STILLWATER, OK (06.09.22) – KICKER is excited to join MEA KnowledgeFest at the Orange County (Fla.) Convention Center June 10-12, featuring video sensations Dean and Fernando of 5-Star Car Stereo accompanying the KICKER Tech Force in a pair of trainings for all showgoers.
The trainings led by KICKER’s special guests will provide information on KICKER’s exclusive KEY integration technology. Hosted in Convention Center room W202-C, KICKER’s first class begins Saturday at 4:15 p.m. in English language, and then Sunday at 10:45 a.m. in Spanish. Several prizes will be awarded during each training, including a KICKER loaded subwoofer enclosure. KICKER’s general booth will be located near the center of the venue, booth no. 1015.
“With over 25 years of serving the mobile-electronics industry, KnowledgeFest is established as the most respected educational event of our time,” stated MEA chairman Tony Frangiosa. “MEA and the mobile-electronics industry are set to succeed well into the future as retailers coast-to-coast take advantage of this valuable experience.”
KICKER’s full line of mobile-audio gear will be on display in its booth, including products for marine, motorcycle, and overall powersports. Also in the booth will be KICKER’s Fiat 500 Sport, equipped with award-winning KEY Smart Amplifiers. KEY automatically applies time alignment, detects speaker sizes, adjusts gain, applies a 40-band EQ and 24dB crossovers with the press of a button in a matter of seconds.
STILLWATER, OK (06.08.22) – As a longtime supporter of the event, KICKER returns to Slamology at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway – one of the largest car-audio and car-centric events in the country. Those attending can experience KICKER’s 80-foot XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) located on the south side of the venue in Audio Vendor Row, waiting for their shot at a “full-tilt demo session” inside the XRV Boom Room.
Slamology occurs June 11-12, and KICKER has supported the show since its inception nineteen years ago. Founder Donnie Babb bills the event as family-friendly, yet edgy.
“We wanted a way to connect with our readers at Gauge Magazine and have a weekend-long party,” Babb explained. “That brought in droves of people and made the show one of the largest car, truck and car-audio events in the world.”
In addition to Slamology’s well-earned reputation as a first-class car show, it is also known to be the premiere car-audio event on the planet. USACi, MECA, IASCA and Bass Wars will all conduct independent multi-point, car-audio competitions, featuring hundreds of the world’s best Sound-Quality and SPL competitors vying for championship points, trophies and prizes.
Slamology anticipates in excess of 2,000 show cars over the two-day event, with nearly 20,000 spectators expected to attend. The show also features live bands on stage, along with a tattoo competition, auto-limbo, a hydraulic contest, big rig show, bikini contest and more.
LEXINGTON, KY (05.31.22) – The KICKER rig rolled into the Red Mile venue in Lexington for the Progressive American Flat Track’s inaugural Memorial Day weekend doubleheader Saturday and Sunday…May 28th and 29th. On Thursday, with Lorin Morrell behind the wheel of the Gator wrapped pickup, set up began. The 25’ trailer behind the pickup was packed with tent, tables and products for the KICKER setup on vendor row. The loaded KICKER RZR rolled out of the trailer to let all know KICKER would be Livin’Loud at the event.
KICKER was set up Saturday morning. The Red Mile stands are on the left.
This Saturday afternoon Lorin Morrell selfie shows KICKER vendor row.
“The Red Mile venue was a really good for vendors to set up and display their products to enthusiastic fans as they came in for the races. On Saturday the gates opened at 3 but we had been very busy before noon talking with other companies on vendor row and members of race teams as the came in to get ready to race. A little before 9 PM all was winding down. Sunday went pretty much for same way. The stands, which were designed for horse racing, seat 6000 and were near capacity both race days” Morrell related.
The Red Mile stands were full and many could watch racers on the back straightaway on the Progressive Jumbotron.
Racers race past the crowd in the Red Mile stands.
