Industry

WeConekt Joins Forces with Air Associates to Better Support 12 Volt Dealers

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BOCA RATON, FL (10.26.2020) – WeConekt has announced they are joining forces with Air Associates, a sales representative firm – representing some of the top car audio brands in the New England Territory.

“We wanted to partner with WeConekt because we saw that they could be a valuable resource for our dealers with their deep understanding of our market and their wide range of services,” said Art Rickless , President of Air Associates.

To contact Air Associates, call 413-348-6756 or email airassociates@aol.com

WeConekt offers a variety of services that include business consulting and marketing – their first approach is not to try and sell the client any particular service, but to get a 360 view of the company and then offer only what is needed. All plans are highly specialized to each client

Now is the right time for partnering with Air Associates as more eyes are online than ever. It is imperative for dealers to have a strong online presence with an updated website, active social media and more.

“We are excited to be working with 12 Volt dealers in the New England territory, as we feel this is a greatly underrepresented category online in today’s world of consumer brands. We recognize that dealers are busy and do not have time to focus on next leveling their companies and performing critical marketing functions,” said Risa Schultz, SVP of WeConekt.

WeConekt is offering dealers a FREE 1 hour consult to discuss challenges and offer solutions. Please contact WeConekt directly or through Air Associates to set up a time.

Visit www.weconekt.com for more.

To contact Air Associates, call 413-348-6756 or email airassociates@aol.com

CMA Live Podcast Ep. #5 Connected with the Latest in Remote Start

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TORONTO, CANADA (10.23.2020) – The Wednesday evening EP5. Connected CMA LIVE, October 21st, featured some of the biggest brands in the remote car starter business. Brand representatives shared information highlighting the latest and greatest technology available in the marketplace today.

Jeff Bates from Lockdown Security helped co-host the podcast bringing with him over 20 years of experience as an installer and successful retailer.

The remote starter industry was well represented on the podcast by key brands and professionals including Alan Birce from VOXX/Directed Canada, JP Raymond of Fortin, Joe Dentamaro of VOXX Electronics and finally Phil Camirand of Automobility.

“Make sure to check out this episode and stay connected with all things remote starter related” stated Frank Spezzano, President Canadian Mobile Audio.

See this video and more at facebook.com/canadianmobileaudio/live

Visit canadianmobileaudio.com for more.

KICKER Acknowledges its “Top 12” Professionals Vying for MEA Industry Awards

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STILLWATER, OK (10.23.2020) – KICKER watched some of its 24 authorized installers, retailers and sales professionals from the “Top 50” list earn a spot in this year’s “Top 12 Finalists” for the 2020 Industry Awards, as determined by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA).

According to the MEA press release, some of the award categories are decided solely on industry votes.  The final awards will be announced at the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebration during the virtual KnowledgeFest trade show and conference Dec. 4-6.

Winners at this stage also qualify as semifinalists for the top honors of Retailer-of-the-Year, Installer-of-the-Year and Sales Pro-of-the-Year.

Top 12 KICKER Retailer finalists:
Mobile Toys – College Station, TX
Absolute Electronix – Rockville, MD
Car-Tunes – Greenville, MS
Showtime Audio – Chicago, IL

Top 5 KICKER Sales Professionals finalist:
Jim Skaggs – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX

Top 12 KICKER Installer finalists:
Justin Kush – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
Matt Vowell – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
Dean Beyett – Five Star Car Stereo – Clearwater, FL
Dalton Trainer – Car-Tunes, Inc. – Greenville, MS

The complete list of winners is posted at the official Industry Awards website, meindustryawards.com.

Visit kicker.com for more.

MES Family Announces Board of Directors and Member Services

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COATESVILLE, PA (10.22.2020) – The MES FAMILY which is the latest association for the mobile electronics & aftermarket industry whose mission is to engage industry members with more education, training and the latest assets to help improve their job duties, business and overall sales performance – announces the current board of directors.

