Level..Enzo / George, Chris / Ernie
KARMA AUDIO ..GOLD Level…@Adam Schlepphorst
Aegis ADi – Aegis Distribution Inc. ..GOLD Level .Scott Welch, John Borges Audiowave, Goldhorn, Eton, Dynaudio USA
STINGER..GOLD Level..Jeff Smith
JL Audio/Garmin..SILVER Level..@Manville Smith, Bryatt Fischer, Steve Lovell/Garmin
ResoNix Sound Solutions/Accuton. Silver Level..Nick Apicella Auto Sound
ORCA Design…Silver Level.Focal, Raven, Mosconi..Nick Wingate, Nick Wingate@Nalaka Adikari
Hybrid Audio..Bronze Level Klifton Keplinger
Creative Products Design,,Bronze Level Mike Buononato
Italia Hi-Fi..Gold Level Sponsor .. Dan Merritt Greg Thompson
Anyone else looking to participate, please contact Larry Chijner at lchijner@gmail.com. If I missed anyone I apologize and will add accordingly.
As usual Keith Turner will help run the show along with Klifton, Lori Wallace and the judging staff! Autosound Showcase is Keiths new show sq company and will help me once again!
Friday the venue will be open from 12 til 9 for Tweak n Tune all day. Competition will resume Saturday and Sunday mornings with Awards to follow Sunday around 5pm.
This is a indoor Air Conditioned Venue so weather will not be a problem and POWER Available to everyone inside the Arena. As we get closer i will keep you up to date if there are any changes or anything you need to know.
STILLWATER, USA (July 5,2024)– KICKER® played host to the Vintage Air® Road Tour at its international headquarters on Tuesday, July 2.
Members of the tour entering the KICKER HQ lobby
The KICKER parking lot was teeming with more than 80 custom cars, trucks and hot rods making their way from San Antonio, TX to Des Moines, IA for Vintage Air’s annual summer tour of the country. As two leading pioneers in the aftermarket automotive industry, KICKER was proud to team with Vintage Air so consumers, professionals and hobbyists could learn how to have all their in-car climate and audio needs met and exceeded.
A group of the Vintage Air Road Tour rides.
These Vintage Air Road Tour vehicles are projects in the works.
The Vintage Air vehicles, from street rods to trucks to custom classics, arrived in the morning on Tuesday. They were on display till the afternoon when the Tour continued its northward journey, with a destination of Goodguys Heartland Nationals in Des Moines on July 5. The KICKER south parking lot was dedicated to showcasing these custom vehicles sporting the latest innovation and technology from Vintage Air.
Tour members check out displays in the show area.
The KICKER Visitors Center and Museum were also open to the public. This presented a great opportunity to learn about the latest aftermarket solutions for any vehicle, covering the two most important factors when it comes to a vehicle’s cabin: air and sound!
Tour members check out KICKER’s square woofer history.
For more details, readers can visitvintageair.com. For those who could not come see these incredible custom cars in-person at KICKER HQ they can visit KICKER’s social media platforms for photos, videos and interviews of the tour.
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. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at http://www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, X.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.03.24) – Thursday, July 4th, marks the celebration of Independence Day 248 across the U.S. Many businesses are enjoying a 4-Day 4th of July weekend by taking off Friday the 5th along with Thursday July 4th.
July 4th 2024 is seeing a return to somewhat normal as the COVID 19 Pandemic fades further in the rear view mirror. That said, the landscape across the US and around the world is far from normal. This year’s US President’s election turmoil fills the news, inflation continues running high and air travel is a nightmare in many cases. Online sales continue to take away from the brick and mortar marketplace. In-person events have returned but everyday life is far from normal.
On the 12volt industry side store traffic remains light as many consumers make decisions with allocating their disposable income. Uneasiness with regard to price increases and inventory issues persist. With so many options visibility for 12volt products is not getting through to consumers. We must continue to work to make music fun again!
The business year is divided into 4 quarters….much like a football game. The first quarter of 2024 was OK for many 12volt companies. As the second quarter came to a close the price of gas has declined but mounting social issues cloud the future. Reports are business has definitely slowed. Worldwide unrest adds to the cloudy future.
Now, as the second half of 2024 gets underway, all businesses must evaluate their game plans and make appropriate adjustments. Importantly, businesses must adjust their shoulder pads and tighten the chin straps on their helmets. Now, as the clock for the second half of 2024 has started, all businesses must keep their eye on the ball, work their game plans and be prepared to quickly make necessary adjustments. Importantly brick and mortar retailers must work to create excitement in their market to drive in-store traffic and business.
The 12voltSTP Tool can be utilized by members of the 12volt industry to showcase positives for their brand and activities. Snap..Txt..PRESTO. Snap an Image and Txt the image to 318 469 2526. PRESTO..your company could be in the news. As an industry let’s utilize the 12voltSTP Tool and be… ’Jammin’ N July’.
From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to focus on the positives and encourage all to work to ‘Get Our Shine On’ as an industry.
STILLWATER, USA (July 2,2024)- KICKER® will play host to the Vintage Air® Road Tour at its international headquarters on Tuesday, July 2.
