KUNKLETOWN, PA (06.17.26) – 1sixty8 media, inc. announced the upcoming public launch of 1sixty8 Manifold, a unified business operations platform built to replace the tangle of disconnected software that retail and service businesses rely on every day. 1sixty8 Manifold becomes available to the public on July 1, 2026, and is currently in an invite-only beta, with a select group of retailers coming aboard as founding testers.

The platform comes from an unusual place: not a software company, but the sales floor. Founder Mitch Schaffer started Mobile Edge, an award-winning mobile electronics retail store in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, in 1994, and ran it successfully for 29 years before selling the business in June 2023.

“For most of those years I used a well-known, industry-specific point-of-sale system,” said Schaffer. “It was great early on. But as the industry and the technology evolved, I found myself cobbling together more and more disjointed software just to do the things my business needed. 1sixty8 Manifold came out of that frustration.”

That frustration was specific. What began as a search for a quality vehicle check-in solution grew into a hunt for a unified inbox for every inbound and outbound customer conversation, then reputation management, then a way to manage his team. None of those tools talked to one another. The result was constant manual data entry, room for human error, and a tremendous amount of wasted time and energy.

1sixty8 Manifold is built to erase that tax. The platform unifies most aspects of shop management and customer communications in one place where everything talks to one another. Without getting into the technical details, the payoff is simple: more internal efficiency and accuracy, fewer things slipping through the cracks, and countless hours saved every single month.

“1sixty8 Manifold leverages modern technology to create the platform today’s retailers and businesses actually require,” Schaffer said.

While 1sixty8 Manifold has its roots in the automotive aftermarket, the platform is designed to work for nearly any consumer-facing business. Whether it is a bicycle shop, a plumber, or a bookstore, 1sixty8 Manifold streamlines the operations behind the counter.

The First 50

Businesses that join as one of the first 50 subscribers receive founding-customer pricing: 50 percent off for the first six months, and 20 percent off for life.

Interested retailers can request a demo by visiting ManifoldOS.co and completing the form at the bottom of the page.

Visit 1sixty8.com for more.

SHREVEPORT, LA (06.15.26) – From the 12volt Central Studios, we are JAMMIN’ N JUNE to showcase positives across the
12volt industry. Below spotlight exciting major events that happened this weekend. In the marketplace today it’s so important to showcase industry members doing positives to engage consumers, and enthusiasts, to drive business across the 12volt industry. Retailers need to play the in-store experience and professional installation cards in their deck.

We lead-off in this JAMMIN’ N JUNE article with SLAMOLOGY 2026 that moved to a new venue, The Edgewater Sports Park in Cleves, OH outside of Cincinnati. This exciting new venue was Livin’Loud as an epic Car Show and music event that experienced festival fans loved which happened June 13 and 14th. Kicker was a SLAMOLOGY event partner. We started covering KICKER team members as they were making their way to the event.

Next up was Team Nutz, a very proactive 12volt retailer in Pittsburgh with Ed Nuttall and the Team at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in Butler PA, which is only 30 miles from their store. With a decked JEEP, multiple tents and staff members Team Nuts connected with thousands of consumers at the event and had many promotions to drive consumers into their store in the coming days.

Houston-based House of Sound has been driving strong business with Slingshot experiences for a number of years. This year they’re traveling to Slingshot events across the country. This weekend they were site in Toledo Ohio for their fourth of these events this year as they continued drive slingshot business for their store across the country.

In today’s online an AI driven world it’s more important than ever the members of the 12volt industry to utilize tools available to connect with customers. Manufacturers need to connect with reps and retailers. Distributors need to connect with dealers and 12volt dealers need to connect with consumers to drive business.

Several years ago the 12volt Central Studios staff members created the 12volt STP tool. Today everyone has a smart phone in their pocket that they pick up 200 times a day. The 12volt STP Tool makes you so easy to connect by simply snapping an image, texting it to 318-469-2526 with a few words, and Presto that message can be delivered across the industry. The 12volt STP Tool is a perfect companion for JAMMIN’ N JUNE!

From the 12volt Central Studios staff will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. Let’s all keepJAMMIN’ N JUNE.

Stay tuned for more from the 12volt Central Studios.

TEMPE, AZ (06.15.26) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce a unique event designed for installers, fabricators, custom builders, and shop owners looking to elevate their interior fabrication skills through a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern digital workflows.

From July 24–27, 2026 at the Mobile Solutions Training Center in Tempe, Ariz., the Hot Rod Digital Design Master Class will educate students on how to transform concepts into executable designs while reducing guesswork, increasing efficiency, and creating premium results that command higher profits. This four-day training experience explores how router templates, CAD design, laser cutting, CNC machining, and 3D printing work together as a unified fabrication system. Attendees will gain practical insight into designing interiors with greater precision, consistency, and scalability while maintaining the artistry that defines high-end custom installations.

