GASTONIA, NC (03.22.24) – Shiflet & Dickson’s David Holland stated “This was our 32nd dealer show! It was great to see so many dealers come to our show, network and see new products. We kicked off Saturday night with a St Patricks party with a live band, refreshments, dinner and demo vehicles outside. Sunday was the day for exhibitors to show new products, host trainings and write orders for all the super show specials. We were very busy shipping orders the first 3 days of the week… in fact truck lines were delayed for pick ups.”
The 12volt Central Studios staff followed up with several exhibitors and dealers to showcase their positive experiences experiences from attending the event. Below are a number of observations from a number of attendees.
Dan Klynstra-DK Electronics, a noted custom bike builder in Florence SC rolled up to the Shiflet Show towing 2 Harley Glides, one showcasing Euphoria Expert bike gear on one Glide and KICKER on the other. “David invited me to invited me to come again to spotlight bike installations as the season is upon us. We did demos outside on Saturday night and Sunday. All definitely liked to hear the bikes play loud.”
Klynstra went on to say he is working on over 2 dozen bikes in his shop with installations schedules from $1800 to $38,000. “We show our customers what is fun. They like having fun and tell their friends” Dan added.
Mitch Swicegood, at N Tune Car Stereo in Salisbury NC, offered “It was great to see so many friends and industry members. Marcus did a great job in a JVC training. He pointed out some features on a JVC unit we have in stock I did not know. Jacob with KICKER also did a great job highlighting the new products.”
Michael Smith, Premier Car Audio in Shelby NC, commented “Another great Shiflet show. Talking with reps face-to-face is so much better that reading a spec sheet or looking at a box. We have been a Shiflet customer since we started 12 years ago. The bike demos outside were super. We are booked out 2-3 weeks in the shop. We look forward to the 2025 Shiflet show.”
The DB Drive Jeep got a lot of attention as Randy Goodwin met with dealers. Jaysam Odeh offered showing all the King Boxes to dealers opened eyes with the new line at Shiflet. Jeff Falk covered the PowerBass line and showed new OE Speaker and Bluetooth portable speaker counter displays.
Many dealers also had a chance to experience a Blaupunkt eBike as area rep Bob Anderson, N Motion, was in the house.
Allison Parker had a large MAXPRO setup on the floor. “The show was great. I loved seeing more motorcycle interest for window film and PPF for bikes. More and more 12volt shops are considering window tint and PPF goes hand in hand. We are headed into the busy season and business is ramping up.
Concluding, Holland stated “Our show, once again, was like having our large family come into our facility for a large get together. Boomer and Chris did a great job in the field letting their dealers know about our show. Our staff really stepped up to the plate helping put the showroom together and helped across the board with all the details. Many of our vendors offered us special discounts before and after the show to make our dealers more profitable on their sales floors. The showroom floor was polished and shined like a diamond. Several dealers even let me know it looked brand new!”
BOARDMAN, OH (03.21.24) – The Electric Tricycle project came about when a consumer entered Rob Lancey’s Audio Extreme store asking about the possibilities of creating a loaded electric tricycle that he could drive around the town as his AddMotor mode of transport.
“The customer was on the older side and not 100% mobile. He peddled his electric tricycle up to the store, walked in and asked some detailed questions about an audio system that would really rock with lighting plus a security system and backup camera. Bluetooth connectivity would be his audio source. We talked about price and he indicated that wasn’t a problem. Then he pretty much said thank you and left” Lancey stated.
This Electric Trike project is the talk of Boardman, OH
Around the first of December the customer returned and said he was ready to get the system installed. AddMotor Electric Tricycles features upgraded 750W rear-mounted motor, speed differentrial and parking brakes. AddMotor electric tricycles are priced at a little over $3000.
“In case the customer returned I had searched around about gear for an electric tricycle after the he left. I was excited to see him peddle up to the store again” Lancey offered.
A super clean installation.
Continuing “He came in and said “Let’s do it” and handed me an envelop filled with cash. A friend picked him up and we got started designing the system and getting the gear headed our way. We are a Rockford Fosgate dealer and they offer a wide variety of products that would fit the bill.The whole project took about 60 days as we got the gear and worked the installation around our available time in the bay.”
Check out this custom digital license plate and pipes.
