JASPER, IN (04.19.24) – Meyer Distributing, Inc. has announced that they have substantially acquired the assets of Frank’s Supply, a regional distributor serving the southern states of TX, OK, LA, and NM.

Meyer Distributing is a complete wholesale distributor. With 100 locations nationwide and over 3,500,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, Meyer Distributing has a huge inventory of parts to service their customers. With strategically positioned warehouse facilities, Meyer Distributing is able to provide next day delivery to most locations using Meyer Logistics direct ship.

All customer orders placed with Frank’s Supply that have not yet been shipped by Frank’s will still be fulfilled as they were placed by Meyer. These orders will transfer over to the online.meyerdistributing.com portal. While many Frank’s customers already have a Meyer login, for those that do not, account managers will be reaching out to you asap to provide this information. You can continue to call 800.392.4513 and use the same Frank’s phone number or you may also call 800.639.3787 (800.MEYERUSA).

To our vendor partners, all inventory received and posted by Frank’s and sold to Meyer will be paid directly to the vendor by Frank’s from Meyer proceeds. All inventory received by Frank’s that is in the building but has not been posted to Frank’s inventory will be paid directly by Meyer to the vendor. All open unshipped purchase orders placed by Frank’s will need to be audited by Meyer for accuracy and to have shipping addresses updated to a respective Meyer warehouse location. Purchasing agents will be reaching out to each vendor to discuss an audit of open orders placed by Frank’s and any other relevant concerns.

Customers: To Pay final Frank’s Supply A/R balances, please call 713-668-9484.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.19.24) – Delivering LOUD AUDIO with unparalleled detail in a smaller size, Hifonics Colossus Mini amplifiers infuse sound with PRO POWER while staying flexible enough to fit anywhere your customer’s audio install calls for.

Have your customers experience Colossus performance through even the smallest of sizes with the ALL-NEW Hifonics Colossus Mini amplifier line!

Taking audio to new thrills of Colossus performance and sound – Hifonics Colossus Mini amplifiers signify ULTIMATE POWER in a smaller heat sink. Get ready for your customer’s songs to transform within deeper details and cleaner clarity, and have them obtain Colossus levels of audio performance!

The entire line of Colossus Mini models features monoblock and 4-channel amplifiers (like the PRO Series of amplifiers). Including the HCM-3000.1D Colossus Mini amplifier that creates 3000 watts of PRO POWER sound and the HCM-400.4D that makes 400 watts of clean Colossus Mini audio —
every Colossus Mini amplifier is fueled with Colossus innovation that pushes audio to the peak of performance.

Incorporating full-range Class-D chipsets (including the mono models) – all Colossus Mini amplifiers are compatible with a wide range of drivers, especially pro-style speakers. Colossus Mini amplifiers incorporate a smaller footprint design that enables them to be placed in motorcycles, UTVs, and other automotive vehicles – all while still creating Colossus sound.

Hifonics Colossus Mini sound takes audio to the Colossus level of performance. Have your customers embrace PRO SOUND and POWER with Colossus Mini AMPLIFIERS FROM THE GODS TODAY!

Learn complete Hifonics Colossus Mini amplifier line details HERE from the Hifonics website and CONTACT your Maxxsonics sales representative NOW to place your Hifonics Colossus Mini order.

Visit hifonics.com for more.

STILLWATER, OK (04.15.24) – A host of KICKER employees judged the 2024 Oklahoma State SkillsUSA Mobile Electronics contest at Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater OK on Thursday April 11. Three of KICKER’s Tech Force training team joined members of the company’s Special Projects Team, R&D, and Marketing departments to judge the effectiveness of 48 Oklahoma student competitors, each attempting to solve the challenges presented by eight independent mobile-electronics workstations. The winning competitors earned awards from the brand and qualify for the SkillsUSA Finals in Atlanta later this year.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America continues to have a skilled workforce, according to SkillsUSA.org. Students who excel in the program are prepared to shine in the exciting 12-volt industry.

The mobile-electronics category tests competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional mobile-electronics installers. In the industry, these skills have been established through the certification objectives and items created for basic MECP certification by the Consumer Electronics Association.

