IN NEW ENGLAND (06.10.26) – Art Reckless and his firm A.I. R & Associates is a rep firm that’s on the road connecting with dealers and showing brands on his line card. A swing last week with John Velez showcased the MASSIVE AUDIO brand to a number of dealers in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Velez, MASSIVE AUDIO National Sales Manager travel from HQ in Southern California and they were on the road Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Art Rickless is an industry veteran that is ‘old school’ and understands the importance of personal in-store connections with dealers in the territory. Reckless also understands that you can’t feel the bass in your chest or experience the highs and mids on a smartphone or laptop…. it really takes the in-store experience.

The dealers spotlighted in this article all have very impressive showrooms that show consumers in the area they are really invested to serve their customers. The first stop on Tuesday was at City Sound in Bridgeport CT. Owner Kenny Eskandari is a strong supporter of MASSIVE AUDIO. At the stop John and Art showed Kenny models in the new lineup consisting of Pro audio speakers and subs. Kenny had a very positive reaction to the new products and mentioned the great profit margins.

The next stop was at Custom Car Sound in West Springfield, MA. Owner Glen Aloisi has been very enthused with his MASSIVE AUDIO sales and look forwards to carrying the new massive Pro audio products along with new subs.

The next stop spotlighted on the swing was at Rafa Sound in Framington MA. Owner Rafael Queiroz welcomed John and Art and was excited to see the new products that they were showcasing. Rafael mentioned that MASSIVE AUDIO products produce clean and loud Sound. Rafael was very receptive to the new products showcased his appreciation by placing a large order. 

In a phone call with the 12volt Central Studios Rafael mentioned it was terrific to see factory staff on the road with a territory rep like Art.

The last stop spotlighted was at Enzo Motoring in Worchester MA. Art and John related the time spent with owner Orlando Garrastegui was extremely positive as Orlando was impressed with all the new MASSIVE AUDIO products and looks forward to certainly driving business.

Over the three days there were several more stops along the way to let dealers in New England know about the exciting new products. In addition to new products MASSIVE AUDIO has new banners for showrooms and T-shirts that will supply plenty of POP for Massive retailers to offer their customers.
Velez stated “Spending time with Art visiting dealers was a great experience. Art is really connected with dealers in his territory and it really showed as we spent time in the dealer’s stores.”

Stay tuned as MASSIVE AUDIO will continue to be on the road across the country.

Visit massiveaudio.com for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.10.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced the results of the 2025-2026 SEMA Board of Directors elections, with Norris Marshall of BluePrint Engines named Chair-Elect and Rich Butler of R&R Marketing, Brian Herron of OPUS IVS, Tim McCarthy of Hushmat & ZyCoat, and Marcus Umlauff of Toyota Motor North America elected as board members. Butler and Umlauff are current SEMA Board members who were re-elected to join the group.

SEMA Board members are industry representatives who volunteer their time to lead and guide the association. They are elected by SEMA-member companies and represent the key membership categories: manufacturers, distributors/retailers, manufacturers’ representatives, and services.

The SEMA Board of Directors for 2025-2026 will be as follows:

Board Officers:

• Chairperson – Melanie White, President, Hellwig Products
• Chair-elect – Norris Marshall, CEO, BluePrint Engines
• Immediate Past-Chair/Secretary – Kyle Fickler, Director of Business Development, ProCharger
• Treasurer – Chris Douglas

Board Members:

• Bill Bader, President & Owner, Summit Motorsports Park
• Rich Butler, CEO, R&R Marketing Consultants
• Brian Herron, President, OPUS IVS
• Doug Lane, President & Owner, Motor State Distributing
• Tim McCarthy, Founder/CEO, Hushmat & ZyCoat
• Kelle Oeste, CEO & Owner, V8TV Speed & Resto Shop
• Kim Pendergast, CEO, Magnuson Superchargers
• Melissa Scoles, President & CEO, QA1
• Marcus Umlauff, General Manager Truck, Toyota Motor North America
• Ted Wentz, CEO, Quadratec

Outgoing Board Members:

• James Lawrence, CEO & President, POWER
• Kathryn Reinhardt, SVP of Marketing & Events, Hemmings

The entire 2025-2026 SEMA Board of Directors and outgoing Board members will be honored and recognized during the 2025 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in Universal City, Calif., on July 25. All SEMA members and industry professionals are invited to join the celebration by purchasing tickets at www.sema.org/gala.