The system consisted of Rockford Fosgate amps, multiple mids, tower cans and 2 subs and Bluetooth controller. I-Beam reverse cam, Heise Lighting and Saddle Tramp Lithium Battery plus a Compustar / Drone Alarm highlights the gear installed.
A special addition to the system was a custom lighted license plate that was made utilizing techniques Lancey learned at a Mobile Solutions training class,
All mounts were completed in cardboard to check on fit. The sizing was then transferred for 3D printed mounts. Running the wiring was also a challenge as a lot of the trike frame in small piping. In all, the total system topped $8K with products, design and installation time.
“Our Trike customer has been by the store asking about more upgrades. Each time he tells us about how many honk and wave as they see and hear him coming….he is one happy customer” Lancey concluded.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (03.20.24) – On Sunday St Patrick’s Day Rifle Supply kicked of the company’s Cars & Coffee Sunday series for 2024. Rifle Supply is a retail gun shop that sells firearms and accessories. PowerBass was a sponsor of the event and showcased PowerBass products in their booth.
Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, related “Seems there is a lot of crossover with the Rifle Supply customer base and 12volt enthusiasts. The Rifle Supply team members are friends and we participated in the St Patrick’s Sunday Cars & Coffee. In fact one of the team, Justin Baca, has a Durango with PowerBass gear in a custom installation along with a custom wrap. They take the Durango to various community events they support in the Huntington Beach area.”
Juan and Meny working with customers.
Raul Rodriguez created this post to let Rifle Supply’s 40,000 Instagram followers to come check out PowerBass at the Cars & Coffee event.
The parking lot had over 100 cars with a coffee shop, food truck and DJ on site. There was also a free raffle of attendees with no purchase required.
PowerBass had branding on some of the raffle items.
The Justin Baca’s Rifle Supply Durango features a custom installation with PowerBass gear the company showcases at various community events.
Raul Rodriguez handles the marketing for Rifle Supply and related “The coffee shop ran out of coffee and the food truck was busy throughout the event. We had twice the sales as we do on a normal day. We have over 40,000 followers on Instagram alone and I actually made a video showcasing PowerBass would be onsite…with a raffle prize too.”
“Juan, Meny and I worked the booth and talked about the wide range of PowerBass products with members of the crowd. In fact Rifle Supply now stocks our Bluetooth portables. A little music is a nice addition for many as they are on the road to a hunting site. The Rifle Supply Cars & Coffee events are planned for the 3rd Sundays of the month and we plan to have a booth through the summer” Harbour concluded.
RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (03.19.24) – The Wet Sounds Jeep Rubicon has been on a very busy tour in the Pacific Northwest recently attending shows and making stops at Wet Sounds dealers’ stores.
Wake Audio set up for the Wet Sounds Open House.
On Thursday March 14th afternoon and evening the Wake Audio Wet Sounds Open House provided attendees with a chance to meet Earl… the Wet Sounds decked out Jeep Rubicon. Wake Audio partners Alex Aldma and David Murray put a strong plan in place to invite consumers from across the area to the event. Social media posts drew people to the event at the company’s store in the business complex on a blue sky day.
This in-progress Malibu moved out front.
Another in-progress job moved outside.
Alex Aldma related “This was our 1st Annual Wet Sounds Open House. We had a tent and a DJ outside spinning tunes in the large parking lot and the Wet Sounds Jeep Rubicon spotlighted in our large installation area. We moved all the boats we were working on into the parking lot which added to the Open House experience for attendees to check out. We also cooked up delicious tacos on site. The music and food had all jammin’ while they checked out Earl and explored the cutting-edge audio technology on site. Our team members spent virtually every minute talking tech and giving demos along with Carl and Scott.”
Partners Alex and David flank Wet Sounds Carl Campbell (LtoR) inside with Earl.
Custom products installed in Earl’s rear deck.
The Open House activity continued past 8PM Thursday evening time that was set. Phone calls from attendees carried forward for several days after the event.
Carl Campbell, Wet Sounds National Training Director, along with area rep Scott Baughman-Reliable Product Marketing Principal-were on site and worked with Jeep demos and answered customer questions throughout the Open House.
Carl speaking with an attendee as the sun goes down.
Fresh tacos will soon be ready.
