STILLWATER, OK (08.28.23) – KICKER returned to the MEA KnowledgeFest at the Dallas Convention Center August 25-27, and featured the KICKER Tech Force conducting a pair of trainings Friday and Saturday. The classes helped installers quickly determine the equipment needed to integrate aftermarket audio into a factory sound system, using KICKER’s revolutionary FIT and KEY technologies. All training attendees were automatically entered to win one of two KICKER PowerBar powersports soundbars.
The wide variety of KICKER products were displayed on the K’Fest floor. The KICKER FIAT 500 Sport was Livin’Loud with demos.
KICKER’s booth was in front of the Convention Center’s main entrance, booth 801. Forty of the world’s largest 12-volt manufacturers also attended the event.
Josh Fletcher, Sandy Moore and Eva Pace (LtoR) are ready for another busy day in the KICKER booth.
Also making an appearance was the KICKER FIAT 500 Sport, equipped with the award-winning KEY Smart Amplifiers. KEY Technology drastically improves clarity, volume, and soundstage to nearly every radio on the market today – including those equipped with start/stop technology. It automatically applies time alignment, detects speaker sizes, adjusts gain, and applies a 40-band EQ and 24dB crossovers in a matter of seconds. The Fiat also featured the enormous Quad Box of Solo-Baric L7 square subwoofers.
The newly released PowerCans and award-winning KMXL horn-loaded speakers on display in the KICKER booth.
KICKER’s newest gear was on display, including the ST-Series of P.A. Speakers, SoloX Subwoofers, the powerful Warhorse Sub Amplifier, newly released PowerCans, plus award-winning KMXL Horn-Loaded Speakers.
KICKER Tech Force sessions helped installers quickly determine the equipment needed to integrate aftermarket audio into a factory sound system utilizing KICKER’s revolutionary
FIT and KEY technologies.
SHREVEPORT LA (08.19.23) WTF…Win This Friday. Mobile AVC won a SiriusXM prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 234 on Friday morning, August 25th.
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 234th time on Friday morning August 25th. The Wheel landed on the SiriusXM space and the Mobile AVC 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 Brunswick ME to let them know a SiriusXM prize will be headed that way. Erik Quick, the owner answered the phone. We told him the reason for the call and he said he had seen the post on Instagram earlier. Mobile AVC makes great posts on Instagram with vehicles posted in their facility that grabs the attention from their social media followers. On Saturday, August 26th Mobile AVC is partnering on a local car show including family activities. Great to see proactive retailers connecting with consumers to drive business and in-store traffic and sales.
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, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ and Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, September 1st.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.25.23) – The SEMA Show Overland Experience, a popular specialized showcase at the world’s leading automotive trade show, is moving to a new location in 2023 to give attendees a more immersive introduction into the world of overlanding. The dedicated display will be prominently featured in the Diamond Lot, adjacent to the West Hall, providing a customized environment to highlight the growing overlanding market.
“Moving the Overland Experience to the Diamond Lot will enable attendees and media to easily access the latest products and innovations in the growing market segment, in an outside setting they were designed for,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “The exhibit will be conveniently accessible to all Show attendees via the LVCC Loop West Hall Station and the West Hall, which will feature the latest in trucks, SUVs, off-roading, powersports and utility vehicles.”
The SEMA Overland Experience will include dozens of customized vehicles–from pop-top-equipped trucks to sprinter vans to specialty trailers–featuring recreational and utility gear such as refrigerators, storage racks and units, makeshift kitchens, and solar chargers, everything to make off-the-grid travel fun and convenient.
The exhibit will also feature industry experts discussing key overlanding opportunities and trends that can add important new profit centers for aftermarket companies who are looking to diversify and grow their offerings.
“The Overland Experience is a great opportunity for attendees to delve deep into the lifestyle and gear associated with this adventure-driven niche,” added SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “With exhibits like the Overland Experience displayed throughout the SEMA Show, we will showcase what’s trending in the marketplace and what many consumers and enthusiasts are gravitating towards.”
Attendees will be able to engage with several leading brands, including current Overland Experience sponsors American Expedition Vehicles, KW Automotive, LinksWell Automotive, LiquidSpring, Mackin Industries, ORACLE Lighting, Powerbuilt and Caterpillar, Scosche Industries, and first-time exhibitor Winnebago.
The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry. It is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers from good to great. To learn more or to register to attend the 2023 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.