The MES FAMILY Directors of the Board appointed are as follows:

Ata Ehdaivand –Director -Absolute Electronix, Rockville, MD.

Eric M. Carter – President- MES Family & Modern Media Geeks – Formerly of Cartronix, Tinley Park, IL.

Ron Hoser – CEO- Tier One Motoring, West Chester, PA.

Ethan Blau – Director of Media & Member Relations – Sound Wave Customs- Virginia Beach, VA.

Shaughnessy Murley- Technical Director – Visions Electronics, Red Deer, AB.

Jon Dewar – Chairman – Modern Media Geeks, St. Marys, GA.

Contributing Board Members:

Christopher McNulty- Kingpin Car & Marine Audio, Las Vegas, NV. Formerly of Driven Mobile Electronics, Chantilly, VA.

James Smith- Board Member- Act Audio, Vernon, CT.

Andrew Evens- Board Member- FabricatedLV, Las Vegas, NV. Formerly of Industry Auto

Brian Hampson- Board Member- Stereo West Autotoys, Omaha, NE.

Steven Cote’- Board Member- Eastern Regional Sales Manager at JVC Electronics- Stoneham, MA.

Mobile Electronics Syndicate Facebook Group Administrators:

All the above plus the amazing following people:

Christopher Pate- Mobile Toys Inc. & MTI Acoustics, College Station, TX.

Ashley Lampley- ABC Automotive Electronics, Elk Grove Village, IL.

Dean Beyett- 5 Star Car Stereo & Smash Force Productions, Clearwater, FL.

Kevin Juarez- Sonic Sound, Arlington, VA.

“Our new MES family board members are dedicated to our industry and work in it every day. With all of their knowledge and experience it is a winning solution for business owners, salespeople, technicians and of course our amazing vendors who have joined the family.”

Ata Ehdaivand – Director

“Thank you for checking out the MES Family. I am beyond excited to think of where this group came from and where it is going. The growth that we have experienced is largely due to the team that we have surrounded ourselves with. If you have participated in the FB group, you have probably already learned from the broad experience and knowledge that the team brings to the community. But wait… there is more. Expect us to keep delivering new content and services that benefit our members and showcase our sponsors. Be well!”

Ron Hoser- CEO

“We are very pleased with all of the vendors, manufactory’s and of course our amazing group of board members that have connected with us and have decided to be part of our family and help our industry members grow and prosper”

Eric M. Carter- President

“I am beyond excited to see where this next chapter takes the MES Family as well as our dedicated group of beyond talented and versatile board members as well as our very supporting Vendors/manufacturers and our heart and soul of the group; the 12 volt retailers, Technicians, fabricators and the alike. Our goal is to help make each one of you better, more informed, your workloads less stressful and more streamlined as well as grow this industry and what we can provide collectively as a whole. We hope you see the value in MES and decide to sign up to become a member or sponsor and a part of the MES Family. “

Ethan Blau- Director of Media & Membership Relations

“I am looking forward to helping where I can, to help improve the level of technician knowledge with the MES Family. It is an honor to be on the board with such great people.”

Shaughnessy Murley- Technical Director

“I look forward to working with our new team of board members of the MES Family, we are confident that our board is equipped to guide us into a future that continues and strengthens all parts of the industry” Jon Dewar – Chairmen

Visit www.mesfamily.com for more.

Feel free to email anyone of us at the following for any questions or inquiries.

Ethan@mesfamily.com

Eric@mesfamily.com

Ata@mesfamily.com

Launch date of the MES FAMILY will be on 11/27/20.

New ZZ-2 Product Converts Factory Wired to Wireless CarPlay in Seconds

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ZZAIR-CP is the new addition of convenience to your vehicle, converting factory wired CarPlay into a wireless connection in seconds. Don’t take your phone our fo pocket anymore, make it wireless with ZZAIR-CP

ZZAIR-CP converts factory wired to wireless CarPlay in seconds. (Car MUST be equipped with factory wire CarPlay.)