WASHOUGAL, WA (06.09.25) – The Falcon Sales/AM Merchandising Northwest Dealer Show was Jammin’ N June 1st and 2nd. Dave Gates related. “We had a great turnout for the Sunday and Monday event. Dealers and vendors were are on site are really part of our family. An exciting feature at our show this year was a raffle program that was supported by our vendor partners on site.”

Continuing “Vendor partners who participated in the event were Wet Sounds, SiriusXM, Alpine, Memphis, Audio, Pioneer and Arc Audio, When dealers arrived, they picked up a raffle ticket. When they placed an order for a particular product, they picked up a ticket to go in to that vendor’s drawing jar. At the end of the day we had the drawings and lucky dealers had a big smile on their faces.”

Kevin Hong, Cartunz Motorsports in Lakewood WA won the Grand Prize Wet Sounds Shiver Cooler with a $1000 price tag. Fernando Herrera, Audio Pros in Richland WA, won a new Arc Audio prize. Both winners related to the 12volt Central Studios they feel they are part of the Falcon Sales and AM Merchandising families as they work together to connect with consumers and drive business in their communities.

Plans are already in process for the 2026 Falcon Sales/AM Merchandising Northwest Dealer Show.

Visit falconsalesanddistribution.com and ammerchandising.com for more.

LAS VEGAS, NV (6.9.2025) – Time is running out to take advantage of the best possible pricing for your 2025 SEMA Show badge. Right now, online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. On June 28, the rate will increase to $75 per person, before increasing again on September 27 to $100 per person, both online and on-site.

Maximize your savings. Register now!

The 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, offers an attendee experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. Attending is a no-brainer for automotive professionals, enthusiasts, media members, influencers and related industry members.

Below are seven reasons why you need to secure their registration (available online here and at the bottom of this article) for this year’s SEMA Show:

• Exhibitors: Discover the latest product and vehicle trends across dozens of product categories: Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Business Services; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Racing & Performance; Hot Rod Alley; Restoration Marketplace; Collision Repair & Refinish; Tools & Equipment; Global Tire Expo (tires) and Wheels & Wheel Accessories; and First-Time and Featured Exhibitors.
• New Products Showcase: Visit the New Products Showcase to discover thousands of the latest exhibitor products displayed in one location of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Use the SEMA Show mobile app’s “Product Scanner” feature to scan and download product photos and exhibitor information that will remain on your app long after the SEMA Show has ended.
• Education: SEMA Show Education is the single most important week of the year to power a professional development plan for your business and career. Through sessions and unique, immersive programs exploring the industry’s most significant challenges and offering immediate takeaways, there is something for every automotive professional.
• Networking: The SEMA Show is where connections are built. Network with exhibitors, industry leaders and VIPs/celebrities from more than 140 countries and regions. Use the Show’s mobile app to see lists of all the events, seminars, conferences, celebrity appearances and speakers, including day, time and location. In addition, this year’s program includes SEMA Council & Networks receptions, happy hours and meetings–all designed to help you advance your business and grow your network. You’ll also meet face-to-face with others in the industry and build meaningful relationships that will lead to real results and quality connections.
• Show Features: SEMA Show is teeming with the latest innovations and trends, showcased in several dedicated areas like the SEMA Battle of the Builders; the SEMA FutureTech Studio; the outdoors Optima Village; feature vehicle displays; SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions and Product Development; the Collision Repair & Refinish Stage; the Overland Experience; and the SEMA Show Art Walk.
• Show Events: Unique events and activations such as the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, the SEMA Industry Honors now at the iconic Fontainebleau and vehicle demonstrations will provide ample opportunities for the industry to unite.
• And much more: Of course, attending the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is the best way to boost an automotive professional’s business and career path, but be sure to make the most of your time in Vegas with ancillary events like after-hours networking and SEMA Fest, a celebration of motorsports, music and car culture. Note: Your SEMA Show badge does not provide access to SEMA Fest. Visit SEMAFest.com to stay up-to-date and discover when tickets will be available.

Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. Starting June 28, the rate increases to $75, and as of September 27, registration online or onsite will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA’s official hotel provider, onPeak.

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (6.4.23) – Unleash concert-quality sound wherever the water takes you!

The GMR1.5S2B and GMR1.5S2W Marine vehicle kits are engineered for thrill-seekers who demand performance, style, and reliability in any environment. Featuring a GMR-1.5 (B or W) source unit and a pair of weatherproof 6.5-inch Nautic speakers, these Nautic systems deliver crystal-clear highs, punchy mids, and deep, booming lowsthat surround you – all wrapped in a compact, Marine-tough design.

Each system includes two 6.5-inch coaxial speakers equipped with 0.75-inch composite dome tweeters. The speakers feature water-resistant composite polypropylene cones and UV-stable butyl rubber surrounds, mounted on lightweight composite frames. They are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, with UV-treated grills and stainless steel mounting hardware.

To learn more, click here.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (6.4.25) – The floorplan for the 2025 SEMA Show, scheduled for November 4-7 in Las Vegas, is now live and available at www.SEMAShow.com/floorplan.

You are among the few select media who are automatically approved to receive a media credential this year.

To take advantage of the benefit to bypass submitting qualifying materials, you must use this e-mail address to register.

REGISTER TODAY

For more information, contact the SEMA Public Relations team at pr@sema.org.

OXNARD, CA (6.3.25) – BOSS Audio Systems is proud to announce it will exhibit during KnowledgeFest 2025, held June 6-8 in Atlantic City, New Jersey at Harrah’s Resort & Convention Center.

“KnowledgeFest 2024 in Atlantic City was the first time we showcased our Elite line on the East Coast, and it was a tremendous success,” said Colin Ross, BOSS Elite Associate Brand Manager. “Since then, Elite has gained even more traction nationwide. Now, in 2025, we are featuring our new branding and showcasing the power of the expanded Elite line. KnowledgeFest is not just about showing off new products, it’s also about connecting with installers and industry pros in a vital region of the country so we can continue to learn from them and innovate in both the short and long term.”

KnowledgeFest stands as a cornerstone event for the mobile electronics industry, offering more than 50 hours of educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. The event draws hundreds of industry professionals eager to explore the latest technologies and advance their technical expertise through manufacturer training sessions.

This year, Elite is unveiling a fresh brand look and a modern update to its well known Elite line of audio products. Visitors will get a first look at the latest in mobile audio tech, with new head units, amplifiers, and other gear designed to take in-car entertainment to the next level. Select head units will now feature an updated GUI, expanded DSP customization as well as Maestro iDatalink compatibility. The Elite line will also feature brand new amplifiers in the auto and marine categories. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience a full Elite audio system firsthand in our exclusive demo car and interactive product displays.

Visit BOSS Elite during KnowledgeFest 2025 in Atlantic City at booth #310 and check out BOSS Audio’s lineup, including audio gear and more for car, powersports, motorcycle, and marine audio.

For more information about B.I.G. or to become a dealer, please visit sales.bossinternationalgroup.com.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (06.02.25) – The Rifle Supply Cars and Coffie brewed up a great event on Saturday, May 31 at their location in Huntington Beach, CA. Chef Chuks breakfast, along with coffee and pastries, sweetened the deal to see cool cars.

PowerBass came out for a fun day in the southern California sun with their friend and good customer Rifle Supply for the Cars and Coffee.

Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP related “It was a great day out chatting with people about the PowerBass portable Bluetooth speakers they had on sale inside the store at Rifle Rupply. Also, it was a great opportunity to check out some cool cars and sip some great coffee whipped coffee. Juan and Meny were also at the event that drew nearly 100 cars and more than 200 people as the day was a little overcast.”

Items on the raffle table outside included a Savior rifle case, Gloc backpack, DOT backpack, Rifle Supply gift cards and swag, a PowerBass BT50 speaker and Raffle Supply tumblers. The top five awards were a custom AR Magazine featuring a PowerBass logo.