Continuing Morrell offered “This area of the country is really strong for marine with bike enthusiasts right behind. In fact I spent time in the booth talking to friends who rode their bikes in for the event. Both mentioned they both had KICKER gear in their cars years back. One was from New York and the other from Florida. In the RZR we conducted demos throughout both days. The Tower Speakers and SoundBar also showed marine applications. All who visited vendor row definitely knew KICKER was there and Livin’ Loud.”
Visitors in the Mission vendor hospitality area could check out KICKER gear while picking up a tasty Mission Foods snack.
On Monday Morrell earned points as he fueled up the KICKER rig in Cairo, IL on the 800 mile drive to Stillwater, OK.
KICKER also had a presence in the Mission sponsor hospitality area. The team in the KICKER HQ fab shop put together a super display that lighted up to spotlight products that could be used on bikes, marine and power sports.
LAKE HAVASU, AZ (04.26.22) – KICKER stretched West from Stillwater, OK to join dealers and fans with festivities at Desert Storm, running April 21-23, on Lake Havasu and Lake Havasu City AZ.
The KICKER XRV rolled out of KICKER HQ on Monday morning, April 18th, for the 1100 mile trip to Lake Havasu. Jeremy Wynn, Events and Promotions Manager, was behind the wheel as the XRV hit the road. Tracy Focht, Western Regional Sales Manager, and David Glasgow were also on board the big rig. Glasgow is involved in International Sales and has had his travels overseas restricted for nearly 2 years.
The KICKER XRV stopped for fuel Monday morning on the way to Lake Havasu and Desert Storm.
KICKER demos during set up at Desert Storm.
This is the 6th year with KICKER participating in Desert Storm. KICKER first started at Desert Storm with a 10×20 booth with River Dave and Wired 4 Sound. The last 4 years KICKER has been onsite as the Title Sponsor with a much, much larger presence at the downtown Street Festival and on the lake with the Poker Run and boat parades through the days and evening Friday and Saturday.
Tracy Focht related “As we continue to enjoy the customers and attendees it’s the KICKER family too. Dealers Wired 4 Sound and Ron In your Ear Audio were huge help this year. The staff at Murfco helped with the event and equipment. Frank and Annette were awesome to host us. Desert Storm has grown into a family event and we love them all out there.”
This overhead image shows the scope of KICKER’s Sponsorship presence at Desert Storm.
The KICKER Boom Toon double decker was Livin’Loud on Lake Havasu.
Dan Murphy’s Murfco is the Southern Nevada, Arizona and SoCal Rep Firm for KICKER.
Focht added “We feel this grass roots event is the perfect event to work directly with both boat manufacturers, dealers and end consumers. This allows us and our dealers to learn more about what customers are actually looking for and where the the target market is headed. Each year we work diligently to better our approach and showcase KICKER at the event.”
With London Bridge in the background, it’s easy to see the high performance water crafts at Desert Storm 2022.
KICKER’s Glasgow added “Participating in an event like Desert Storm is certainly something that will interest all of the international customers that I work with…they all like to know about Livin’Loud activities in the US.”
Jeremy Wynn offered “It’s so great to see attendees in and around the KICKER XRV. They definitely see and Hear, in the Boom Room, KICKER is definitely Livin’Loud.
From the first night kick off the vendor party, to the hustle of the street party, to the Poker Run and the family atmosphere throughout the event Desert Storm 2022 at Lake Havasu was amazing. Lasting friendships have been created with extended families at Desert Storm. At Desert Storm 2022 KICKER went overboard and was Livin’Loud.”
STILLWATER, OK (04.20.22) – KICKER Marine Audio travels from Oklahoma to join its distributors, dealers and fans at the 25th anniversary of the Lake Havasu Desert Storm Poker Run and Shootout – April 21-23.
As the title sponsor of the popular and currently sold-out (but not to fans and viewers!) Desert Storm for years, KICKER Marine Audio will have an impressive presence at the Thursday Street Festival where its XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) will bring a travel edition of its famous headquarters’ “Wall of Boom” to Havasu’s Main Street. Millions of dollars of state-of-the art performance boats will be on display from 1-9 PM, including new boats from Rod Voegele of California-based Gatorwraps, also located in Lake Havasu and Jeff Cuvelier of Elite Audio of Havasu. Both boaters and businessmen are big KICKER Marine Audio fans as Gatorwraps adds the visuals to many KICKER-equipped customer boats. Cuvelier has been an installer of KMA for years and will now do so under his new company, Elite Audio, specializing in marine audio systems.
