AUBURN HILLS, MI (06.28.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) awarded the 2022 Customer Care Award to Xtreme Autosound & Marine during an Alpine Experience Event hosted at the store earlier this month. Located in Louisville, KY, Xtreme Autosound & Marine has been an Alpine Authorized Retailer since 2018 and an Alpine Style Center since the program was introduced in 2020.
Left to Right: Michael Humphrey, David Coleman, Matthew Crouch, Bryan Eckenroth, Michael Cockerell, and Anthony Zagata (owner).
“We’re thrilled to present the 2022 Customer Care Award to Xtreme Autosound,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director of the Alpine Aftermarket Brand Division at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “Their dedication to serving their customers and upholding the standards of the Alpine brand made them the ideal candidate for this prestigious award.”
The Alpine Customer Care Award is given to the Alpine Authorized Retailer who provides outstanding customer service on behalf of the Alpine brand. Recipients of this award have gone above and beyond to provide the perfect Alpine product solution to a customer and ensure the longevity of the product experience by registering the product for warranty and support services.
“We love selling and installing Alpine products in our store,” said Anthony Zagata, owner of Xtreme Autosound & Marine. “The customers love the pricing, quality, and the fact that we can offer them a warranty with their installed product. It truly is a ‘win-win-win’ for us, the customer, and Alpine.”
Alpine presented the first Customer Care Award in 2022 during an Alpine Styler Center Dealer Council hosted at Alpine Headquarters.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (06.23.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will offer training and certification opportunities for Alpine Authorized Retailers and Distributors on the new Alpine OPTIM™8 8-Channel Hi-Res Sound Processor and Amplifier with Automatic Sound Tuning.
Alpine will travel to 11 cities across the country’s west coast, midwest, and east coast regions and feature an in-depth product training session, demos in an OPTIM™8-equipped vehicle, and exclusive event-only specials and giveaways.
“We’re excited to offer this nationwide training to our network of dedicated Alpine Authorized Retailers who are invested in deepening their understanding of the Alpine Product Line,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director of the Alps Alpine Brand Business Unit. “By bringing this product training directly to our dealers, we’re able to provide a pure Alpine Brand experience while offering valuable sales and marketing tactics for this exciting new product.”
Launched earlier this month, the Alpine OPTIM™8 entered the market as a solution to the pain points associated with digital sound processors by offering an automatic sound tuning function that can tune an entire sound system in five minutes. The traveling training event was created as a way for Alpine Authorized Retailers to experience this groundbreaking product firsthand and become “Alpine OPTIM™8 Certified.”
The Alpine OPTIM™8 training events started in California this week and will continue across the country during the 2023 summer season. All U.S. Alpine Authorized Retailers are encouraged to find and register for an Alpine OPTIM™8 Roadshow event near them by talking to their Alpine Representative.
FARGO, ND (06.22.23) – The Alpine Experience on Wednesday June 14th at Site On Sound was very special as the company is celebrating 40 years in business. For the event three remotes also took place on site with local radio stations.
Chris Reavis did demo after demo in the Apline RAM during the day.
Butch Boisjulie, Site on Sound owner, offered “No doubt we had a lot going on with the Alpine RAM and tent out front along with the pickups from the radio stations. We definitely thank Alpine for their support. It was a great day!”
Butch Boisjulie by the Alpine display in the Site On Sound showroom.
Chris Reavis, behind the RAM wheel related “We did demo after demo letting attendees experience HiRes audio in the passenger seat. After demos several attendees asked to me to come listen to their rides and give sussestions which I gladly did between demos. During the day, time was also spend training staff members on the OPTIM8 Automatic Sound Tuning Processor.”
Two of the three radio remote trucks pictured out front of Site on Sound.
As part of the day’s action burgers and brats were prepared on the grill and nearly 150 were enjoyed by attendees.
Chris Reavis pulled the Alpine RAM onto the Site On Sound lot early Wednesday morning June 14th.
Concluding Boisjulie stated “Being in business for 40 years we have worked with many families. A grandfather came with his grandson’s car and handed me the keys and just said…..’put in a system for my grandson’. Having built those relationships are terrific and probably one reason we are booked out for a month in the install bay.”
AUBURN HILLS, MI (06.21.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. welcomes Gregg Thomas as the Director of National Sales for the Alpine Brand Aftermarket Division.
“We are excited to welcome Gregg to the Alpine Brand team,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director of the Alpine Brand Aftermarket Division at Alps Alpine North America. “Gregg’s reputation for excellence in our industry precedes him and we look forward to the ways he’ll positively impact our business, our dedicated retail partners, and our customers.”