STILLWATER, OK (08.24.23) – KICKER returns to the MEA KnowledgeFest at the Dallas Convention Center August 25-27, and will feature the KICKER Tech Force conducting a pair of trainings Friday and Saturday. The classes will help installers quickly determine the equipment needed to integrate aftermarket audio into a factory sound system, using KICKER’s revolutionary FIT™ and KEY technologies. All training attendees will automatically be entered to win one of two KICKER PowerBar powersports soundbars.
KICKER’s booth will be in front of the Convention Center’s main entrance, booth 801. Forty of the world’s largest 12-volt manufacturers will attend the event.
Also making an appearance will be the KICKER FIAT 500 Sport, equipped with the award-winning KEY Smart Amplifiers. KEY Technology drastically improves clarity, volume, and soundstage to nearly every radio on the market today – including those equipped with start/stop technology. It automatically applies time alignment, detects speaker sizes, adjusts gain, and applies a 40-band EQ and 24dB crossovers in a matter of seconds. The Fiat also features the enormous Quad Box of Solo-Baric L7 square subwoofers.
KICKER’s newest gear will be on display, including the ST-Series of P.A. Speakers, SoloX Subwoofers, the powerful Warhorse™ Sub Amplifier, newly released PowerCans, and award-winning KMXL Horn-Loaded Speakers.
NILES, IL (08.23.23) – The Armando Sounds Grand Opening in Niles took place with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday morning, September 9th 2022.
“It seems like just yesterday that we celebrated the grand opening of our new Niles store. From then until now the journey has been filled with passion, innovation and incredible memories. As we reflect on this milestone we’re grateful to our amazing customers, the car audio community and staff that made it all possible” Mohammed Armand, Armando Sounds owner, related.
Just a short year ago community leaders, friends and staff gathered for the Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony.
Continuing “Here’s to a year of pushing boundaries, elevating sound and fueling the drive for excellence. Join our Team as we continue this sonic journey…because the best is yet to come” Armand stated.
The above heart-felt words were offered on an Armando Sounds social media post on August 8th, 2023.
KICKER’s Steve Irby (L) is pictured with Mohammed Armand during a recent visit. “Armando Sounds is an amazing retail store. Mohammed definitely raised the bar.”
The Mayor of Niles cut the ribbon as members of the Chamber of Commerce and other city officials gathered in front of the store almost a year ago. Following the ribbon cutting members of the group spent time inside enjoying refreshments and checking out the new store.
Armand added “We have now been in business for 23 years and this new location brings together what we felt would create a great in-store experience for consumers and customers in the area. Looking back at the past year that proved to be the case”
“This display, spotlighting a new 19” Rockford Fosgate and a custom Sound Mekanix enclosure gets customers talking” Mohammed Armand stated.
Recently JL Audio was on site with Shelby Shimkus, Heritage Marketing Rep Firm, with this Cadillac XTR, providing high-end demos.
5Axis Innovations worked hand-in-hand with Mohammed at Armando Sounds to create that in-store experience with a showroom designed with amazing displays and graphics. Jody Culbertson stated “It was truly an honor and privilege to work with Mohammed and his team to create the in-store experience he envisioned for consumers and customers. Seeing our work contribute to the success of a premier retailer like Armando Sounds is a very, very rewarding. We wish Mohammed and Armando Sounds many more years of sonic success.”
“We had seen the work that Jody Culbertson had done with 5Axis Innovations. We reached out to him and he developed a layout with displays and signage that came together and was amazing from the day we opened. Our staff of 5 greets customers knowing they will have a feeling of ‘WOW…this is THE place’ when they enter our new store. And importantly, the best is yet to come on our sonic journey” Mohammed concluded.
Tom Ebeling, Tree Associates, has been working with Mohammed for many years and they are personal friends. “From opening day I thought Mohammed’s new store rivaled any store in the country. He is a smart businessman and I think did everything to the extreme in the new Armando Sounds store. The turnout of the Mayor and city leaders at the grand opening last year certainly demonstrated Mohammed is a continuing and valued member of the community” Ebeling related.
The new Armando Sounds store, which at 7500 sq ft is 3 times the size of the previous location, is located at 7320 N. Milwaukee in Niles, IL 60714
STILLWATER, OK (08.22.23) – KICKER is headed back to the East Coast as the title sponsor of the Ocean City Jeep Fest, held from August 24-27 and originating from the Ocean City (Md.) Convention Center.
Located in front of the Convention Center entrance, KICKER and Jeep Fest will host Jeeps from several local and national clubs, with several featuring custom KICKER installations. As an added bonus, there will be a chance for showgoers to win a full KICKER bass system, including the TB-Series 10-inch loaded “tube” enclosure, 400-watt mono amplifier and wiring kit.
