KUNKLETOWN, PA (05.16.25) – The founder of 1sixty8 media, Mitch Schaffer, is launching a new division aimed squarely at solving one of the most frustrating challenges facing mobile electronics retailers today: the overwhelming workload that comes from running a small business without enough help.
Mitch Schaffer
The new venture, 1sixty8 AI, is designed to help shop owners reclaim their time, reduce costs, and increase profits through smart, practical automation. By identifying and automating the everyday tasks that drain time and resources, 1sixty8 AI delivers solutions that streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.
“I’ve owned and worked with mobile electronics shops for more than thirty years,” says Schaffer. “I know exactly how exhausting it is to handle every little task while trying to grow your business. With 1sixty8 AI, we’re making automation accessible, affordable, and totally tailored to how shops actually work.”
Unlike one-size-fits-all platforms, 1sixty8 AI offers hands-on consulting, fully custom solutions, and ongoing support, helping retailers adopt automation at their own pace. The result: more consistent operations, fewer dropped balls, and more time to focus on what matters.
1sixty8 AI is now offering initial consultations to mobile electronics retailers across the United States.
ORLANDO, FL (05.15.25) – VoxxElectronics is excited to announce that they now have an Installation Solution available to add their VOXX SmartTV Seatback Systems to the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ and 2025 Cadillac Lyriq vehicles!
In the tech bulletins below, you’ll find instructions on modifying the Smart TV Seatback System’s mounting hardware to enable them to fit these vehicles.
Not yet familiar with the Smart TV Seatback Systems?
Our Smart TV Seatback Systems feature Dual 10.1″ HD Touchscreens, built-in Wi-Fi™ so your customers can stream their favorite content, and are available with and without DVD players.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.15.25) – More detail. Harder beats. Colossus Classic speakers. Colossus Classic speakers deliver more details to layers of audio while preserving the core of quality playback – undistorted music. Delivering highs that are much more defined and consistent mids throughout any genre – sound will feel refreshed through Colossus Classic speaker technology. Get ready to hear more of your audio!
The entire line of Hifonics Colossus Classic speakers features a wide range to choose from when building that perfect speaker setup for your audio system. 1-inch aluminum dome tweeters deliver high output and extend frequency response while keeping music reproduction feeling natural and smooth. Feel every beat in crisp clarity and sharpness throughout any low, mid, and high.
MEMPHIS, TN (05.14.25) – As Memphis Audio celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, the company is proud to announce the launch of a bold new chapter: a transition to an independent, audio-only entity with employee ownership. Effective immediately, Memphis will operate as a standalone brand, solely focused on 12-volt and home audio innovation—and led by the same team that has propelled the brand’s momentum in recent years. This transition formalizes what’s already been true: the people running Memphis are fully invested in its future—and now have the ability to take full ownership of where the brand goes next.
Originally founded in 1965, Memphis Audio has operated as a family-owned business for the past six decades. With the recent retirement of its long-time owner and no succession plans within the family, the company is now in the process of transitioning to a fully employee-owned model. Nick LoMonaco, who has served as President, has assumed an ownership stake and will expand his role to CEO/President—guiding Memphis through this next chapter alongside the employee team.
“For the past several years, the entire industry has seen what this group of people can do. From product innovation to stronger dealer relationships, from unforgettable trade show experiences to the passion our brand inspires—every bit of that has been driven by the same dedicated employees and sales team that are now taking Memphis to the next level,” said LoMonaco. “This transition gives us the freedom to invest where it matters most: more innovation, better communication, faster distribution, stronger sales and marketing support, and a healthier, more reliable inventory strategy. We’re committed to keeping key SKUs and top-selling products in stock and ready—because our dealers should never be waiting on what sells. We’re building on everything that’s worked—with more energy, more clarity, and full control of our future.”
Memphis Audio has always been a force in the 12-volt world, but until now, it operated within a larger corporate structure with shared resources across unrelated industries. Those constraints created bottlenecks and workflow challenges that ultimately hindered productivity and growth. Over the last several years, however, the company has naturally expanded into the home audio space with the launch of SixFive Audio, its architectural and landscape audio division. That success created a clear path forward: focus entirely on audio and give the team full control to push the brand to new heights.
