Nashville, TN – April 8th, 2024 – The Mobile Electronics Certified Professional Program (MECP) has launched a new App to purchase new courses, view courses and exams already purchased and progress through them for certification right from their mobile device. While the courses and purchase process has always been possible through these devices, a native app provides a better experience with viewing the content and the user experience than using a mobile browser in most cases. The Apps are available now in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

The Apps offer all of the same tools and content that the website courses have, but add new tools like study reminders, a stats page to view your real-time progress in your courses, and a resources page to jump quickly to your MECP Profile, the Career Finder, and the Verification pages on the site. Any courses you have already purchased and have access to in your online account are already in your App once you have signed in, and you can pick up your mobile device after working on the computer and pick up right where you left off.

“We’ve had a lot of requests for creating an App to be able to use on phones and tablet, and since our primary objective with the program is to make education and certification easier to access and easier to accomplish, it made sense for us to deliver this.” said Kris Bulla, MECP president. “One barrier we had to figure out was overcoming the inflated costs charged by Apple and Android to sell through the app stores. We were creatively unique creative in how built the apps, to allow you to view any courses you have purchased on our site for our normal price, without having to purchase them in-App at the higher prices required on their platforms. You can purchase courses on our site, and they will be available on your app immediately, and you can get to that page on our site via a button on the Stats page in the app. It is the best solution we could provide while complying with their rules and imitations of in-App purchases.”
For more information, visit the download the apps or contact the MECP team at mecp@mecp.com.

Nashville, TN – April 5, 2024 – The Mobile Electronics Certified Professional Program (MECP) has launched two new Specialist courses and exams to provide education and certification for technicians highly focused on specific industry tasks or roles. The two new courses are on the MECP Learning Portal Courses page. In addition, new two-year certificate length options are now available for most certifications.

The MECP Light Duty Fleet Services Specialist is tailored for technicians who install, maintain, troubleshoot, or service standard fleet vehicles. The MECP Autosound Specialist is honed in on the audio upgrade and integration technicians. Both offer these techs the ability to increase their knowledge and grow their expertise in these areas without getting frustrated with other education areas they do not need for their job path or role. Each of these certifications will be supplemented with a higher-level certification version focusing on more advanced applications, like heavy-duty vehicles like tractor-trailers, buses, and farm equipment for the fleet side in the future.

“These new courses complement our long-standing Product Technology Specialist certification for sales specialists and our recent Security & Convenience specialist certifications, aligning what we offer with the expertise that retailers and technicians need to both benefit from and promote to their customers,” said Kris Bulla, MECP president.

Access to the new courses and the new 2-year versions of the applicable certifications is already available on the newly refreshed Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) Program website. Click Get Certified! at the top of the page to see the available options, or visit your MECP Profile to upgrade at a discounted rate from one of your current certifications.

For more information, visit the website or contact the MECP team at mecp@mecp.com.

Key Appointment Signals Enhanced Market Presence Via United Brand Portfolio

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, April 4, 2024 /News Release/ AVPro Global Holdings, LLC, the parent company of AVPro Edge, AudioControl Pro, Bullet Train, Murideo, and Then Audio audio/video distribution products, today announced the appointment of Chris Kane as Vice President of North American (NA) Residential Sales. Kane will report to Mike Detmer, AVPro’s COO, and oversee NA business development initiatives including streamlining sales processes by unifying the AVPro brand portfolio under one experienced manager. Kane, a known and trusted manager in the NA residential market, brings a wealth of experience and insight to leverage AVPro’s growth initiatives while providing added value to its customers.

“With 30 years of sales experience at AudioControl, it’s only natural to elevate Chris to manage the residential market for the entire AVPro brand portfolio in North America,” said Mike Detmer, COO. “Chris brings a wide range of expertise in strategic planning and execution, performance management, and team leadership to grow our market share while delivering additional value to AVPro customers,” Detmer added.

At AudioControl since 1992 after ten years in consumer electronics retail, Kane managed new business development with remarkable success, establishing strong relationships with customers across all related sales channels through extensive in-person and online presentations, dealer training seminars, and a consistent presence at critical tradeshows such as CEDIA (Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association). Kane is well-respected as a proficient manager of regional sales teams including independent manufacturer representatives.

About AVPro Global Holdings, LLC
AVPro Global is a privately held American company headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD, with satellite offices in St. Petersburg, FL, Seattle, WA, Green Bay, WI, a European office in Bratislava, Slovakia, and an office in Shenzhen. The AVPro Global audio/video-centric brands – AVPro Edge, AudioControl Pro, Bullet Train, Murideo, and Then Audio – combine their respective strengths to create the fastest-growing AV signal distribution company in the residential and commercial systems integration spaces, perfectly complementing AVPro Global Founder and CEO Jeff Murray’s vision, “To be recognized as the best AV signal distribution and control products and services company on the planet.”