KICKER dealer Audio Works (Newark, Del.) will be installing audio systems on-site for the entire show and will feature several audio packages for purchase made especially for Jeepers. The Audio Works tent will be located next to the KICKER setup, which will be assisted by sales representatives from OPUS Marketing.
OC Jeep Fest has a nonstop event schedule planned for every day of the show, beginning with 300 Jeepers cruising the Ocean City sand during a beach crawl. The KICKER Show-and-Shine is planned for Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and three daily KICKER sand-course events will run from 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. The KICKER Kickoff Party caps off the first day of the show at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn that evening. On Friday night, Pier 23 waterfront restaurant hosts Kickin’ It at the Harbor with KICKER, featuring live music, food and drinks.
STURGIS, SD (08.21.23) – KENWOOD showcased the company’s expanding lineup of motorsports motorcyle products and the Audio Edge 6-member Team was under the tents completing installations during the the 2023 Sturgis Rally”s 10-day run August 4-10.
Cody Gressett and Chris Hulin (R) by the trailer during a fuel stop headed to Sturgis.
The Audio Edge Team rolled out of the company’s Nederland TX home on Tuesday August 4th for the 1380 mile journey to Sturgis SD. Owner Chris Hulin was behind the wheel of the F350 pulling a 24’ trailer filled with tools, accessories and supplies needed to complete installations on dozens and dozens of bikes at the Stugis Rally.
Team members Cody Gressett, James Duval, Nick Hayes, Mitchell Davis and Nathan Gonzales joined Hulin on the trip. Some team members hit the highway in a seperate vehicle. The trip took 2 days with an overnight stay in Wichita KS.
Even during rainy days there was installation action.
Audio Edge Team members busy with installs.
The 2023 Rally was definitely impacted by weather in a major way. Rains the first 2 days definitely slowed attendance and business as bikers don’t look forward to traveling hundreds of miles in the rain. Starting with Day 3 weather improved for a couple days, then rained and finished under a sunny sky.
KENWOOD staff members at the 2023 Sturgis Rally included Kelly McDaniel, Josh Bowen, John Lucas and Seth Halstead (LtoR).
The Audio Edge Team pictures on a sunny day. Nathan Gonzales, Nick Hayes, James Duval, Chris Hulin, Cody Gressett and Mitchell Davis (LtoR).
During the Sturgis Rally several KENWOOD several staff members rotated on site. Scott Caswell, Tim Hill, Kelly McDaniel, Marcus Vasconcellos, Josh Bowen and Seth Halstead worked showing bikers product, doing demos and closing sales along with the Audio Edge Team that completed installations.
“This was our first trip to the Sturgis Rally and it was an amazing experience that we are planning again in 2024. We completed KENWOOD installations on dozens and dozens of bikes from 8 in the mornings until all jobs were done which was 11PM a few nights. We did a lot of 2 and 4 speaker installs and quite a few older bikes. The biggest job was probaby right at $4K. During the event KENWOOD had to have more product shipped in to complete jobs during the event” Hulin related.
The Installation bay was full every sunny day.
The KENWOOD sales crew answering questions for more bikers.
The KENWOOD and Audio Edge teams stayed in a large, very nice rental house about 35 minutes ride from the Rally site.”We ate a lot of pizza and sandwiches from food trucks during the day and enjoyed dinners on the grill at the house. KENWOOD really took care of us” Hulin added.
Overall attendance at the 2023 Sturgis Rally was reported to be down a bit and weather was certainly a contributing factor.
Sunny days fill downtown Sturgis with bikers.
Concluding Hulin offered “We are all very glad to be home. The crew at the store did a great job while we were gone. Sales were good in Nederand and we are getting ready to attend a few more bike rallies. Bike sales are a growing part of our business.”
The trip to the 2023 Sturgis Rally with the Audio Edge Team was definitely an exciting experience for the 12volt Central Studios.
The close to 3000 mile roundtrip to Sturgis ran close to 2 full 24-hour days of windshield time for the Team with the fuel bill approaching $3000. for the 2 vehicles.
SHREVEPORT LA (08.19.23) WTF…Win This Friday. Prestige Sounds won a NavAtlas prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 233 on Friday morning, August 18th.
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 233rd time on Friday morning August 18th. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space and the Prestige Sounds 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 Pompano Beach FL to let them know a NavAtlas prize will be headed that way. We reached out by phone and got the standard voicemail message. We will continue to try to let them know the good news. Prestige Sounds makes great posts on Instagram with vehicles posted in his facility that grabs the attention from their 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, Music In Motion in Alsip IL and Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, August 18th.
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.
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