As the head of product development, Brad Diedrich sees the transition as a powerful opportunity to innovate and deliver on performance like never before. The added freedom to test, refine, and elevate Memphis products will allow the company to respond directly to dealer feedback and design future-forward solutions with even greater speed and precision.
On the marketing front, Head of Marketing Blake Franchini shared that the team is developing a brand-new dealer portal with instant access to specs, images, and marketing content—alongside a redesigned, consumer-facing website built to drive foot traffic directly to dealers. With an expanded content strategy that includes high-end video production, real-world install demos, and multi-platform ad campaigns, Memphis is positioning itself to expand reach and reinforce dealer support in new ways.
The operational structure remains rooted in Memphis, Tennessee, with warehousing and distribution continuing locally. The team will maintain a remote work model while building toward a hybrid approach—combining flexibility with a dedicated facility to support testing, training, and growth.
According to Head of Sales Ellis Mathis, the future is about more than just great products. With renewed energy across Sales, Customer Support, and Product Development, the company is focused on delivering a seamless experience for dealers—one that prioritizes accessibility, speed, and long-term value.
Memphis Audio’s 60-year legacy has been built by passionate audio professionals, loyal dealers, and a relentless drive to push the envelope. This new era isn’t a reinvention—it’s a re-energized evolution. With sharper focus, stronger leadership, and full control over its future, Memphis is doubling down on what it does best: delivering the sound, service, and support that set it apart.
BOCA RATON, FL (05.14.25) – ZZ2, a leading innovator in automotive integration, in-vehicle entertainment, and fleet safety solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Opus Marketing Group as its exclusive sales and marketing representative for the Mid-Atlantic region, covering New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.
This strategic partnership represents a key step in ZZ2’s national growth initiative, reinforcing its commitment to providing dealers with cutting-edge technology, profit-generating solutions, and exceptional customer support. In addition to its core offerings, ZZ2 continues to expand its impact with a growing portfolio of safety lighting solutions designed for commercial fleets and high-visibility applications.
“Opus Marketing Group has a strong reputation for successfully representing top-tier 12-volt brands and delivering outstanding service to their dealers,” said Justin Martin, Eastern Regional Manager at ZZ2. “Their market insight and established relationships make them an ideal partner as we increase brand visibility and support in the Mid-Atlantic market.”
“We are excited to represent ZZ2 and introduce their full product offering—including their expanding line of safety and visibility products—to our dealer base,” said Jamie White, Principal at Opus Marketing Group. “Their focus on high-quality, solution-oriented products empowers dealers to deliver more value, close more sales, and support a wide variety of customers. We’re looking forward to a long and successful partnership.”
Dealers in the Mid-Atlantic region interested in learning more about ZZ2’s product lines or becoming an authorized dealer can contact Opus Marketing directly:
CANTON, GA (05.13.25) – Greg Wallace and Brian Cargile, formerly with AVR Inc. and The Progressive Group, have launched a manufacturer’s rep firm named “3 Phases Marketing” to service dealers in the Southeast states of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.
“3 Phases Marketing was created out of the necessity for parody in the rep force. With very few rep firms in the territory, we feel that vendors are looking for alternative options that will be able to better represent their products with a more focused approach,” said Wallace.
With over 40 years of combined experience in the 12volt industry, Brian and Greg have represented numerous brands throughout their careers and have an extensive knowledge of the territory and deep-rooted relationships with the dealers in the Southeast.
3 Phases Marketing is currently representing Epsilon, Harman and Wavtech in the Southeast. “We are very fortunate and beyond excited to be able to partner with these vendors as we pursue our goal of providing exceptional service to both the vendors and dealers in the territory,” said Cargile.
For more information about 3 Phases Marketing and their representation, please contact sales@3phasesmarketing.com.
OXNARD, CA (05.13.25) – Modus is proud to announce it will exhibit during the Pacific NW Mobile Electronics Expo (PNWCEE), held May 19-21 in Seattle at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton.
