EDA

Elite Distributor Alliance Named Exclusive National Distributor for Uniden R9

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NASHVILLE, TN (01.23.24) – The Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) and its members have been awarded the exclusive national distribution rights to the highly anticipated and custom installed Uniden R9 Extreme radar detector.

The R9 Extreme utilizes the very latest technology to deliver unrivaled results in recent independent testing.

Tony Kainuma, Director of Product Management at Uniden said, “On behalf of Uniden, we are very excited about the R9 Extreme and the next generation of radar detection technology it represents. To be able to go to market with the distinguished group of distributors that EDA represents is very exciting and will ensure same day or next day delivery to our dealers.”

Josh Eatherly, Executive Vice President, Elite Distributor Alliance

The Elite Distributor Alliance is a prominent association comprised of top-tier distributors and manufacturers in the consumer electronics industry. Uniden’s premier offerings are a very natural addition to EDA’s offerings.

Josh Eatherly, EDA’s Executive Vice President said, “We are excited to be working with the team at Uniden. We are grateful that they recognize EDA’s unique ability to provide national coverage. Uniden has come up with something very special for the 12 volt aftermarket and we look forward to sharing in their success.”

Uniden’s leadership role in the radar detector space has grown to the point that they are very likely the largest manufacturer of radar detectors in the world. Their investment in new technology is paying off. Barry Lightfoot of Sound House Distributing in Seattle, Washington said, “I have owned a number of radar detectors over the last 40 years and currently use the Uniden R8. I am extremely impressed. I’ve tested and researched all of the top custom installed models being offered today and can tell you that nothing even comes close to the new and revolutionary Uniden R9 Extreme. The R9 has loads of technology that essentially future proofs your car for years to come.”

Amir Dhanani, owner of EDA member SSR Distributing added, “All you have to do is read the reviews. The Uniden R9 sets a high bar for the rest of the industry. My sales team and my dealers are very excited about Uniden’s direction and products.”

Kip Sullivan, VP of Sales at Uniden wrapped things up. “After the years of research that have gone into the R9, it’s very gratifying to see the product come to reality. Having EDA on board will speed our time to market.”

Visit elitedistributoralliance.com for more.

Rich McDonald, Fender Guitar’s Icon, to Headline JVC EDA Hot Shots Part Deux Event in Orlando

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LONG BEACH, CA (10.16.23) – Prepare for an electrifying experience at the upcoming JVC EDA Hot Shots Part Deux event in Orlando this weekend, as Fender’s legendary visionary and charismatic product maestro, Rich McDonald, takes the stage as the keynote speaker.

Hosted by JVC as part of its commitment to the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA), a group of high-integrity regional 12-volt distributors, this event aims to aid in creating a more organized and predictable business environment. Building on the success of last year’s Hot Shots, this year’s Part Deux event focuses on increasing the knowledge and skill sets of EDA distributor sales personnel. Attendees will benefit from a master class in selling with a deeper dive into JVC, featuring appearances by industry experts, including iDatalink’s Matt Yerger and other surprise guests.

McDonald, celebrated for his illustrious 25-year career as the heart and soul of one of America’s most iconic brands, is set to inspire and enthrall attendees with his captivating leadership profile and unique business perspectives.

As the former Chief Product Strategist at Fender, McDonald’s contributions to the company’s product catalog are monumental. He started his journey in 1993 as a small parts coordinator, climbed through the executive ranks, and was promoted to the role of Chief Product Strategist in 2017. In this capacity, he provided invaluable counsel and guidance for Fender’s long-term product vision.

Rich’s influence extends beyond the music industry. Through his current company, McDonald Business Strategies, he actively imparts his unique business insights to iconic American brands such as General Mills, Renfro Corporation, Hillrich and Bradsby – Louisville Slugger, as well as forward-thinking next-generation online retailers like Trend Nation and Vinyl Me, Please.

Rich McDonald’s keynote speech at JVC EDA Hot Shots Part Deux is expected to be a highlight of the event, where he will share his incredible journey, insights, and inspirational perspectives that have shaped the music industry. Attendees can look forward to an unforgettable experience as Rich takes center stage.

For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit http://www.us.jvc.com/car

For more information on the EDA, visit https://www.elitedistributoralliance.com/

For more information on Rich McDonald, visit https://www.richmcdonald.com/

Elite Distributor Alliance Announces New Vendor Partner

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SEATTLE, WA (08.22.23) – Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) has announced the addition of RDV Automotive Technology (RDV)  to their vendor partner line-up. 

