ANKENY, IA (08.18.23) – The Alpine Experience RAM with Chris Reavis behind the wheel rolled into the Custom Sound & Image location in Ankeny early Friday, August 11th. Very quickly it became apparent this was going to be a very good Alpine Experience for all. Ankeny is a city of 68,000 and a suburb on Des Moines, the Capitol of Iowa.
The line for an Alpine Experience demo formed early at Custom Sound & Image.
The Alpine Experience RAM drew attention from the street.
As soon as I drove onto the lot to set up the tent, and position the Alpine Experience RAM and flags, consumers started to arrive for a demo and soon there was a line waiting for demos. That was certainly was an indication of a strong event which proved to be the case at the end of the day.” Reavis related.
Customers at the counter finalizing their Alpine purchases. Several Alpine Status systems were sold.
Custom Sound & Image was well stocked for the Alpine Experience event in Ankeny.
Aaron Bakerink, Custom Sound & Image owner stated “The Alpine Experience at our store was terrific. We have been in business in Ankeny for 10 years and in our new location for 3 years and this was one of our best events. Alpine has been on our display boards since 2016. We have personal relationships with members of the community and they really responded to our email and txt efforts highlighting the Alpine Experience at our store. Our staff of 4 and I were definitely busy all day.”
The Custom Sound & Image Team Shaiden Simmons, Mike Mazza, Arron and Sara Bakerink (L to R) in the showroom.
“During the day I know I did 50 demos in the RAM. Then people went into the store and got together with Aaron and sales staff members. Also Nick Henry and Anthony Rawlings, from Santa Fe Distributing in Shawnee KS, were also in the house helping with sales for the day” Reavis offered.
“Following the very successful Alpine Experience on Friday the 11th we had sales the days of the week following too. Alpine Status system sales contributed to a very successful event” Bakerink concluded.
TAMPA, FL (08.17.23) – DOW Technologies hosted their fourth DOW Elite Dealer Retreat July 31 and August 1 at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Georgia. DOW brought in over 250 customer attendees representing 141 companies to attend the two-day event.
The DOW Elite Dealer Retreat brings dealers to a relaxed, resort atmosphere where they attend manufacturer trainings, product demonstrations, a trade show and get a good mix of networking and fun. On Monday, dealers heard from Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions and Rich De Sclafani of RDV Automotive Technologies. The two talked about the difficulties small business owners face and highlighted the value of working with good partners. Drew Fischer, director of sales at DOW Technologies, related the stories told by Schmitt and De Sclafani to the struggles the attendees face and how DOW can be a partner to help them with those issues. After the opening ceremony, dealers attended five unique sessions with different manufacturers that offered training and an opportunity to provide feedback. The evening was capped off with a cocktail hour that featured yard games and a networking dinner.
On Tuesday morning, dealers attended business improvement sessions that were designed to highlight opportunities for business owners to expand their offerings and add revenue. Following the classes, dealers attended a trade show featuring 40 manufacturers and vendors. After the trade show, dealers and manufacturers spent the afternoon networking along the shore of beautiful Lake Oconee. DOW offered the opportunity for attendees to take a relaxing ride on a pontoon boat, swim in the pool or lake, compete in games for great prizes, or check out a car show that featured demo cars from Alpine, Sony, Metra, Triton, JVC, Kicker and Gladen.
“We’re thrilled to have orchestrated this wonderful opportunity for dealers and manufacturers to reconnect in a relaxed setting, fostering meaningful conversations and valuable interactions,” remarked Drew Fischer. “At DOW, we’re committed to consistently exploring innovative avenues for distinctive programs and services. This event stands as a genuine hallmark, setting us apart within the industry.”
