Audio Edge Joined KENWOOD and Rockford Fosgate at the 2023 Bikes, Blues and BBQ Motorcycle Rally

ROGERS, AR (09.26.23) – The Audio Edge Team rolled out of the company’s Nederland TX home at 5 AM on Monday September 18th for the 530 mile trip to Rogers, AR. Owner Chris Hulin was behind the wheel of the F350 pulling a 24’ trailer filled with tools, accessories and supplies needed to complete installations on dozens and dozens of bikes at the Bikes, Blues and BBQ Motorcycle Rally that ran September 27-30 in Rogers, AR.

Team members Cody Gressett, James Duvall and Seth Hollier joined Hulin in the F350 cab on the 12 hour trip.

At 5 AM Monday morning Chris Hulin snapped this image in the Audio Edge parking lot in Nederland TX ready to head to Rogers AR.
From Day 1 the Rally was busy in the Rockford Fosgate and KENWOOD area.

The 2023 Bikes, Blues and BBQ Rally was definitely impacted by weather. A total of 10” of rain fell during the week. The first night high wind took out a big tent. As the days passed the weather improved and the event finished under a sunny sky.

During the Rally KENWOOD staff members Tim Hill and Marcus Vasconcellos were under the tent showing bikers product, doing demos and closing sales along with the Audio Edge Team that completed installations.

Each night of the Rally the Audio Edge crew worked late under the lights.
All was well organized for the Audio Edge team with the trailer and install bays.

Momentum Marketing firm members were under the Rockford Fosgate tents during the event. Hector Mena, Gary Biggs, Jimmy Bradfield and Jorge Grijalva worked to show and demo Rockford Fosgate’s extensive line of motorcycle products.

Gary Biggs related, “The Bikes, Blues and BBQ event was was great. We did have rain several days but it did not keep many bikers from coming. We were busy the entire show. Audio Edge has been a strong Rockford Fosgate dealer for many years. We definitely enjoyed spending time with their team during the event.”

Amazing bikes were loaded with the latest from Rockford Fosgate.
Lots of Kenwood power added to this bike.

“This was our fifth trip to the Rally in Rogers and it was another very good trip that we are planning again in 2024. We completed KENWOOD and Rockford Fosgate installations on dozens and dozens of bikes from 8 in the mornings until all jobs were done well into the nights. We did a lot of 2 and 4 speaker installs and quite a few older bikes. The biggest job was a done the last day and was right at $7500. Rockford Fosgate Stage 5 products and radio plus a Kenwood motorcycle camera system were installed. When we packed up for the trip home we didn’t have much inventory on the trailer. We gauged it pretty well based on past trips to Rogers,” Hulin related.

The KENWOOD, Momentum Marketing and Audio Edge teams stayed in a large, very nice rental house on a lake close to the Rally site. ”We ate a lot of pizza, sandwiches and BBQ from food trucks during the day and enjoyed dinners on the grill at the house. Spending time with the KENWOOD and Momentum Team members was a terrific opportunity to talk bike, industry and what’s happening in the world around us,” Hulin added.

It would be a fun ride with this lady biker!
Lots of swag for bikers who added big sound to their rides for the trip home.

Overall attendance at the 2023 Sturgis Rally was reported to be down a bit and weather was certainly a contributing factor.

Concluding, Hulin offered, “We are all very glad to be home. During the rally we talked with hundreds of bikers about what they enjoyed listening to their systems on the road. We will be able to utilize that info as we talk to bikers here at our store. When they hear about out trips to Rogers and Sturgis they know we are the bike experts. The crew at the store did a great job while we were gone. Sales are good in Nederand and we are already getting ready to attend a few more bike rallies. Bike sales are definitely an important and a growing part of our business.”

Rockford Fosgate Expands Retailer Service Network

TEMPE, AZ (01.10.23) – Rockford Fosgate, the industry leader in high-performance audio systems, is pleased to announce that they have partnered with the Progressive Group to expand sales and support for their retail partners in the mid-Atlantic, Metro New York, and Southeastern markets.

As of February 1, 2023, Rockford has appointed Progressive Representatives to represent Rockford Fosgate in these markets. With the integration of long time Rockford Fosgate representatives who bring experience and lineage coupled with the addition of talented new individuals, Progressive Representatives will provide Rockford with a forward-looking team in the field.

“I’m excited that The Progressive Group has been granted the opportunity to work with Rockford Fosgate customers in these markets. For over two decades The Progressive Group has represented Rockford in other parts of the country, and we look forward to bringing our customer first organizational approach to all of our new Rockford Fosgate dealers,” said Dave Russell, Business Unit Director, The Progressive Group.