For your convenience, ZZ-2 added the ZZAIR-CP to our line of products to provide a better experience with the factory wired CarPlay system. In seconds you will be able to get the most out of CarPlay without taking your iPhone out of your pocket. Simple to use, plug and play, and the best part, no more wire.

Ditch the cable, unlocking the full potential of your iPhone.

Click to visit the ZZAIR-CP product page.

Contact ZZ-2 at 929-220-1212 or email us at sales@zz-2.com for pricing or more information about our products.

Industry Shows Strong Support for SEMA360

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.21.2020) – The specialty equipment aftermarket industry is ready to come together for SEMA360, the new online event taking place Nov. 2-6, 2020, that will allow industry professionals to connect and conduct much-needed business.

More than 650 manufacturers will headline SEMA360 with a Showcase page at the event, which was created by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as an alternative after announcing that the in-person SEMA Show would not take place in Las Vegas in 2020.

“The automotive specialty equipment industry has a history of successfully pivoting to meet market needs and finding innovative solutions to accomplish a goal,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Given that the year 2020 has been filled with challenges and uncertainty, the industry is hungry for a platform where they can get together and focus on doing business. SEMA360 is the ideal solution for companies that want to connect and discover what’s new in the market – whether it’s racing and performance, trucks and off-road, hot rod and restoration or collision and tools. Manufacturers from every segment are participating and they have lots of news to share.”

Open exclusively to the industry and not to the general public, SEMA360 is designed to make it easy and efficient for attendees to see new trends and products, meet directly with manufacturers, hear from industry leaders and experts and engage in conversations. The exclusive features in SEMA360 will allow buyers to:

  • Connect with more than 650 industry-leading manufacturers
  • Explore more than 2,200 products in the New Products Showcase
  • See more than 300 unique builds in the Builders Showcase
  • Choose from more than 30 education seminars to attend
  • Witness the winner announcements of the Launch Pad and Battle of the Builders competitions
  • Access manufacturer press conferences, celebrity interviews, and breaking news

Additionally, more than 100 companies that have never exhibited at the SEMA Show have signed up to showcase their products at SEMA360, providing new business opportunities for buyers.

SEMA360 will feature more than 650 manufacturers from every market segment connecting with attendees from throughout the world.

Buyers and attendees are encouraged to register now to secure their credentials in time for SEMA360. The fee is $25 for qualified buyers who are not SEMA members, and the fee is waived for buyers who are SEMA members.

“Attending SEMA360 is a great return on investment for buyers who want to stay on top of the latest trends, products, and technology coming into market,” said Gattuso. “It’s the only event where they’ll be able to interact and engage with hundreds of companies and see thousands of new products from the comfort of their home or office.”

To register for SEMA360 or for more information, visit www.SEMA360.com. To see the list of participating manufacturers, log on to www.sema360.com/manufacturer-list.html

Shopmonkey Teams with Tint World to Maximize Franchisee Operations

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SAN JOSE, CA (10.21.2020) – Shopmonkey, a San Jose, California-based software company serving the automotive industry, and Tint World Automotive Styling Centers have announced an enterprise partnership that equips Tint World franchisees with the leading auto shop management software to maximize efficiency and customer experience while positioning Shopmonkey to continue its rapid growth and innovation.

“Shopmonkey is transforming the auto service industry,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We recognized an opportunity to support our franchisees with technology that will allow them to streamline their operations, giving them more time to focus on delivering the high-quality products and service that Tint World is known for.”

With Shopmonkey’s cloud-based shop management software, franchise owners at 80 Tint World locations across the United States can increase revenue and streamline daily tasks by automating scheduling, inventory, payment processing and communications in one platform. Shopmonkey’s intuitive interface and clean design ensure optimal user experience and minimize training and onboarding.