Quotes from participating dealers
“The DOW Elite Retreat was freaking awesome!!! DOW has done an amazing job of setting up this event at a gorgeous Ritz Carlton resort at Lake Oconee. As soon as we arrived, they handed us our badges, merch bag, and a Samsung Portable Projector that I immediately geeked out over! The vendor classes were exceptional, not only did they show us the latest and greatest products (Sony’s new OLED made my eyes melt) but also gave us tips and hidden menus that not many people know about. I was able to link up with sales reps to get me on the track to become a certified dealer for their products. The event gave me the chance to meet and network with other dealers in my local area and out of state that I can collaborate with on projects and ideas. Being on the CI part of DOW, having the opportunity to see all the 12volt technology that they are putting in cars and boats makes me want to expand more into other ventures.” Michael Irwin, Going Digital Inc, Boca Raton, FL
“Our time at the DOW Retreat was amazing. They really know how to treat their dealers while still educating us on new and exciting products. We got to meet so many other business owners like us. It was truly eye opening to see all the new products and possibilities we could bring back. We are excited for the next DOW Retreat already.” Jessica Sharpe, Georgetown TV & Audio LLC, Georgetown, TX
“The Elite Retreat was an overall great experience. It was an opportunity for us to connect with other people in our industry and talk to representatives from our many vendors. We came away with an immense amount of new knowledge that we can now use to better serve our customers.” Mike Morales, Quality TV, North Port, FL
“Got a lot of information on CI solutions that I’ve never installed before. I was engaged on everything that I saw. It gave me ideas and helped me see other money avenues. Of all the events that I’ve been to, this has been the best. You all went out of your way to accommodate your dealers and show us appreciation.” Ty Claiborne, Local TV Pro LLC, Maryville, TN
Quotes from participating manufacturers
“DOW’s Elite Retreat continues to deliver solid ROI, but you have to engage and not approach this as just another trade show selling event or product training opportunity. Its dealer relationship marketing throughout the entire high class event, blended with focus group insights stemming from your breakout sessions. And finally, capping it all off with a trade show frenzy of two to three hours pitching your latest and greatest products and brand value approach. The event delivers on all levels.” Rick Kojan, Sony
“DOW’s Elite Retreat was overall a great success for Alpine! One of the major benefits for Alpine was the ability to interact one-on-one with dealers during all aspects of the event and provide live demos. The training classes provided us multiple groups throughout the day that allowed us to answer questions, gather feedback directly, and gave dealers the chance to be heard. An amazing event that creates lasting partnership for all that attend.” Roy Meyer, Alpine
“The 2023 Dow Elite Retreat truly captured what being a partner vendor is all about. I received so many positive comments about the phenomenal venue, but more importantly, the feeling of being a part of a special family. The connection between the ownership, management, and sales team at Dow with the many customers and vendors, is forging a very rare bond. Being able to collaborate with so many other companies and having the opportunity to hear the many different ideas, makes it a very special event. The topper was when John Yodzis took notice of the younger generation with their parents and expressed how much he loved that they were there soaking it all in. That brought it all into a perspective of continuing a great tradition and looking to future generations of entrepreneurs and innovators in our industry.” Ray Sanchez, Ethereal
“I have been to a lot of distributor events over the years but this had to be one of the best I have ever had the privilege of attending. The Dow team were spot on in regards to location, dealer attendance, and the mix between business and fun.” Paul Trueman, SiriusXM
To learn more about DOW Technologies, please visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900.
STILLWATER, OK (08.16.23) – KICKER played host to more than 20 dealers and rep firms here last week during a two-day training and tour of KICKER World Headquarters, which included hands-on experience with KICKER product and discussions with company executives from Sales, Marketing, Product Planning, and Research and Development. The tour began with the background story about the brand’s inception, shared by KICKER founder and CEO Steve Irby.
“It’s always enjoyable to welcome our dealer guests onto our campus,” said Tom Heath, KICKER Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We hope our visitors learn a little bit about what makes KICKER different, and we tend to get a lot of positive feedback after they’ve spent time with us for a few days.”
“It’s easy to look at KICKER from afar and think it’s another huge corporate entity,” said Bob Hernandez of distributor GoFast Solutions . “The truth is that’s not accurate at all. Hearing Steve address the group is heartwarming. I’ve heard him do it several times and I’m touched every time. The peek behind the curtain at all the different departments – it gives great insight.”
The class received hands-on training with the SoloX Subwoofer reconing process, led by KICKER Tech Force training manager Aaron Malin. Malin also led the group on an extensive tour of the facility, including a chance to audition speakers in the company’s listening lab.
In other activities, the group experienced a demo of the outrageous KICKER Ford Bronco, equipped with nine, 12-inch SoloX subwoofers and 36,000 watts worth of KICKER Warhorse amplification (anticipated release in late 2023). The Bronco will make another appearance this year at KnowledgeFest in Dallas, and again at the SEMA Show in November.