In the metro New York / mid-Atlantic areas Kenny and CJ Giba of Encore Sales will be joined by Bruno Berg in servicing the territory. Fred Dulaney and Mark Berry of Premier Marketing will join the Progressive Group alongside Gregory Wallace and Brian Cargile doubling the team in the southeastern states including Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.

Progressive Distribution will begin servicing the southeastern states immediately to provide dealers access to the entire expanded assortment of Fosgate products.

Zach Luke, Rockford Fosgate National Sales Manager stated, “The industry haschanged, and so we must adapt to better serve the retailers not only today, but tomorrow as well. By working with Progressive Representatives and Progressive Distributing we can provide real business opportunity for our dealers with a focused approach on their needs.”

Visit rockfordfosgate.com for more.

Rockford Fosgate to Be On-Site as the “Official Motorcycle Audio Sponsor” of the 82nd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

TEMPE, AZ (08.03.22) – Rockford Fosgate has partnered with the City of Sturgis for the ninth consecutive year as the “Official Motorcycle Audio Sponsor” of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally being held August 5th – 13th and will also be an official sponsor of the “20th Anniversary Mayor’s Ride,” held during the Motorcycle Rally.

Rockford’s booth on Lazelle Street will be the central hub of Rockford Fosgate activities during the Rally From 9:00am – 6:00pm daily, Rockford experts will be giving test drives of their latest aftermarket audio systems, purpose built for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including the new M5  800-watt kits just announced on July 29th. Aftermarket systems will be available for purchase at the booth and bikers may also schedule installation with a certified technician during the Rally. Visitors who would like to learn more about “Harley-Davidson Audio Powered by Rockford Fosgate” can talk with Rockford staff and experience motorcycles factory equipped with these powerful systems.

On Tuesday, August 9th, Rockford Fosgate will present the All-Out Bagger Show from 11:00am – 4:00pm in the Harley-Davidson’s Outlaw Square, Deadwood, South Dakota. Our host for the event will again be Jeff G. Holt, editorial director of V-Twin Visionary©. Those registering for the event will compete for top awards as well as a cash REWARD of $1000. Registration for the show is on-site in Deadwood at Harley-Davidson’s Outlaw Square beginning at 11:00am on Tuesday, August 9th

Rockford Fosgate team members will also be on-hand at Black Hills Harley-Davidson through August 13th (8am – 6pm daily) where bikers can also purchase Rockford Fosgate audio systems and have them installed on-site.

Click here for information on the Mayor’s Ride and Click here for details on Rockford’s sponsorship of the Rally. For more about Rockford Fosgate rockfordfosgate.com.

Rockford Fosgate Releases New 800-Watt Audio Kits for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

TEMPE, AZ (08.01.22) – Rockford Fosgate, the industry leader in high-performance audio, confirms the launch of new audio kits for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The first release of these new 800-watt audio systems will be during the City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally where Rockford staff will be demonstrating the audio kits at their booth on Lazelle Street and their location at Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City.

With options for Road Glide, Street Glide, Ultra, and CVO models, dating from 1998 through brand new bikes, the line-up of eleven kits is designed to exceed expectations by delivering the loudest, clearest sound for freeway speed output. They are custom tuned for the motorcycle environment to overcome wind, road, and exhaust noise while their Element Ready™ design ensures that each kit is purpose-built to withstand water, dirt, UV rays, and any weather that they encounter.

Kits feature the efficient, high-power output, IPX6 certified, M5 amplifier with a proprietary design that conserves current consumption while its Constant Power™ technology delivers dynamic power when needed. They also include a weatherproof wiring harness and installation components specific to each motorcycle model, as well as lightweight TMS speakers custom tuned for the open-air environment. Bikers can choose from kits that upgrade front fairing audio, as well as multi-speaker systems with front, bag lids, and tour-pak options.

For those looking to add Bluetooth streaming and SiriusXM capability that integrates with factory handlebar controls, a radio upgrade for 1998-2013 models is available (PMX-STG2 kits). Those with 2014 and newer Road Glide or Street Glide models have a kit option that adds dual 10-inch saddlebag subwoofers with an additional 800-watt amplifier.

Locations offering sales and installation at The Rally include Sound Connection at Rockford’s booth on Lazelle Street in Sturgis, Black Hills Harley-Davidson, Sound Pro in Rapid City, and Extreme Audio at the Buffalo Chip.

For information and vehicle compatibility details, visit Rockford Fosgate.