“Tint World’s success is built on ensuring a world-class customer experience by providing franchisees with the industry’s best training and operations tools,” said Ashot Iskandarian, CEO and founder of Shopmonkey. “This is an opportunity for us to help them maintain the highest standard of franchisee support and continue the growth and expansion that the company has enjoyed to date and into the future.”

Shopmonkey’s shop management software simplifies all the complexities of running an auto shop business onto a single platform. The company, which announced in August that it raised $25 million in Series B capital, helps shops run, understand and grow their business with easy-to-use software that consolidates tools, saves time, and streamlines their entire operation while improving communication across the board.

“With Shopmonkey, we’re providing Tint World franchisees one of the auto accessory industry’s most innovative and effective tools,” said Jeff Stark, COO of Tint World. “We’re confident that this partnership offers our franchisees extraordinary benefits that are easy to implement and will deliver immediate returns.”

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto and marine accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheel and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection film, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Visit www.shopmonkey.io and www.tintworld.com for more.

VAIS Tech Presenting at SEMA 360

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ENGLEWOOD, CO (10.20.2020) – VAIS Technology, a Colorado based manufacturer of audio, video, Bluetooth streaming, SiriusXM and SEER convenience integration will be presented at SEMA360

EVP, Dennis Hopper comments: VAIS Technology will be presenting and discussing all its integration devices. SiriusXM integration for vehicles from 2004-2021. There will be live presentations on the operational and customization of the award-winning SEER proximity-based integration. SEER allows proximity-based control of all electronics in a vehicle such as hands-free locking, unlocking, triggering lights, audible and visual confirmations. There are round tables where dealers can come in and see live videos from the VAIS team. Check out and sign up on the SEMA360 website.

About VAIS Technology: Founded in 2003, VAIS Technology offers a wide variety of OEM factory radio upgrades, including SiriusXM add-on adapters, kits for adding a Bluetooth music streaming through a factory radio and SEER proximity devices. VAIS Technology currently offers products for most automotive brands, including Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Jeep, Land Rover, Mercedes, Mazda, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, VW and more. All VAIS Technology products are built to OEM standards and are designed to offer seamless functionality for best user experience. VAIS Technology products come with one-year warranty and do not affect OEM warranties.

Visit vaistech.com for more.

SiriusXM Completes Acquisition of Stitcher

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NEW YORK, NY (10.20.2020) – Sirius XM Holdings Inc. has announced that it has completed its acquisition of Stitcher and is moving forward as the premier full-service platform for podcast creators, publishers, and advertisers.

With this acquisition, SiriusXM adds Stitcher, a longtime pioneer in podcasting, to its leading audio entertainment platform. Alongside Pandora, Simplecast and AdsWizz, Stitcher strengthens SiriusXM’s position in this fast-growing area. By combining Stitcher’s leading programming and advertising networks with SiriusXM’s existing suite of hosting and ad technology tools, the Company expands its pre-eminent position in digital audio advertising while generating new ways for creators to find and connect with a broader audience.

stitcher.com

Jim Meyer, Chief Executive Officer of SiriusXM, said, “We are deepening our position in podcasting, the fastest-growing sector in digital audio, and with completion of this transaction, our vision is taking shape. With Stitcher and its varied assets, we are now a one-stop shop able to meet the needs of podcast creators, publishers and advertisers, while also providing listeners with access to great shows, series and programming.”

To advance a powerful and coordinated content strategy, Erik Diehn, CEO of Stitcher, will report directly to Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer of SiriusXM, who also oversees content at Pandora. To help advertisers efficiently and effectively reach their customers across the largest digital audio ecosystem, Sarah van Mosel, Stitcher’s Chief Revenue Officer, will report directly to John Trimble, Chief Advertising Revenue Officer of SiriusXM.

Meyer added, “On behalf of everyone at SiriusXM, we are thrilled to welcome Erik, Sarah, and all of the other talented Stitcher employees to our team. We look forward to working with them as we continue delivering the best listening experiences in audio entertainment and enhancing stockholder value.”