Marking a KICKER dealer-visit first, personnel from authorized dealer Brian’s Motorsports (Hendersonville, Tenn.) brought “Big Debra,” a converted bread truck, from their home base outside of Nashville, as well as their in-house videographer to document the experience. The modified ride features a pair of enormous KICKER Quad Boxes loaded with Solo-Baric L7R Square Subwoofers, KS-Series Coaxials, and five CXA-Series Amplifiers. The three-minute recap can be seen on the Brian’s Motorsports YouTube channel.
SHREVEPORT, LA (08.15.23) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staff, works to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.
Sturgis, SD was action central again for all things bikes again in 2023.
See action from Sturgis SD, Winchester Bay OR, Castle Rock WA, New Britain PA, Niles IL and Seaside CA. The images below are examples of the 12volt STP Tool at work in just the past weekend. There will be much more to come as coverage of events and activities continue to take place.
The 2023 Dune Fest was packed in Winchester Bay, OR and once again in the center of the action.
KICKER was set to show the company’s wide selection of Powersports products at the American Flat Track in Castle Rock, WA.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever for industry members and companies to showcase positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
Claudia Brocious’s reaction to the Audiofrog demo with Jacob Wehmeyer in the Volvo C30 tells the story of Audiofrog’s in-store demo days tour.
KICKER’s Steve Irby (L) stopped by Armando Sounds and checks out new SOLO X subs with Mohammed Arman in Niles, IL.
Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.
Competitors at the 7th Annual Marina Auto Stereo event in Seaside CA gathered as the day wrapped after competing in EMMA, WCA and Bass Wars format on Sunday, August 13th. Papasin Sound events are on the move.
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the news as 12volt industry members utilize the 12voltSTP Tool.
WHEELING, WV (08.14.23) – The new Steel Valley Regional venue at the Wesbanco Arena drew rave reviews from participants at this year’s event that took place July 22nd and 23rd. The Steel Valley Regional (SRV) is the largest indoor Sound Quality competition next to the World Finals.
The Wesbanco Arena floor filled with vehicles for the Sound Quality Competition.
“We had over 500 Score Sheets with around 60 SQ Cars competing over the weekend including cars from Mexico, Florida and California competing at the weekend event. Competitions included SVR Money Round, EMMA, IASCA and MASQ” Larry Chijner related.
Larry Chijner welcomes competitors to the SVR XII event
This year’s show was moved from Mountaineer Casino to Wesbanco Arena in Wheeling WV because the Mountaineer is closing the HARV Arena. Hotel and restaurants accommodations were much improved at the new location as all were10 minutes from the Competition Arena.
Chijner continued “The competitors and judges loved the new Venue and the show was run professionally by Keith Turner from Soundstage Shows and Charles Knight. Keith and Soundstage SQ Shows is one of the major promoters of SQ Shows in the country. Prior to setting up Soundstage Keith has helped me run SVR for many, many years.”
Larry Chijner welcomes competitors to the SVR XII event
Larry Chijner welcomes competitors to the SVR XII event
“Linda Kobyashi and Richard Papasin travelled from the West Coast were on site as invited judges and Richard helped judge the money round and Linda helping with EMMA. The new venue was terrific and this year’s SQ competitors raised the bar with great systems and installations.”
First Place Money Round Winner Natan Budiono with his trophy.
Soundstage team Charles Knight and Keith Turner.
Dave Clews, 12volt Dave’s, once again made the trip from Pottsville PA to compete at the Steel Valley Regional. “Once again it was a terrific weekend. Meeting face-to-face with industry members and competitors is always super. The new venue is super and I look forward the the 2024 SVR.”
Top 10 Money Round winners with their awards.
Concluding “I would have to say this year’s show was the Best Ever as we SOLD OUT the 60 Cars in 8 Hours. SQ Competition is still very relevant and I’m seeing growth from the Retailers to the competitors participation. We had IASCA, EMMA and MASQ Formats supported at SVR this year and was a lead up to the World Finals October 15th weekend in Birmingham Alabama!!
Richard Papasin and Linda Kobayashi wait in the San Francisco terminal ready to catch a red-eye flight east after judging a BassWars Summer Beat Down event in Bloomington CA earlier that day. A big 12volt Central Studios THANK YOU to Linda for supplying great images and info in this article.
