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.

LOUISVILLE, KY (04.03.26) – Prodigy Audio is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Daville Customs, appointing the company as the authorized area distributor for the Kentucky, Tennessee, and Southern Indiana markets. This collaboration marks a significant expansion of Prodigy Audio’s distribution network, ensuring localized support and streamlined logistics for retailers across the region.

Daville Customs, led by industry veteran Chris Brown, brings decades of combined experience and technical expertise to the Prodigy Audio family. Known for their deep roots in the car audio community and a reputation for excellence in both service and installation, Brown and his team are uniquely positioned to represent Prodigy Audio’s high-performance product line.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Brown and the Daville Customs team to our distribution network,” said National Sales Manager Brett Barnes, Prodigy Audio. “Their extensive knowledge of the car audio landscape and commitment to dealer success align perfectly with our mission. By placing our inventory in their capable hands, we are ensuring our dealers in the Midwest and South receive the elite service they deserve.”

With strategic logistics and local Support, based in Louisville KY, Daville Customs operates out of a prime location near the UPS Worldport hub. This geographic advantage allows for industry-leading shipping times and efficient inventory management, providing dealers in the tri-state area with faster access to Prodigy Audio’s latest innovations.

Retailers located in the new territory can contact Daville Customs immediately for opening order information and product training.

For more see prodigyaudio.com and davillecustoms.com

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.03.26) – Bring that concert dimension of LOUD into your vehicle innovated with GROUND POUNDER. GROUND POUNDER amplifiers push BIGGER POWER within every song to unleash their full potential. Get ready to feel the rush of audio adrenaline with cleaner bass and sharper treble details as you turn every audio session into a LIVE concert. GROUND POUNDER transforms sound.

GROUND POUNDER amplifiers offer HIGH POWER output, ensuring deep bass and crisp highs for an immersive listening experience. Utilizing either Class A/B or Class D technology, every GP amplifier optimizes efficiency while maintaining excellent
audio clarity. It’s all in the details. Feel MORE.

To learn more, click here.

OZARK, MO (03.27.26) – The Ozarks will turn up the volume on April 4th with AMP’D UP in the Ozarks. This is a car show that is Audio focused and brings enthusiast, custom vehicles and major industry brands together for a one day showcase of sound and innovation.

Hosted by Creative Audio, a well established and trusted retailer specializing in car, home, and marine audio the event will highlight the latest technology in mobile sound systems and vehicle customization.

The show will feature booths and demonstrations from leading audio brands, alongside a wide range of custom vehicles showcasing powerful audio installations and creative builds.

AMP’D UP in the Ozarks aims to celebrate the growth of the Car-Audio community by giving enthusiast the opportunity to experience cutting edge audio systems, meet industry experts and connect with others who share a passion for high performance sound.

Organizers expect attendees from across the region for what is shaping up to be one of the Ozarks most exciting Audio focused automotive events of the year.

The 2025 AMP’D UP event filled the Convention Center with vender booths and demos, show cars and enthusiasts. Creative Audio, KICKER, KENWOOD, HERTZ, JBL, Memphis Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Cicada and Wet Sounds plus ORCA/Focal were featured exhibitors.

For more see ampdupintheozarks.com

GASTONIA, NC (03.25.26) – The 2026 Shiflet & Dickson 34th Annual Dealer Show ‘Cranked It Up’!. The event kicked off Saturday night at 7pm for the party with food and drinks at the Shiflet & Dickson location at 2480 Bessemer City Rd in Gastonia NC 28052. Live music and pork BBQ was on the menu plus time with manufacturer staff members, reps, fellow dealers and Shiflet & Dickson Team members David Holland, Dave, Chris, Lisa, Billie, Andy and Maureen. Over 50 dealers spent the night as guests in the local Hampton Saturday night.

Sunday was show day that ran from 9AM until 5PM with over 40 brands represented. There was lunch on Sunday with
delicious burgers and sides as the show ran from 9 AM until 5PM. The showroom was packed with vendor booths and well as
demo vehicles and bikes outside along with special unveilings.

A very happy David Holland stated “This was our 34th Annual Dealer Show and our company’s 71st Anniversary… and it was TERRIFIC. Many dealers had not had the ability to go to a show recently to see the newest 12volt products. With vendor motorcycles, side by sides and pickups in the house we let our customers hear what these products sound like in a real world setting…. other than a YouTube video on a smartphone or laptop. The DB Drive Experience and KICKER Toyota righthand drive Lite Ace rig, with almost 100,000 watts on board, were standouts and dealers liked seeing Mike Colundjia, MC Sales, show the latest radios from Linkswell.”