With a long, illustrious career in the aftermarket car audio industry, Thomas brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise as well as a proven history of leading companies to growth and success.
“I am thrilled to join Alpine, a premier car audio brand that has always been held in high esteem in the aftermarket retail marketplace,” said Thomas. “I sold my first high-end Alpine system years ago (let’s just say it was the world’s first aftermarket car CD player). As an industry leader for decades, I am excited to join a team of exceptional professionals that have made Alpine what it is today.”
Holding senior-level positions at several high-profile retailers across the United States, such as Car Toys, Ultimate Electronics, and Magnolia Hi-Fi, as well as a stint at SiriusXM, Thomas’ depth of car audio knowledge will provide value to the Alpine salesforce and his professionalism to the Alps Alpine company culture.
Thomas will oversee all national sales activities for the Alpine Brand at Alps Alpine North America.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (06.13.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. is now shipping the Alpine OPTIM8-Channel Hi-Res Sound Processor and Amplifier with Automatic Sound Tuning.
The Alpine OPTIM8 offers a suite of features, including a built-in 8-channel amplifier that is able to power a full sound system and flexible inputs that can be used with a factory radio or an aftermarket radio. However, the star feature of the product is the automatic sound-tuning controls that can tune a sound system in less than five minutes.
Using a PC App or IOS App for the iPhone (available on the iPhone 10 or newer), the Alpine OPTIM8 App guides users through a series of quick and simple movements of an external tuning microphone (sold separately) or the built-in iPhone microphone to take measurements of their sound system.
This is made possible by using Acoustic Power Volume Density (APVD), an auto-EQ technology that takes a three-dimensional image of the audio signal within the vehicle’s cabin, accounting for any anomalies or acoustic challenges like a center console or steering wheel, and intelligently flattens the vehicle’s audio curve to create a base for tuning. The user is then able to tune the sound system to their listening preference by choosing a target curve that is applied to the system in real-time.
The Alpine Optim8 PXE-C80-88 is available now for $799.95 and can be purchased at Alpine Authorized retailers and Preferred Online Stores. Please check the store locator on www.alpine-usa.com for details.
SANFORD, ME (06.12.23) – Sanford Sound hosted an Alpine Experience on Tuesday, June 6th. The Alpine Pickup rolled in with Colin Vargo, Alpine Brand Specialist, behind the wheel. Vargo was joined by Alpine Direct Representive Colette Beaudoin and the final setup for the event took place on the windy Tuesday. Nate Merrille, Sanford Sound representative from area distributor GoFast Solutions, was also in the house.
Jack Bogard, and the Sanford Sound crew, had the grounds in front of the store well prepared. In fact, Bogard’s classic Chevy pickup and Alpine banners were in place beginning May 24th. A custom-crafted Alpine surfboard was showcased on the side of the truck.
Sanford Sound began this Alpine graphic posts on April 29th and included 7 more posts before the June 6th event.
“The Alpine Experience event was a key promotion for us this summer. Therefore we started letting enthusiasts in Sanford know about the Alpine Experience at our store. The first post of the event on social media was actually on April 29th when we posted the Apline supplied graphic” Bogard related. The Alpine supplied Experience graphic was posted 8 times on Sanford Sound social media leading up to the June 6th event.
“We had many phone calls leading up to the event and people started showing up early Tuesday morning. Colin and Colette did at least 40 demos during the day with people seated in the Alpine demo truck. All were amazed when their demo was finished. We had asked peope to bring their favorite song for a demo. Those who did let us know their favorite song had never sounded like that as they heard something like a live concert” Bogard stated.
Jack Bogard, Nate Merrille Go Fast Solutions with Colette Beaudoin and Colin Vargo from Alpine.
During the day sales were strong as customers made purchases. There was lunch from the grill and product raffles. More customers booked appoints and business continued from the event through the end of the week.
Colin, Jack and the Sanford Sound team Kevin, Jay, Matt and Justin (LtoR).
“I want to thank my wife Christine who worked through the day as well as Team members Kevin, Jay, Matt, and Justin. A very big thank you to our business partner Alpine. It is terrific Alpine understands how important it is to connect with enthusiasts on the brick and mortar showroom floor” Bogard concluded.
Jack Bogard, an Alpine raffle winner, Christine Bogard and Colin Vargo (L to R).
