BOCA RATON, FL (01.23.25) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. For 46 years, achieving placement on the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500® has been a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry and is recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees. The 2025 Franchise 500® ranks Tint World as 230 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“The Franchise 500 is more than a list. It’s really a collection of life-changing opportunities, featuring strong and resilient brands that future franchisees will be proud to be a part of,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “This year’s honorees represent the bold ideas, operational excellence, and adaptability that make franchising a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success.”

In Entrepreneur’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company’s 46-year-old ranking formula continues to evolve as well. The editorial team researches and assesses several factors, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranking order.

Over its 46 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Tint World’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

“Being recognized for the 12th consecutive year on this prestigious list is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of our franchisees and the rest of the Tint World family,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “This accomplishment highlights our ongoing commitment to excellence and helping our franchise owners meet the needs of their customers in a discerning, high-demand market.”

To view Tint World in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2025 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands January 14th.

LONG BEACH, CA (01.22.25) – Hazim Jainoor, a respected 22-year veteran of the 12V aftermarket sector renowned for representing Tier 1 manufacturers, has officially announced his resignation from his position as Director of Key Accounts & District Sales – West Coast, with Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. after six impactful years. This marks the culmination of an illustrious career, including 13 years with Kenwood USA and three years with JVC Mobile Entertainment, during which Jainoor consistently drove excellence and solution-based principles in aligning manufacturer and retailer strategies within the 12V
aftermarket sector.

Reflecting on his career, Jainoor stated: “It has been a privilege to work with some of the most iconic brands in the 12V aftermarket industry and to collaborate with incredible teams and partners. These experiences have fueled my passion for fostering meaningful connections across regional and national sales channels to achieve shared success.”

During his tenure, Jainoor was instrumental in spearheading initiatives that optimized GTM strategies for manufacturers while aligning them with the unique revenue goals of diverse territories and sales channels. This approach resulted in measurable growth and fortified life-long relationships across the 12V aftermarket industry.

Jainoor extends his deepest gratitude to colleagues, partners, and clients who have supported him throughout his career. His commitment to excellence and passion for the 12V aftermarket industry remain steadfast as he prepares for the next chapter of his professional journey.

For more, contact hazim.jainoor@asmgroup-usa.com

FLOWER MOUND, TX (01.22.25) – Uniden America is excited to announce the appointment of Alpha Sales Group as its exclusive East Coast representative for Uniden’s 12V portfolio of radar and laser detection products. This partnership marks a significant step in Uniden’s commitment to providing superior service, industry knowledge, and innovative solutions to its valued customers and partners in the 12V market.

“I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Alpha Sales Group,” said Ray Woolf, Director of Specialty Radar Sales at Uniden America. “The Alpha team’s outstanding reputation for delivering unparalleled service and their deep expertise in the 12V market make them an ideal fit for Uniden. I look forward to working side by side with them as we continue to provide the best service and knowledge to the industry and grow our presence on the East Coast.”

Alpha Sales Group will represent Uniden’s full 12V product lineup, including its advanced radar detection systems, laser shifters, and innovative connectivity solutions. With their established network and dedication to excellence, Alpha Sales Group is well-positioned to expand Uniden’s reach and support in this key market.

This partnership reflects Uniden’s ongoing efforts to align with top-tier representation to ensure that dealers, distributors, and end users receive exceptional products and support.

For more information on Uniden’s 12V portfolio or to connect with Alpha Sales Group, please visit Uniden.com or contact rwoolf@uniden.com.

CORAL SPRINGS, FL (01.21.25) – Nav-TV has expanded their award-winning Zen Audio family with a brand new interface, the ZEN-H. This interface is for 2023.5+ Harley Davidson Street and Road Glide bikes, both CVO and non-CVO. This will be the first standalone Harley A2B interface available on the market.

• The ZEN-H allows removal of the OEM Rockford Fosgate amplifier and allows the installation of any aftermarket amplifier via its 6 RCA outputs.
• There will be two models, the ZEN-H Pro and ZEN-H. The Pro will have a full professional grade DSP in it that will be configurable through a PC tool via the USB port.
• All factory functionality is retained, including factory head unit updates, and will not generate any faults on Harley dealer diagnostics.
• The ZEN-H produces a flat signal from 20-20khz at 4V RMS
• It includes a Plug-N-Play harness for seamless integration with the existing speakers, leading to an installation with no wires cut.

Pricing on the ZEN-H will start at a $599 MSRP.

The ZEN-H will start shipping on the 17th of February. The ZEN-H Pro will start shipping roughly one to two months after.