”DB Drive unveiled company’s new DB Experience….a full showroom on wheels with live demos and product displays.
In addition, Randy Goodwin and Leo Gonzalez showed new products and also selling profitability as a topic of discussions with dealers along with the new products.”

DK Electronics again had 2 decked out demo bikes, featuring DB Drive and PowerBass gear, for live demos. T J Lee showcased the bike installations. The new PowerBass PBM amps, with Jeff Falk spotlighting the features of the small footprint amp on the PowerBass bike, was a hit with dealers.

“MAXPro, with Allison and Ricky Parker, always provide the latest on Window film and PPF offerings at Shiflet’s Spring Show. “We discussed our new films and really dug into the benefits of adding PPF with Shiflet’s dealers this year. Shiflet sells a good amount of architectural products for his dealers. Now is the time for the tinting season and in rural areas farmers can really benefit with film installed. Also PPF protection has shown to help retain the resale value of a vehicle” Allison Parker stated.

Concluding Holland stated “Our show was one again like having our large family come into our facility for a large get together. We also had many of our vendors that offered us special discounts before and after the show to make our dealers more profitable on their sales floors. We thank all of our extended family members for coming to the 34th Annual Dealer Show this past weekend. A huge thank you to our business partners also.”

Stay tuned for more from the 12volt Central Studios.

Visit shifletdickson.com for more.

TORRANCE, CA (03.25.26) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., a leading provider of aftermarket mobile electronics, is excited to announce the appointment of The Wholesale House as the exclusive distributor for the Wisconsin and Northern Illinois territories. The Wholesale House succeeds House Electronics after a long and valued partnership.

In addition to these exclusive territories, The Wholesale House has been assigned coverage for Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. This transition reflects Pioneer’s commitment to strengthening market reach, efficiency, and the overall customer experience across the region. The Wholesale House will bring enhanced speed and robust dealer support to drive improved service levels.

Larry Rougas, Revenue & Growth Officer and Executive Vice President at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the newly minted relationship. “We are delighted to have assigned The Wholesale House to these important markets,” said Rougas. “Their dedication to speed, coverage, and high levels of dealer satisfaction will assist the Pioneer brand and undoubtedly improve the customer experience.”
 

Mark Yoder, President of The Wholesale, stated, “This is a tremendous opportunity for The Wholesale House. We appreciate the opportunity to better serve Pioneer in the territories we know so well.”

For inquiries, please email: info@twhouse.com or call 419-542-7739.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (03.25.26) – MASSIVE in power — BRUTUS BG amplifiers deliver the legendary Hifonics performance you expect — with a NEW built-in VU Meter and dual toroidal transformer PWM power supply. Get ready to raise your amplifier game through BRUTUS GAMMA innovation.

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

To learn more, click here.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (03.19.26) – Maxxsonics is pleased to announce that Beata Wasilewski has stepped into the role of Eastern Regional Sales Manager / Strategic Accounts Manager. This strategic move reinforces Maxxsonics’ continued commitment to strengthening regional leadership and supporting key account growth into 2026 and beyond.

“This is a natural next step for Beata and she knows our customers, understands our products, and has consistently shown the drive and professionalism needed to grow the business. I have a lot of confidence in her ability to step into this role and make an immediate impact,” said Eddie Ramirez, Maxxsonics National Sales Manager.

Beata has been an integral part of the Maxxsonics team for many years, consistently demonstrating dedication to both the company and its customers. Over the past six years, she has been deeply involved in sales operations, working closely with key accounts, distributors, and rep firms. Her experience includes collaboration with established rep and distribution businesses, giving her a comprehensive understanding of customer needs, product strategy, and market development.

In her expanded position, Beata will continue managing strategic accounts while assuming full responsibility for sales leadership across the Eastern region. Her combined experience in account management and regional development positions her to further strengthen dealer relationships, expand distribution opportunities, and drive continued growth across all Maxxsonics brands.

“Maxxsonics has always been about delivering innovative products and supporting the people who sell them. I’m grateful for the opportunity to take on this new role and continue working closely with our dealers and partners to help grow their business while expanding the reach of our brands. I can’t wait to continue contributing to the momentum Maxxsonics has built and I look forward to creating new relationships while strengthening the foundations of what we have already established,” said Beata Wasilewski, Maxxsonics Eastern Regional Sales Manager / Strategic Accounts Manager.

Beata is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing Maxxsonics’ market presence, reinforcing partnerships, and delivering consistent successful results throughout the Eastern territory.

For more info, visit maxxsonics.com