Rep-Corps Inc., Hires Rich De Sclafani as National Representative for the German Maestro Brand

Pompano Beach, FL (01.30.23) Rich De Sclafani and Rep-Corps Inc. announce partnership for the representation of the German Maestro brand across the U.S.

De Sclafani has over 25 years of experience in all aspects of the 12 Volt Industry, starting his career as an installer, specializing in wiring and circuitry. He has been a retail manager and expediter manager. On the supply side, he has held posts as a test engineer, sales manager, technical support manager, and product trainer.

De Sclafani is a long-time fan of classic German audio, being a retail salesperson for MB Quart when it was still manufactured in Obrigheim, Germany and says that is excited at the prospect of bringing the acoustical magic only comes from that region back to the U.S. Market in full force.

In this partnership De Sclafani will assist Rep-Corps in outreach to the entirety of the continental United States, leveraging his existing network of contacts through his high-end integration product line RDVFL to get German Maestro in the hands of capable Hi-End Dealers, and will be performing outreach and representation of German Maestro and future Rep-Corps brands.

De Sclafani stated “I am ecstatic to partner with Rep-Corps and to be part of the German Maestro brand! Retailers are going to be blown away by how good the whole line of speakers sound and the exquisite build quality. The whole speaker line of products are manufactured in Germany, even the entry level products are not farmed out. The best sound and highest quality is the core goal of the German Maestro brand. We offer $500 free freight at an average of 3 days to your door and a 3 year warranty on their products when installed by our authorized dealers to show we stand behind the quality of the products and our dealers. The German Maestro brand will be a niche, high end line for any retailer who brings them in. We will be VERY selective in who can carry the line to ensure not only territory protection but also no internet sales and proper representation of the products.”

For more email sales@rdvfl.com to contact with Rich De Sclafani.

ORCA to Debut New In-Vehicle measuring System at KnowledgeFest

CAMARILLO CA (01.30.23) ORCA to Debut New In-Vehicle Measuring System at KnowledgeFest Night Training. The new Mosconi BMMS system measures sound from a passenger’s natural listening position.

Orca Design and Manufacturing will showcase the newest measuring tool from Mosconi at a special night training during KnowledgeFest in Las Vegas. The Binaural Microphone Measuring System (BMMS) features a replica head with ultra-sensitive microphones strategically placed in each ear canal location. The system integrates with Mosconi’s DSP software to provide an all-in-one measuring and tuning solution.

Attendees are invited to attend the training, February 4 at 6:45pm. Orca Trainer Nick Wingate will demonstrate the BMMS system and show how its measurements allow for more precise, vehicle-specific system tuning in conjunction with Mosconi amplification and Digital Signal Processors. Attendees can reserve a seat in the training session at https://mea-events.as.me/Mosconi-Night.

For more information, please contact: Carrie Sahotsky • (805) 484-4355 • carrie@orcadesign.com

The Timmy Fresh Bike With PowerBass BT-200 Auctioned For $6500

LOS ANGELES, CA (12.30.22) – The Microsoft Theater was packed for the Metallica Concert. The Metallica Helping Hands Charity Auction was recently completed. PowerBass was proud to partner with friends at T-FRESH / TIMMY FRESH BRAND custom bicycles and their Metallica Themed Charity Auction Bike!

The Timmy Fresh custom Metallica Auction bike in the PowerBass booth at SEMA 2022.

The custom Timmy Fresh bike brought a bid of $6500. The Timmy Fresh Metallica bike was a unique theme built one-off charity raffle item that was part of the All Within My Hands Foundation to help the Helping Hands Concert & Auction in Los Angeles on December 16th. A PowerBass BT-200 was added to Timmy Fresh Custom Bike and added to the value of that auction item.

The Metallica performance was a record setting at the Microsoft Theater.

Tim Garcia, Timmy Fresh owner, related “We have been doing custom bikes in our shop in Clovis CA for 8 years. We have participated in many charity auctions. Early this year I reached out to the Metallica All Within My Hands Foundation. When I heard back we made a presentation that was accepted. Our bike builds are special with matte finishes with different wheel sizes and more. We are waiting to learn the name of the winner so we can arrange delivery. The actual bike was in the PowerBass booth at SEMA and grabbed a lot of eyeballs which also led to visibility of the PowerBass BT-200 BlueTooth speaker.”

The workmanship on the TImmy Fresh bike is totally custom all the way.

Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, was instrumental in arranging the BT-200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker on the Timmy Fresh bike and attended the concert. “The Microsoft Theater was packed and Metallica did not disappoint. Their performance was Emmy winning and the presentation on stage was second to none. The Helping Hands Auction saw a the top bid on the Tommy Fresh bike at an amazing $6500! The auction winner will certainly enjoy the PowerBass BT-200 Bluetooth speaker on their rides” Harbour related.

The Metallica themed Timmy Flesh bike was showcased in the PowerBass booth at SEMA 2022.

All Within My Hands Foundation is a non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services.

The Timmy Fresh Metallica Auction Bike was featured on display in the PowerBass Booth at SEMA and spotlighted the new Timmy Fresh Bike mounts for the PowerBass BT-200 SPLIT Portable Bluetooth Speaker which keeps the rider’s music secure so the ride keeps on rocking!

For more see powerbassusa.com.

ZyCoat, LLC launches ZyClear™ the automotive industries first high temperature high gloss clear coating

12-30-2022 Olathe, Kansas – ZyCoat, LLC announces the launch of ZyClear™, the game changing, high temperature, high gloss technology clear coating formulated for the automotive industry. ZyClear is a liquid thin film, single component coating that makes engine parts look awesome under the hood. ZyClear is spray applied or wiped on and is a mere 4 to 6 microns thick when applied. ZyClear is the first high temperature, high gloss coating for the harsh under the hood engine environment.

“The ZyClear coating is a continuation of ZyCoat, LLC’s development of high temperature, direct to metal, liquid coating that are easy-to-apply yet touch enough to withstand the harsh engine environment”, stated Tim McCarthy, Founder & CEO. “There are so many benefits related to ZyClear. The applications are endless, and we expect ZyClear to not only complement our ZyBar color coatings but also an outstanding standalone clear coating product for high temperature environments. We are incredibly proud to be the first to bring this technology to market”, McCarthy added.

ZyClear is the first high temperature clear coating technology to offer high gloss and high durability in the under-the-hood automotive environment. ZyClear hs very good corrosion resistance, is easy to apply and now gives us a clear, high-gloss topcoat for ZyCoat’s line of ZyBar® high temperature coatings. ZtClear’s hydrophobic properties which makes it an excellent clear top coat to make any engine compartment parts that have been painted with automotive paints easy to keep clean. ZyClear can be applied to chrome, stainless steel, cast, mild steel, aluminum, and many other substrates. ZyClear is currently being tested to be applied to heavy truck stainless stacks to make the removal of carbon build up and discoloration easy to do.

ZyCoat provides detailed application instructions and has numerous professional coater referral partners across the country. ZyClear brings a new technology that simply didn’t exist in this market up until now. To learn more about ZyCoat and the ZyClear technology visit the HushMat & ZyCoat booth #23195 located in Hot Rod Alley.

Towing & Hauling Has Never Been Easier

NOVI MI (12.29.22) – Introducing Brandmotion’s New Wireless Transparent Trailer System. The Transparent Trailer Rear Vision System from Brandmotion consists of two HD digital cameras delivering HD video to a full-width digital rearview mirror screen. This allows you to see behind your trailer at all times – not just while in reverse – and continuously monitor your truck bed and the front of the trailer.

The system provides obstruction-free rearview visibility, solving the traditional visibility problems for pickup drivers who tow. The rearmost camera is wirelessly mounted behind the trailer and easily snaps into trailers with built-in camera brackets. The second camera, cleanly integrated into the third brake light of the pickup truck, provides an unobstructed view of the vehicle’s bed and the front of the trailer. When not towing, you will have a view of the vehicle cargo bed and the blindspots behind the vehicle.

Together, these camera views – easily selectable with a touch of the high-quality rearview mirror display – eliminate blind spots. Unlike any other towing camera on the market, the Brandmotion Transparent Trailer system provides continuous visibility and utility with or without a trailer, making it a versatile and high-value option for drivers who detach and reattach their trailers regularly.

• See behind the trailer at all times – not just while in reverse – with HD-quality video. See if you’re being tailgated or a vehicle is about to pass you.

• Watch the front of the trailer through the integrated third brake light cargo bed camera. Want a quick check on your boat, camper, or horse trailer? Simply touch the bottom of the mirror to switch camera views.

• Capture excellent daily utility beyond towing by watching your pickup bed cargo at all times AND eliminating blind spots around the rear of your truck when not towing.

• Thanks to the wireless trailer camera that snaps into most existing trailer camera brackets, installation of the entire system is simple, with no hole-drilling or loss of vehicle features (professional installation recommended).