Rockford Fosgate Rolls Out 1500-watt Audio Kits Purpose Built for 2019+ Polaris RZR Pro XP

Rockford Fosgate, the industry leader in high-performance audio, unveils new aftermarket audio solutions purpose built for 2019+ RZR Pro XP 2 and 4-seat vehicles. Six aftermarket solutions are now shipping with the option of either a PMX source unit or a Ride Command interface, kitted as a Stage 4, 5, or 6 audio system.

The Stage-4 kit includes an AM/FM/WB digital media receiver with 2.5-inch color screen, 6.5-inch front speaker pods, 6.5-inch rear speaker cans, 1500-watt 5-channel amplifier, and 10-inch enclosed subwoofer. The Stage-5 adds a SiriusXM option and camera input to the source unit and upgrades to M2 speakers and subwoofer delivering more output and higher quality sound. For the ultimate pro audio experience, choose Stage-6 that includes the satellite radio option and camera input plus a serious step-up to 8-inch horn loaded rear speaker cans. The Ride Command kits feature the same speakers, amp, and subwoofer listed above but use the Ride Command unit as the audio source.

For extra bass response from Stage 4, 5, or 6 systems, Rockford Fosgate offers a second subwoofer solution for 4-seat vehicles. This 10-inch 400-watt subwoofer is designed to seamlessly integrate under the rear seat on the driver’s side.

All components of the kits are Element Ready to perform regardless of water, dirt, mud, or UV rays. The speakers and subwoofer feature Color Optix LED lighting customizable via the included lighting controller and optional Color Optix app.

The plug-n-play design of these systems ensures a simple installation, now Rockford has made it even more efficient by creating a layered packaging system that makes components easy to find in the order that you need them. Rockford has also produced a complete series of instructional videos for technicians to view either at rockfordfosgate.com or on Rockford’s YouTube channel.

Product Details Page Links:
• Pro XP® Stage-4
• Pro XP® Stage-5
• Pro XP® Stage-6
• Pro XP® Stage-4 for Ride Command
• Pro XP® Stage-5 for Ride Command
• Pro XP® Stage-6 for Ride Command
• Pro XP® Add-On Rear Sub Solution

Patrick Industries, Inc. Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Rockford Corporation and the Rockford Fosgate Brand

ELKHART, IN (02.25.22) – Patrick Industries, Inc. has signed a definitive agreement under which Arizona-based Rockford Corporation (“Rockford”) will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Patrick by merger. Rockford, through its brand Rockford Fosgate®, is a global leader in the design and distribution of premier, high-performance audio systems and components, primarily serving the powersports, marine, and automotive markets and aftermarkets. Rockford’s full-year 2021 revenues were approximately $155 million, and the acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to net income per share. The Company anticipates completing the acquisition on or around March 7, 2022.

“Rockford’s innovative designs, marketing, brand recognition and performance have afforded it the opportunity to be a favored supplier with both OEM customers and consumers,” said Andy Nemeth, Chief Executive Officer of Patrick. “We are excited to partner with Bill Jackson and the creative team at Rockford as we expand our presence in the audio solutions markets.

“In addition, Rockford’s proven track record of consistently and creatively adapting to changing market dynamics, with its extensive in-house design, engineering, and marketing resources, provides us with an excellent opportunity to leverage our combined distribution capabilities and geographic footprint to bring synergies to our markets and continue to expand our aftermarket product platform. As with previous acquisitions, we will support Rockford with a financial and operational foundation that will allow it to continue to capitalize on its core competencies.”

Bill Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockford, said, “The Rockford team and I are delighted to join the Patrick family, whose vision aligns with our goal of providing the highest quality, innovative solutions to our customers. We look forward to the next phase of executing the many strategic initiatives and opportunities in front of us. Patrick’s core values, competencies, relationships and strong focus on customer service mirror the mission that has been a cornerstone of the Rockford brand since its inception more than 40 years ago. We are committed to growing our capacity and capabilities as we strive to be the best partner for our customers.”

Following closing, Rockford will continue its operations as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Patrick under the Rockford Fosgate® name in its existing facilities.

Visit patrickind.com, rockfordcorp.com, and rockfordfosgate.com for more.

This article was provided by Patrick Industries, Inc via prnewswire.com

Rockford Fosgate Introduces All-In-One Audio Solution for Select Polaris Ranger 2018 – 2022 Vehicles

TEMPE, AZ (09.21.2021) – Rockford Fosgate has announced the RNGR18-STG1 audio system, their latest audio innovation for Polaris Ranger vehicles is available soon at a MSRP of $619.99.

This new all-in-one audio solution is purpose built for the off-road environment featuring a single enclosure that houses a pair of 5.25-inch speakers and a Bluetooth ready source unit. The audio components are pre-installed so that this kit can be quickly installed in place of the factory center cup holder and connected using the included plug-and-play harness.

