SEMA: Post-Pandemic Workforce Trends

DIAMOND BAR, CA (02.17.23) – If anything, The Great Resignation is teaching us that finding and keeping “right-fit” talent is harder than we could have imagined. Hiring managers and recruiters find themselves negotiating a realm of developing benefits like flexible work arrangements, philanthropy and even mental well-being.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to attracting talent,” says executive Angelia Pelham. “Every industry is struggling to find right-fit talent, and every industry is struggling to figure out how to retain this talent.”

And she should know: For more than three decades, Pelham has held upper-management and vice president positions in manufacturing, human resources and sales at giants like PepsiCo Frito-Lay, Yum! Brands, CineMark Holdings and Dave & Buster’s. In addition, she is the Mayor Pro Tem of Frisco, Texas, and founder and CEO of the executive coaching and mentoring firm Real-Talk (www.real-talkcoaching4women.com). “I’ve been around when it comes to talent,” she says. “I cut my teeth on what it takes to attract and retain in any industry.”

At last November’s SEMA Show, Pelham presented “Proven Strategies to Recruit and Retain Top Talent,” a seminar designed to help employers build their talent game. In her presentation—now available as a SEMA Education on-demand video—she explained how best-in-class companies use flexibility, compensation, engagement initiatives, and cultural factors to make their organizations compelling places to work.

“The smaller the organization, the more critical it is for you to have right-fit talent,” she said. “When organizations like Disney and Pepsi lack talent in one area, chances are they can absorb that missing head count until they can fill the job. When you are in a smaller organization, every head counts. And when you have one person or two people that are missing, you feel it every day.”

Pelham recommended appealing to prospective employees with the single most important component to a company’s presence in the community: reputation.

Click to continue reading this article by Chris Shelton on sema.org

Tint World Expands Houston-Area Service with New Webster Store

FORT WORTH, TX (02.16.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of its new location in Webster, Texas.

Tint World Houston-Webster, owned by John Anhalt, offers drivers throughout Webster and the Southeast Houston area with premium automotive aftermarket performance and style accessories and services, including the industry’s most reliable window-tinting solutions.

John Anhalt, Webster store owner, pictured behind the sales counter.

“Tint World® delivers ultra-premium service and industry-leading value for drivers in any category,” Anhalt said. “We offer a comprehensive range of products for automobile owners throughout our growing region, from window tint, paint protection film, and Nano ceramic coatings to audio and electronics, performance upgrades, and safety and security technology. In addition, customers can trust that our trained team of professionals will provide the highest level of customer experience and satisfaction.”

Tint World Houston-Webster, located at 1424 W. NASA Parkway, Webster, Texas 77598, serves Webster, Houston, serves Texas Gulf Coast, Clear Lake, Seabrook, Kemah, Friendswood, Nassan Bay, Pearland, Deer Park, and Galveston.

Fort Worth, Arlington, Westover Hills, White Settlement, Burleson, Aledo, Cleburne, Crowley, Primrose, and River Oaks. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store, call (281) 378-6888 or visit tintworld.com/locations/tx/houston-webster-036.

“John and his team are passionately committed to drives in the Webster community,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They’ve demonstrated that Tint World’s proven franchise system and processes can help Tint World owners get off to a fast start and deliver results that make us stand apart from our competitors.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

Elettromedia USA Announces Rep of the Year Awards for Audison and Hertz

IRVINE, CA (02.16.23) – Elettromedia-USA manufacturer of premium electronics and speaker systems for the automotive, marine, and motorsports aftermarket, announced its rep awards for the East, Central, and Western regions as well as their top award – Rep of the Year at their recent sales meeting, held at Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant in Las Vegas on February 2, 2023.

Rep Firms of the Year

Rep of the Year: AVR / The Progressive Group Southeast

East Coast Rep of the Year: MAG Sales / The Progressive Group Florida

Central Region Rep of the Year: Echo Sales

West Coast Rep Firm of the Year: Santa Fe Innovative Marketing

“We are blessed to work with such a talented group of Reps said Rob Wempe, VP of Elettromedia-USA. This year’s award winners not only expanded their markets but were able to grow their business throughout 2022. Even when faced with growing inflation, slowing economy and higher inventory levels, these rep firms continued to perform.”

Award recipients were chosen by EM-USA senior management based on their sales, marketing, and customer service performance in 2022.

Visit elettromedia.com for more.

Elettromedia-USA Announces the Sponsorship in the Clean Wire Challenge at MasterTech Expo 2023

IRVINE, CA (02.15.23) – Elettromedia-USA announces sponsorship in the Clean Wire Challenge (CWC) at the MasterTech Expo 2023. The challenge will take place on Monday March 6 and Tuesday March 7, 2023, during the exhibit hours of the event, 12:30PM-4:30PM each day.

The Clean Wire Challenge is a completely new skills contest for MasterTech Expo 2023. The contest’s purpose is to allow participating technicians and wiring gurus to demonstrate their best in wire management skills and compete for the honor and glory of being the Clean Wire Challenge winner!