OMAHA,NE (4/03/24) – The 12VDashboard is excited to announce 3 new vendor partners in Q1 2024! We welcome Powerbass Direct fit products, ATREND vehicle specific enclosures and HABANERO Tools. “Thanks to Erik Harbour and Jeff Falk from Powerbass; we are excited to have them on board and partner with them in helping sell the Powerbass brand, 20 years+ company with quality and integrity”, said Tom Kolar, the Director of Sales. “We also welcome ATREND and HABANERO to the vendor family and look forward to significantly growing our reach and relationship with our dealer family with their brands while driving sales to them”, said Brian Hampson the CEO of the 12 V Dashboard LLC.

The Dashboard attended Knowledgefest in Vegas this February and found many dealers that were interested in the product and had inquiries into “just what this APP can do for my store”. They were constantly busy taking dealers through TEST DRIVES of the Fit Guide and the newly launched Vehicle Check-in program; available as an add-on inside the Dashboard at a nominal fee. Quick shout out to Dalton Trainer from Car-Tunes Inc in Greenville, MS, who won our drawing in Vegas at the booth for 6 months of the Fit Guide, a $1200 value, for FREE. Congratulations to Dalton, Kimberly, and Team Car Tunes! The Dashboard will be attending Nashville and Atlantic City’s Knowledgefest and showing the Fit Guide enhancements: how to add pictures and notes to the virtual file cabinet and the NEW Vehicle Check-in program. They will be offering MEA special pricing at the show to become part of TEAM DASHBOARD. For more information about the 12 V Dashboard contact Tom Kolar, the Director of Sales: Call or text at (531)-777-0877 or email at tkolar@the12vdashboard.com.
Or visit our website https://the12vdashboard.mybigcommerce.com/

Hamilton, OH (March 28, 2024) – In a strategic move to advance future growth in the Pacific Northwest, Dynamat proudly announces that The Crossover Marketing Group will be representing the Dynamat Brand in the territory for the mobile electronics vertical.

“We are very impressed with the Crossover Team, their deep network in the PNW region and past successes. I very much look forward to growing the Dynamat brand in partnership with Rob Sutton, Paul Pilat and their team,” stated Edward Shelton, VP of Sales for Dynamat.

The transition will happen with immediate effect and the Crossover Team has already started to make contact with customers, new and old.

“We see this partnership as a strategic step forward in our mission to provide top-tier solutions and unparalleled support to our customers,” added Paul Pilat, of Crossover Marketing.

“We are excited to join forces with Dynamat to offer our dealers access to best-in-class acoustic and thermal environmental solutions,” said Rob Sutton, of Crossover Marketing. “This partnership bolsters our commitment to providing premium products that deliver exceptional performance and revenue potential.”

About Crossover Marketing:

Crossover Marketing is a Manufacturer’s Rep Firm servicing the Pacific Northwest market. The company was founded by Rob Sutton and Paul Pilat, who have decades of combined experience in leadership roles within the consumer electronics industry. The company focuses on sustainable dealer development and incorporates innovative marketing strategies with a priority on customer service. For more information, please visit www.crossovermktg.com.

About Dynamat:

Dynamat, Inc. is a privately held corporation located in Hamilton, Ohio, USA. Established in 1989, the company markets acoustic environmental solutions for a broad range of industries.

The Dynamat brand is recognized by consumers around the world as quality products for solutions to unwanted noise and vibration. The Dynamat brand maintains the dominant market share in Car Audio and Automotive Restoration acoustic solutions. Dynamat, Inc. also provides a broad range of unique product solutions for home acoustics, computers, appliances, and Original Equipment Manufacturers. Visit www.dynamat.com

WOODINVILLE WA (04.01.24) On Thursday, March 28th PRM’s Mark Giovannetti was on the road to see Sound Advice Custom Car & Marine Audio in Marysville, WA.

“When I arrived Steve and Debbie Milburn, the owners of Sound Advice, were installing one of the new Diamond Audio Harley Davidson MSHD14 radios that were recently released. With over 40 years of providing great products and custom installations in Cars, Marine, RVs and Motorcycles their customer service is top tier and I wanted their feedback on the MSHD14” Giovannetti related.

Continuing “Soon they had finished installing the radio and were just finishing up re-installing the amplifiers in their customer’s bike. When everything powered up, and a few adjustments on the radio were made, Steve said he had not even touched the DSP and it already sounded awesome.”

Giovannetti added “Debbie liked the brightness of the display and how easy the unit was to operate with the handlebar controls. Steve added that he tried the touch screen controls with and without riders gloves and found it to be very responsive commenting…..”There wasn’t any delay at all”.

Concluding “At that point I had a big thumbs up on the new Diamond Audio MSHD14 and left them to finish up with their install as the customer was coming in soon to pick up his ride.”

Family owned Sound Advice has been serving the Pacific Northwest for over 40 years with custom installs from mild to wild.

Pacific Rim Marketing represents Accele, Audiomobile, Cervin Vega, CRUX, Diamond Audio and Musway in the PNW.