Campbell relayed “It’s so easy for all to be a fan of Wake Audio when you have great partners and their crew that do all they can to give their customers what they envision with their boats, trucks and UTVs. The Wet Sounds custom installations they do on boats is amazing. Everything they touch has real heart in the work. It shows and the customers are happy to come back with all their family and friends!”
The Wake Audio Open House in Rancho Cordova followed the 589 Kustoms Wet Sounds Jeep Open House that was held 80 miles away in Sonora 2 days earlier.
GASTONIA, NC (03.18.24) –The event kicked off Saturday night at 7pm with a St Patty’s Day party featuring live music along with food and refreshments in the company’s facility in Gastonia. The Sunday show ran from 9am until 5pm with over 20 brands represented in the showroom. Outside there were live vehicle demos. Food and refreshments are on the menu on show day Sunday also.
Shiflet & Dickson’s David Holland stated “This was our 32nd dealer show! Many dealers have not had the ability to go to a show recently to see the newest 12volt products. It was great to see so many dealers come to our show, network and see new products. With DK Electronics motorcycles and other vehicles in the house we definitely let our customers hear what these products sound like in a real world setting…. other than a YouTube video on a smartphone or laptop.”
The show floor was busy very soon after the doors opened.
Continuing Holland offered “We had trainings on Sunday with certain vendors as well as having reps on the show floor to meet with dealers and answer questions. Marcus conducted a super JVC training. Jacob Lucky hosted the KICKER training and Randy Goodwin handled the DB DRIVE training. Booth got compliments from dealers.”
The Metra Install Bay booth got a lot of attention with Heise Lighting.
Dealers spent time checking out show specials.
12volt brands showcased included Kicker, JVC Mobile, CRUX, Metra, DB Drive, Jensen, AudioControl, Polk Audio, PowerBass, Nakamichi, Audio Enhancers, SD Lighting, XPERT, Maximum Power, Planet Audio, MaxPro Film, Rydeen, LinksWell, SoundStream, Blaupunkt eBikes and King Boxes..
Allison Parker was set to let all know that MAXPRO is ready for the window tint season.
Many attendees spent a lot of time outside checking out loud demo vehicles Saturday night.
Concluding Holland stated “Our show, once again, was like having our large family come into our facility for a large get together. Boomer and Chris did a great job in the field letting their dealers know about our show. Our staff really stepped up to the plate helping put the showroom together and help across the board with all the details. Many of our vendors offered us special discounts before and after the show to make our dealers more profitable on their sales floors. The showroom floor was polished and shined like a diamond. Several dealers even let me know it looked brand new!”
As the event wrapped Chris, David, Maureen, Tina, Allison, Dave and Boomer (L/R) gathered for a group photo. Allison Parker (3rd R)- MAXPRO had a booth on the show floor and she joined Shiflet&Dickson team members.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (03.16.24) 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 263nd time on Friday morning March 15th. The Wheel landed on the RDV space and the Xtreme Auto Sound 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 Louisville KY with the news. Owner Anthony Zagata answered the phone and said he had just seen the post on Instagram. He was happy to hear the news and they be looking forward to receiving the RDV prize and knowing more about the in-vehicle connectivity products RDV offers.
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, Alphasonik, 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 and CenCal Audio in Madura CA.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 264 on Friday, March 22nd.
NORTHLAKE, IL (03.15.24) – The 2024 Woofer Electronics Expo combined a product expo, trainings, networking and dinner for attendees. Over 30 manufacturers were present along with factory staff members and territory reps to connect with area dealers.
Sam Yoo, Woofer Electronics President, related “There was an overwhelming response to the training seminars and many dealers noted that they loved the fact that they could learn from and interact with all of our vendors throughout the event. The very busy day finished with a full dinner with refreshments.”
The Woofer Expo capped with a full dinner and refreshments.
The schedule for the day included 17 training sessions presented by vendors and representatives. The 17 training sessions were divided into 6 one hour timeframes in ballrooms. Focal, VOXX, Wavtech, AAMP, Firstech, RDV, KICKER, Lucas Lighting, Limitless Lithium, ADS, Diamond Audio, Uniden, JVC, Cicada, Memphis, Kenwood and Metra hosted dealer trainings.