Next Year’s SVR XIII is tentatively scheduled for July 26, 27, 28 2024 at Wesbanco Arena in Wheeling WV.
SHREVEPORT LA (08.12.23) WTF…Win This Friday. Current Automotive Design won the KICKER prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 232 on Friday morning, August 11th.
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 5.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 232nd time on Friday morning August 11th. The Wheel landed on the KICKER space and the Current Automotive Design 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 Sparta NJ to let them know a KICKER prize will be headed that way. We spoke with Bryan Murillo-Stasiak and he was very happy to hear the good news. Bryan makes great posts on Instagram with vehicles posted in his facility that grabs the attention from his social media followers.
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, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, AlloyGator, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi, Alphasonik, Race Sport Lighting and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards 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 and Music In Motion is Alsip IL.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, August 18th.
BOCA RATON, FL (08.11.23) — Tint World Automotive Styling Centers continues its exponential growth with six additional locations planned for development throughout North and South Carolina.
Under the agreement, Shawn McMaster, Jaysen McMaster Forman and Candi Krueger, who opened Tint World locations in Fayeteville and Greensboro, North Carolina, in 2023, will open three additional locations in North Carolina (Asheville, Weddington, Winston-Salem) and three in South Carolina (Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg) in the coming several years.
“We’re proud to set out on this journey with Shawn, Jaysen, and Candi,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Along with our other franchisees in this region, and throughout the markets we serve, they have delivered spectacular results. That’s a powerful statement about our proven franchise systems and our commitment to ensuring Tint World franchisees have every opportunity to maximize the financial and business potential in their markets.”
Tint World currently has nine locations in North Carolina and two locations in South Carolina, all of which have been among the fastest growing franchises in recent years.
“Our experience with Tint World has been nothing but rewarding,” McMaster said. “We all have different backgrounds, and that diversity allows us to deliver comprehensive high-quality service and products for every driver in our current and future markets. We’re also able to take full advantage of all the tools and benefits Tint World offers franchisees, and we’re incredibly excited about the opportunities ahead of us thanks to this agreement.”
AUBURN HILLS, MI (08.10.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will attend the 11th annual Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion (GSMJCI) at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN from Thursday, August 24 to Saturday, August 26. Alpine returns to GSMJCI for the first time since 2019, this time increasing its presence with a larger booth footprint to host the official Alpine Event Trailer and an installation booth.
Alpine will join over a hundred vendors outside the LeConte Convention Center (in the Jake Thomas Parking Lot) in a 30’ x 100’ booth space stocked with the latest dash and audio solutions designed specifically for the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator driver. All products will be available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing.
In addition to the vendor booth, Alpine will also have a 30’ x 80’ installation bay, powered by Tampa-based Alpine Authorized Retailer Soundwaves, so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed. The installation space will be located directly next to the Alpine booth space.
Two Alpine 2018 Jeep Wrangler demo vehicles will be on-site, featuring the i509-WRA-JL, a 9-inch Weather-Resistant Digital Media Receiver with Hi-Res Audio Playback. The unit was intentionally designed with the Jeep driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep interior and retain the features Jeep drivers use the most. Other features, like wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, Hi-Resolution Playback (96kHz/ 24Bit), and one of the industry-first SiriusXM-Ready head units enhanced with 360L and Hi-Res music streaming with TIDAL, make this the ultimate upgrade for the Jeep driver.
A premium Dash Camera DVR-C320R with built-in drive assist and impact recording will also be installed to showcase the head unit pairing capabilities of the i509-WRA-JL. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier will be featured for in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.
Alpine’s 2015 Jeep Wrangler will also be on-site with similar Jeep-specific solutions designed for older Jeep Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.
Alpine’s show vehicle “Switchback,” a 2020 Jeep Gladiator, will showcase a custom truck bed build that features 40 motorizedBluetooth speakers that articulate for optimal sound positioning, and a tailgate designed to look like an early Alpine stereo, complete with a large, functional volume knob and six classic “Alpine green” buttons on the faceplate to control the automation.
All GSMJCI visitors are encouraged to visit the Alpine booth and take advantage of the special, event-only deals and on-site installation services during the three-day event.
