GRAND RAPIDS & DETROIT, MI (05.14.24) – The Progressive Group powers the annual Rock The House Tour and the 2024 Tour got off to a fast start the week of May 6th with events in Grand Rapids on Tuesday May 7th and Detroit on Thursday May 9th. At both events there were strong specials, networking with staff, entertainment and delicious BBQ from the grille.
Nick Klaassen with a big thumbs up along with Dave Goodwin from Sound Waves in Macomb MI.
Jason Dubie, Director of Business-Midwest, related “We had good turnouts at both events even with some rain. At each event dealers from a couple hours away hit the road to attend. In Detroit dealers started to arrive early and we had key vendors in the house including Kenwood, Rockford Fosgate, VOXX, Directed, Dynamat, SiriusXM plus Stinger and AudioControl. Nearly 50 dealers in Detroit met with staff and took advantage of super deals, refreshments, DJ Vernel-Platinum Edge Music and Joe Pichey from Boompa’s BBQ slicing up delicious BBQ until we closed about 9PM.”
The 2024 Rock The House Tour continues this week with events in Denver and Salt Lake City on Tuesday May 14th and Kansas City on Thursday May 16th.
Shopping carts filled with orders as dealers check out the door in Detroit after picking up some great deals.
DJ Vernel, Platinum Edge Music, rocked the house in Detroit.
Joe Pichey from Boompa’s BBQ served up delicious sliced brisket from the grill.
Additional event stops on the 2024 Tour include Ft Lauderdale, Atlanta, Phoenix and Tampa.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.14.24) – Ryan Stutzman is joining the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as chief financial officer, effective May 22. Stutzman will be based at SEMA’s headquarters in Diamond Bar, Calif.
Stutzman replaces current Vice President and Chief Financial Officer George Afremow, who will retire in June after 12 years with the Association.
Stutzman is a strategic and results-driven executive with over a decade of experience leading financial teams and enhancing company performance in both public and private sectors. His expertise spans a wide range of financial operations, including mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems integration, which he has managed across various industries.
Ryan Stutzman is joining the Specialty Equipment Market Association as chief financial officer. He will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day finance, investment relations, and accounting activities for the Association, including Performance Racing Industry.
“In our search for a new CFO, we sought a leader not only with robust financial acumen but one with strong integrity, who is committed to protecting and furthering the cause of the automotive aftermarket industry,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “We are delighted to have found a great fit in Ryan.”
In his new role, Stutzman will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day finance, investment relations, and accounting activities for the Association, including Performance Racing Industry (PRI). Stutzman will also play a pivotal role in the selection and implementation of company-wide systems, which will enhance SEMA’s business relationship with its members.
Stutzman joins SEMA from Cherokee Chemical Co., Inc., where he significantly enhanced the company’s financial performance and market position. He led the successful reorganization of the finance department and managed over a dozen strategic mergers and acquisitions, driving substantial growth and profitability. His initiatives in optimizing financial frameworks contributed decisively to Cherokee’s industry leadership.
“I’m excited to join the Association at such an important time for the automotive aftermarket,” said Stutzman. “SEMA members are on the forefront of change and driving innovation, and I’m looking forward to supporting them as we shape the future of the industry.”
A native of Charlotte, N.C., Stutzman received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cedarville University and an MBA from Azusa Pacific University. Outside of work, Stutzman is passionately engaged with the great outdoors, frequently found road cycling, hiking, or snowboarding. A dedicated coffee connoisseur, he has spent the past decade mastering the art of roasting and blending his own coffee, a testament to his meticulous attention to detail. Stutzman and his wife, Bethany, have two children.
BLOOMINGTON, MN (05.10.24) – The D Source Distributing Dealer Appreciation Open House is set for Tuesday, May 14th at the company’s HQ. Nearly 2 dozen of the industry’s top brands will be in the house to showcase their latest products and connect with dealers from across the territory. PowerBass and Lucas Lighting training sessions too.
“The buzz across the territory has been super. There have been over 100 dealers already register and many are bringing Team members. The doors open at 10 and we will have lunch at 12. At 2 PM Erik Harbour will be doing training and there will be a Lucas Lighting training at 4 PM. At 5 o’clock there will be dinner and all the raffles will start at 7 PM. There is over $5000 cash plus prizes that will be available during the show raffle. Dealers will earn one ticket for every $500 they spend to enter into the raffle. It’s going to be exciting” Josh Burris, DNR Sales, related.
PowerBass countertop OE Fit Speaker and Bluetooth portable speaker countertop displays outside the showroom.
AudioControl speaker raffle items displayed.
Jeff Causton, D Source Principal, stated “Support from our vendor partners has been terrific. We are set to have a solid schedule of products on display, factory staffs onsite, trainings, networking, dinner and such a great lineup of raffle items plus the always popular CASH. Looking forward to welcoming dealers and vendor partners next week.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing Jeff and Josh plus working with their team to showcase our latest product to dealers across the area. During the training, we will certainly spotlight features, advantages and the benefits for dealers to let their customers know about when it comes to our Bluetooth products and mobile electronics products” Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, related. Harbour will be traveling from the company’s HQ in LA to attend the event.
CLEARWATER, FL (05.10.24) – Say hello to StingerDealer.com – your digital hub for all things Stinger.
StingerDealer (previously StingerSolutions) focuses on you, the dealer, and is aimed at giving you all the information, products selection, and exceptional customer solutions as before.
As always, we are committed to creating excellent experience for our dealer network and look forward to continuing to serve you. Click the links below to visit our product pages or visit us directly at StingerDealer.com.
OXNARD, CA (05.09.24) – B.I.G (BOSS Audio Systems, Planet Audio, SSL) proudly announces the addition of a seasoned industry expert to its team. With over three decades of experience in car audio innovation and a proven track record of success, Jason Digos joins B.I.G. as Senior Sales Trainer.
At B.I.G, Digos will use his deep understanding of audio to fuel product development and boost the brand’s visibility in the market, building out robust training programs to support growth of our dealers, and bring expert installation knowledge in helping DIYs better their sound system. His position signifies B.I.G.’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge audio solutions.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at B.I.G,” said Digos. “In my time in car audio, I’ve always been all about creating the best sound experiences. I can’t wait to bring that passion to B.I.G and help take things to the next level.”
Jason Digos
Jason relocated to California to pursue further education while continuing his passion for car audio, landing a position at Breakers Stereo in Oxnard. Standing out with his skills and hard work, he was later recruited by Rockford Fosgate, where he spent a decade building iconic demo cars and contributing to OEM audio systems for brands like Nissan and Mitsubishi.
After Rockford Fosgate, Digos founded his own company, specializing in Home A/V and networking systems. Collaborating with brands like Diamond Audio/Cerwin Vega and Elettromedia, he made significant contributions to product development and market expansion.
In recent years, Jason played a crucial role at MSC-America in establishing Audiotec Fischer and BLAM Brands in the U.S. His extensive experience and industry insights have cemented him as a trusted authority in car audio.
“We are so excited to welcome Jason to the B.I.G family,” said Navid Farhand, Executive Vice President at B.I.G. “With his know-how and impressive record, he’s going to be key as we grow. B.I.G. is committing more than just quality products, we believe in elevating our customers experience by further building out local customer support and trainings!”
VANCOUVER, BC (05.09.24) – Billy Alexandre, THINKWARE National Sales Manager, is pleased to appoint Mark and Valentina Giovannetti with Pacific Rim Marketing (PRM) as THINKWARE’s rep firm covering WA, OR, & ID (Boise North to CDA).
The THINKWARE samples just arrived at the Pacific Rim office in Seattle. Valentina arranged the products and Mark snap this image. See Valentina and Mark Giovannetti with Billy Alexandre at the Pacific Northwest Mobile Electronics Expo next week.
“We are also excited to be showcasing THINKWARE’s innovative dash cam technology for the first time at the upcoming 2024 Pacific NW Mobile Electronics Expo, next week May 13-15 in Seattle.”
Billy Alexandre, THINKWARE Sales Manager, shows a selection of products in his Vancouver showroom. See these products at the Expo.
“Valentina and I are very happy to join the THINKWARE Rep Firm team. The Dash Cam category has so many positives for safety and convenience for consumers. Virtually very driver who pulls up to a 12volt retailer is a potential customer for a dash cam. I hear stories frequently about people who had a dash cam video to document an accident to show the accident was not their fault. Also the dash cam category does not take a large inventory investment. That’s a real win/win/win for all with sales and installation profit” Mark Giovannetti related.”
“I invite all dealers at the Expo to stop by to say hello to me and learn why THINKWARE’s Dash Cams are some of the most innovative and reliable on the market today. We will also be offering an EXPO Special during the event!” Alexandre concluded.
TEMPE, AZ (05.08.24) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce its Hot Rod Build School, scheduled June 8-11 at Mobile Solutions headquarters in Tempe, Ariz. During the event, attendees will learn from the masters of modern-style, upscale Hot Rod interior fabrication how to efficiently conceptualize, plan, and execute enhancements that bring classic vehicles into the modern era.
“Hot Rod Build School is the class that will completely change the way you approach custom interiors and escalate your ability to command the highest labor rates for your work,” explained Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions founder/CEO/president. “During our class, attendees will develop visionary techniques and processes for automotive interior design, construction, and fabrication. It will refine their approach to create amazing results that will have clientele lining up outside their doors for custom fabrication work, all at a very profitable rate.”
In this four-day training session, Mobile Solutions trainers and its prestigious guest presenters for this class, including Justin Marks (Team Witt Customs), Tyker Neault (Certified Autosound), and Anthony Medina (Medina’s Interior Design) will demonstrate several in-depth examples of real-world designs executed at the highest level, including building a full-scale trunk live with multiple unique interior panels. Attendees will see these time-saving steps for multi-layered panels firsthand and learn how to add depth, dimension, and aluminum inserts to their next interior build.
Hot Rod Build School offers:
How to conceptualize a design and convert it into something you can build
Detailed router work examples for greater precision and efficiency
Create brilliant aluminum inserts quickly and easily, including different surface finish treatments
How to seam different materials together (vinyl, suede & carpet)
New vinyl embossing techniques to personalize hot rod interior design
New diamond and hex pattern techniques to emulate upscale vehicle interiors
Technical vinyl wrapping examples with time-saving tools and preparation
Comprehensive Take Home Student Project
“Hot Rod Build School is the ideal class for installation managers, Hot Rod builders, installation technicians, cut and sew interior technicians, and shop personnel serving in a related function…anyone with the passion and interest in building custom interiors,” Schmitt concluded.
Class time is 8:15am – 5:30pm each day. Lunch will be provided daily. Mobile Solutions has also negotiated a great rate for attendees at a nearby hotel.
As spots are quickly filling up, please contact Mobile Solutions to secure your space, as well as find out more about recommended accommodations and flight schedules.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (05.08.24) – DD AUDIO is proud to introduce the 1506 “A” revision. The 6.5” subwoofer has become increasingly popular as a way to give big bass sound in tight spaces by recreating the force of larger subs with an array of smaller ones. There are many choices when shopping for a 6.5”, but if you want to skip the rest and get the best, the 1506A is the apex. Following in the footsteps of the larger 9900C, 9500L, and 2508G, the 1506A revision completes the arc, not with a whimper, but with a bang, ushering in a new era for these made by hand, in the heartland, subwoofers. Reviewing the full feature list on the 1506 page should make it clear why this little 6.5” sub is the finest performing in its 750w RMS class, but it’s the two main improvements to the USA Made line which can now be found on the 1506A that deserve special attention.
The much discussed heatsink caught the attention of enthusiasts everywhere with its sharp looks and integrated logo carved right into the high grade aluminum, but this addition has been about much more than just looks. The heatsink is a dual stage with the back plate being stage two. Stage one is the cylindrical aluminum tube insert conducting heat away from the soft components and high-temp glues, through the Free Flow Cooling System to the back plate (stage two) where it is expelled. This advanced thermal transfer engineering significantly improves the performance for longer and louder play.
The other big feature that got people talking is the Iron Cloth Spider System. No, they are not made of iron! That said, it’s not just a clever name. The 100% USA Made spiders use a new resin reinforced material that is so tough the laser cutter DD has long used for cutting them to size had to be upgraded to one that could cut 2mm thick steel. The name started in the shop, but as the new spider’s reputation for strength and longevity in early models began to spread, Iron Cloth was officially adopted. To control the moving mass of the 1506A, the spider diameter was made for long excursion capability with as much landing as was possible: 5.75” across. Again, this is the same role profile you can find on the legendary 9500, with 4 progressive rolls, all made from the same dual layer Iron Cloth.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.07.24) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced the newest members of its prestigious Hall of Fame: Chris Kersting, Jack Priegel, Les Rudd, and Jon Wyly. The industry is invited to join in honoring them as they are welcomed into the Hall of Fame at the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala on July 19 in Anaheim, Calif.
“The automotive specialty-equipment industry, and SEMA as a whole, owes a lot of its success to the tireless contributions of our newest Hall of Fame members,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “Whether it was helping to build up companies or providing services that were once a gap in the industry, their legacies have left a mark that will enrich our industry for generations to come.”
Chris Kersting
Chris Kersting: As SEMA president and CEO from 2002 until his retirement in 2022, Kersting led the organization through two decades of significant growth. During his tenure, he grew the globally recognized SEMA Show and bolstered the success of 6,000-plus SEMA member companies through innovative programs and services, including the SEMA Data Co-op (now SEMA Data), SEMA Garage & Emissions Lab, SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC), SEMA Ignited, SEMA Garage Detroit, and acquisition of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI). He also led the Association through times of difficult challenges, such as the 2008 recession and COVID pandemic.
Prior to his role as president and CEO, Kersting led SEMA’s Washington, D.C., office as vice president of government affairs, where he urged lawmakers to pass bills that protected the interests of SEMA member companies and challenged government regulation to maintain innovation and growth in the aftermarket industry. Association membership, approximately 2,400 when Kersting started, grew steadily during his tenure and topped more than 6,400 member companies at his tenure’s end–a period of rapid growth for both the Association and the industry.
“I feel so fortunate to have had a lifelong career working with smart, interesting, and good people,” said Kersting. “SEMA’s reason for existence was to help the people in this great industry and to give them tools and fuel to blast forward. I feel honored and humbled to have that work recognized.”
Jack Priegel
Jack Priegel: Priegel was an electrical engineer and worked for Raytheon at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., before he founded Autotronic Controls Corporation, better known as MSD Ignition, in his garage in 1970. Priegel and his engineers invented the multiple spark discharge ignition system known as MSD. MSD drove ignition technology for over 40 years to both the street and racing markets, bringing soft touch rev limiting to the performance and racing market in addition to crankshaft trigger systems, timing retards, start retards, and many other ignition products. Under his leadership, MSD was a SEMA member and active SEMA Show participant for over four decades. Priegel supported his team members to be active SEMA volunteers during all of those years. Priegel died in September 2018.
“It’s such an honor, and I’m proud of him and the work he accomplished,” said Sharon Priegel, Jack’s wife, upon hearing about the Hall of Fame announcement.
Les Rudd
Les Rudd: With extensive involvement in SEMA and the automotive industry for over 35 years, Rudd’s leadership and guidance have been pivotal to the industry. His tenure on the SEMA Board of Directors, including notable roles such as treasurer and chair elect, provided invaluable direction and stability to the organization. Furthermore, Rudd’s active participation across various councils, networks, and committees fostered collaboration and unity within the industry. His efforts facilitated networking opportunities, thereby promoting collective progress and growth, solidifying SEMA’s role as a unifying force. Today, as president of Bob Cook Sales, Rudd’s responsibilities encompass a myriad of roles, from business management and sales leadership to manufacturer representation. His steadfast dedication to advancing the interests of his clients and the industry at large continues to be the guiding force behind his illustrious career.
“How do I now enter industry eternity with my heroes, my mentors, my friends? There is nothing more humbling than to be honored by your peers,” said Rudd.
Jon Wyly
Jon Wyly: At a time when the industry was struggling with data due to the absence of an industry data standard, Wyly organized a group of SEMA members to define the problem via the SEMA Business Technology Committee (BTC). The BTC evolved into the SEMA Data Co-op (now SEMA Data), which Wyly ran as the program’s CEO for five years. SEMA Data is a key member benefit that offers manufacturers a way to better organize their data and drive business success. With a career spanning over 40 years in the automotive aftermarket, including key roles in sales, marketing, e-commerce, and business data management, Wyly also served on numerous SEMA task forces and work groups, including six years on the SEMA Board of Directors, and was named SEMA Person of the Year in 2005 in recognition of his contributions.
“I’ve had the good fortune to spend my entire career in an industry that I love, surrounded by talented, inspiring people,” said Wyly. “Now, to find myself honored with induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame alongside many of my friends and heroes, is nothing short of amazing and quite a humbling experience.”
In addition to formally inducting Kersting, Priegel, Rudd, and Wyly as SEMA Hall of Fame members during the 2024 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, the event on July 19 will include recognitions of the newly elected and outgoing SEMA Board members. Ticket information will be announced in mid-May.
HATTIESBURG, MS (05.07.24) – On Thursday, MAY 2nd, Debbie Lowery retired after 32 years as the Office Manager at N&H Electronics in Hattiesburg MS. That evening Ricky Gibson and his wife Nancy, along with the company staff and wives, celebrated Debbie‘s retirement with a dinner party at a local steakhouse.
N&H gathered to honor Debbie Lowery’s retirement…Debbie is seated in the center on the right.
All enjoyed the dinner and delicious cake.
“For over three decades, Debbie kept everything in the office running very smoothly During dealer shows through the years she did so much to orchestrate all of the activities that to go into hosting a dealer show. Dealers at the shows would tell me how Debbie would always take care of business and get their questions answered” Ricky Gibson related.
Debbie is flanked by Ricky and Nancy Gibson.
Debbie always enjoyed welcoming retailers to the N&H Dealer Show.
“For the N&H Team to spend the special evening to thank Debbie for her contributions during those 32 years was terrific for us all. The quiet setting, enjoying dinner and cake, gave each of us the opportunity to personally thank her and wish her many enjoyable years of retirement” Gibson concluded.
N&H Electronics has been serving dealers along the Gulf Coast since 1950. Ricky Gibson started to work at N&H while going to high school in 1972.
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