As seen in this image of a previous Car Show, the KICKER International HQ is the ideal venue to host the 2024 Vintage Air Road Tour in Stillwater OK.
The KICKER parking lot will be teeming with more than 80 custom cars, trucks and hot rods making their way from San Antonio, Texas to Des Moines, Iowa for Vintage Air’s annual summer tour of the country. As two leading pioneers in the aftermarket automotive industry, KICKER is proud to team with Vintage Air so consumers, professionals and hobbyists can learn how to have all their in-car climate and audio needs met and exceeded.
The Vintage Air vehicles, from street rods to trucks to custom classics, will arrive in the morning. They will be on display till the afternoon when the Tour continues its northward journey, with a destination of Goodguys Heartland Nationals in Des Moines on July 5. The south parking lot will be dedicated to showcasing these custom vehicles sporting the latest innovation and technology from Vintage Air, while the KICKER Visitors Center and Museum will also be open to the public. This presents a great opportunity to learn about the latest aftermarket solutions for any vehicle, covering the two most important factors when it comes to a vehicle’s cabin: air and sound!
For more details, readers can visit vintageair.com, and those who can’t come see these incredible custom cars in-person at KICKER HQ can visitKICKER’s social media platforms for photos, videos and interviews of the tour.
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. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, X.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.
Vintage Air is a registered trademark of Vintage Air, LLC
COOS BAY, OR (07.01.24) – Stereo King was on site at the 2024 UTV Takeover in the Oregon Dunes National Recreational area for the eighth time. The UTV Takeover was in Coos Bay OR from June 25th-29th. Reports noted well over 3000 UTV’s were on site with the crowd of powersports enthusiasts topping 10,000.
UTVs lined up for adventures on the Coos Bay dunes.
The PowerSports category is very strong for Stereo King day-in and day-out at their 4 locations. The Stereo King crew of 7 was very busy at the 2024 UYV Takeover and had strong sales plus did close to 100 UTV installs. Paul Pilat, Zach Vanatta and Jackie Pilat from Crossover Marketing were on site working with the Stereo King crew as well as Jeff Oliver from Oliver Marketing.
Paul, Zack and Jackie (L to R) from Crossover Marketing arrived on Day 1 to work with the Stereo King crew.
Stereo King rolled into the event with a big U-Haul truck and 30’ trailer with Stereo King custom graphics. The booth was set up on vendor row with multiple tents and demo vehicles.
The Stereo King booth being set up on Vendor Row.
“During the 5-day event run we did a ton of promoting with business cards, fliers, free stickers, shirts caps and more. We spent time with well over 1000 people in our booth and saw a lot of customers from previous years which is always great to see. We offered onsite installation and worked under the lights into the night to complete jobs. It was a strong mix of Can Ams, RZRs and RZR PRO’s that came through and were decked with Rockford Fosgate Stage Kits which were the biggest hits” Scotty Miles related.
The Stereo King install bays were busy throughout the UTV Takeover.
Continuing, Miles offered, “We set up quite a few side-x-side related jobs along with some daily usage vehicles and RV audio upgrades back at the stores too. Attendance this year may have been down a bit but the enthusiasm across the event was very strong.”
Installations underway with gear set to load on UTVs.
Installations happened outside the bays also.
New this year in the Stereo King booth on vendor row was a 2024 Jeep Gadiator loaded with 6000 watts of JL Audio gear. The #SKhotwheels grabbed ears from across the event.
The Stereo King 2024 Jeep Gladiator was loaded with 6000 watts of JL Audio gear and grabbed ears from across the venue.
Stereo King crew members spent the nights at local motels in North Bend and wrapped their long days at in town spots that stayed open late to serve the hungry Stereo King crew.
Stereo King operates 4 stores in the Portland area and one in Boise, ID.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.29.24) The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 6.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 278th time on Friday morning June 28th. The Wheel landed on the Maximum Power space and the SOS Electronics slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to the lucky winning retailer in Los Angles and have not connected as all are Jammin’ N June. We will continue to reach out to let them know the news.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 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, NavAtlas, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, Kenwood, JVC, THINKWARE, Race Sport Lighting, Maximum Power, AlloyGator, King Boxes and Massive Audio. 12volt News $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 A and The-King of Custom in Longwood FL.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 279 on Friday, July 5th.
CLEARWATER, FL (06.28.24) – Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) hosted its annual owners meeting at the beautiful Hyatt Regency in Clearwater, Florida the week of June 17th.
The four-day event was lead by the EDA’s 11 distributor members and included over 30 industry leaders from EDA partner vendors. Discussions centered around strategy and execution, with one-hour one-on-one sessions between EDA principals and vendors. Multiple open discussion sessions addressed various aspects of the 12-volt industry.
EDA Members enjoying the last night at Marina Cantina Clearwater for the owners/member dinner.
L to R: Nate Taliani-Davis Distribution, Dave Elkin- DOW Technologies, Tanner Wilson-Firstech and David Lopez-RPM Sales Group.
Jason Kaminski-Firstech, Robert DiCesare ADS, Louis-Gil Levette ADS and Steve Irby-KICKER (L to R).
