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DB Drag Racing Finals 25th Anniversary Oct 1-2 in Kentucky

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OWENSBORO, KY (10.06.22) – The 25th Anniversary dB Drag Racing World Finals, presented by Deaf Bonce, took place at the Owensboro Kentucky Convention Center during the weekend of October 1-2, 2022. The event was packed with non-stop competition all weekend long. Spectators were on site to watch in person and the event was Live Streamed on YouTube with thousands of viewers watching from around the world. Over $10,000 in prizes were given away during the raffles all weekend. Competitors drove long distances to compete, and some came as far as California, Western Canada, Maine, Texas, and Minnesota.

A few competitors and spectators flew in from Belgium, Greece, Brazil, and Germany to take part in the World Finals. All World Finalists received commemorative World Finals gear including a Duffel Bag sponsored by Crossfire, Jersey, Decal, Cap, Banner, Plaque, and other swag. In addition to the swag, a Ground Zero Audio and SounDigital hospitality suite were open all weekend, and lunch was provided Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday night a competitor party and BBQ, sponsored by Ground Zero and SounDigital took place at a local brewery. The competitors got a chance to hang out, eat dinner, and mingle with some of the old-school car stereo guys in attendance at the Old School Meet-Up sponsored by Directronix.

The exhibit floor at the Owensboro Convention Center was filled with competitor’s vehicles, vendor booths and enthusiasts.

The competition was fierce with Four World Records established at the event. The most notable World Record was established in the Extreme Class. Team Soundcheck scored a 185.2 dB and then backed it up with a 185.4 dB, making the new world record 185.2 dB. The score of 185.4 dB makes this the LOUDEST certified dB Drag Racing score in the WORLD. This is amazing and we want to congratulate the entire Soundcheck team for putting up such a huge score!

In addition to the Extreme record, Team Aintloud Sam established a record of 152 dB in Street Stock 1K. Team Directronix Dan beat his old record establishing a new record of 172.6 dB in Super Street NW. There was an exciting run in Super Street X and Team Crossfire Donteay established a new record of 167.8 dB.

Competitors see big SPL numbers on the monitor.

Trophies for the event were sponsored by Sundown Audio. First through Third Place winners in 24 classes of the competition received an awesome 4 post trophy with first place checking in over 6 feet tall!

First-place winners will receive custom championship rings sponsored by Incriminator Audio. The winner has their choice of silver or silver with gold accents. The rings are custom-made and embossed with the competitor’s name and format of competition won.

Trophy winners gathered on the stage for a group photo Sunday night.

Every year the dB Drag Racing Association awards points champion recognition. For 2022, three points champions were awarded custom World Finals leather jackets sponsored by DC Audio. The points leaders were: Moses Martinez for dB Drag Racing / Bass Race / Freestyle, Julius Mack Johnson III for Psychlone, and Team FX Jimbo for Top Dog.

The dBDRA recognized several teams and individuals for their contribution to growing the sport of dB Drag Racing. Moses Martinez was awarded Competitor of the Year for 2022. Moses traveled throughout the country this year to compete. He has such a friendly personality and is a fan favorite amongst many involved. Special recognitions went out to Julius Mack Johnson III, TN Bass Racers, Daniel Tate, Team Directronix, Team Crossfire, Team Soundcheck, Team Incriminator, and Team dB Revolution. The Best of Show award was presented to RP Patel of Team Soundcheck with the Extreme Van.

 A group of competitors and friends enjoying dinner and a good time one evening.

The grand finale of the event was the super popular Deathmatch exhibition, sponsored by FCBC. The top 4 loudest Super Street vehicles, at the finals, went head-to-head in a 5-minute average SPL competition. The doors and windows were rattling, and it was exciting to watch! The winner of Deathmatch this year was Beau Boren with Team Incriminator Audio with a 165.4 dB average for 5 minutes!

2022 dBDRA Champions:

Team Directronix Poptart – dB Drag Racing Street Stock 1K
Team Last Minute – dB Drag Racing Pro Stock 2K
Team Soundcheck Kenneth – dB Drag Racing Pro Stock 5K
Team Directronix Matt – dB Drag Racing Pro Stock Trunk 5K
Team Mach 1 – dB Drag Racing Pro Stock Wall 5K
Team Crossfire Eric – dB Drag Racing Pro Stock NL
Team Directronix Dan – dB Drag Racing Super Street NW
Team Soundcheck Butthurt Exp – dB Drag Racing Super Street 1-2
Gorman Cassidy – dB Drag Racing Super Street 3-4
Beau Boren – dB Drag Racing Super Street 5+
Team Crossfire Donteay – dB Drag Racing Super Street X
Team Soundcheck – dB Drag Racing Extreme NL