Voegele recently became a catamaran fan after riding in a friend’s DCB and was convinced by the ride of the company’s F32 that he bought one and customized it, wrapping it in his logo and signature bright green, highlighted with electric blue. “I’ve never been in anything like it!” Voegele says of the DCB, “Nothing rides like this!” And can we add, SOUNDS like this!
The boat is loaded with KICKER speakers and subs including 6 KM 8” speakers with RGB lighting, 2 KMFC 9” tower speakers with swivel mounts and 2 KM 9” subwoofers under the hatch. Of course, KMA head units and amplifiers “amp up” the sound, so everyone will be able to enjoy the clear sound of the Gatorwraps boat! The crowd will also hear KMA sound from the company’s Kenworth W9 Show rig, and International CXT show truck, both heavily decked with KICKER audio components and broadcasting live and loud from the Street Party and throughout the event.
Cuvelier totally updated his Rinker Flotilla boat which made its debut this year at the SEMA SPL (Sound Pressure Level) show with 4 KM 15” L7 Q subwoofers and 2 KM Comp Q 12” subs. Amid all the other KICKER Marine Audio equipment, clusters of numerous KM coaxials, 6 KMC 11” swivel tower speakers and even KICKER SeaDek flooring, do you think you can feel the bass in his music?!
Cuvelier explains his KICKER allegiance stating, “Even with KICKER being such a prominent leader in the audio world, they still manage to share that same excitement and passion for sound systems that their dealers and customers have. They bring you in like family and show support like no other.”
River Dave of River Dave’s Place boating forum, has been a supporter of Desert Storm since 2007 and just replaced the factory sound system of his 2021 Avalon Excalibur pontoon boat with KICKER Marine Audio gear, adding 6 KM 8.5” speakers, 4 KM fixed 9” tower speakers with RGB lighting, and 2 KM 10” subs in the helm. Dave also opted to substitute an L7 Q subwoofer for a refrigerator ensuring “cool” sound! His twin Mercury 400s will take this pontoon to 70 mph so he is not only livin’ fast but Livin’ Loud with KICKER! “I’ve been with KICKER Since I was 21-years old,” he says, “It’s not just the quality of products but the staff–they are more like family–and the customer support that makes the difference.”
“KICKER Marine Audio finds long-time friends and enjoys making new ones in the boating community,” says Jeremy Bale, brand manager, “Performance boaters enjoy power in their engines as well as in their sound systems so being seen and heard gives KICKER an advantage with our ‘Real Marineä’ components which are top-grade , reliable and tested in the marine environment. We’re happy to lend our support in Lake Havasu!”
All KICKER Marine Audio’s enclosures are tough, UV-treated and come in black and white, complete with LED light complements. Amps, media centers and KICKER’s signature square subwoofers are only part of the line, so when you want to “Kick” up your sound system, rely on the brand that delivers the finest quality acoustics and marine-grade components—KICKER Marine Audio. www.kicker.com/marine-audio.
STILLWATER, OK (04.13.22) – KICKER bids a heartfelt farewell to industry veteran and 18-year Director of Global Marketing, Kevin Campbell.
Since joining KICKER in 2004, Campbell has guided the company’s “Livin’ Loud” message by creating experiences that embody the music that car-audio fans crave.
“It’s been 18 years of total fun,” Campbell said. “I’ve always admired the (KICKER) brand and the way they do business. People talk about KICKER being family; it really has that feel. The kind of place where we all have to work hard, but there’s an atmosphere – a social feeling that is genuine and caring that comes from the top.”
Veteran employees and former marketing associate directors Ron Burnett and Roger Demaree with fill the position as co-directors, splitting Campbell’s duties to continue the department rolling on its current path. Burnett and Demaree bring 48 years of combined industry experience to their new roles.