A centerpiece of the event is a full-scale live Digital Trunk Build, where students will watch an iconic MasterTech installation come to life from start to finish. Every step of the process will be demonstrated in real time, including advanced routing techniques, multi-layer panel construction, aluminum insert fabrication, lighting integration, vinyl embossing, and premium finishing methods.

Special guest presenters Justin Kush and Phillip Cantu will join the program, sharing their proven approach to blending technology and craftsmanship for faster, more accurate, and more profitable builds.

Throughout the course, attendees will learn:
• Interior design planning and concept development
• Converting ideas into buildable, repeatable fabrication workflows
• Integrating CAD, CNC, laser cutting, and 3D printing into real-world projects
• Creating multi-layer panel layouts with depth and dimension
• Advanced routing and panel contouring techniques
• Aluminum insert fabrication and finishing methods
• Hidden magnetic attachment systems
• Professional vinyl, suede, and carpet seaming techniques
• LED lighting integration strategies
• Vinyl embossing and technical wrapping methods
• Workflow systems used by leading custom fabrication shops

In addition to the live build experience, every student will complete a hands-on Mini Trunk Build take-home project designed to reinforce the fabrication techniques, design processes, and workflow strategies taught throughout the class.

“Hot Rod Digital Design is about more than building a trunk,” said Bryan Schmitt, President of Mobile Solutions. “It’s about teaching a complete design-to-fabrication workflow that helps builders create better results, work more efficiently, and increase profitability. Students will leave with practical skills they can immediately apply in their shops.”

If you attended the Master Fab Track at MasterTech Expo, you’ll recognize the iconic trunk project that inspired this class. Now, for the first time, attendees will have the opportunity to see every detail of its design and construction process revealed live.

All skill levels are welcome.

This class will only happen once.

Registration is now open.

Visit mobilesolutions-usa.com for more.

NORTH YORK, ONTARIO (06.15.26) – “Importel is proud to announce its partnership with Image Dynamics, bringing their complete lineup of premium audio products directly to authorized Canadian 12volt dealers. The inventory features Image Dynamics legendary hand-built USA subwoofers, high-performance amplifiers and precision component speakers” Geoff Theoret, Operations Manager Importel West stated.

Since 1992, Image Dynamics has been setting the benchmark for premium mobile audio. Renowned for its hand-built USA made subwoofers the brand has earned a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers who demand exceptional accuracy, performance and sound quality. Image Dynamics subwoofers deliver powerful, controlled bass that stays true to the music, bringing every note to life with precision and clarity.

Image Dynamics award-winning component speakers are celebratedfor their outstanding sound quality and clarity, making them a proven choice for installers and mobile audio enthusiast around the world.

Back by more than 30 years of innovation and engineering excellence, Image Dynamics continues to build products that combine quality, reliability, and performance… helping listeners experience music exactly the way it was to be heard.

Eric Harbour stated “Image Dynamics is happy to welcome Importel Ltd to the team of international distribution partners around the globe! We have had a lot of outreach from Canada and it was only natural that we looked to our friends at Importel Ltd to come along with us during our expansion to meet those demands. We are looking forward to working with Importel Ltd and their wonderful dealer base to bring them the same great made in the USA subwoofers they have loved since the 1990s.

For more see importel.com.

SHREVEPORT, LA (06.12.26) – From the 12volt Central Studios, we are JAMMIN’ N JUNE to showcase positives across the
12volt industry. Below we will show exciting major events geared up to happen this weekend. In the marketplace today it’s so important to showcase industry members doing positives to engage consumers, and enthusiasts, to drive business across the 12volt industry. Retailers need to play the in-store experience and professional installation cards in their deck.

We lead-off in this JAMMIN’ N JUNE article with SLAMOLOGY 2026 that has moved to a new venue, The Edgewater Sports Park in Cleves, OH outside of Cincinnati. This exciting new venue will be Livin’Loud as an epic Car Show and music event that experienced festival fans will love which runs June 13 and 14th. Kicker is a SLAMOLOGY event partner. We are covering KICKER team members as they’re making their way to the event.

View this post on Instagram

Next up we have Team Nutz, a very proactive 12volt retailer in Pittsburgh with Ed Nuttall and the Team at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in Butler PA, which is only 30 miles from their store. With a decked JEEP, multiple tents and staff members Team Nuts will connect with thousands of consumers at the event and have many promotions to drive consumers into their store in the coming days.