RDV engineers and manufactures a wide variety of vehicle specific solutions that seamlessly and elegantly add some of the most wanted features to today’s vehicles including Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and other popular solutions.

Rich De Sclafani, Owner, RDV Automotive Technology

RDV is owned by industry veteran Rich De Sclafani who oversees and touches just about everything at the company. Rich said, “Wow!  I appreciate so much the confidence EDA has shown in my company. EDA is such a powerful group of quality 12-volt distributors. We are energized to have the group bring RDV to their thousands of customers.”

Josh Eatherly, Director of Business Development, EDA

Josh Eatherly, EDA’s Director of Business Development spent many weeks researching the opportunity. “The more I looked into RDV and talked to dealers and end users it was clear that Rich has done something special at RDV. There are just so many vehicle owners out there that want to add what RDV is delivering. RDV will be plus business for our members and dealers.”

Amir Dhahani of SSR Distributors in Houston and Dallas added, “We have had so many dealers ask for exactly what RDV is delivering. This will be an instant win for SSR!”

Visit elitedistributoralliance.com and rdvfl.com for more

Elite Distributor Alliance Hosted Annual Owners Meeting in Denver

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DENVER, CO (06.21.23) – Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA), a leading provider of distribution services to the 12 volt aftermarket, held its annual owners meeting at the Grand Hyatt in Denver, Colorado the week of June 5th.

L to R: Antonio Ghirardelli, Santa Fe Distributing; Louis Gil-Levert, ADS; Robert Di Cesare, ADS

The meeting was attended by 50 industry leaders, including principals from EDA’s member companies. During the meeting, principals met in one-hour top-to-top one-on-ones to discuss business strategies and opportunities. In addition, there were four roundtable discussions on industry issues, such as attracting youth to the industry and exploring technology changes in the industry.

Dave Prinz, President, GoFast Solutions with Josh Eatherly, Vice President, EDA

In addition to the business meetings, the owners also enjoyed a number of social events, including a dinner event at the Fort Restaurant in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Attendees also enjoyed a dinner and reception at the Denver Aquarium, where EDA presented its 2022 Vendor of the Year Award to JVCKENWOOD.

JVCKENWOOD, Vendor of the Year, revealed at Denver Aquarium

“The annual owners meeting is a great opportunity for us to come together as a community and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our industry,” said Josh Eatherly, vice president of EDA. “I’m grateful to our members for their continued support, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together in the year ahead.”

Roundtable discussions

“The roundtable discussions were very informative and helpful,” said Jim Warren, executive vice president of EDA. “It was great to hear from other industry leaders about their experiences, recommendations and perspectives.”

“2022 was a challenging year,” said Aron Demers, EVP VOXX International. “This year’s owners meeting was a phenomenal opportunity to strategize face to face. We are committed to providing EDA and its members with the best possible products and services.”

Visit elitedistributoralliance.com for more.

JVCKENWOOD Named Vendor of the Year by Elite Distributor Alliance

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DENVER, CO (06.20.23) – The Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) was delighted to award JVCKENWOOD the prestigious honor of Vendor of the Year. The award was presented at the EDA’s annual meeting, which was held at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver.

The Elite Distributor Alliance is a prominent association comprising top-tier distributors and manufacturers in the consumer electronics industry. This annual award recognizes the manufacturer that demonstrates outstanding performance, exceptional product quality, and a strong dedication to supporting distributor success.

L to R: Ron Trout, Steve Cote, Jim Warren, Dave Hoag, John Lucas, and Josh Eatherly

Jim Warren, Executive Vice President of the Elite Distributor Alliance, said, “JVCKENWOOD is a deserving recipient of the Vendor of the Year award. They have consistently demonstrated their commitment to providing their distributors with the support they need to be successful.

JVCKENWOOD’s commitment to excellence and continuous innovation has propelled the company to the forefront of the industry. With a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge audio, convenience, and safety solutions, JVCKENWOOD has consistently exceeded customer expectations and delivered exceptional value to its distribution partners.

“We are truly honored to receive this award, especially considering the excellence exhibited by all the EDA vendor partners that work tirelessly to build momentum within the group,” said Dave Hoag, Executive VP of JVCKENWOOD USA. “This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and exceptional customer experiences. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Elite Distributor Alliance for their trust and recognition, and especially to our dedicated team and distribution partners for their continuous support.”