“Rifle Supply is a strong dealer for PowerBass with the portable BlueBooth speakers and Audio. Their shop car features a decked out PowerBass system. Supporting a dealer at an event like the Cars and Coffee builds relationships and helps drive business for all. Connecting with consumers also gives a s sense of what consumers are looking to add to daily activities,” Harbour concluded.

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

OXNARD, CA (05.30.25) – BOSS Audio Systems is proud to announce it will exhibit during KnowledgeFest 2025, held June 6-8 in Atlantic City, New Jersey at Harrah’s Resort & Convention Center.

“KnowledgeFest 2024 in Atlantic City was the first time we showcased our Elite line on the East Coast, and it was a tremendous success,” said Colin Ross, BOSS Elite Associate Brand Manager. “Since then, Elite has gained even more traction nationwide. Now, in 2025, we are featuring our new branding and showcasing the power of the expanded Elite line. KnowledgeFest is not just about showing off new products, it’s also about connecting with installers and industry pros in a vital region of the country so we can continue to learn from them and innovate in both the short and long term.”

KnowledgeFest stands as a cornerstone event for the mobile electronics industry, offering more than 50 hours of educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. The event draws hundreds of industry professionals eager to explore the latest technologies and advance their technical expertise through manufacturer training sessions.

This year, Elite is unveiling a fresh brand look and a modern update to its well known Elite line of audio products. Visitors will get a first look at the latest in mobile audio tech, with new head units, amplifiers, and other gear designed to take in-car entertainment to the next level. Select head units will now feature an updated GUI, expanded DSP customization as well as Maestro iDatalink compatibility. The Elite line will also feature brand new amplifiers in the auto and marine categories. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience a full Elite audio system firsthand in our exclusive demo car and interactive product displays.

Visit BOSS Elite during KnowledgeFest 2025 in Atlantic City at booth #310 and check out BOSS Audio’s lineup, including audio gear and more for car, powersports, motorcycle, and marine audio.

For more information about B.I.G. or to become a dealer, please visit sales.bossinternationalgroup.com.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.30.25) – Applications are now open for the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mother’s Polish at  www.semabotb.com. Now in its 12th year, SEMA Battle of the Builders is the industry’s leading custom car building competition, providing SEMA Show builders with an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a global audience.

“It’s inspiring to see SEMA Show builders continue to push the boundaries of automotive customization,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA Vice President of Marketing. “We look forward to helping them grow and progress as we celebrate standout builds that highlight the ingenuity of our industry.”  

The 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mother’s Polish will recognize class champions in four categories — Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns — and one of these four class winners will be crowned the overall Battle of the Builders champion. Industry experts serve as judges and review all qualifying applications, including vehicle descriptions and photos, before walking the SEMA Show floor to review the builds in-person and selecting the Top 10 finalists in each category. The finalists are then narrowed down to the Top 3 in each category, and these 12 finalists become the judges and select the winner of each category and the overall champion.

“Some of the people we look up to the most in the industry have won this award, so to appear alongside those people is really incredible,” said Noah Alexander, winner of the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition with his ‘68 Dodge Charger. “The best for us was the incredible people we met. It was just amazing to talk to all of these other builders and hear what they do.”

Supporting Young Builders  
To encourage young builders to pursue their passions, the SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns category is open to builders who are 29 years old and younger at the time of the SEMA Show. Young Guns entries may also be selected to compete in one or more virtual Golden Ticket competitions throughout the summer for the chance to win a prize package that includes transportation of the vehicle to the SEMA Show along with travel and hotel accommodations.  Once at the SEMA Show, the Top 10 Young Guns finalists, as selected by the judges, compete in their own separate competition to determine their Top 3. This unique Young Guns competition format, launched for the first time in 2024, provides yet another career exposure opportunity for the next generation of custom car builders.

“With the world’s most skilled vehicle builders coming together to compete for the title of a lifetime, the SEMA Young Guns category offers a platform unlike any other for young builders to expand their notoriety in the industry,” added de Vera.   

For more information on the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or to register, visit  www.semabotb.com. The deadline to register is Oct. 17.