View this post on Instagram

Houston-based House of Sound has been driving strong business with Slingshot experiences for a number of years. This year they’re traveling to Slingshot events across the country. This weekend they’re on site in Toledo Ohio for their fourth of these events this year as they drive slingshot business for their store across the country.

View this post on Instagram

In today’s online an AI driven world it’s more important than ever the members of the 12volt industry to utilize tools available to connect with customers. Manufacturers need to connect with reps and retailers. Distributors need to connect with dealers and 12volt dealers need to connect with consumers to drive business.

Several years ago the 12volt Central Studios staff members created the 12volt STP tool. Today everyone has a smart phone in their pocket that they pick up 200 times a day. The 12volt STP Tool makes you so easy to connect by simply snapping an image, texting it to 318-469-2526 with a few words, and Presto that message can be delivered across the industry. The 12volt STP Tool is a perfect companion for JAMMIN’ N JUNE!

From the 12volt Central Studios staff will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. Let’s all get JAMMIN’ N JUNE.

Stay tuned for more from the events above.

NEW YORK, NY (06.12.26) – SiriusXM announced its extensive broadcast coverage for the 126th U.S. Open Championship, offering live shot-by-shot coverage across all four days of Championship play – June 18-21 – from Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, NY.

On Thursday and Friday (June 18-19), SiriusXM’s coverage will extend from the day’s first tee time (approximately 7 am ET) through the end of play. On the weekend (June 20-21), SiriusXM’s on-course coverage will begin at 10 am ET on Saturday and Sunday and run through the completion of play both days.

U.S. Open Week on SiriusXM programming is available to subscribers nationwide in their cars (channel 92) and on the SiriusXM app.

SiriusXM’s U.S. Open Championship broadcast team will feature Brian Katrek as the lead play-by-play voice, with former tour pro Brendon de Jonge serving as the analyst. Emilia Doran, Fred Albers, John Maginnes and Carl Paulson will be on-course reporters.

Three-time U.S. Open Champion Hale Irwin will join the SiriusXM team on air to provide analysis during the Saturday and Sunday rounds.

Immediately following each round, listeners will hear a two-hour wrap-up of the day’s play, hosted by Gary Williams and Jason Sobel.

In addition to the live Championship broadcasts, SiriusXM will offer a daily lineup of original talk programming throughout Championship week. SiriusXM’s live programming begins at 7 am ET each weekday.

Among the programming highlights:

• Radio Hall of Famer, Long Island native and New York media icon Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo will host his daily SiriusXM show, “Mad Dog Unleashed,” live from The Trophy Club at Shinnecock Hills on Tuesday, June 16 from 3-7 pm ET.
• SiriusXM golf hosts Brendon de Jonge, Taylor Zarzour, Carl Paulson, Dennis Paulson, John Maginnes and Brian Katrek will host their daily shows from the SiriusXM broadcast set near the driving range at Shinnecock Hills Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, conducting interviews, discussing the latest news, and giving their audiences an insider’s look at the Championship field and the course they will compete on.
• New episodes of “The Rocco Hour,” hosted by Rocco Mediate, will air Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 pm ET. Mediate competed in 14 U.S. Open Championships in his career with three top-10 finishes. His epic 19-hole playoff duel against Tiger Woods in the 2008 U.S. Open remains one of the most memorable events in major tournament history.

For more on SiriusXM’s daily golf programming go to SiriusXM.com/golfonsxm.

HOHENWALD, TN (06.08.28) – The Nashville Short Track Sons of Speed Nashville Short Track took place in Hohenwald TN on Saturday, June 6. For years, Progressive AFT fans in Tennessee have been waiting for the series to return to the Volunteer State. That wait is finally over.

Lorin Morrell, Maddog Media was on site orchestrating KICKER’s presence at the event. “It was great to see the track come out of mothballs. The activity Saturday night was terrific on the track as the event was sold out. The stands were filled with people having a great evening. The KICKER booth was set up close to food vendors and restrooms. In the booth, people are asking questions mostly about KICKER products for bikes and boats. The racing on the track was exciting. Signage around the track and from announcers provided a lot of branding for KICKER.

Stay tuned for more from the Progressive AFT action at the LIMA HALF-MILE DRAG June 26/27 Lima OH

For more see kicker.com.

HOUSTON, TX (06.08.26) – House of Sound Car Audio has been a huge player on the SlingsShot scene in Houston for several years. Owner Alex Restrepo and team have participated in Sling Experiences in Houston starting in 2022. The company is continuing to drive the SlingShot experiences for enthusiast and now has taken that on the road to events around the country.

Most recently they were on site in Maggie Valley NC. The week prior they attended 3 Wheel Mania north of Jackson MS with the next stop being in Toledo OH June 11-14. At these events, the team offers on site installation of premium audio upgrades to make the rider’s experience louder, clearer and built for the road. In addition, the team offers custom LED lighting with under glows, ring lights, and more to stand out.