JVCKENWOOD remains dedicated to pushing boundaries, delivering superior products, and strengthening its partnerships with distributors. This Vendor of the Year award serves as a testament to JVCKENWOOD’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in the consumer electronics industry.

Visit us.jvckenwood.com and elitedistributoralliance.com for more.

JVC to Host 1st Ever EDA Hot Shots Sales Training Seminar

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LONG BEACH, CA (10.21.22) – JVC Mobile Entertainment in conjunction with the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) have announced they will be hosting their 1st-ever “Hot Shots” sales training seminar October 21st-23rd in Orlando, FL. Headliners and demonstrations will be conducted by industry affiliates including Jim Warren (Elite Distributor Alliance), Matt Yerger (iDatalink), Dean Beyett & Fernando Lopez (5 Star), along with several internal JVC staff members.

Several “Hot Shot” sales personnel from EDA distributors across the country have been invited to experience this exclusive one-of-a-kind sales training. Through classroom-style presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and more, attendees will leave feeling confident in being able to successfully sell and support their retailers with the JVC mobile entertainment product line.    

“With JVC and the EDA’s shared mission of looking to improve the business of its members and retailers, providing this type of intimate training environment is essential to our collective growth,” said Ron Trout, Director of JVC Mobile Entertainment Sales. “Our mission is simple; we want to empower our EDA-member sales partners with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to feel proud about what they sell, what they do, and how they do it.”

For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit http://www.us.jvc.com/car.

Clarion Marine Audio Enters Distribution Agreement with Elite Distributor Alliance

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MIRAMAR, FL (08.08.22) – JL Audio has announced the expansion of its distribution network for the Clarion Marine brand of products to include Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA).

“EDA brings a lot to the table. With twenty-five warehouses across the country, they can quickly put Clarion Marine products on retailer shelves, including same-day, or next-day delivery of products to 12- volt retailers covering 95 percent of the US population,” said Brian Power, vice president of U.S. retail sales, JL Audio. “We’re absolutely confident that our dealers are going to love the speed and convenience that EDA delivers.”

EDA will play an integral role in strengthening brand and distribution integrity, opening new opportunities with 12-volt retailers that specialize in marine products. This move reinforces the value of approved dealers, whose superior expertise, service and professional installation will help to deliver the best customer experience.

“Clarion Marine products offer tremendous value for marine and powersports customers. Combining a value-packed, newly refreshed product line backed by the brand’s reputation for excellent performance and quality with instant, nationwide availability makes for a winning strategy,” said Jim Warren, executive vice president, EDA. “Teaming up with Clarion Marine as a distribution partner validates the value proposition of EDA’s business model and the integrity of its members.”

Sporting a refreshed line consisting of new source units, remote controls, speakers, subwoofers and more, Clarion Marine has a solid reputation for innovation, durability, and reliability. Every Clarion Marine product undergoes extreme environmental testing to ensure it can withstand the rigors of the harsh marine environment season after season.

Visit www.elitedistributoralliance.com and www.clarionmarine.com.

Elite Distributor Alliance Honors KICKER for the Second Consecutive Year

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STILLWATER, OK (06.15.22) – Last week in Park City, Utah, Stillwater Designs was named Vendor-of-the-Year 2021 by the Elite Distributor Alliance, for the second straight year. Stillwater Designs President and founder Steve Irby attended the event and accepted the award, along with General Manager Jay Ralston, Vice President Tom Heath, and Regional Sales Manager Lori Boyer.

The EDA award for Vendor-of-the-Year 2021 went to Stillwater Designs.

One year ago the EDA honored the audio manufacturer of KICKER® Audio products as Vendor-of-the-Year/Best Supplier-in-a-Storm for 2020.  The EDA created the unique sub-headline on the award to recognize the brand’s contribution to the industry during a tumultuous year.

Stillwater Designs President Steve Irby (third from right) accepts the Vendor-of-the-Year award from members of the EDA.

The EDA consists of 11 partner distributors, servicing electronics retailers across the country. Its stated mission is to “collectively seek to improve the business of EDA distributors, vendors and retailers by striving to create a more organized and predictable business environment,” per its website. KICKER is among 14 manufacturers that work with the EDA.