Audiodreamland Chris – Bass Race 120.0 dB to 129.9 dB
Team Directronix David – Bass Race 130.0 dB to 139.9 dB
Team Directronix Matt – Bass Race 140.0 dB to 149.9 dB
Team Fx Jimbo – Bass Race 150.0 dB to 159.9 dB

Team Fx Jimbo – Top Dog

Julius Mack Johnson III – Psychlone Demo No Wall
Team DC Lucas – Psychlone Demo Wall
Psychlone Demo Extreme – DD Tank

John Bennett – Freestyle Street Stock 1K
Team Crossfire Eric – Freestyle Pro Stock NL
Chad Flopbox Bleeke – Freestyle Pro Stock 5k
Team Fx Jimbo – Freestyle Super Street NL

The dB Drag Racing Association would like to thank everyone that participated in the event. This event is made possible by the competitors, judges, staff, sponsors, and spectators.

Judging Crew: Wyatte Meier, Doug Stockton, Jereme Creamer, Jeffrey Fernandez, Chet Teel, Andy Teuscher, Ray Choy, and Daren Narrine.

Event Staff: Wayne Harris, Celise Harris, Malissa Creamer, Bethany Meier, and Dayna Fernandez

Sponsors:

  • Deaf Bonce / Alphard Group (Presenting Sponsor)
  • Incriminator Audio (Rings and Badges)
  • Sundown Audio (Trophies)
  • Ground Zero & SounDigital (Hospitality and Party)
  • Crossfire Car Audio (Duffel Bags)
  • XS Power (Power Sponsor)
  • Directronix (Old School Meet Up)
  • DC Audio (Points Champion & Show Sponsor)
  • FCBC (Deathmatch)
  • Term-LAB (SPL Meter)
    – AAMP (Decal)
  • Mel Valadez (Plaques)

Show Sponsors:

  • Team Space 4 Bass, 20 Hz Labs, Shaker Trucking & Towing, Resilient Sounds, Kicker, Cerwin Vega

Visit dbdragracing.com for more.

Design Engineering at the Second Annual RV Hall of Fame Suppliers Show

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ELKHART, IN (10.05.22) – On Saturday, September 24th, Mike Beyersdoerfer rolled the BEI Dutch Star from Batesville, IN into Elkhart for the Second Annual RV Hall of Fame Supplier Show that filled the 100,000 square foot RV Hall of Fame Museum. The facility features a variety of historical recreational vehicles from Air Stream, Winnebago and other American makers.

2022 is the 50th Anniversary of the amazing RV Hall of Fame Museum that celebrates and honors pioneers and individuals in the RV industry that were instrumental in making the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries what they are today.

Mike Beyersdoerfer is flanked by customers in the DEI Booth.
The RV Museum Hall of Fame in Elkhart stretches over 100,000 square feet.

“We represented Design Engineering that makes many products with applications across the RV industry. Insulation and sound deadening products are supplied directly to manufacturers with DEI D/Mat. Sprinter vans are another hot area and we supply BoomMat Flex. The DEI pre-cut BoomMat Flex kits provide a lot of time saving on the installation side for Sprinter vans.”

In the DEI booth Beyersdoerfer, and Mike Buca-DEI Product Manager, were set up to showcase many DEI products. During the 3-Day run of the show, that featured over 150 exhibitors, they met with dozens of dealers and networked with dozens of RV industry members at the event.

Mike Beyersdoerfer beside a classic custom RV with a Cadillac heritage.
Attendees had an opportunity to experience a wide selection of RVs documenting the rich history of the category.

Beyersdoerfer added, “The really great thing was I had emails from 5 attendees right after the event wanting to place orders.”

There were many social activities around the city of Elkhart showcasing the RV industry. Evenings at the event included live performances from Florida Georgia line and headliners.

Concluding, Beyersdoerfer offered, “I myself have enjoyed owning a RV for years and have had several. I drove my 40’ Dutch Star to the event. On the grounds outside there were many custom and classic RV’s that I enjoyed checking out before the event started. The weather actually curtailed outside activities so I brought my RV inside the event area.”

Visit designengineering.com for more.

AMA EnduroCross and KICKER Hit the Track in Denver

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DENVER, CO (10.03.22) – The AMA EnduroCross Round 3 event took place at the National Western Event Center in Denver Saturday evening, October 1st. EnduroCross riders faced a dirt track filled with boulders, logs, large tires and ramps on their bikes.