Elettromedia-USA will provide three systems for the participants to use during the competition. The three systems are: an Audison system comprised of two amplifiers – a 4-channel amplifier and a mono amplifier.

A second system utilizing an Audison 5-channel amplifier and an Audison DSP signal processor and a third system comprised of a Hertz 5-channel amplifier and A Hertz DSP signal processor. All three systems will include our Connection SFD 41 C solid machined brass, AFS fused, power wire distribution system.

There are eight competitors in total. Six from the USA and two from Canada. There are also two alternates selected in the event one of the initial eight competitors fails to meet the participation criteria.

Dean Beyett and Fernando Lopez of 5 Star Car Stereo are the organizers and select the initial participants. The winner will be chosen by MasterTech Expo attendees on the last day and will be announced at the closing ceremony.

“We are excited to participate in this new competition” stated Rob Wempe, VP of Elettromedia-USA. “We think this competition will help to raise the bar for professional installation standards within our industry”.

About Elettromedia USA: Elettromedia USA is the exclusive US importer for Audison and Hertz mobile audio products and is exhibiting at MasterTech Expo 2023 outside in Booths 21 & 22.

Visit www.elettromedia.com for more.

DEI Adds New VP of Sales & Marketing

AVON LAKE, OH (02.15.23) – Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI) is excited to announce the addition of Brad Bricker to its sales team.

As the new Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Bricker will manage the inside sales team focused on DEI’s automotive aftermarket products, as well as work with automotive aftermarket representatives, outside representatives in the RV and Powersports groups, and DEI’s marketing and product development teams.

Bricker brings nearly 30 years of sales, marketing and management experience for automotive equipment and accessory manufacturers. He has a wealth of experience in automotive sales and product development, combining a servant leader mindset with a track record of growing sales and a focus on building relationships. Bricker said he looks forward to joining DEI, with its family-centric culture and reputation for excellence.

Brad Bricker

“The company treats their employees like family and everyone that works here genuinely cares about the welfare of the company and in providing the best products and service to their customers,” Bricker said, adding that the brand is well-liked and respected by everyone from consumers to fellow manufacturers. “The company philosophy is all about doing the right thing, being customer centric, and taking the time to have some fun along the way.”

A native of the Columbus, Ohio, area, Bricker will return to his home state after spending the last 28 years in Boulder, Colorado. He has two sons, ages 21 and 25, and when not at work he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, vacationing on the beach and spending time with his Pitbull mix, Lolo.

He is excited to be part of DEI and its commitment to providing innovative thermal and sound solutions for its customers. New product development is vital for automotive aftermarket companies, and DEI has made that work a priority.

“The future at DEI is bright,” said Tom Miller of DEI. “The company remains committed to listening to the needs of our consumers and distributors so we can continue to lead the field in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of quality new products and adding Bricker to our team will continue DEI in this direction.”

Visit designengineering.com for more.

CRUX Releases New Integration Solution for Dodge, Jeep & Ram Vehicles with Digital Cameras

RESEDA, CA (02.14.23) – Crux Interfacing Solutions announces the release of the SWRCR-59LV Interface for integrating aftermarket radios in select late model Dodge, Jeep and Ram models. This kit is a “Plug & Play” solution with compatibility for select 2018-Up models which also includes a distinctively featured capability to retain new generation Digital cameras that are originally factory fitted. This allows for installation with a single enhanced integration interface instead of the varying combinations that are currently in use.

Similar versions of this line of modules are slated for release in the near future for other vehicle makes that require retention of OEM fitted Digital cameras.

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

Daytona 500 and Speedweeks Coverage on SiriusXM

NEW YORK, NY (02.14.23) – SiriusXM will offer the most comprehensive audio coverage of the 65th running of the Daytona 500 on February 19, as well as all the news and events of NASCAR’s annual Speedweeks leading up to race day. Subscribers nationwide will have access to the live race broadcast, in-car audio from some of the sport’s top drivers, and daily coverage from Daytona International Speedway.

On Daytona 500 race day, SiriusXM will broadcast live starting at 7:00 am ET. When the green flag drops (approximately 2:30 pm ET) subscribers will hear every lap of the race live, followed by post-race coverage that will include interviews with the 2023 Daytona 500 Champion and other drivers. The programming airs on the exclusive 24/7 SiriusXM NASCAR Radio channel, which is available to subscribers nationwide in their cars (channel 90) and on the SXM App.

SiriusXM will also air 10 live Driver2Crew ChatterTM radio feeds on separate SiriusXM channels throughout the Daytona 500. Listeners will be able to hear the driver-to-crew communications of drivers including Ryan Blaney, Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano and Bubba Wallace.

SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will also provide live coverage of the Bluegreen Vacations Duel at DAYTONA on Thursday, Feb. 16 (6:00 pm ET), the NextEra Energy 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, Feb. 17 (7:00 pm ET), and the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday, Feb. 18 (4:30 pm ET).