Additionally, KICKER acknowledged its West-Coast warehouse as being instrumental in allocating product into the supply chain during this delicate time period.

Visit kicker.com and elitedistributoralliance.com for more.

EDA Hosts First In-Person Conference in Park City, Utah

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SEATTLE, WA (06.16.2021) – Elite Distributor Alliance hosted the industry’s first face to face meeting in Park City Utah at the Grand Summit resort.  All of EDA’s members and vendors attended the event and everyone was excited to be meeting in person.  

L to R: Jim Warren (EDA), Josh Eatherly (P&E Distributors), Steve Irby (Kicker), Rob Limbaugh (Kicker), Lori Roberts (Kicker).

“After a year and a half of Zoom meetings it was so nice to actually be shaking hands and talking in person,” said Nalaka Adikari of Orca Designs.  Ron Trout with JVC added, “Wow!  EDA hosted an incredible event.  What a group of professionals, and to be able to actually sit at a table and talk was energizing.”

L to R: Josh Eatherly (EDA), Jake Bates (Metra), Jeff Fletcher (Metra

EDA presented two vendor awards at the conference.  Kicker received “Best Vendor in a Storm”.  The award was presented to Steve Irby, Rob Limbaugh, and  Lori Roberts by Josh Eatherly, EDA’s president.  Eatherly noted, “Kicker stood out throughout the pandemic.  Their ability to have product during a very difficult time was not only amazing, it likely saved many of our customers.”   

EDA Members preparing to start the conference

EDA also presented Metra Electronics its Top Gun award.  “Metra was amazing,” said Nate Taliani, President of Davis Distribution. “They pulled out all the stops and consistently delivered at better than expected fill rates. They worked literally around the clock to deliver us product.  Because of this, as a group, we purchased more product from Metra than any one of our EDA vendors,” Taliani added.

L to R: Theresa and Josh Eatherly (P&E Distributors), Steve and Becky Irby (Kicker), Alex Camara (Audio Control), Rob Limbaugh (Kicker

EDA reported record sales for the year and estimates that 23.6% of all 12 volt product sold in the United States will flow through an EDA member in 2021.  With same day or one day shipping to all 48 states customers recognize the benefits of utilizing their local EDA member to allow them to react very quickly in a rapidly shifting marketplace.  Steve Cote from JVC said, “EDA members are increasingly becoming more and more important.  They have reacted faster than most and are building a solid and loyal following.”

Vendors and Members networking around the firepits

On Monday night, June seventh, members and vendors rode the Orange Bubble chairlift to Lookout Cabin for a special joint dinner.  At 8,000 feet the views were incredible in every direction.  The weather was perfect.  After dinner, the group gathered around the firepits for s’mores and more conversation.

Visit www.elitedistributoralliance.com for more.

SSR Distributors Joins Elite Distributor Alliance

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SEATTLE, WA (03.30.2021) – With one day shipping from seventeen distribution centers, Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) has broadened its footprint with the addition of SSR Distributors to the group.  EDA estimates that with this addition over 20% of the 12 volt product sold in the United States now flows through an EDA member.

“What Amir Dhahani and the team at SSR Distributors have achieved matches really well with EDA.”, said Jim Warren, Executive Director of EDA.  He added, “The line mix, velocity, and approach to the market makes for a very good fit.”

Amir Dhahani

Amir Dhahani added, “We are excited that our company got the opportunity to join such a great group. Our core values align with this association and I look forward to learning from and networking with experienced and principled business partners. I believe working with EDA will open up opportunities to demonstrate that distributors are an important asset to our industry.”

SSR Distributors is a family owned and operated business founded in 1998. With decades of experience and a wide range of product selection SSR has become one of the largest 12-Volt distributors in the country. They currently serve the 4-state territory Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

John Yodzis, one of the officers of EDA, and president of DOW Electronics said, “We looked long and hard at solutions for the Texas and surrounding market.  My company, DOW, has a strong presence in the same markets Amir serves, but we felt we needed one more member to really round things out.  Over and over again we kept coming back to SSR due to their customer service and strong reputation.  Here at DOW we’re really excited about jointly meeting the needs of the Texas and surrounding markets.”

EDA has grown substantially over the last four years and now is exclusively building and marketing a number of twelve volt brands including SPL Boxes, Triton Audio, and Nustart. 

Visit elitedistributoralliance.com and ssrdistributors.com for more.