“After a tremendously successful Modus brand and product launch in March, we are continuing to demonstrate our commitment to innovation in the mobile electronics industry,” said Matthew Delgado, Director of Sales at DSP Solutions. “The Pacific Northwest is a vital territory in the 12Volt and marine industries and PNWCEE is the premier mobile electronics event in that region. With the area’s strong marine market and thriving car audio community, PNWCEE provides an ideal platform to showcase our innovative solutions. We are looking forward to presenting Modus mobile and marine products to both local and nationwide industry professionals, manufacturers, and dealers during the show.”
During PNWCEE 20205, Modus will conduct multiple training sessions, including:
Tuesday, May 20; 8:30am – 9:20am
Trainer: Tony D’Amore & Jason Digos
Topic: How can an amplifier be more than 100 percent efficient?
Engineering wizards Tony D’Amore and Juan Rodriguez will explain their new patented current averaging technology in Modus Amplifiers. Learn about real world applications for this amazing technology
Wednesday, May 21; 8:00am – 8:50am
Trainer: Rob Osheaski
Topic: Marine Applications with Modus
Meet the Modus Marine product team and learn about the specific advantages of Modus Marine product.
PNWCEE has established itself as a cornerstone event for the mobile electronics industry in the Pacific Northwest. It offers attendees exclusive access to new product releases, hands-on demonstrations, and specialized training sessions. The event’s strategic timing and location make it an essential gathering for industry professionals looking to stay ahead of market trends and technological advancements.
For more information about Modus products and partnership opportunities, request more information on the web at www.modusglobal.com.
MORTON GROVE, IL (05.12.25) – The House Of Electronics invites all to attend the company’s annual Dealer Show on Tuesday, May 20th at 6PM at the Morton Grove IL location. “We will have a huge Outdoor Show in our parking lot with over 45 Vendors in attendance such as Pioneer, Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, Maxxsonics, Metra, Sundown, Stetsom, Wavtech, VOXX, DEI, Boss, Epsilon, Magnadyne, Orion, and many more” Teg Manchanda stated.
Continuing “We will host ONE Sound-Off Competition at 7PM during the Show. We will have fresh food made on site and plenty to drink. Please come and take advantage of all the specials, over 1000 different products on sale from all vendors. Manufacturers will be here to show you new products, give you free POP, present their brand and give you Raffle Tickets.”
All Dealers that come are welcome to participate in the huge raffle at the end of the Show. Over 30 free items will be raffled off at the end of the event. Sound Off Competition on Tuesday May 20th at 7PM ONE Sound Off is on-site during the Dealer Show.
All Dealers are welcome to participate. The Winner of the competitions will receive a $250 credit to shop at House Of Electronics. 1st Place Trophy, 2nd place will receive a $100 credit plus 2nd place trophy
NASHVILLE, TN (05.12.25) — The Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) program continues to expand the benefits available to certified professionals and participating retailers. From free admission to industry events like the Mobile Electronics Association’s KnowledgeFest to discounts on certification courses and partner tools such as The 12V Dashboard, MECP is focused on delivering value to professionals dedicated to advancing their careers.
MECP professionals have long enjoyed discounted access to Mitchell1 ProDemand through 1sixty8 media. Now, that benefit is expanding to provide technicians certified at the Skilled Installation Technician level or higher a one-time credit of $50 (for quarterly billing) or $100 (for annual billing), making this essential tool even more accessible to those committed to advancing their expertise.
Mitchell1 ProDemand, a comprehensive online service and repair information platform, offers OEM vehicle wiring diagrams, component locations, and labor time estimates making it ideal for creating accurate sales quotes and streamlining diagnostics. Users can search by Year, Make, Model, and Trim, or quickly identify vehicles by scanning the license plate or VIN. A keyword-based search function makes finding relevant information fast and intuitive.
“We’re always looking for ways to bring more value to those who work hard to improve their skills,” said Kris Bulla, owner and president of MECP. “Offering discounts and credits for tools that benefit the technicians and the businesses they work for is an essential part of the value ecosystem we’re building.”
Program Highlights:
All MECP-certified professionals and Company Admins are eligible for the discounted rate of $139.99/month for ProDemand. This is a savings of $60/month off the standard price. Subscriptions are available with quarterly or annual billing.