Click to select your vehicle.

Recognizing the Leaders of SBN’s All-Female Bronco Build

Since 2018, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has raised awareness of successful women in the automotive aftermarket through its ‘She Is SEMA’ campaign. Every month features a new and exciting feature spotlighting what these women do, how they landed their careers and how they continue to thrive in a male-dominated industry.

This month’s She Is SEMA spotlight is raising awareness of the 11 women who led the SBN All-Female Bronco Build to success. Coming from various industry careers, these women put in countless hours of organizing and planning to ensure each of the 127 total SBN build volunteers had a hand in the build.  

Read about each SBN build lead below to learn about who ‘She Is’:

SBN Build Leads

Cathy Clark

Clark is the president of Bob Cook Sales, SBN chair and a 14-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket industry.

Sara Morosan

Morosan is the SBN chair-elect, president of BAJA Forged and SEMA’s 2021 Person of the Year. Raised in an automotive family, Morosan has been building cars since she was 13 years old and currently volunteers with several SEMA committees and initiatives including SBN, SEMA Cares, TORA and SEMA Education.

Build Week Leads

Jennifer Petraitis

Petraitis is employed at Driven Lighting Group. Petraitis takes pride working in the automotive aftermarket, focused on being the best in automotive lighting. When she is not at work or home, you can find her at the dragstrip with a camera or lending a hand helping a radial tire car.

Kathryn Reinhardt

Reinhardt is the senior vice president of marketing and events at Hemmings, a SEMA Board member and an automotive industry veteran with a passion for marketing aftermarket parts. Reinhardt’s dedication to the automotive aftermarket includes memberships with SBN, TORA, FLN and SEMA Cares.

Parts and Sponsorship Leads

Cora Jokinen

Jokinen is the president of Toq-Masters Industries Inc. With a design, engineering and project management background, Jokinen offers consulting services for business strategy, marketing and branding in the automotive and offroad industry.

Rebeca Olavarrieta

Olavarrieta is the CEO of Roxo 4×4. Olavarrieta got involved in the automotive industry when she was 16 years old by racing 1/4-mile with her supercharged Mustang Cobra. Her company is now present in Miami, Honduras and Spain, but even her busy business schedule can’t keep her off the wheel, as she has also competed in international off-road events in Venezuela, Honduras, Panama and Germany representing her business.

Event Leads

Tiffanie Hartenstein

Hartenstein is the CEO of Oracle Lighting. Hartenstein’s approach to business includes a heavy importance on culture and people. She enjoys infusing fun into the workplace while providing new and exciting products into the industry.

Aliceje Keyburn

Keyburn is a senior graphic designer at Race Winning Brands. She has been involved in the powersports and automotive industry for almost 10 years and has been a passionate fan all her life. Uniting her passion for creativity with her love for powersports and automotive is her dream come true.

Marketing Leads

Charlene Bower

Bower is the owner of Bower Motorsports Media. Bower has worked in the off-road industry for more than 27 years between multi-line motorcycle dealerships, the magazine industry, offroad education and event and media management. Her most recent project is Ladies Offroad Network that offers education for women in the off-road space.

Mandee Bradshaw

Bradshaw is senior marketing manager for Aftermarket for Vehlo. She has spent most of her career in the automotive industry and is focused on helping shop owners get access to the technology and knowledge they need to obtain success.

Beth Brennan

Brennan is the general manager of TREAD Agency, a part of Kahn Media. Brennan has a brand marketing background and has worked in outdoor and aftermarket automotive industries. She has been involved with SEMA for more than five years and volunteers for the SBN select committee.

Volunteer Leads

Haley Keelin

Keelin is in social sales at Driven Lighting Group. Keelin is passionate about all things automotive and started her career young as her father’s professional flashlight holder. She now works with the largest brands in automotive lighting and focuses on bringing the best products available to the industry.

Melissa Parker-Boudreaux

Parker-Boudreaux is a national sales manager at ORACLE Lighting. She recently celebrated 11 years with ORACLE Lighting, where she rose through administration and sales to land the position she has today. She oversees a dynamic sales and customer service team and creates relationships with distribution accounts.

Project Manager

Sherry Kollien

Kollien is a program manager at Motor City Solutions. Prior to her current role, Kollien worked at Ford Motor Company for 30 years where she worked in the Dyno Lab performing powertrain testing and managed the SEMA Project Vehicle program and Ford/SEMA Tech transfer program. Kollien has served on the SBN and TORA select committees.