Since Sanford Sound opened in 1995, with Jack Bogard behind the wheel, the company has proactively worked to connect with consumers and organizations by hosting events in the store, in the store’s parking lot and grounds plus at off-site events. Today, Sanford Sound is the established store for audio in-vehicle, Powersports, marine and motorcycles. Home AV and office applications are also on the menu.
After a long day and very successful event Colin and Colette flank Jack in the Sanford Sound showroom.
Sanford, ME is a town of just over 22,000. Over the past 25+ years the Sanford Sound has stretched well beyond the town’s borders throughout the region.
LOUISVILLE, KY (06.07.23) – Early Friday morning, June 2nd, the Alpine Experience RAM and event tent were in place out front at Xtreme Auto Sound. Shortly after enthusiasts and Jeepers started to arrive to upgrade the audio in their rides.
The Alpine RAM set up early Friday morning for the Alpine Experiment event.
Tony Zagata, Xtreme owner, related “Chris had all in place with demos outside and our crew had Alpine products stacked on the floor and on tables in our showroom. We have 7 members on our team and all we were busy throughout the day.”
Jeepers arrived early to grab the Alpine Experience specials.
The specials were stacked on tables and the floor in the showroom.
Tony Zagata, Xtreme owner, related “Chris had all in place with demos outside and our crew had Alpine products stacked on the floor and on tables in our showroom. We have 7 members on our team and all we were busy throughout the day.”
Chris Reavis offered “It was definitely a super busy day. On several occasions I saw Tony and staff members carrying stacks of Alpine products back to the shop for installations.”
Tony Zagata made trips with Alpine products to the shop for installations.
Alpine products were stacked for installations.
Several full Alpine systems were installed during the day. Zagata commented “We have developed a loyal following of Jeepers in the area. They are a community and share good experiences with fellow Jeepers which leads to business with their community.”
The large installation shop was very busy throughout the day.
This year Xtreme Auto Sound is celebrating 20 years in Louisiville. Over those two decades the company has grown into a leading 12volt retailer in the area. The showroom in the 8,000 sq ft location spotlights the Alpine brand. The large installation area is well organized and definitely lets customers know their rides will be well taken care of during an installation.
“Day in and day out we strive to take care of our customers and deliver the very best for enjoyment in their rides. We thank all at Alpine for initiating the Alpine Experience” Zagata concluded.
In the months of June and July Alpine has 18 Alpine Experience events scheduled across the US.
EASTPOINTE, MI & EL CERRITOS, CA (05.19.23) – Wednesday, May 17th, was a very busy day for Alpine with retailer partners. An Alpine Experience took place at WOW Mobile Electronics in Eastpointe MI. In addition, Alpine had a major presence at Hi-Tech Car Audio in Cerritos CA with the retailer’s very successful Midnight Madness event covering 3 days.
The Alpine Experience RAM early Wednesday morning.
The Alpine Experience RAM was positioned under the Alpine tent in front of the entrance at WOW Electronics. Chris Reavis, Alpine Soecialist, orchestrated the event and conducted demos throughout the day. “As soon as an attendee took their seat and the doors closed I hit the volume. Immediately their eyes widened and their smiles appeared. When the demo concluded all noted that was the most amazing sound they had ever heard in a vehicle.”
Plenty going on in the showroom with Chris Reavis checking out the action.
Rick Daniels, WOW co-owner, related, “This was the first Alpine Experience at our Eastpointe store and it was very successful. Certainly Chris did over 40 demos in the Alpine RAM. We saw regular customers plus consumers who had never been into our store. Attendees came into the store to check out the Alpine specials and a good number made purchases. Sales for the day were strong.”
Alpine sales happening at the counter.
A customer checking out the latest Alpine products.
When lunch time arrived 100 hot dogs were placed on the grill with all the trimmings and refreshments. Many attendees enjoyed the hot dogs in the showroom and also checked out the Home AV products WOW Electronics brings to the local market.
Reavis added, “Rick and JD were very pleased with the event and another Alpine Experience could happen this fall. The freebees passed out at the event, plus fliers, will certainly extend the Alpine Experience for those who attended.”
Out West Alpine was on site at the Hi-Tech Car Audio Midnight Madness event that began on Wednesday, May 17th, and stretches for 3 days. An Alpine Experience pickup was out front in addition to 2 additional Alpine vehicles.
An Apline Experience Pickup ready at the Hi-Tech Car Audio event in Cerritos CA on Wednesday, May 17th.
Alpine was represented on site with Jason Hannon, Region 1 Sales Manager and Chris Sinh -Alpine Brand Specialist who provided demos in the Alpine Experience pickup throughout the event. Pete Bobsin and Greg Douglas, with Alpine California territory rep firms, also stayed busy talking and selling Alpine during the event.