WEST CHESTER, PA (08.09.23) The Audiofrog demo car is on the road with Jacob Wehmeyer, Customer Experience Manager, behind the wheel of the Volvo C30.
“If you’ve never heard an Audiofrog system now is your chance. The new Audiofrog Volvo C30 demo car is on the road making stops at Audiofrog dealers across the US” Wehmeyer related.
The first stop on this tour leg was at Tier One Motoring in West Chester PA on Tuesday, August 8th. Wehmeyer, along with Bruce Orr-Gemini Advantage Marketing, arrived early. As the Volvo was set up in front of the Tier One location Wehmeyer spent time with staff members covering the Audiofrog lineup and providing demos for staff members in the Volvo C30 which was designed and installed in-house at the Audiofrog HQ in California.
The Audiofrog Volvo C30 set for demos at Tier One Motoring on Tuesday, August 8th.
Jason Levy-VP, Brian Cocher-Lead Technician, Colby Brenner-Sales, Jacob Wehmeyer-Audiofrog, Bruce Orr-Principal Gemini-Advantage Marketing and Ron Hoser-Tier One Motoring-President (LtoR) are ready for the Audiofrog Demo Day.
“The day at Tier One Motoring was very good. We did many demos and each of the staff members were definitely impressed with the demo in the C30. There are pending sales also from customers” Wehmeyer stated.
The system in the Audiofrog demo includes 18 GB Series speakers and subwoofers, 7 Audiofrog HiFi Class-D amplifiers and the company’s prototype immersive Multiseat DSP.
Ron Hoser behind the wheel with his hand on the control during an Audiofrog demo with Jacob Wehmeyer.
On this leg of the Audiofrog tour there are 8 more stops before August 17th.
The previous tour leg was July 21-26 with John Gray-Real Performance Marketing with 5 stops in Virginia. One of those stops was at Sound Wave Customs in Virginia Beach VA. Sound Wave Customs made social media posts to promote the Audiofrog day at their store.
For the Audiofrog Demo Day at Sound Waves Customs in Virginia Beach the crew is ready. Owner Ethan Blau is on the right and AudioFrog’s Jacob Wehmeyer is third from the right. John Gray, RPM, was behind the camera.
Ethan Blau, Sound Wave Customs, related “It was terrific to have the Audiofrog demo car at our store. It was a super day as we had at least 20 people come in for a demo and we sold a couple big tickets. Jacob and John spent time covering the line with our staff and customers. Seeing Audiofrog make the investment to put a top quaity demo car on the road is really good for the industry.”
This graphic, along with videos, was posted on Sound Wave Customs social media accounts.
Upcoming stops on this leg of the Audiofrog tour include Precision Autosport-New Britian PA August 9, On The Spot Audio-Pennsauken PA- August 10, Bumper To Bimper -Freehold Township NJ-August 11, D&L Auto Accessories-Lancaster PA -August 14th, Depot Autosound-White Plains NY-August 15th, Sound FX-Harriman NY-August 16th and GilliN Custom Design-Middletown NY-August 17th.
OLATHE, KS (08.08.23) – Garmin Ltd. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire JL Audio, a privately-held U.S. company that designs and manufactures audio solutions for marine, aftermarket automotive, powersports, home and RV customers.
“JL Audio’s extensive audio experience will create new opportunities to provide premium audio features across a broad range of our markets and products. The JL Audio brand is known around the world for offering a premium audio experience which is made possible by their talented and dedicated associates. We look forward to welcoming the JL Audio team into the Garmin family.” –Cliff Pemble, Garmin President and CEO
With over four decades of experience, JL Audio offers premium audio products and accessories, including speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and other audio components.
“JL Audio shares Garmin’s vision to deliver unique technology solutions, supported by meaningful R&D and engineering. We are thrilled at the opportunity to integrate into Garmin’s product ecosystem. JL Audio will contribute audio knowledge and engineering expertise to create great audio products for many years to come.” –Lucio Proni, JL Audio Founder and CEO
JL Audio is headquartered in Miramar, Fla., and employs more than 600 associates. The completion of this acquisition is expected to occur by the end of 2023 and is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. All existing JL Audio products will continue to be supported post-closing, and customers can expect to continue receiving the same great customer service. Financial terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.
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