To learn more about the SBN All-Female Bronco Build, and to view a list of all 127 volunteers, visit www.sema.org/sbn-build.

The 9th Annual Audio Concepts Toys For Tots Event Filled Santa’s Sleigh

FRESNO, CA (12.28.22) – Audio Concepts hosted the company’s 9th Annual Toys for Tots event in Fresno on Saturday, December 17th. BassWars, IASCA, USACi and EMMA competitions took place in the lanes. Competitors and and others attending brought toy donations for the Toys For Tots drive.

Ray Aragon pictured on Monday outside his store with all the toys donated plus his store’s competition Integra.
Are area surrounding the Audio Concepts store was filled tents from BassWars, IASCA, USACi and EMMA plus competitor‘s vehicles.

Ray Aragon, Audio Concepts owner, related “This year’s Toys for Tots event was right up toward the top of our annual events. We had well 476 toys donated. All with each sound-off organization dedicated so much time and energy for this event and worthy cause. Competitors on site with BassWars, IASCA, USACi and EMMA had an opportunity to have their systems judged, show off their projects plus donate to the Toys for Tots drive. Between the four organizations we had 144 competitors on site.”

Richard Papasin under the BassWars tent with a competitor in the lane.
 Ray Pimley working with IASCA competitors under the tent.

Richard Papasin was in charge of the BassWars competition and was setup under a large BassWars tent. Papasin also orchestrated the EMMA activities and ran the lanes for Sound Pressure. Nick Adams judged SQ for EMMA.

Ray Pimley handled the IASCA lanes for Sound Pressure as Linda Kobayashi judged SQ for IASCA.

Jose Ramos monitors a USACi competitor in the lane.
Nick Adams (R) headed the EMMA Competiton at the event and is pictured with Richard Papasin who assisted in the EMMA lanes.

Jose Ramos handled all of the action in the USACi lane for Sound Pressure.

The large area connected to the Audio Concepts facility was filled with tents from each organization. The early morning fog cleared by mid morning and the sun shined on the event for the rest of the day.

Ray Aragon holds a Certificate of Appreciation with Richard Papasin sharing a light moment for a fun image.
When the event wrapped Saturday evening many who worked the event gathered for a group image with the donated toys secured in the warehouse.

“No doubt our 9th Annual Toys for Tots event was a success. My wife Maria and I will spend time on this Saturday and Sunday visiting five or six area charity organization to personally deliver the toys donated at our Audio Concepts 2022 event. For us that is such a special occasion to see the smiles on the faces of children receiving the toys. We are looking forward to our 10th Annual Toys for Tots event in 2023” Aragon concluded.

A special thanks to Linda Kobayashi supplying images and info from the 9th Annual Audio Concepts Toys for Tots event.

Visit facebook.com/Audioconceptsfresno for more.

Spy Shots: 2024 Corvette E-Ray Spied With RHD Setup

Here’s a first look at the RHD Corvette E-Ray while testing outside of GMs Milford Proving Grounds.

Back in 2021, GM confirmed that they would offer the Z06 in right hand drive following the reveal of the C8 Corvette. The Z06 is expected to be offered in the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other RHD markets. That being said, GM has been pretty quiet when it comes to the E-Ray, but our shots confirm that it will be available in the aforementioned markets.

The Corvette E-Ray is expected to mate the 6.2L V8 from the Stingray with a hybrid configuration, adding a new model to the Corvette family. Expect an official debut in early 2023 with an on-sale date in Q2 as a 2024 model.

Don’t Wait: SEMA Board of Directors Nominations Due January 4

A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the Association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year’s election:

  • Chairman-elect (one open seat)
  • Distributor/Retailer (one open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, please include brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are
due on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola
SEMA President and CEO

WTF…Where’s The Fun…On The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 209 On Friday, January 6th

SHREVEPORT LA (12.27.22) With the Christmas and New Years Holidays falling on celebration weekends the 12volt Spin To Win Wheel 209 was postponed until January 6th to begin in year 2023. Spin-To-Win Wheel 209 will get the year 2023 off to a fast start.

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.

A check headed to The 12volt Spin-To-Win winner on September 12th.

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, DS18, JBL, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, Nakamichi and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

These JVC prizes are available as the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolls into 2023.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday January 6th. With the Christmas and New Years Holidays falling on weekends we will delay the next 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel until Friday January 6th and get Year 5 off to a very fast start with Spin 209.