Restrepo related to the 12volt Central Studios. “We load our trailer with tents to set up for installations along with inventory, accessories, tools and everything we need to complete premium upgrades for SlingShot owners at SlingShot events”.

Concluding “Once everything is loaded 3 members and I head out for the event. Many of these events are now three or four days in length. So we will travel 1200 miles one way to Toledo. The team will have been at the event on the road for nearly a week when we return to Houston. As a team we love what we do and it is terrific to see the smile on the owner’s face when he cranks up the system and adjusts all the LED lighting!”

Stay tuned for more when the House of Sound returns to Houston from Toledo.

For more see houseofsoundtx.com

WASHINGTON, DC (06.08.26) – U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) has been appointed co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, an important, bipartisan group of lawmakers whose legislative work reflects their unwavering support for America’s car culture and the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries.
As co-chair of the caucus, Harshbarger will partner with Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) to educate lawmakers on policies affecting automotive enthusiasts, racers, aftermarket businesses, and the broader motorsports ecosystem.

“Motorsports and automotive performance are woven into the fabric of American culture and support an industry that drives innovation, fuels small businesses, and sustains more than a million jobs across the country,” said Harshbarger. “From manufacturers and suppliers to racers, collectors, and enthusiasts, this industry represents the ingenuity and craftsmanship that make America exceptional. I’m honored to serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus alongside Congressman Bishop, and I look forward to working in a bipartisan way to support an industry that means so much to our economy and to communities like ours in East Tennessee.”

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) applauds this announcement, hailing Harshbarger as a tireless advocate for the interests of aftermarket small businesses and automotive enthusiasts nationwide.

“Rep. Harshbarger understands the economic and cultural importance of America’s automotive aftermarket industry and enthusiast community,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “Her leadership and commitment to supporting small businesses, manufacturing, and consumer choice make her a strong advocate for our industry and the millions of Americans who live their best lives through their cars and trucks.”

Harshbarger’s appointment comes at an important time for the nation’s automotive performance industry, which delivers an annual economic impact of $337 billion to the U.S. economy and supports over 1.3 million American jobs.

Harshbarger is leading the effort to secure passage of the “ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act” (H.R. 6688), her bipartisan bill that would protect American vehicle owners’ right to modify vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The bill requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to study the impact of vehicle modifications on safety systems and empowers the agency to publish guidelines to ensure that life-saving technology, such as automatic emergency braking, continues to work as designed after a vehicle has been modified.

SEMA looks forward to working with Harshbarger, Bishop, and caucus members to advance policies that protect consumer access to automotive customization, support domestic manufacturing, and preserve the future of motorsports and enthusiast activities nationwide.

ABOUT THE CONGRESSIONAL AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE AND MOTORSPORTS CAUCUS

The Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus is a forum for lawmakers to engage on issues impacting vehicle customization, motorsports competition, automotive innovation, and the specialty-equipment marketplace.

Formed in 1996 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American automobile, the bipartisan Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus reflects America’s always-growing love affair with the automobile and motorsports. The SEMA-supported Congressional Caucus helps shine a spotlight on the significant economic and cultural contributions of the automotive performance and motorsports industries, as well as the innovation delivered by small businesses and manufacturers from every corner of the U.S. The honorary caucus also recognizes the important role that modifying vehicles and racing play in our daily lives, through advancements in safety, performance, and customization that supports the various needs of families and businesses.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

ATLANTA, GA (06.05.26) – KICKER is once again working with SkillsUSA to eventually put installers into the workforce. KICKER Tech Force manager Aaron Malin and trainer Jacob Luckey are judging at the SkillsUSA Championships June 1-5, during SkillsUSA’s annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta. The SkillsUSA Championships is the premier showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and technical education students.

Chris Jack and Bryan Gary with SkillsUSA are on site. Bryan trailered his competition car from Oklahoma and is on doing demos.

The Mobile-Electronics Installation category tests competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional mobile-electronics installers, and established for the Basic MECP certification by the Consumer Electronics Association. The competition includes a written exam, interviews, and multiple hands-on applications.

“We need these young men and women to join us in our quickly evolving industry,” said Malin, the supervisor of KICKER’s global training. “SkillsUSA’s competitive categories stress various aspects of the real-world workplace, so when students graduate, they are positioned to immediately contribute on the job.”

For consecutive years, KICKER has been involved with SkillsUSA’s mission on national and local levels, and this year the brand is donating more than $5,000 in prizes to the winners of the 12-volt competitions.

The SkillsUSA NLSC event is happening at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta June 1-5.

Visit kicker.com for more.