Kevin Campbell
For the past four decades, Campbell held pivotal roles in some of the most iconic brands in car audio, having led the sales and marketing teams for Rockford Fosgate, Precision Power, TubeDriver and Morel America prior to joining KICKER.
As KICKER searched for a marketing director in 2004, company founder Steve Irby had a desire for 12-volt industry experience and a strong background of leadership for the role.
“We were looking for someone in the industry that knew marketing, somebody that was well seasoned in the industry,” Irby said. “Kevin’s name came up immediately, and with his strong background in marketing, he took to it right away.”
During his tenure, Campbell focused on connecting the brand with consumers and the 12-volt industry in equal measure. For example, he acknowledged that attending MEA KnowledgeFest served to keep the brand connected with retailers and distributors, while participating in the HOT ROD Power Tour raised awareness for the rod and custom community. KICKER’s continued commitment to attending the annual SEMA Show served to strengthen bonds between the company’s automotive manufacturing partners and an increasingly large number of KICKER’s core dealers.
In 2020 when COVID-19 resulted in the cancellation of most events, Campbell greenlit a massive in-house undertaking to broadcast a weekly, online audio-centric show dubbed “KICKER UnMasked.” Taking the brand virtual through streaming video was arguably the most significant event that KICKER marketing had completed in the past two years.
The presentation of KICKER directly connected to live music continues to be a high priority. Campbell successfully aligned the brand with artists like Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tim Montana and Nashville label Reviver Music. Events like the KICKER Country Stampede (music festival) gave music lovers a chance to experience the same passion and performance that drives KICKER to recreate great sound in a vehicle.
“Since he came on board, we’ve evolved into a more focused marketing machine,” Irby continued. “He had strong opinions and experience in the industry that go way back. He was fair and easy to work with, with a quick wit and an unmatched sense of humor. We will really miss his wisdom and experience.”
DENVER, CO (02.14.22) – The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross 6-City Series, with 10 races, raced into the National Western Complex in Denver for Rounds 9 and 10, February 11th and 12th. The Complex seats 4700 in fixed seats and both Friday and Saturday nights the riders raced to an enthusiastic crowd.
Mike Brown-MB Customs, Lorin Morrell-Maddog_Media and the family (LtoR) who won the KICKER BullFrog T-Shirt toss prize under the tent.
“The KICKER display setup in the lobby area attracted enthusiasts throughout both evenings. The KICKER tent display actually overlooked the aren. Matt Macias, from KICKER area Distributor Santa Fe Distributing, was in the booth. Also, Mike Brown and a fellow MB Customs employee, were in the booth. Brown is a bike enthusiast and had so many questions from Harley owners about adding KICKER to their bikes. Bet he will be busy next week. We were also surprised to see a couple KICKER athletes surprise us in the booth. “Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media who orchestrates KICKER’s presents at the events, stated.
Mike Brown answered many questions for Harley owners about adding KICKER Gear to their bikes.
Off-roading and outdoor activities are very big in this part of the US. The KICKER PowerBar really grabbed the attention of Powersports members of the crowd… Also the marine towers as the boating season is around the corner. The BullFrog was a product most had not seen and they were amazed at the sound. The KICKER brand is well known throughout the Rockies and some who stopped by the KICKER booth mentioned they were Livin’ Loud with KICKER in their rides and were very impressed with the new under rear seat pickup L7T loaded enclosures.
The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross Series 2022 wrapped in Denver.
“Friday night was a good night and Saturday night was packed. Attendees were very engaged with action on the track. Amateur riders took to the track during the day and pro riders took the track through the evening from 6 until well after 10PM. In addition to the action on the track KICKER T-shirts were fired into the crowd during Pro Race breaks and track maintenance periods. A special T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. The PA system announced the T-Shirt contest and there were people who came to the booth to ask ‘what is a KICKER BullFrog’?” Morrell added.
Trophies were awarded at the end of the Denver event. Kyle Peters (C) finished in the Top position with Kyle Bitterment (R) P2 and Wristen Grigg P3 in this AMA ArenaCross image.