“We hear from retailers regularly that they cannot find qualified people to hire,” said Aaron Malin, KICKER Tech Force/Global Training Manager. “This challenge stresses various aspects of the real-world workplace. When they complete the SkillsUSA challenge, they are positioned to enter a job and immediately contribute.”

“I would like to encourage other 12-volt industry leaders and manufacturers to get involved with SkillsUSA; we need those young men and women to join us in this quickly evolving industry” Malin added.

In addition to the challenges presented at Meridian Technology Center, each competitor must take and pass the MECP Basic Certification program before competing. A professional interview and hands-on applications are all required, including the demonstration of several core 12-volt installation skill sets like taking electrical measurements, installing consumer-electronics equipment, soldering, working with relay circuits, and troubleshooting electronic circuitry.

“SkillsUSA is definitely growing,” says Tech Force trainer Jacob Luckey. “Last year we had 10 competitors; this year we had 45. It speaks to the importance of getting the right training, and then using those skills on the job. Being prepared makes all the difference, and these competitors recognize that.”

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc., are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide.

For more visit www.kicker.com.

STAMFORD, CN (04.12.24) – HARMAN International Industries, the premier connected technologies
company for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, announced today the launch of the
JBL JAM5000N and the JBL JAM3000, two brand-new head units that leverage JBL’s industryleading
technology to provide a high-value solution for audio-enthusiast boaters.

The two head units are designed for multi-element environments, able to meet the demands of
extreme conditions. Built to be accessible, the JAM5000N and the JAM3000 head units are
engineered to satisfy the performance requirements for marine audio consumers in their price
range. The design allows them to integrate seamlessly into any boat design with an elegant and
brand-specific look and feel that is capable of being mounted either in the traditional front
mounted or can be back mounted for a cleaner smooth dash finish.

Both head units boast 2.8-inch screens with easy-to-use controls and an intuitive user interface.
Robust and offering unprecedented value, both the JAM3000 and the JAM5000N support multiple
audio sources. The JAM3000 allows for use of Bluetooth and AM/FM radio, while the JAM5000N
supports even more options, including USB, WB and radio. In addition, the JAM5000N has a
sunlight viewable color TFT display, and features three zones with each zone including three
channels of right, left and subwoofer output, NMEA 2000, and an input for a rear camera which no
other radio at this price has. Both compact IP66 source units provide four channels of RMS power
output at 25Wrms.

The JAM5000N and JAM3000 are available for $399.95 and $229.95, respectively. For more
information on Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL or their full lines of marine audio products, please visit
www.harman.com, www.jbl.com or contact them at HarmanMarine@harman.com.

BOCA RATON, FL (02.29.24) – Inc. magazine today revealed that Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has been named to the fourth annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Southeast list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Southeast private companies, based in South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Southeast economy’s most dynamic segment — its independent small businesses.

“This ranking reflects our commitment to supporting the growth and success of our franchisees,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and President of Tint World. “Our proven systems and comprehensive range of premium services and products empower Tint World franchise owners to deliver a world-class experience, and that is driving our reputation as a market leader and our continuing rapid growth throughout the world.”

The companies on this list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Southeast region. Between 2020 and 2022, these 223 private companies had an average growth rate of 166.43 percent; by 2023, they’d also added 20,496 jobs and $8.8 billion to the region’s economy.
Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: Southeast, including company profiles, can be found at inc.com/Southeast starting Feb. 27, 2024. You’ll also find an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria.

“The honorees in our Inc. 5000 network are the Who’s Who of private companies. They’re energizing regional economies as they engineer the future of their industries. Learn who they are and what they do — they’ll be impacting things for a while,” said Eric Hagerman, Special Projects Editor at Inc. Media.

The 2024 Inc. 5000 Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2020 and 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent — not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies — as of Dec. 31, 2022. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2020 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.

Visit inc.com and tintworld.com for more.