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

The Mobile Electronics Syndicate to Go Public to the Industry

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VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (10.19.2020) – The Mobile Electronics Syndicate (MES) is now going industry public by offering membership services as well as Manufacture sponsor packages. The launch date is set on Friday 11/27/2020. If for any reason you are currently not a member of the MES and are an industry professional, Please make sure to send us a request to join the Facebook group (Mobile Electronics Syndicate) as well as follow our website at mesfamily.com for continued updates and details.  

 The MES is the Largest Private 12-volt group that exists. We have 4.5K Member’s and growing. We are now offering a multitude of services for our members to grow their business as well as skill set and save time and stress on many platforms of 12volt retail sales, Installation & Fabrication.

Ethan Blau (L) and Ata Ehdaivand, MES Directors, shown hosting a presentation at a previous industry event.

“If Joe & Jane’s Car Stereo shop wants to learn more about branding, advertising, closing, financials, the back end of the business or anything tech related, we would love to be able to help them.  There are a lot of people willing to spend many hours a week to make their business better and more successful that may not know how to implement it or pull the trigger so to speak”. Ata Ehdaivand- Director

All MES Family members receive access to a vehicle fit guide that incorporates car audio products from many suppliers as well as many categories.  Instead of a salesperson or technician looking up an amplifier on one vendor site and subwoofer on another, or a wiring harness of three major manufacturers or a vehicle dash kit, or even remote start modules and immobilizer bypass modules,  They can now consult a single fit guide for the customer’s vehicle all in one place with the Correct information that is updated on a daily or even hourly basis. The fit guide is sponsored by various manufacturers.  Right now, a salesperson may have to go to 8-10 websites to find all the products that the 12v-Dashboard lists for the clients wants and needs. When you would spend 15 to 20 minutes of time looking up many aspects of products & install parts/types you can now go to one website and spend 2 minutes accomplishing the same tasks. With the fit guide, a rookie sales professional can feel comfortable and confident to quote a job and or an install on day one, and accurately at that.

The association will also offer a Certification Program for sales professionals as well as technicians, consisting of online tests written by our MECP Master tech as well as contributions from the top industry veterans and vendors. Dealers will receive a certificate upon passing these tests to get MES Certified. Not only can these dealers & techs hang these very professional plaques on the store wall, but there will be a website for consumers to see who is certified as well as a great selling tool and conversational piece.  This Certification Program can help sales professionals and technicians achieve the next level in their careers.

The MES Family will also offer YouTube instructional videos on business & Tech training. We are not a buying group although we will provide member discounts on expenses including health care, rental cars, office supplies and vacations. MES Family will also offer marketing services and Social media/Website graphics for Holidays, seasonal promotions, hot selling items, or even a custom one catered to your needs.  The Graphics will be customized to each store logo.

We are excited to have our sponsoring vendors announce their support for the MES Family at launch.  Some companies have already joined and fully signed on board, including Metra Electronics, Modern Media Geeks, and retail display companies 5-Axis and Audiostak.

As of now Board Members as well as the Admin team are only being compensated through the services of the Group. For example, they may receive the POS software at no cost as well as the 12VDashboard. We want to point out that many retailers, techs, and 12-volt professionals are already giving hours of their time to the Mobile Electronics Syndicate without any compensation. We want to point that out for the simple fact that we love what we do and want to help you as well as continually grow this amazing industry.

The MES Family will also publish a newsletter once a month that talks about the latest industry news, products and problem solving or even national events like COVID-19.  It will include a Technician Talk & Sales Talk that may also become part of a YouTube video series.

The Mobile Electronics Syndicate has been an industry Facebook group with 4,500 Plus members and growing, that first launched on November 3rd. of 2016.  This news article supplied by the Mobile Electronics Syndicate.

Visit mesfamily.com or the Mobile Electronics Syndicate Facebook group for more.

Contact the following Board of Directors for inquiries via email at:

Ethan@mesfamily.com

Eric@mesfamily.com

Ata@mesfamily.com