A young man captured the KICKER T with the FREE KICKER BULLFROG certificate and was accompanied by his parents to the booth to pick up his prize. Mike Brown, with area KICKER dealer MB Customs, was in the booth working the event and had a chance to meet the future young KICKER enthusiast.
Concluding, Morrell offered, “The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross got off to a great start in Loveland CO. Successful events in Amarillo, Oklahoma City/Guthrie OK Greensboro NC and Reno preceded Denver. Each event added excitement to the 2022 Series.”
The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross was definitely Livin’ Loud in 2022. As the KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross Series drew to a close the next up for KICKER will be the American Flat Track Tour.
RENO, NV (02.07.22) – The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross 6-City Series, with 10 races, raced into the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center for Rounds 7 and 8, February 4th and 5th. The Events Center seats 9500 and both Friday and Saturday nights the riders raced to an enthusiastic crowd.
With setup complete Curtis Weethee and Thomas Wing-Nevada Auto Sound, Lorin Morrell-Maddog_Media and Dana Doyle-Doyle Sales Company (L to R) paused for a quick image.
“The KICKER display setup in the lobby area attracted enthusiasts throughout both evenings. The KICKER tents actually overlooked the arena. Dana Doyle, with KICKER area rep firm Doyle Sales Company, was on site both nights and spent time showing KICKER products to members of the crowd with local dealer Nevada Auto Sound Reno. Curtis Weethee, store owner, and Thomas Wing had a lot of face time with members of the crowd,” Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media who orchestrates KICKER’s presents at the events, stated.
The stands were filled with racing enthusiasts.
Doyle related, “Nevada Auto Sound believes having these events helps their business and they want to participate in upcoming events. They made up KICKER fliers with a 10% discount for customers to come into their store after the event. While in the booth they also visited with old customers.”
Top AMA Pro ArenaCross racers hit the track Friday and Saturday nights.
Continuing, Doyle noted, “Off-roading is big in this part of the US. The KICKER PowerBar really grabbed attention. Also the marine towers. The BullFrog was a product most had not seen and they were amazed at the sound. There is a good chance several people will head to the store with the 10% off coupon to pick up a Bullfrog. It was a great 2-day event for me to spend time with this key dealer and interact with so many consumers.”
Lorin Morrell holds the KICKER BullFrog this lucky lady won for catching the special T-Shirt with the free BullFrog certificate. Her husband, a racer, will enjoy the BullFrog prize too.
“Friday night was a good night and Saturday night was packed. Attendees were very engaged with action on the track. Amateur riders took to the track during the day and pro riders took the track through the evening from 6 until well after 10PM. In addition to the action on the track KICKER T-shirts were fired into the crowd during Pro Race breaks and track maintenance periods. A special T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. The lucky lady from the crowd had a big smile when she picked up the BullFrog. In fact, her husband is a racer. The PA system announced the T-Shirt contest and there were people who came to the booth to ask ‘what is a KICKER BullFrog’?” Morrell added.
Concluding, Morrell offered, “The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross got off to a great start in Loveland CO. Successful events in Amarillo, Oklahoma City/Guthrie OK and Greensboro NC preceded Reno. Each event has added excitement to the 2022 Series. Next stop is Denver CO, February 11th and 12th, with Rounds 9 and 10. The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross is Livin’ Loud in 2022.”
STILLWATER, OK (02.03.22) – KICKER Performance Audio is back for its third season as a sponsor of THE SONG – Recorded Live @ TGL Farms, joining other prestigious companies like Ally, Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casinos.
This nationally syndicated television show was launched in January 2020 and harnessed its star power, production expertise and unique programming to build a strong following with an audience reach of 80 million households via 150 stations. The third season launched January 8 and is expected to set new marks in listener and viewership, featuring intimate performances from some of music’s greatest stars and the iconic songs that launched and propelled their careers. Hosted by Krista Marie, featured performances were shot on locations throughout the country and are slated to include Melissa Etheridge, Styx, Matchbox 20 leader Rob Thomas, Amy Grant, Brian McKnight, Sarah McLachlan, Kenny Loggins, Rockers Collective Soul and Gary Allan.