HAZLET, NJ (01.09.24) – Interstate Electronics has been the go-to electronics store in Hazlet since opening in 1968. The company serves area consumers with a wide variety of car audio, home electronics plus accessories and parts from the 10,000 St Ft location. To create more excitement in their car audio showroom they worked with Kenwood to cover one entire wall with a display showcasing eXcelon, Reference, Motorcycle, MotorSports and Marine categories. Each category is live in a 5-Axis Innovations display spotlighted with LED lighting.

Fred Orpen, Interstate Electronics GM, related “We were looking to create an outstanding display that would grab immediate attention when customers entered our store. The car audio showroom is directly to the right as people enter and the floor is raised. With the new Kenwood display wall the immediate reaction is WOW. Even if the customer is looking for a television they will walk up the steps to checkout the Kenwood wall. They also tell their friends about the Kenwood display and they will come check it out. Needless to say our Kenwood sales have increased.”

The company started to think about the showroom upgrade last May and June. They contacted their area representative, Morris Hartman with Team Progressive, and the ball started rolling. Soon the decision was made and the project was completed just before this past Holiday season.

“Since completing the Kenwood displays our customers are so much more engaged. We have customer families stretching 3 generations and they are talking about the Kenwood display with family. Our customer’s engagement led us to rearrange other parts of our store. We have placed boxed products on shelves where parts and antenna were. Now a customer will walk up to the counter with a Kenwood box of speakers to ask specific questions and make the purchase. We also sell camera so security is covered on the showroom floor too” Orpen stated.

Hartman commented “The Interstate Electronics Inc team is one of the most professional, up-to-date and knowledgeable teams there is. They really support their vendor partners with carrying complete categories and promoting their business.”

Continuing Hartman offered “Dealers should be investing in their in-store experience. This creates excitement for the end user and allows them to see what we offer not only in car audio but marine, motorsports, motorcycle and safety. The in-store experience is an entry point to let the public know what we do and offer.”

Seth Halstead began his career at Kenwood and JVC as an on the road product trainer. Halstead, now JVC KENWOOD Sr Content & Digital Marketing Manager, added “The Interstate Electronics team was always on top of their game and totally engaged with learning the sales process when I conducted trainings with them many years ago.”

Orpen recalled Halstead’s trainings and related Seth was a great trainer/communicator and helped their staff in a big way.

The Interstate Electronics amazing In-Store Kenwood Experience is an example of a vehicle to drive in-store traffic and sales for 12volt brick and mortar retailers. A consumer can not experience the highs or feel the bass in their chest on a smartphone or laptop. The total in-store experience is the key to the future for the brick and mortar 12volt industry retailers.

Watch for much more to come from the 12volt Central Studios.

For more, visit interstateelectronics.com

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, MO (01.09.24) – The Vogler Family has been associated with the mobile electronics industry for decades and now is focused on driving the company’s SolarFX window films business.

Shawn Vogler stated “Our window films business continues to grow year over year and we are excited for the 2024 season as the summer’s heat is just around the corner. We have a ton of marketing POP to grab attention in a dealer’s market and drive business into their stores. Light up outside signs and flag banners plus a wide selection of in the showroom items including neon wall clocks, wall vinyl stickers, stand up banners, welcome door mats and bar stools are available. For the dealer’s customers we offer key chains, koozies, lanyards, wrist bands, sunglasses and the very popular rubber ducks.”

SolarFX also has a dealer buy-in for a 16” X 43” acrylic sign with 4 stand-off brackets. The Product Code is SFX-1643.

SolarFX Window Films are manufactured with the most advanced technologies in the industry. By utilizing these leading-edge technologies the company is able to produce some of the world’s best performing Automotive Window Films, Architectural/Residential Films, Paint Protection Films and Security/Safety Films available on the market today. The Dragon Distributing 27,000 sq ft warehouse is well stocked and ready to ship.

Concluding, “We have a window film to match every budget and performance need. SolarFX Window Films is one of the fastest growing window films companies in the US and we invite all to… Feel the FX of SolarFX Window Films.”

For more see dragondistributing.com or call 816-630-6011 or 800-825-3746.