Demo vehicles on the Expo floor included a Subaru, UTVs and Bikes from Uniden, DS18, Wet Sounds, Memphis and Diamond Audio.
The KICKER booth was manned by Bill Braun and Carlos Jimenez along with area representative Tom Ebeling of Tree Associates. Braun and Jimenez conducted KICKER training sessions.
Josh Bowen welcomed all to the JVC booth.
JVC Mobile showcased the company’s new in-store display with Josh Bowen meeting with dealers.
Tim Hill with the KENWOOD motorcycle display.
Tim Hill was set up in the Kenwood booth with a display featuring the company’s motorcycle audio products.
Rich De Sclafani (L) and Mario Paredes-M&M Pro Audio are happy to catch up in the RDV booth.
The latest RDV interface products were showcased by Rich De Sclafani. A highlight for De Sclsfani was seeing long time friend Mario Paredes owner of M&M Pro Audio in River Grove IL. Paredes related “Seeing Rich is always great. His RDV products are doing well in our store as more consumers are looking for in-vehicle connectivity solutions. We have worked with Woofer Electronics for decades. Sam Yoo and his team do such a great job serving their dealers and working to drive the 12volt industry forward.”
Richard Young, Eastern Regional, stayed busy showing all Diamond Audio’s latest motorcycle products including the MSHD14 10-Channel Media Player in a Harley demo.
The motorcycle category is hot across the 12volt industry and Diamond Audio was set up with Richard Young, Eastern Regional, showing the company’s latest products including the MSHD14 10 Channel Media player in a Harley demo in the booth.
Matt Bund related “QPower had a very successful show. Customers were loving QBOMB Boxes. They get the USA spray that we use to coat the boxes creating an unbreakable seal. Woofer set up some really great deals for dealers on the boxes. Very very great deals here. The Yoo family went all out with morning coffee, lunch, dinner, and hourly trainings plus a raffle.”
Concluding Yoo offered “We wanted to show our appreciation to our dealers and vendors with our 2024 Expo. Our dealers need to be in touch with vendors and potential new categories and we stressed the importance of continuing to innovate. Woofer Electronics and its partners are invested in the continued success of our dealers and the industry as a whole. The feedback so far has been overwhelming positive. We are looking forward to making next year’s event an even greater success.”
Territory reps present at the Woofer Electronics Expo included Comprehensive Brands, Heritage Marketing Solutions, Midwest Sales Group, Progressive, Tree & Associates and Virtual Marketing Consultants..
SONORA, CA (03.14.24) – The Wet Sounds Jeep Rubicon has been on a very busy tour in the Pacific Northwest recently attending shows and making stops at Wet Sounds’ dealers stores.
On Tuesday March 12th afternoon the 589 Kustoms Open House provided attendees a chance to meet Earl, The Wet Sounds decked out Jeep Rubicon, at the company’s Open House. 589 Kustoms owner Shane Costa, along with team members Chris Baker and Landen Walsh, put a strong plan in place to invite consumers across the area to the event. Social media posts, along with ads on local radio, drew people to the event in spite of the drive time rain.
Activity from the event carried forward to a very busy Wednesday. Landen Walsh broke away from an installation to relay that all attendees were amazed with the sound and custom installation in the Jeep. The event was family friendly, with a jump house for children, plus food and refreshments for all. Appointments for installations were scheduled with many customers who left with T-shirts and the Wet Sounds Jeep Experience.
Open House attendees braved showers for Jeep demos.
Carl Campbell, Wet Sounds National Training Director, and area rep Scott Baughman-Reliable Product Marketing Principal were on site and worked with Jeep demos and answered customer questions throughout the Open House.
A bounce house kept children entertained will family members checked out Jeep demos.
Campbell relayed “It’s so easy for all to be a fan of 589 Kustoms when you have a great owner who does all he can to give his customers what they envision with their vehicles, boats, trucks and UTVs. Everything they touch has real heart in the work. It shows and the customers are happy to come back with all their family and friends! Shane is building a brand and an image his customers want to be a part of and are happy to represent.”
589 Kustoms team members Shane Costa-owner, Landon Walsh and Chris Baker (R to L)
Baughman stated “589 Kustoms moved from Modesto last July and have found a new home in Sonora that is doing very well. They are a strong 12volt retailer and we are having fun working with Shane and his team.”