“THE SONG has given KICKER Performance Audio a powerful ‘voice’ in the music world,” says Jeremy Bale, Brand Manager for KICKER Marine Audio. “THE SONG offered the ideal opportunity to partner with the show’s producers to help further position and cement the KICKER brand in the hearts–and ears – of THE SONG’S ardent fans and followers. We are very pleased to be actively engaged in this high-profile production that resonates with our audience.”
“We’ve been amazed week after week how viewers are connecting with these artists and their songs in this unique presentation,” said the show’s creator and Executive Producer Marc Oswald. “This new season is incredibly diverse and we are thrilled by Season 3 featuring amazing artists performing truly remarkable songs. We are also very pleased to partner with select top brands in the nation including our power partner, KICKER Performance Audio.”
THE SONG is produced by Tupelo Honey and Oswald Entertainment Group; directed by renowned film and still photographer David “Doc” Abbott; written, edited and produced by Stephen Wallen and Scott Kono; and booked by legendary talent producer Tisha Fein and talent coordinator Clay Myers. Gray Television is managing the syndication, led by Greg Conklin and George Johnson, predominantly on CBS, ABC, FOX and NBC affiliates including New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Seattle.Image
Earlier this year, THE SONG announced an exclusive partnership with Time Life to release live performances recorded exclusively for the show. Many of the songs recorded for Season I of the show are currently available via Time Life on all major streaming platforms. The two companies are also working closely to develop enhanced content for THE SONG’s YouTube channel, including previously unreleased footage.
For great moments from the first two seasons of THE SONG, fans can log on to THESONG.TV to check out full performances and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. The site includes details for tuning into the show in specific markets.
GREENSBORO, NC (01.31.22) – The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross 6-City Series, with 10 races, raced into The Greensboro Coliseum Complex on Saturday, January 29th, for Round 6. In spite of very cold temperatures and forecasts of snow the 24,000 seat arena was alive with an enthusiastic crowd.
The crowd filed into the Greensboro Coliseum Complex for Round 6 of the KICKER ArenaCross on Saturday night, January 29.
“It was cold outside but inside the action on the track was red hot as riders and attendees were Livin’Loud. The KICKER display setup in the lobby area attracted enthusiasts through the evening. Dennis Montgomery, with KICKER area rep firm Tech Marketing, spent time showing KICKER products to members of the crowd. In addition Nate Hair from area retailer Sound Solutions talked KICKER with consumers throughout the night,” Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media who orchestrates KICKER’s presents at the events, stated.
It was an action packed night on the track.
Sound Solutions showcases the KICKER brand in their stores in Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem NC. One attendee at the event had just had a KICKER system installed in his Tahoe by the Sound Solutions High Point store. He let Dennis Montgomery know how happy he was with his new KICKER system.
Enthusiasts checked out KICKER products in the lobby display.
Continuing, “Throughout the Carolinas its truck country so the new KICKER L7T under seat drew a lot of attention. Powersports is strong in the area too so the KICKER PowerBar grabbed eyes when we cranked it on the display… Kicker Marine and Lifestyle products drew interest too,” Morrell related.
KICKER audio, Powersports, Marine and lifestyle products were on display.
For Saturday night’s event the stands were nearly full with attendees very engaged with action on the track. Amateur riders took to the track during the day and pro riders took the track through the evening from 6 until well after 10PM.
This lucky crowd member caught the special KICKER T with the certificate and picked up the BullFrog prize.
In addition to the action on the track KICKER T-shirts were fired into the crowd during Pro Race breaks and track maintenance periods. A special T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. A lucky member of the crowd had a big smile when the Bullfrog was picked up.
Sound Solutions worked the event and has a store in Greensboro as well as stores in High Point and Winston-Salem.
Concluding Morrell added, “The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross got off to a great start in Loveland. Successful events in Amarillo and Oklahoma City/Guthrie OK preceded Greensboro. Each event has added excitement to the 2022 Series. Next stop is Reno NV, February 4th and 5th, with Rounds 7 and 8. The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross is Livin’Loud in 2022.”
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