ALLISON PARK, PA (12.18.23) – Harry Kroll’s 33 year career with Pioneer Electronics came to an unexpected conclusion in March of this year when he was diagnosed with ALS… known to many as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Harry, who is 59, was within 7 yeas of retirement. Since March Harry has lived at home with the loving care of his wife Deb. Deb and Harry celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary this past October. Their 24 year old daughter Lexie lives close by and also spends time caring for Harry.

Members of the 12volt industry can join TEAM HARRY by clicking this link to the GoFundMe initiative to help Harry give the middle finger to ALS.

In typical Harry style he repeats his manta each morning when he wakes up “HA! I am alive! I am giving ALS the middle finger…maybe both. One day this disease will win…but not today!”

Home health care for people diagnosed with ALS is very expensive as home health care before hospice is not covered by health insurance. Medical appliances, a special bed, a 5 figure wheel chair and more for Harry to be as comfortable as possible at home have been very expensive. Additional living comfortably at home expenses will continue.

A GoFundMe initiative was recently initiated for TEAM HARRY. To date there have been over 160 donations. Harry’s contributions to the growth and health of the 12volt industry have been very substantial. The 12volt Central Studios joins the growing list of those who have donated and asks for other industry members to join the growing members of TEAM HARRY as he gives both middle fingers to ALS.

Click this link to the GoFundMe initiative to help Harry give the middle finger to ALS.

During his career with Pioneer Harry conducted well over 1000 products training sessions across the US and beyond. During that time tens of thousands of 12volt industry staff members occupied the seats during his sessions in conference rooms and convention center halls. Very importantly Harry’s training sessions went well beyond just the features of a particular Pioneer product. He related how the sales person could present and explain explain those features to a customer and very importantly the advantages of those features and the benefit to the user. In the Dale Carnegie days that was the FAB presentation: Feature/Advantage/Benefit.

In the coming weeks the 12volt Central Studios will continue to follow TEAM HARRY’S progress. In those updates we will also include observations with people who worked along side Harry…including Jeffrey Shultz, Karl Giles and Sal Leon.

Jeffery Shultz, Pioneer District Sales Manager-Car Electronics Division, worked along side Harry for 3 decades. Shultz related “This Holiday Season, I am very thankful for the 30+ years of friendship with Harry Kroll and that the best gift was always watching him in front of a crowd doing his thing! Now it’s Middle Fingers UP for ALS!”

Look for more to come as the 12volt Central Studios works with TEAM HARRY.

Members of the 12volt industry can join TEAM HARRY by clicking this link to the GoFundMe initiative to help Harry give the middle finger to ALS.

CHESHIRE, UK (09.01.23) – In April 2023, In Car Products Limited ended their UK distribution of CTK Sound Deadening. This was due to several issues with the supplier relationship and the overall future plans and road map for CTK in the UK.

Director, Daniel Molyneux said “Unfortunately after three years of being the UK Distributor for CTK Sound Deadening, which is manufactured in Ukraine, our relationship became strained and the uncertainty of the brand and decisions that were being made led to a change in our approach.”

Continuing “Therefore, we escalated future plans of our own brand and have brought ‘PRO’ to the Market, working with clients in the UK and Europe. I am proud of our brand ‘PRO’ with stock hitting the UK warehouse based in Cheshire at the start of August.”

Director, Gary Molyneux and UK Sales Manager, Mike Keenan related “We are proud of ‘PRO’ as it is the future of Sound Deadening and Thermal Insulation not only for automotive, but marine, industrial, commercial and more. It has no limits. The brand brings a very sleek and professional style and will deliver great results for our customers moving forward.”

Gary also stated “Mike has a wealth of experience and knowledge to drive and help bring the ‘PRO’ brand initially to the UK market with a determination to also work with our growing customer base across Europe. Already in a short space of time the ‘PRO’ products have been received well, and taken on board by some major players in the automotive industry including installers and distribution partners with announcements to be released in the coming month.” 

Industry members wishing to enquire about our range of products you can contact us using the details below:

Daniel – danny@incarproducts.co.uk +447719475092

Gary – gary@incarproducts.co.uk +447719475055

Mike – mkeenan@incarproducts.co.uk +447930349957