A customer picks out his Alpine products.
Alpine is stacked high in the showroom for the Hi-Tech Car Audio Midnight Madness Event.
Hannon related, “This is such an amazing event. There was a line outside the door at 8:30 Wednesday morning. Azim Dehestani and his team do such a great job. They were cranking every minute through the days. The shelves were packed with Alpine products with floor stacks too. Some of our Alpine models actually sold out and a new order is on the way.”
Azim Dehestani (L) and Pete Bobsin among stacks of Alpine on the Hi-Tech Car Audio sales floor. Bobsin’s Rep firm works with Hi-Tech in NorCal.
Watch for more from Alpine in California this weekend as Alpine will be on site at the Audio Design Open House and Grand Opening in San Jose on Friday and Saturday, May 19th and 20th.
STEVENS POINT, WI (05.17.23) – On Saturday, May 13th, the Alpine Experience event took center stage at Precision Cellular and Sound location. Chris Reavis, Alpine Specialist, rolled in early to set up the Alpine tent and position the Alpine Experience RAM for the day’s event.
The Alpine Experience was ready to roll early Saturday morning.
Ty Carrigan, Store Manager, relayed, “Having an Alpine Experience at our store in central Wisconsin was certainly special. When Chris did the first demo for our staff members we knew attendees would be impressed….and they were throughout the day. Showcasing hi-res sound in the RAM really set the demos apart from anything our customers had experienced.”
“During the event we did well over 20 demos for enthusiasts in the Alpine Experience RAM. A big smile appeared on their faces and their eyes widened as they experienced the ultimate in car Audio,” Reavis related.
Attendees began to arrive early for the Alpine Experience.
Inside the showroom there was a large display of Alpine gear plus attendees checked out the company’s Home A/V products.
Continuing Carrigan offered, “Bratwurst offerings fresh from the grill were a real treat that set the tone to spend time with attendees. Many came into the store to also see our home audio and TV offerings too. Certainly the Alpine POP coozies and lanyards will continue the Alpine Experience for attendees too.”
Reavis added, “The Alpine Experience, in the Central region I cover, started very strong. The Endless Possibilities Auto event in Aurora IL was very successful and next up is WOW Electronics in East Pointe MI on May 17th. Overall across the U.S. we have 20 Alpine Experience events on the calendar so far in 2023.”
“Business for the day was certainly stronger than a regular Saturday and we are already discussing the possibilities for a fall Alpine Experience event,” Carrigan concluded.
AURORA, IL (05.11.23) – Endless Possibilities Auto is a very proactive 12volt retailer that understands the continuing value of connecting with consumers and enthusiasts. On Saturday May 6th Endless Possibilities Auto hosted an Alpine Experience at their store in Aurora. Chris Reavis rolled the demo Alpine RAM, loaded with the latest, under Alpine tents beside the store and the Alpine Experience began.
Cesar Marungo, Endless Possibilities Auto owner, related “Again, the Alpine Experience at our store was a big winner. Especially in terms of sales that were up over the event last year. We have been staying well past our regular store hours to work with customers and are booked out a couple of weeks to finish installs from the Alpine Experience. Chris did a great job with the demos and attendees definitely opened their eyes and smiled during their time in the RAM.”
The creative Endless Possibilities crew placed the Alpine Experience sign in a frame with solar power lights to light up for drivers after dark.
Chris Reavis had the Alpine Experience RAM set for amazing demos during the Saturday event.
The Alpine Experience promo kit was packed with items for attendees including T-shirts, koozies, lanyards, banners and custom event signs for putting in the store window.
“We took one of the signs, about 3’ x 4’, and put it in a stand up frame and put it on a busy street by our store. We attached a solar powered light kit to the frame. Drivers at night could see the lighted sign for our Alpine Experience event” Marungo added.
At lunchtime Alpine Experience attendees had a delicious meal hot from the grill.
The Alpine Experience event hours were 10 AM until 4 PM. At noon a lunch was served hot off the grill for attendees to relax, enjoy and talk about car audio with others at the Alpine Experience.
Reavis, Alpine Specialist offered, “Cesar and Endless Possibilities Auto team have had successful Alpine events in the past and it was very rewarding to be able to get back and support their efforts again in 2023 with an Alpine Experience at their store. Last year we participated with Cesar at the SubieFest Midwest event. We are hoping to do that again this year. Working together… that is what a great business relationship is all about.”
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