The ZEN-H will be on display in the NAV-TV booth at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas. (Booth 815)

Visit https://navtv.com/ for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.21.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is accepting nominations for induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame, the Association’s highest honor, at http://www.sema.org/hof. The SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding persons in the automotive aftermarket who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or Association’s growth.

“SEMA’s Hall of Fame is a tribute to the leaders and changemakers who have propelled the industry forward in extraordinary ways,” said Jose Escobar, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “Each year, we seek to identify new individuals whose vision and accomplishments disrupted the status quo, set new benchmarks for excellence, and left an undeniable mark on the industry’s success.”

Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is one of the Association’s longest-standing programs. To date, 180 individuals have been inducted, each exemplifying innovation, leadership, and positive change within the industry. These trailblazers have played a pivotal role in advancing the aftermarket industry through their dedication and passion.

Nominee qualifications include:

• The candidate must have made contributions that extended beyond the local level and reached throughout the national and/or international level.
• The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred.
• The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity, and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty industry.
• The candidate must have conducted himself/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty industry.
• The candidate must be at least 50 years of age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.

SEMA is also accepting nominees that have been employed by the Association or have served as a contractor and/or vendor of SEMA. In addition to meeting the above qualifications, the nominee must have no less than one year of total separation from SEMA in any and all capacities, arrangements, or relationships.

The 2025 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in July.

Nominations are due by Friday, March 14, at www.sema.org/hof. Questions can be directed to Escobar at josee@sema.org. To view a list of SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees, visit this link.

PHOENIX, AZ (01.20.25) – Cicada Audio is thrilled to announce the expansion of its representative team with the addition of two new firms: Trent Partners & Associates and Pacific Rim Marketing.

Trent Partners & Associates, represented by Matt Gonzales, Peter Huggins, and Matt Herald, will cover New York City and the New England states. Known as the premier Rep firm in the Northeast, Trent Partners is a six-member team highly regarded by retailers. With over 80 years of combined experience in the 12-volt industry, Gonzales, Huggins, and Herald bring a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of the New England and New York Metro markets. Their addition to the Cicada team ensures best-in-class talent in the Northeast.

“Adding Trent Partners to our Rep network is a game changer,” said Marty Dean, Director of Sales at Cicada Audio. “They are the best team in the territory to carry the Cicada brand to new heights.”

Pacific Rim Marketing, represented by Mark and Valentina Giovannetti, will serve the Pacific Northwest Territory. Mark and Valentina bring a wealth of experience and extensive industry knowledge, making them invaluable assets to our network. Their dedication and commitment to excellence are evident through their consistent visits to independent dealers, fostering strong relationships and a deep understanding of local market needs.

“We are thrilled to have Mark and Valentina join our team. Their expertise and passion for the industry align perfectly with our mission to provide exceptional service and products to our customers,” said Justin Miller, Regional Sales Manager of Cicada Audio.

“We are confident that Trent Partners & Associates and Pacific Rim Marketing will provide unparalleled service to our customers in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest, enhancing the Cicada Audio experience for our exceptional dealers. We look forward to the continued growth and success that these partnerships will bring,” said Ron Trout, President of Cicada Audio.

Contact Information:

Trent Partners & Associates:
53 N. Park Avenue Suite 200 – Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Phone: 516-594-5000

Pacific Rim Marketing:
15717 154th Ave NE – Woodinville, WA 98072
Phone: (425) 483-8469

For more information, please contact:

Cicada Audio:
3757 E Broadway Rd Ste 3 – Phoenix, AZ 85040
Phone: (480) 887-8699

Cicada Audio is a high-end manufacturer of best in-class motorcycle audio products.

Visit cicadaaudio.com for more.

 LOS ANGELES, CA (01.20.25) – Cerwin-Vega proudly announced the launch of the VegaBuds, a premium wireless earbud solution that delivers superior sound in a sleek, ergonomic design. Incorporating Cerwin-Vega’s legendary Stroker™ technology, the VegaBuds redefine personal audio by delivering unmatched clarity, deep bass, and high efficiency in a lightweight, portable format. 

“The VegaBuds reflect our commitment to bringing Cerwin-Vega’s legendary audio quality to every aspect of our customers’ lives,” said Bob Chanthavongsa, VP of Sales & Marketing at Cerwin-Vega. “With features like advanced Bluetooth technology, active noise cancellation, and extended battery life, these earbuds provide an unparalleled listening experience wherever you go.” 

Key Features of the VegaBuds: 

• Advanced Stroker™ Technology: Experience rich, powerful sound with enhanced clarity and dynamic range. 
• Long Battery Life: Up to 7 hours of playtime (ANC off) and a compact charging case offering multiple recharges for all-day use. 
• Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) ensures clear, uninterrupted listening, even in noisy environments. 
• Water Resistance: IPX4-rated protection makes the VegaBuds perfect for workouts and outdoor adventures. 
• Effortless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable, wide-range connection for seamless streaming. 

See Cerwin-Vega at the upcoming KnowledgeFest in Las Vegas booth 507.

For more details, visit VegaBuds Series. 

The VegaBuds are now available through authorized retailers. For more information, visit www.cerwinvega.com. 

OCALA, FL (01.17.25) – B2 Audio USA, a leading innovator in high-performance car audio solutions, is proud to announce the arrival of a new lineup of B2 Audio products, now available in the United States for the very first time with Big Jeff’s Audio. With multiple containers of inventory en route, B2 Audio is fully stocked and ready to meet the demands of dealers and car audio enthusiasts alike.

This latest expansion underscores B2 Audio’s commitment to bringing premium, high-quality products to the U.S. market. From powerful amplifiers to precision-engineered subwoofers, the new product range offers unmatched performance and reliability that customers expect from the B2 Audio brand.

Just landed at Big Jeff’s Audio B2 Audio’s Zero amplifiers have become icons in the car audio industry for over 15 years. Zero Amplifiers have been the pinnacle of high-quality class D half-brigde amplifiers made in KOREA.

Zero6 Zero12 and the Zero15 are in stock and looking for potential dealers to run with this ever so fast-growing line.

Join the Movement. B2 Audio USA and Big Jeff’s Audio invites dealers to explore the potential of becoming an authorized retailer. Don’t miss this opportunity to align with a brand synonymous with quality and innovation.

For more information on how to become a B2 Audio dealer, please contact at orders@b2audiousa.com or call 730-B2A-UDIO (730-222-8346).

https://www.b2audiousa.com/
https://www.facebook.com/b2audiousa

LOS ANGELES, CA (01.17.25) – Cerwin-Vega continues its legacy of high-performance audio innovation with the introduction of the VegaMini, a pocket-sized Bluetooth speaker delivering powerful, distortion-free sound for any setting. Combining a sleek design with advanced audio technology, the VegaMini sets a new standard for portable speakers.

“The VegaMini is the perfect blend of portability, durability, and Cerwin-Vega’s signature sound quality,” said Bob Chanthavongsa, VP of Sales & Marketing at Cerwin-Vega. “Whether you’re out on an adventure or relaxing at home, this speaker delivers unmatched audio performance in a compact and stylish design.”

Key Features of the VegaMini:

• Big Sound in a Small Package: A 20W woofer and 10W tweeter deliver room-filling audio with a frequency response of 63Hz-20kHz.
• Durable & Portable: Compact and lightweight at just 1.27 lbs., the VegaMini is IPX4 water-resistant for all-weather adventures.
• Extended Battery Life: Up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge, with fast USB-C charging.
• Seamless Connectivity: Features Bluetooth 5.3 for easy pairing and a reliable wireless connection.
• Availability and Pre-Order Details The VegaMini is now available for pre-order on Cerwin-Vega’s website.

Orders placed today will begin shipping out next week, ensuring customers receive their VegaMini promptly to enjoy its exceptional performance.

For more details, visit VegaMini Portable Speaker. 

Availability
Pre-orders for the VegaMini are now open, with shipping beginning next week. Visit www.cerwinvega.com for more details. 

See Cerwin Vega at the upcoming Knowledgefest in Las Vegas booth 507.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.15.2025) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is accepting nominations for induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame, the Association’s highest honor, at www.sema.org/hof. The SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding persons in the automotive aftermarket who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or Association’s growth.

“SEMA’s Hall of Fame is a tribute to the leaders and changemakers who have propelled the industry forward in extraordinary ways,” said Jose Escobar, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “Each year, we seek to identify new individuals whose vision and accomplishments disrupted the status quo, set new benchmarks for excellence, and left an undeniable mark on the industry’s success.”

Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is one of the Association’s longest-standing programs. To date, 180 individuals have been inducted, each exemplifying innovation, leadership, and positive change within the industry. These trailblazers have played a pivotal role in advancing the aftermarket industry through their dedication and passion.

Nominee qualifications include:

• The candidate must have made contributions that extended beyond the local level and reached throughout the national and/or international level.
• The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred.
• The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity, and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty industry.
• The candidate must have conducted himself/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty industry.
• The candidate must be at least 50 years of age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.

SEMA is also accepting nominees that have been employed by the Association or have served as a contractor and/or vendor of SEMA. In addition to meeting the above qualifications, the nominee must have no less than one year of total separation from SEMA in any and all capacities, arrangements, or relationships.

The 2025 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in July.

Nominations are due by Friday, March 14, at josee@sema.org. Questions can be directed to Escobar at josee@sema.org. To view a list of SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees, visit this link.