KICKER, a series sponsor, was on site with tables filled with products under a large tent. The KICKER RZR was Livin’Loud by the tent and ready for demos.

KICKER was set up in the lobby with a large selection of products on display along with the RZR with Livin’Loud demos.

To set up the KICKER display Lorin Morrell rolled in with KICKER pickup on Friday. For this event local retailer MB Customs, with owner Mike Brown, was on site. Additional onsite support was supplied by Matt Macias, a representative, from the territory KICKER distributor Santa Fe Distributing.

The KICKER RZR positioned overlooking the stands and arena track.
Arien Sifuentes is all smiles with KICKER raffle prize. Matt Macias, Lorin Morrell and Mike Brown (LtoR) are all smiles too. A family member accompanied Arien to the booth to pick up the Bullfrog raffle prize.

Morrell, who orchestrates KICKER’s presence at AMA EnduroCross events, related “Attendance was strong at the event. Having Mike Brown at the event to connect with local enthusiasts and consumers was terrific. Showing the wide selection of products we had on display directly to consumers is a great way to drive business. Mike and Matt, from Santa Fe, both stayed engaged with attendees through the evening.”

The 2022 AMA EnduroCross series has been very active at each stop.

Three cities remain on the Six event AMA EnduroCross Series schedule for 2022…Prescott AZ-October 22nd, Boise ID-November 5th and Reno NV November 19th.

Lorin Morrell and Mike Brown supplied super images for this article.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Custom Audio Concepts Wins JVC Prize on The Spin-To-Win 198

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SHREVEPORT LA (10.01.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Custom Audio Concepts Won the JVC Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 198 on Friday morning, September 30th.

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 4.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 198th time on Friday morning September 30th. The Wheel landed on the JVC space and the Custom Audio Concepts slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.

Click to view.

We reached out to Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH and gave them the news an JVC prize will be headed their way. Mark Wallace was very happy to hear the news.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, JBL, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, USASpec and Nakamichi. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a 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 and Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, October 7th.

SEMA Announces Finalists for Inaugural Automotive Influencer of the Year Award

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.30.22) – SEMA has announced the finalists for its first-ever SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award. The new program recognizes content creators and social media influencers who have significantly supported and helped build enthusiasm for the automotive industry and car culture. The new award will be presented to one of the top-five finalists at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet to honor an influencer who has built an engaged audience and used his or her platform to positively impact car enthusiasts of all ages.

The five finalists for the 2022 SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award are Larry Chen, ChrisFix, TJ Hunt, Adam LZ, and Alex Taylor.

The award is a result of the rise of content creators’ and social media influencers’ impact on the industry. Finalists for the award were selected based on their presence and influence across social media channels, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more. The coveted SEMA Industry Awards Banquet will host the finalists and recognize their impact on growing the $50.9 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry.

“These influencers and creators have built up a tremendous voice to help promote, shape, and protect the automotive industry,” said SEMA Chairman James Lawrence. “Each of them has the ability to share their stories and connect with their fans in a personal and impactful way. They also generate tons of excitement and enthusiasm for the automotive industry. They are a big part of being an automotive enthusiast today, and it’s time we recognize them for their contributions.”

Fueled by the SEMA Show’s energy and passion, influencers will head to Las Vegas during the first week of November to connect with manufacturers and builders, learn about new products, witness vehicle unveilings, and attend industry gatherings while sharing their experiences for the world to see.

“Automotive influencers embody the passion that makes being a car person so special,” continued Lawrence. “The content they create is a great representation of what car culture is all about.”

The SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award winner will be announced at the newly revamped SEMA Industry Awards Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 3. The banquet, which is the annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry, will also provide the backdrop for the presentation of other industry awards, including SEMA Person of the Year and SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year.

Visit sema.org and semashow.com for more.

The 25th Anniversary DB Drag Racing World Finals and Old School Car Audio Meet UP

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OWENSBORO, KY (09.29.22) – The 25th Anniversary dB Drag Racing World Finals is taking place this weekend at the Owensboro KY Convention Center. Competition teams are traveling from all around to compete in 24 classes of competition.

Old school car audio enthusiasts will also be joining the event as part of an Old School Car Audio Meet Up. A busy weekend is planned with competition Saturday and Sunday. Trophies are awarded for 1st – 3rd place winners AND Championship Rings for 1st Place winners.

Wayne and Celise were rushing though the Atlanta airport on the way to Owensboro. Celise snapped this image as Wayne was boarding.