For more see: www.diamondaudio.com and www.soundadvicewa.com

UPLAND CA (02.21.24) G SOUND has been serving the Upland area since 2003. The family owned retailer stays on top of the latest 12volt trends and recently saw an opportunity to offer eBikes to their customers. The Blaupunkt eBike has been added to their inventory and is featured in the company’s showroom.

JR Lopez related for G Sound “eBikes are definitely a growing category. When RPM became a Blaupunkt eBike distributor that prompted our decision to begin offering the eBike category. It’s true many consumers don’t think of shopping for eBikes at a 12volt retailer. We have a lot of repeat customers and they immediately want to know more when they see the Blaupunkt Henri on the surfboard display in the showroom.”

“We have had some customers come in who have eBikes. Soon they learned the Blaupunkt Henri has features their bike does not have like the ability to fold and place in the back of a small SUV. The eBike also has pedals like a bike that gets all going as the motor kicks plus the LED light an loud horn button. We ride our display eBike around the complex on errands ad it grabs attention.”

“The RPM team warehouse being just a day away also makes stocking the eBike a way to generate profitable sales without a big inventory investment. The Blaupunkt surfboard offer with opening order was super too. Watch for more” JR related.

For more contact 909-920-6098

Clearwater, FL (February 19, 2024) – Stinger, a leading designer and manufacturer of vehicle aftermarket solutions, announces the appointment of Gary Bell as the new Director of Audio. With over thirty years of expertise in consumer audio and new product development, Bell has been instrumental in shaping industry standards and enhancing audio experiences in collaboration with leading companies. In his new role, Bell will oversee Stinger’s Integrated audio team, reporting to Kevin Kuenzie, Vice President of Research and Development. Bell will be responsible for Stinger’s overall audio strategy for consumer audio products and the research of innovative new audio solutions.

Kevin Kuenzie remarked, “Bringing Gary into the fold as Director of Audio underlines his unparalleled expertise and the innovation he embodies. His pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to auditory perfection are in lockstep with Stinger’s ethos and our pursuit to redefine the frontiers of vehicle solutions.”

“I’m excited to join the Stinger team and look forward to guiding our team into the next generation of seamlessly integrated mobile audio experiences,” said Bell.

With Bell’s appointment, Stinger reaffirms itself as an industry-leading audio innovator and positions itself for continued growth in the audio space, increasing its overall market footprint.

NEW YORK, NY – February 20, 2024 – AdsWizz Inc., the technology engine powering the monetization of audio content around the world and a subsidiary of SiriusXM, announced today that Synthetic Voice Ads are available on AudioGO, AdsWizz’s self-serve platform for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). This is the first tool to launch in a suite of offerings that AdsWizz calls AdsWizz’s AI Ad Tools. The tool is available now in AudioGO’s Ad Creative Suite. The new suite of offerings is expected to complement AdsWizz’s broader ad offering by delivering cost-effective and efficient solutions to advertisers, with an initial focus on lowering the barrier for entry into the world of audio advertising for SMBs.

“As part of our vision to shape the future of audio, we’re excited to thoughtfully explore the ways AI can extend the power of our audio portfolio to new audiences and help us deliver smarter solutions for audio advertisers,” said Chris Record, Senior Vice President, Ad Product, Technology, and Operations at SiriusXM Media and AdsWizz. “With the launch of Synthetic Voice Ads on AudioGO, we are beginning to bring a wider diversity of brands into the audio advertising space. We believe we have the ability to support the next generation of entrepreneurs around the world in a unique way, breaking down barriers and allowing advertisers of any size to tap into audio in ways they might not have thought possible.”

A friction point in audio buying, especially for SMBs, is the lack of a self-service creative platform to quickly and easily launch customizable audio ads. Display advertising, by comparison, has long benefited from automated, self-service tools. The latest advancements can help unlock this growth in audio by removing this barrier to entry, encouraging new advertisers into the audio space and giving SMBs the opportunity to create and customize compelling, engaging audio campaigns generated by AI.

Synthetic Voice Ads, available now on AudioGO, is a cost-effective creative tool that is expected to allow brands to select from a variety of artificial voices when creating an ad. With multiple voices to choose from (and more languages and voice options to come), Synthetic Voice Ads allow advertisers to create attention-grabbing, and persuasive voiceovers in seconds. Unlike most voice ads, which would require re-records or expert editing to alter once recorded, with Synthetic Voice Ads, it’s easy to do unlimited retakes or script rewrites and still publish without delay.

Synthetic Voice Ads is the most recent example of SiriusXM’s continued investment in innovative audio ad technology and solutions across AdsWizz and SiriusXM Media, the Company’s advertising arm. Additional Ad Tools based on artificial intelligence solutions are currently being researched and developed by AdsWizz, and future iterations of AdsWizz’s AI Ad Tools may come to life across the broader AdsWizz platform.