In addition to the business meetings, attendees enjoyed several social events, including a dinner cruise on the Yacht Starship IV. The sunset over the Gulf and the sights of Clearwater Harbour provided a perfect backdrop for an evening of relaxation and networking.
“Our annual owners meeting allows us to focus on strategies to expand our vendor partners’ footprint with our dealers,” said Josh Eatherly, Executive Vice President of EDA. “The meticulous preparation by our vendors for this meeting is a testament to the strong partnerships we have built.”
Ellis Mathis-Memphis Audio, Bob Hernandez- Go Fast Solutions, John Lucas-Kenwood and Barry Lightfoot-Sound House Distribution/Oliver Marketing.
David Prinz-Go Fast Solutions, John Yodzis-DOW Technologies and Nick LoMonaco-Memphis Audio. (L to R).
Bob and Maria Hernandez-Go Fast Solutions along with John and Joey Tatro-Sierra Select Distributors (L to R).
“The one-on-one sessions with our EDA distributors are invaluable” said Jason Kaminski, Managing Director of Firstech. “It’s fantastic to strategize with so many key partners in one place.”
Team KICKER with Jay and Connie Ralston in the foreground along with Tracy Focht and Tom Heath on the right.
Bob and Maria Hernandez-Go Fast Solutions along with Joey Tatro-Sierra Select Distributors and Josh Eatherly-Elite Distributor Alliance (L to R).
“Our annual EDA Sales Meeting has become the most important event of the year for us.” Said Nate Taliani, President of EDA and VP of Davis Distribution. “The one-on-one meetings between our members and vendor partners provide a platform for collaboration, helping us strengthen relationships and strategically grow our business together. This year’s meeting was hands down the most productive and enjoyable event to date.”
“Coming out of the COVID bump of previous years, we have been working on forecasting the ‘new normal,’” said Steve Cote, Director of Sales at JVC. “The EDA membership has demonstrated that collective execution is a recipe for success.”
ATLANTA, GA (06.27.24) – SkillsUSA prepares students for the workforce and students in the Mobile Electronics Division are competing for recognition at the National Competition in Atlanta. The conference is taking pace at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta June 24th-28th and has attracted over 6500 competitors in 110 competitions.
KICKER Audio is a strong supporter of the SkillsUSA initiative. Aaron Malin, TECH Force Global Training Manager, has participated in previous SkillsUSA National Conferences. Malin and Jacob Luckey, KICKER Global Trainer, arrived in Atlanta onTuesday and spent the day setting up for the 2024 Skills USA Conference.
Aaron Malin (L) and Jacob Lucky from KICKER flank Scott Dilbeck from Sky High Car Audio, who will judge in the radio installation competition.
“Each student prepared to perform to their best abilities for the judges at regional events in states across the US. Some of the stations included soldering, wiring speakers and identifying components. Students were judged on their proficiency in those particular skills and only the top qualified for this year’s Convention in Atlanta. KICKER participated in local (Stillwater) and state (Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater) Skills USA competitions this spring in preparation for the National Competition” Malin stated.
Jacob Lucky sets up one of the competition stations.
Continuing “Wednesday morning all got underway with the competition sessions with a lot of excitement throughout the center. Scott Dilbeck from Sky High Car Audio is in the house and helped with set up and judged a radio installation session. James Simpson from Vickers AV and Soundsations is on site helping with judging. Industry vertean Bryan Gary volunteed and also helping with judging. Erin Smith came from Savannah Technial College too. One competitor from last year came to judge this year.”
KICKER has a wide selection of products in display in their area.
SkillsUSA works to bring motivated individuals to the workforce and teach them lifelong skills. There were local, state and national competitions with all states participating, according to SkillsUSA.org. Its mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.
Erin Smith from the Savannah Technical College returned to the Skills USA competition.
The 12-volt industry is in need of more sharp-minded employees to bring new ideas to the table. The overall employment of mobile electronics installers and technicians is projected to show little to no change from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics years.Through SkillsUSA, students have the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and make lifelong friends.
“It is always exciting when you see the ‘lightbulb’ moment as something really clicks in the mind of a student. The ‘ah hah!’ that lets you know they really got it! Last year at the national competition in Atlanta, one young man was so excited to introduce me to his mom and siblings after we really connected during his job interview competition. He experienced my admiration and his family’s proud moment, all at the same time” Malin concluded.
“Students not only receive valuable skills from these events, but also priceless communication skills. From difficult interviews, to speaking with industry professionals and presenting their skills they also learn difficult communication skills” stated Chris Jack, Technical Chairperson for mobile electronics installation, for SkillsUSA. “My father always said that “I don’t care if you’re going to wipe up dirt off the floor, wear a suit and tie to an interview…no matter what it’s for.”
Jack added “Along with KICKER’s continued strong support we recently received support from 12volt companies DB Drive, DOW Technologies, VOXX Electronics and Vickers AV for the National Convention in Atlanta.
For more information, visit SkillsUSA.org or contact Chris Jack who handles the 12volt portion of SkillsUSA. Email Chris Jack at cnjacklausd@aol.com
12VoltNews.com 