All attendees will receive a cool swag duffel bag with racing jersey, cap, banner, plaque and swag. Lunch is included for both days of the event and a catered BBQ dinner on Saturday night during the after party. Everyone will have a chance to win nearly $10,000 in PRIZES donated by sponsors.

On behalf of the dB Drag Racing Association and members a sincere thank you goes out to the sponsors supporting the event.

All is in place for the DB Drag Racing World Finals this weekend.

Deaf Bonce / Alphard Group (Presenting Sponsor) – Incriminator Audio (Rings and Badges) – Sundown Audio (Trophies) – Ground Zero & SounDigital (Hospitality and Party) – Crossfire Car Audio (Duffel Bags) – XS Power (Electric) – Directronix (Old School Meet Up) – DC Audio (Points Champion) – Mel Valadez (Plaques) – FCBC (Deathmatch) – AAMP (Decal) – Show Sponsors: Team Space 4 Bass – 20 Hz Labs – Shaker Trucking & Towing – Resilient Sounds – Kicker – Cerwin Vega – Term-LAB

Visit dbdragracing.com for more.

Custom Audio Concepts Rocked with 3-Day Tent Sale

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LIMA, OH (09.28.22) – The Custom Audio Concepts 3-Day Tent Sale took place Thursday through Saturday, September 22-24. The company’s store is located at a very busy intersection in Lima OH. A row of tents was positioned outside along with numerous tables stacked high with specials under tents for customers to check out.

Mark Wallace, Custom Audio Concepts GM, who orchestrated the event offered, “We had a unbelievably huge success. When others around may be slowing down we are moving forward. I have been in this industry for 24 years and have never seen an event this busy… and register such strong sales.”

The large Tent Sale banner grabbed attention on the busy street in Lima.

Continuing, Wallace added “We sold lots of Rockford Fosgate products along with Memphis subwoofers. Harley Hertz speakers were a hit and Sony Radios were sold like hotcakes. We did in 3 days what some stores may do in a month.”

The row of tents stretched over 100 feet down the side of the store and tables were stacked high with the products.

Al Congdon, with the Progressive Group, worked the event. Congdon related “I’m happy to say the event was well promoted and we had a steady flow of customers looking at products. The people that showed up were definitely buyers. The deals were smoking and I would like to say Nice Job Mark Wallace.”

“There were 7 store staff members working the event. We promoted the event on Facebook and Instagram with targeted ads” Wallace concluded.

Nate Gast (R) and Mark Wallace are all smiles on tent row.

Custom Audio Concepts is owned by Nate Gast and sells home and car audio plus associated automotive aftermarket products.

Visit customaudioohio.com for more.

SEMA Webinar: World-Class Manufacturing for the Small Business

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.27.22) – Quality is one of the most important functions of a manufacturing business. While large companies are able to invest heavily in sophisticated quality management systems, small businesses are often intimidated by these processes. That doesn’t mean that small businesses can or should dismiss the importance of manufacturing quality products.  

SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to a live webinar, “World-Class Manufacturing for the Small Business,” September 28, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), where Josh Saldivar, director of manufacturing at BluePrint Engines, will go over the proven principles of lean manufacturing and explain the essential elements that are particularly useful to small businesses. Attendees will learn the balance between a robust quality system and an efficient operation, and the value-add processes that improve quality without bogging down small businesses with red tape.   

Click here to register

The webinar will also touch on lean- and quality-system basics, how to decide what processes are right for a business and how to implement quality systems without major disruption. Saldavir will answer participants’ questions live.

Visit sema.org for more.

Firstech Compustar Hosted In-Person Installer Training at the myFirstech Academy

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FLOWER MOUND, TX (09.26.22) – Firstech, maker of Compustar and DroneMobile brand products, hosted nearly 40 installers at “myFirstech Academy” with sessions over four days September 12th-15th at the company’s new Flower Mound TX facility. The training events were led by Instructor Doug Reed and covered 12volt fundamentals, remote start installation and expert techniques. Jason Ewing and Joshua Woodie also worked with all in-house to prepare them for the upcoming remote start season.

The new Hi-Tech Firstech facility opened in the Flower Mound suburb of Dallas earlier this year.
Students from one of the myFirstech Academy sessions paused for a photo.

Justin Lee, Marketing Director, related “The two sessions were very productive. All the students were engaged as they wanted to maximize the remote start opportunities this season. Additional October training dates are now open for registration in Seattle WA at Firstech’s Headquarters.”

Each of the students that completed the session received a Certificate of Completion.
Students are totally engaged with hands-on vehicles plus large screen monitors that  provide learning opportunities.