Throughout the day on Wednesday, Feb. 15, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will broadcast live from Daytona 500 Media Day, where hosts from the channel will interview each of the drivers in attendance. Following that, listeners will hear live coverage of Busch Light Pole Qualifying at 8:00 pm ET.

On Thursday, Feb. 16, leading into the Bluegreen Vacations Duel at DAYTONA, SiriusXM’s Dave Moody will host a special broadcast open to the public from the UNOH Fanzone (3:00 pm ET). Moody will interview several active and former drivers including Daytona 500 and Cup Series Champions and preview the evening’s twin races. Moody is expected to be joined on the show by Kyle Busch, Richard Childress, Chase Elliott, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Richard Petty, Martin Truex Jr. and more.

On Monday, Feb. 20, on The Morning Drive, hosts Mike Bagley and Pete Pistone will be joined live in studio by the 2023 Daytona 500 champion driver, crew chief and owner.

SiriusXM NASCAR Radio is the only national 24/7 channel covering NASCAR and features a lineup of hosts that includes many active and former drivers, crew chiefs and insiders. New to the SiriusXM NASCAR Radio lineup this year is 2011 Daytona 500 champion and two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series race winner Trevor Bayne. Bayne will make his debut during SiriusXM’s Speedweeks coverage on Friday, Feb. 17 (3:00 pm ET), then co-host SiriusXM Speedway with Dave Moody on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:00 pm ET throughout the season.

Reigning and two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and driver of the No. 22 Team Penske Ford Joey Logano will return to host his exclusive SiriusXM show, Behind the Wheel with Joey Logano select Tuesdays (9:00-10:00 am ET) throughout the season on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

For more information visit www.SiriusXM.com/NASCAR.

Sound Pros Inc, Formally Known as Alphasonik, Has Acquired ORION

HIALEAH, FL (02.13.23) See the following announcement provided by Sound Pros Inc.:

We are pleased to announce we’ve made some exciting changes. Sound Pros, Inc formally known as Alphasonik has acquired ORION.

Rick Andersen, Senior Vice President, pictured in the Alphasonik Gardena CA warehouse showroom.

The new headquarters and warehouse located in Hialeah Florida will develop marketing and sales for Alphasonik and Orion. Product will be warehoused and shipped from both the Hialeah and Los Angeles locations.

The foundation has been set for our future growth stated Yoel “Joey” Gidanian, President.  Since our introduction at SEMA 2022 sales for the Alphasonik line has exceeded our forecast. We will be shipping all Mayhem flagship models later this month which will complete the 150 model mix for 2023.  

Joey Gidanian, Sound Pros Inc President, in the Hialeah FL HQ.

Product and Marketing plans for Orion and have been put in motion. Initially, Orion will be offered to accounts that have been loyal customers. In addition to current models included in the acquisition production has already begun and new products will be a priority.

Edgar Cedeno, General Manager, with Alphasonik and Orion products in the well stocked Hialeah FL warehouse.

Sound Pros will be exhibiting Alphasonik and Orion during Truck Week held March in Miami and Jeep Beach held April in Daytona Beach.

Joey Gidanian, President

Edgar Cedeno, General Manager

Rick Andersen, Senior Vice President

For more information contact Edgar Cedeno at 786-253-4061

Sound Pros, Inc
3130 West 15th Avenue
Hialeah, FL 33012

Sky High Car Audio Partners with Synergy Marketing

SPARKS, NV (02.13.23) – Sky High Car Audio has partnered with Synergy Marketing Agency to expand their local marketing and local support in the TOLA Region for Sky High Car Audio, Trinity Audio, SoundQubed, and Gately Audio.

Over the last decade, Sky High Car Audio has created a cult like following known for their quality and attention to detail in having a complete line wiring, tools, and installation accessories. All of the products they offer have been torture tested as only the best products are selected to carry the Sky High Brand Name. They even offer Custom Shrink Wrap as an added value for Retailers branding with their own store logo.

Territory Restrictions apply to some products they distribute; however, they can be a very reliable one stop shop and partner in 12 volt community.

For more information, contact 775-513-8199.

VAIS Technology Intros New GSR SiriusXM Satellite Radio Adapter

ENGLEWOOD, CO (02.10.23) – VAIS Technology has announced the addition of the latest SXM satellite radio adapter for immediate ordering. After exhaustive research by the VAIS Tech engineers, we have developed a new generation protocols states Dennis Hopper, EVP, VAIS Technology. The two units work the same, however the universal can be purchased immediately and flash with the new Mercedes protocols.

A dash radio screen in a Mercedes

VAIS Technology has had lots of calls since many OEM’s have removed Sat radio in factory head units because of the IC chip shortages that plague many OEM’s. This gives new life into this ecosystem now. Simple installation like all GSR’s from VAIS Technology. More 2023 models will be introduced after the Mercedes pieces, as the requests from our dealers have grown exponentially

Visit vaistech.com to learn more.