The Wake Audio Open House in Rancho Cordova on Thursday March 14th is the next scheduled event for the Wet Sounds Jeep. There will be stops at Wet Sounds dealers along the way on the 80 mile trip to Wake Audio.
DALLAS, TX (03.13.24) – SSR University held its first session the evening of March 6th at the SSR North Texas HQ. Shop owners and their respective staff members drove from across the area to attend the ‘Basic 12volt Charging Upgrades’ presented by Trainer Paul Galanos who drove up from Houston for the SSRU Session.
Tracy Farr, SSR VP of Sales & Operations, related “I am pleased to report that we had approximately 41 attendees, plus employees, at the event. The feedback we received from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming the success of our SSR University program. Building on the success of previous sessions in Houston, the Dallas event continues to demonstrate the value and impact of investing in our customers.”
Tracy Farr in his office with a framed graduation certificate from SSRU 1.1 in Dallas.
“We dove right into the dos and don’ts when it comes to upgrading a customer’s electrical system. Also discussed were new technology items like Lithium and Sodium Ion batteries as well as high current alternators. The SSR Dallas team produced a great turnout. The Dallas team, headed by Tracy Farr, was very accommodating and provided free dinner along with the training session” Galanos detailed.
“At SSR, we firmly believe that when our customers succeed, so do we. That’s why we are committed to providing comprehensive training and support to ensure our customers achieve their goals and maximize their potential” Farr stated.
Kudos to the entire SSR Team for their dedication to making each session of the SSRU initiative a success for their dealers.
PALMYRA, PA (03.12.24) – Eric Balmert-B’s Car Stereo and Chris Liebau-Auto Tint & Trim both reported tremendous experiences following their return from the MasterTech Expo 2024 in Mesa Az.
DAS offered an all-expense-paid trip to MasterTech Expo for two (2) installers in the Ohio Valley. The contestants were chosen on Thursday February 16th from a drawing which consisted of brick & mortar 12V dealers who applied and opened an account with DAS during the specified contest timeframe. The winning accounts were be able to send one (1) installer on the trip.
Rex Berfield-National Sales Manager and Ken Litten-CE Sales & Marketing Manager attended the MasterTech Expo and spent time with the winners. Berfield had many vendor meetings while Litten was the Master of Ceremonies.
B’s Car Stereo in Elyria OH was chosen as a winner and Eric Balmert took the trip to Meas AZ. Upon returning to Elyria OH Balmert related “The whole MasterTech Expo experience was a awesome. It was different than other dealer shows and trainings I had attended in the past. I attended so many trainings and learned so much. I had trouble getting to sleep at nights as my mind was racing from what I saw during the day. Had to go to a close by Planet Fitness to work out. Learning so much from the sewing machine training and 3D images and printing sessions will definitely let us take our custom work to a new level. I have already looked into purchasing a sewing machine and learning more about 3D options. I look forward to attending one of the Mobile Solutions custom sessions in the future.”
Prior to the trip, Balmert related to the 12volt Central Studios “When they let me know we had won the trip to the MasterTech Expo I was so surprised…and happy. I have heard so much about the event and am definitely looking forward to the trip.”
Chris Liebau with Auto Tint & Trim, in Vienna WV, was the other lucky trip winner. “I saw so much at the MasterTech Expo. The vendor exhibits, displays and networking were really special. The custom work that was in the demo vehicles was amazing. The system sound quality and volume too. The sessions that focused on laser and CNC possibilities definitely showed things I will use at the store. We do quite a bit of leather work and spending time in the Apex Leather booth was special” Liebau related.
After learning he had won a DAS trip Chris Liebau offered to the 12volt Central Studios “I have heard so many good things about the MasterTech Expo from friends and dealers who had attended the event. A huge thank you to DAS for putting this contest together. I was almost speechless when they let me know we were a trip winner.”
MasterTech Expo 2024 was more than just an event… it was a catalyst for growth, inspiration and future-forward thinking. It was where attendees transformed their knowledge, connected with the best in the industry, and witnessed the future of technology unfold.
Airfare to and from the event, hotel room, and MasterTech Expo entry fee was included
The DAS contest was for dealers who applied in the following states: Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan (Lower Peninsula).
12VoltNews.com 