In addition to in-person instruction, myFirstech Academy students also received free access to self-paced virtual learning materials. These materials are made available on the web and the company’s “myFirstech” app for iOS and Android.

“Our mission is to provide practical training and knowledge that pertains to everyday real world installations” shared Doug Reed. “In our industry, when installers get the support and training they need, everyone in wins. In Flower Mound everyone won.”

The full calendar can be viewed here. Visit firstechllc.com for more.

Mobile Solutions’ Modern Fab 2.0 Training Packed the House

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TEMPE, AZ (09.22.22) – Mobile Solutions’ highly successfully Modern Fab workshop concluded its revised in-person 2.0 version class this past September 8-11, 2022. The intensely hands-on, sold out four-day training workshop had participants ranging from upholstery professionals to 12 volt technicians to custom car builders and fabricators. Even a mother and son upholstery shop team. Mobile Solutions founder and CEO Bryan Schmitt said “It was an incredible event with a broad range of fabrication and customization techniques presented between myself and our ultra-talented guest trainers to ensure every attendee got the maximum impact of their time with us here in Arizona.”

Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions Founder and CEO center foreground, in shown with members of the Modern Fab 2.0 class with their amazing individual class projects showcased.

The September Modern Fab workshop featured metal fabrication, upholstery and sewing techniques, technology using automation like CNCs and Laser machines, as well as specialty electronic techniques which included coding integration and a micro controller for lighting systems and other switching applications. “We are training on next-level topics in these workshops and elevating all attendees’ skill sets and awareness of technology implementation” remarked Schmitt.

Rommel Medina demonstrates a real-time 3D scan process.

Guest presenters included MasterTech Expo 2022 Build Off winner Rommel Medina (@audiofabricator), upholstery expert Wesley Cato of Anything Car Audio (@anything_audio_upholstery) and industry veteran Doug Dobson (@dobslob). “I think what I enjoyed most about instructing at the workshop is seeing the growth of skills from each and every person throughout the duration of the class. Whether they came with limited knowledge or were seasoned veterans, everyone finished their projects and gained a significant degree of new information. I was very happy to share expertise with this amazing group in the Modern Fab 2.0 workshop” commented Wesley Cato, guest presenter.

Bryan Schmitt is joined by Lauren White and her son Austin with their class projects. They work with Top Stitch Interiors outside St. Louis MO.

The Modern Fab 2.0 workshop’s training topics included:

Designing interior panels and trim elements with the sewing machine processes

  • Working from an initial design sketch or rendering
  • Sewing machines – what to look for, how to begin sewing
  • Patterning and stitching different types of seams
  • Using stitching details to add accents to a build

Metal fabrication techniques and skills

  • Jigging up metal framework for repeatability
  • Structural mounts for service-friendly designs
  • MIG and TIG welding techniques and best practices
  • Bending and cutting sheet metal for use in interior fabrication
Victor Orozco in the midst of vinyl wrapping his Modern Fab class project.

Fabricating and implementing other unique trim and interior elements

  • Safety-focused 3D router techniques for incredible dimension with extreme efficiency
  • Time-saving techniques for unique using aluminum and plastic trim inserts
  • Comprehensive Arduino micro controller code programing for assignable LED lighting
  • Accent lighting and layering for maximum visual impact

Interior panel and trim finishing techniques

  • Pressed metal grilles/inserts
  • Shadow trim, paint tricks such as marbling, faux wood grain, etc.
  • Using wood-like veneers and other vinyl-wrap-based materials to emulate a design narrative
  • Secrets of finishing back sides on fabricated panels when removed for service
The Modern Fab 2.0 Session was set for many categories of training.

“Everything in the Modern Fab training workshop was so well laid out. I could tell that extensive thought went into every aspect of what I experienced. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you will definitely learn something new, have your skills challenged and finish something that you have never done before” said Archie Speaks for Savannah Custom Car Audio in Savanah, Georgia. Archie and all of the Modern Fab 2.0 attendees built their own take-home project throughout the four training days as part of the hands-on element of this incredible class. After the event concluded, attendee Matthew Parrish remarked “That was such an amazing class. Opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Definitely world class.”

For questions or further information on Modern Fab training, please email Mobile Solutions at sales@mobilesolutions-USA.com or call 480 968-2074.

Watch Mobile Solutions’ Facebook, Instagram and website for more information when the next Modern Fab class and other in-person workshops are announced, as well as MasterTechExpo.com for the 2023 MasterTech Expo education program details slated for March 5-8, 2023 at Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona.