FENTON, MI/COLUMBUS, OH (05.07.26) – The 2 HKI USA Digital Signal Processing training sessions this week were designed to simplify and strengthen the foundation of Audio Tuning for mobile electronics professionals. Attendees at both sessions stated ‘Mission accomplished!’

The events were Monday, May 4th at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Fenton MI and Tuesday, May 5th at the Davis Distribution location in Columbus OH.

The trainings were led by industry expert Nick Wingate, who delivered practical real-world instruction aimed at helping technicians refine their Tuning process and elevate it to a repeatable, professional skill set. The interactive learning environment at both locations, with step step-by-step demonstrations and actionable techniques, can be immediately applied as soon as attendees returned to their stores. “The response from all at the DSP sessions was very positive” Nick Wingate related.

This new DSP training demonstrates HKI USA’s commitment to advancing technical education within the mobile electronics industry by providing accessible, high impact learning opportunities. Food and refreshments were provided by HKI USA.

“We had owners in attendance ranging from 17 to 65 years old… exactly the kind of energy and diversity we need in our territory and across the country to strengthen and maintain brick and mortar business. These sessions weren’t product trainings. They were about going after consumers, selling music and putting a smile on their faces. That’s what we are truly in business to do” Jason Billups, JB Associates, stated.

Continuing “Everyone who attended was engaged and genuinely appreciative of the sessions. We even had 2 attendees traveled over five hours each way to be part of the free experience. On the flip side, a few less than 15 minutes away, did not make it. But regardless, will keep showing up. We are committed to doing more of these sessions in the future to continue supporting brick and mortar retailers the right way.”

“Tommy Spears, National Sales Manager, is proud to be able to offer this in my JB Associates territory especially as he lives in the territory. The support is what dealers need” Billups concluded.

Robert Saddler, Davis Distribution Columbus, assisted with the arrangements for the Columbus HKI DSP trainings.

The 2 that traveled the 5 hours were Jason Heller and his new young employee Kamden from A List Detailing and A List Audio in Glasgow KY. “Camden Nolley joined my company less than 2 weeks ago. He is excited about working in auto detailing and car audio. The HKI sessions were terrific for both of us. Since opening the business 5 years ago we have seen strong growth see continuing growth” Heller related.

Stay tuned for more HKI DSP training news.

For more see hki.usa.com.

TEMPE, AZ (05.07.26) – Mobile Solutions, a leader in creating the tools and training needed for custom automotive electronics, audio, and interior installations, is proud to announce it latest advanced training experience, the Digital Design – Master Class. Scheduled June 5-7, the training will take place at Mobile Solutions’ HQ in Tempe, Ariz.

“This three-day immersive program will elevate the skills of attendees who are ready to embrace the future of design and fabrication,” explained Bryan Schmitt, founder, president, and CEO of Mobile Solutions. “Blending traditional craftsmanship with modern digital workflows, this Master Class delivers a comprehensive, real-world approach to building OEM-quality interiors with unmatched precision, efficiency, and repeatability.”

From concept to completion, the training has been designed for automotive fabricators, installers, interior builders, hot rod shops, car audio professionals, and shop owners looking to modernize their workflow and produce precise, repeatable results. They will learn how to transform ideas into production-ready designs using cutting-edge tools such as 3D scanning, CAD modeling, and additive manufacturing. The course is built to support both beginners entering digital workflows and experienced professionals looking to refine and scale their process.

“This class bridges the gap between creativity and precision manufacturing,” Schmitt continued. “We’re showing fabricators how to take what they already do well and amplify it with digital tools, making their work faster, more consistent, and more profitable.”

What Attendees Can Expect

Participants will gain a complete understanding of modern automotive design workflows through guided instruction and live demonstrations, including:
• Hands-on 3D scanning with Peel 3D
• CAD design and workflow using Autodesk Fusion
• Concept sketching and design development
• 3D printing calibration, slicer settings, and materials
• Laser, CNC, and router strategy applications
• Real-world interior modeling techniques
• Production-ready CAD organization
• A finished take-home project
• Built for Real-World Results

Attendees will leave with:
• A completed project
• A refined design-to-build workflow
• Increased confidence using CAD and digital tools
• Improved efficiency and profitability strategies
• The ability to design, build, and sell at a higher level

Instruction is led by industry experts Tom Miller, Ata Ehdaivand, and Bryan Schmitt, who bring decades of hands-on experience and proven methodologies to the classroom.

For more information, including class times, host hotels, and more, please visit https://www.mobilesolutions-usa.com/master-design.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.07.26) – ALL-NEW BRUTUS BG amplifiers deliver the legendary Hifonics performance you expect — with a NEW built-in VU Meter and dual toroidal transformer PWM power supply. Take on a powerful audio experience that delivers on new BRUTUS BG innovation and BIGGER POWER.

Hifonics BRUTUS BG amplifiers are designed with mass-loaded extruded aluminum heat sinks that result in better thermal management and output performance. In addition, every BRUTUS BG amplifier features MOSFETS innovated for higher output power gains and fast thermal dissipation, making audio cleaner and sharper.

To learn more, click here.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (05.05.26) – The Progressive Group is set to power the 11th Annual Rock The House Tour. The tour is set to kick off in Grand Rapids MI on Tuesday, May 5th. Two days later on May 7, the Rock the House Tour will stop in Troy MI. The 2026 Rock The House Tour will include nine locations across the US.

At each of the tour stops there will be strong specials, networking with staff and vendors along with giveaways plus entertainment and delicious food.The Rock The House Tour provides dealers in the area of a Team Progressive location to see new products, meet with with industry members plus connect with other dealers in the area. The stops on the 2025 Tour were very well attended and the outlook for the 2026 tour is already very positive.

Jason Dubie, Director of Business-Midwest, “Turnout was strong across the 2025 Tour. At each event dealers from more than two hours away drove in attend our Rock The House stop in their area. We had positive comments from dealers and vendors at each Tour stop. We are looking forward to a very positive 2026 Tour.” 

For more see teamprogressive.com

HATTIESBURG, MS (04.21.26) – The annual in N&H Electronics Dealer Show and Sale on April 11, Saturday, drew dealers from across the territory to see new products, pick up great deals, connect with industry members and enjoy the delicious fresh lunch from the Mack West catfish truck. N&H started business in 1950 so this year the company celebrated 76 years in business.

Ricky Gibson stated “This event was terrific as the dealer turn out was very strong, vendors on site were happy with the turn out plus dealers came ready to place orders and get those orders into their store to make sales. With that in mind, we had a plan in place for Monday the 13th to start making those deliveries happen. Team members even came in on Sunday to get that ball rolling.”

Continuing “Monday, we had pallets that were filling up with orders to ship by freight lines and had a plan in place for Michael Figemo to get our van prepared for him to hit the road and make those delivers from the show. Micheal had made 19 deliveries.”

The 12volt Central Studios staff contacted two of those dealers, Stereo Plus in Meridian MS and Audio Advantage in Columbus MS. Both of those dealers were very happy. They attended the N&H show and their order showed up quickly for them to make sales.

Melissa Brownlee, a member of the Stereo Plus founding Dorman family, related “We have been attending the N&H Show for probably over 30 years. As always, it was great to engage with the N&H team members, take advantage of the great specials and enjoy the catfish lunch. JVC, KICKER and Power Bass are three of the brands we ordered from N&H. The specials were terrific and Michael delivered our show order. We look forward to next year.”

The second company contacted was Audio advantage which is another family owned company that continues moving forward with Trey and Drew Smith. Business at their location is very strong and they’re stocked up on specials that Michael delivered last week. Drew related they have been attending Ricky’s show for many years and is also a great way to connect with industry members.

Both of the above companies of the showrooms that are very engaging and understand the value of making a great sales presentation when customers come in to add aftermarket upgrades to their rides. Both of these companies are certainly looking forward to the 2027 N&H Electronics dealer show.

“The N&H Team is also certainly looking forward to the 2027 Show and we thank all again for coming this year. Our factory and rep support was strong and an important component of our show” Ricky Gibson concluded.

Visit nandhelectronics.com for more.

SHREVEPORT, LA (04.21.26) – The 12volt Central Studios offers multiple ways for 12volt industry members to connect across the 12volt community and with consumers while delivering fresh industry news. The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball is the latest way. The 12voltSTP Tool, Custom QR Codes and 12volt Central Studios offer easy to use opportunities to connect with industry members and consumers. A SMARTPHONE and a snap of an image and a few words is all it takes….318 469 2526 IS THE NUMBER!

David Holland, in the Shiflet &Dickson warehouse, is the latest member industry member to put the 12volt Marketing Ball in
place to spotlight the new mini PowerBass amps. Those mini amps drew a lot of attention with Jeff Falk in the booth at the
Shiflet show last month and David Holland is keeping the marketing rolling.

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An industry member can hold a product in their office, snap an image, and we can put them in their custom studio. That can get their 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball in play.

In-person trade shows, consumer and distributor shows are terrific venues to connect and show new products in one-on-one settings. Tradeshow and distributor show attendance over the last years has diminished. The 12volt Central Studios can put a company in their own custom studio utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool and deliver their message to the 12volt industry with the 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize successful marketing is a 24/7 journey.

In today’s AI driven digital and social media world it is more important than ever for members of the 12volt industry to connect with industry members and consumers. These activities are more important than ever to drive in-vehicle automotive upgrade awareness and business for brick and mortar retailers. Consumers can’t feel the bass in their chest or appreciate the separation of mid-range and highs on a smartphone or laptop. The in-store experience is more important than ever!

A 12volt industry member can be at a show trade show, consumer show or a rep on the road calling calling on dealers. With the 12voltSTP Tool all it takes is for that industry member to snap and txt and Image, with a few words, to 318-469-2526 and we can put the 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball in play showcasing your company’s activities.

Custom QR Codes are also available for industry members. Scan this QR Code to see the latest industry news.

For more see 12voltnews.com

LIBERTYVILL, IL (04.21.26) – The next evolution of Nautic Music. Defined. POWER has arrived!\ ALL-NEW for 2026 — the MB Quart Nautic NA4 amplifier line brings in a bold new era of Marine amplification — compact, rugged, and purpose-built to thrive on the water with steady performance. Get ready for the NA4 evolution of Nautic power!

Unlike traditional Marine amps, NA4 amplifiers are engineered from the ground up with waterproof-potted internals and quick-release connectors, making tackling the conditions a breeze on the water.

Designed to withstand harsh elements like salt spray, moisture, and vibration, these amplifiers give boat builders and enthusiasts clean, reliable power in even the most unforgiving Marine environments and on-the-water conditions. NA4 PERFORMANCE IS HERE!

To learn more, click here.

OZARK, MO (4.6.26) – On Saturday, April 4th, Creative Audio hosted their third AMP’D Up in the Ozarks and it was another terrific event. AMP’D Up in the Ozarks cranked up the volume to celebrate the growth of the car audio community by giving enthusiasts the opportunity to experience cutting edge audio systems for car audio and home products, meet industry experts and connect with others who share a passion for high-performance sound. The energy, the crowd, the sound and everything came together to create a powerful experience on Easter weekend that celebrated the car and home audio culture once again at he Ozark Convention Center in Southwest Missouri.

Chris King, Creative Audio, related “The representations were very good from Hertz, Audison, Cicada Audio, Memphis Audio, Diamond Audio, Cerwin Vega, JBL, KICKER, Jensen, Focal, PowerBass, Kenwood, Rockford Fosgate and JL Audio. It was so terrific to see the engagement of local enthusiasts to meet with factory staffs and factory representatives to check out their latest products. We are definitely looking forward to AMP’D in the Ozarks 2027.”

JBL was on site as Chris Pace rolled the Arrowhead Sales JBL trailer down from Kansas City to provide live demos from the trailer. JBL’s Fred Isensee made the trip to bring in a large JBL trailer. On board was a 2-door Polaris Ranger and Polaris Expedition. Both were decked out and loaded for demos.

PowerBass was on site to showcase Jim Winemiller’s 2022 Road Glide that was loaded with PowerBass gear. Western Regional John Driscoll came in from the West Coast to be on site under the tent to connect with enthusiast from the southern Missouri area. While on site Driscoll also engaged with attendees to learn what upgrades they were looking for their rides.

The Hertz booth had a wide selection of products in the booth for attendees to check out. A special event on Saturday was a celebration of Rob Wempe‘s birthday. A cake was enjoyed and Rob looked great and very happy with the ‘Let’s Celebrate” smile.

Representing KICKER Tim Smith was on site with a 24’ KICKER trailer that hauled his truck loaded with KICKER for demos.

Events like AMP’D Up in the Ozarks provide continuing visibility and continuing business for companies organizing the events.

For more see ampdupintheozarks.com

SHREVEPORT, LA (4.6.26) – In today’s internet driven AI and social media world is more important than ever for members of the 12volt industry to connect with industry members and consumers. These activities are more important than ever to drive business into brick and mortar stores. Consumers many times do you know do not know what we offer for their rides and they certainly can’t feel the bass in their chest or experience the separation of highs and mids on a smartphone or a laptop.

14 years ago 12volt News staff recognize the value of QR Codes for industry members to connect digitally with a QR code.
qrspots.net was created. The tagline was ‘This spots for you’. Unfortunately at the time the industry felt that would drive consumers to the Internet and suggested continuing with that QR code was not good for the industry. We paused that activity even though we had demonstrated positive results. Today qrspots.net is not active.

Through the years, the usage of QR Codes has grown dramatically and it’s so hard to look at a flyer or catalog or even TV ad and not see a customized QR code. Unfortunately only scanning menus are reported by industry members.

A couple of years ago, the 12volt Central Studios created a new QR Code and have made numerous custom QR Codes for other industry members. As we’re ‘Cranking it up’ in 2026 we are cranking up visibility for custom QR Codes and will again showcase the value that QR Codes represent for all across the 12volt industry.

Contact the 12volt Central Studios for information to create your company’s custom QR Code.

For more see 12voltnews.com

TAMPA, FL (04.03.26) – DOW Technologies hosted the 4-City KICKER U Training TOUR In South Florida from March 30th through April 2nd. The KICKER U Training series included stops in Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.

Lori Boyer, Southeast Regional Sales Manager, and John Myers flew in from KICKER HQ in Stillwater to host each session with John upfront bringing the energy, education and information for dealers to sell smarter and sound better. From deep product dives to real-world install tips the trainings were built to help retailers boost confidence, close more deals and deliver next level audio experiences to their customers across South Florida. John Myers is KICKER Tech Force SeniorTrainer.

Dealer attendance at each of the four stops was very good with dealers in the audience being very engaged. The in-person experiences connected DOW Team members with attendees. Dinner and refreshments made each of the KICKER U stops an experience dealers could take back to their shops and get everyone to be Livin’Loud with KICKER.

John Schneid and Bruno Maffucci, with area rep firm Dynamic Sales and Marketing were in the house. Booth spent time connecting with dealers to increase attendance at the KICKER U Trainings.

DOW Technologies Team members Mike Barcia, Dave Elkin, Micheal Stampfli and Justin Roberts participated in select sessions across the 4-City swing.

“Dealers attending the 4-City KICKER U Trainings will certainly go back to their stores energized to drive business” Mike Barcia, Florida Territory Manager, 12volt related.

Stay tuned for more from the DOW Technologies KICKER U Training Tour.

For more see dowtechnologoes.com.