Technicians certified at the Skilled Installation Technician level or higher, or Company Admins who employ technicians certified at the Skilled Installation Technician level or higher, qualify for a one-time credit towards their 1sixty8 media managed ProDemand Subscription:
$50 for quarterly billing
$100 for annual billing
The standard discount becomes available automatically in the user’s MECP Profile once MECP certification has been achieved. If they are certified at the Skilled level or higher, or the company they Admin has a Skilled or higher level, an additional button will appear in your MECP profile to claim the credit.
“Knowledgeable technicians mean better outcomes for clients and a healthier business overall,” said Mitch Schaffer, president of 1sixty8 media. “By partnering with MECP, we’re encouraging ongoing education while making it easier for shops to access the tools they rely on, like Mitchell1 ProDemand.”
To access the discount or claim your credit, log in to your MECP Profile or contact the MECP team at mecp@mecp.com. For complete details on this offer, reach out to Mitch Schaffer at mitch@1sixty8.com.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.09.25) – Registration is officially open for the 2025 SEMA Show, the world’s leading automotive aftermarket event. Returning to Las Vegas, Nev., November 4-7, 2025, the Show brings together the most influential minds, innovative brands, and trend-setting builders, making it the ultimate destination for anyone serious about the business of the automotive aftermarket industry.
Filling every square foot of indoor and outdoor space at the Las Vegas Convention Center and featuring more than 2,000 exhibitors, the SEMA Show is where groundbreaking products debut, game-changing ideas take shape, impactful business relationships are made, and custom vehicles steal the spotlight. From performance and restoration to off-road and advanced technologies, this is where the industry’s future comes alive.
The 2025 event builds on the incredible momentum of the 2024 SEMA Show, which drew tremendous support from every corner of the industry. From packed exhibit halls and dynamic activations to the popular SEMA Fest concert and the open-to-the-public Friday Experience, the 2024 Show reaffirmed SEMA’s role as the industry’s most vital and unifying platform. That strong foundation sets the stage for an even bigger and more impactful experience this year.
“For businesses navigating a rapidly changing market, the SEMA Show offers more than inspiration—it offers stability and an unmatched environment to future-proof your business,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “In times of uncertainty, SEMA delivers clarity, confidence and opportunity, fueling connections that matter and growth that lasts.”
Pricing: 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.
The 2025 Show will feature immersive activations throughout the campus, giving attendees a deeper, more hands-on experience across every segment of the industry. Education seminars and networking functions will also take place throughout SEMA week, providing attendees with an unmatched opportunity to learn from and connect with industry experts.
Enthusiasts Welcome: While the SEMA Show is the go-to business hub for automotive professionals, it continues evolving to welcome the broader car culture community—enthusiasts, consumers, and fans who power the passion behind the industry. Through new programs and experiences, SEMA is welcoming automotive aftermarket enthusiasts more than ever.
SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public takes place on Friday, November 7, giving car culture fans a unique opportunity to explore the excitement of the SEMA Show. With access to the Show floor, curated feature vehicle displays, outdoor demonstrations, and crossover experiences with SEMA Fest, Friday attendees get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the trends and talent shaping the future of the marketplace.
Also open to the public, SEMA Fest returns in 2025 with even more energy and entertainment. Featuring live music, motorsports action, vehicle displays, and lifestyle experiences, this celebration connects the enthusiast community with the creative spirit of the aftermarket. As part of open registration for the SEMA Show, SEMA Fest is releasing a limited number of tickets for both SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public and the SEMA Fest concert, offering fans and industry insiders the opportunity to purchase tickets at the lowest possible cost. The SEMA Fest artist lineup will be announced later this summer.
“SEMA continues to evolve to serve not only the industry’s professionals but also the passionate enthusiasts who drive the market forward,” said Andy Tompkins, SEMA Trade Show Director. “With expanded experiences like SEMA Fest and SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public, we’re creating access for people to engage with automotive culture in meaningful and exciting ways and in turn, a growing enthusiast base will help create a stronger industry.”
From product launches to unforgettable live experiences, the SEMA Show brings together everyone who lives and breathes the automotive lifestyle.
Register now and be part of the global gathering that drives the automotive world into the future. Visit www.semashow.com to secure your badge. For updates on SEMA Fest, including musical acts and times, or to purchase SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public tickets, visit www.semafest.com.
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