Jake Braaten, VP of Business and Product Development at Rockford stated, “Ranger owners will love that this kit delivers the Rockford Fosgate sound they expect, with easy installation, quick Bluetooth pairing, and right out of the box performance, so everything just works.”

The 5.25-inch speakers are rated to handle 50 watts of power and feature a full-range coaxial design, for solid mid bass response and crisp high-end output. The PMX-1 source unit includes a 2.3-inch wet bonded dot matrix display, so it’s built rugged and it’s also easy to read in any light, day, or night. With Bluetooth connectivity, to quickly get your playlist loaded as well as an AM/FM/WB tuner you have all the music and information at your fingertips. Plus, all components of the system are Element Ready so that they perform regardless of water, dirt, mud, or UV rays.

Those who want to experience the new Stage 1 system should visit the Sand Sport Super Show being held this weekend in Costa Mesa, California where Rockford will debut this new all-in-one audio solution.

For more information on Sand Sport Super Show visit their event site.
Visit rockfordfosgate.com for more.

Brett Phelps Is a Rep on the Road in the Mink States

ST. LOUIS, MO (05.26.2021) – Brett Phelps covers the MINK States for East Progressive Sales and Marketing/R&D Distributing. On a recent swing through the territory he was accompanied by Rockford Fosgate’s Mark “Sarge” Schliepfer.

Mark ‘Sarge’ Schleipfer, Rockford Fosgate Regional Sales Manager/UTV PowerSports pictured with Ron Rhodes seated behind the counter.
Brett Phelps in the showroom with Rockford Fosgate products displayed on the wall.

The stop the duo made at Rhodes Off-Road in Farmington, MO was particularly impressive. Rhodes Off-Road held the Grand Opening of their new location on April 24th of this year. The company offers name brand, top quality aftermarket parts, audio and accessories for UTV’s plus installation backed by top notch customer service. Located over 70 miles south of St Louis Farmington is a rural community with lots of space for UTV and off road enthusiasts.

A wide selection of Rockford Fosgate PowerSports products merchandised on the showroom wall.
Reflections of Brett and Sarge in the Rhodes Off-Road window as they enter the store.

“This was the first time I had been in the new store. Sarge and I were very impressed. Ron Rhodes is a very successful Rockford Fosgate Powersports dealer. One reason is definitely how well the showroom is merchandised and the welcome feeling customers get when they enter the store. With a demo vehicle on the floor he can show customers exactly what they are going to get and expect,” Phelps related.

From floor to ceiling boxed product it displayed on the walls that definitely lets the customer know that Rhodes Off-Road has what they need for their ride.

Phelps concluded, “Ron’s knowledge of not just the audio systems, but the machines he and staff work on, are second to none in this part of the world for Powersports.”

Visit rockfordfosgate.com and teamprogressive.com for more.

Rockford Fosgate Releases New Prime R2 Loaded Enclosures

TEMPE, AZ (03.17.2021) – Rockford Fosgate the industry leader in high-performance audio systems, is proud to announce the new Prime R2 Loaded Enclosures are now shipping. Offered in two models, customers can choose either a double 12-inch or double 10-inch version.

Both models are pre-built and pre-wired for easy drop in installation; simply add an amplifier and enjoy epic bass performance. Loaded with dual voice coil subwoofers, both the 10-inch and 12-inch models are rated at 500 watts RMS, 1000 watts peak. They are housed in enclosures constructed of high quality materials including 5/8 inch MDF, OEM grade carpet, and feature high-current binding posts to ensure a secure connection.

The Prime Dual R2 Loaded Enclosures are expected at authorized Rockford Fosgate retail locations in late March at an MSRP of $219.99 on the R2-2X10 to $249.99 on the R2-2X12.

For more information and complete specifications please use the links below.

R2 Models include:

  • R2-2X10   | Dual 10 inch 500 watt loaded enclosure
  • R2-2X12   | Dual 12 inch 500 watt loaded enclosure
  • 1 Year Warranty

To find an authorized retail location near you, visit rockfordfosgate.com.

Rockford Fosgate Begins Shipping New M5 Amplifiers

TEMPE, AZ (02.24.2021) – Rockford Fosgate the industry leader in high-performance audio systems, is now shipping the 5-channel and mono-block model of the new M5 amplifier line. The 800-watt 4-channel is expected to begin shipping in March. 

IPX6 rated, the M5 amplifiers are purpose-built to stand up to the outdoor environment, including water, dust, mud, and UV rays so that they perform in all marine, motorcycle, and motorsports installations. All are equipped with a full complement of smart features like C.L.E.A.N. technology for fast and accurate setup, “auto-sense” turn-on for use with high level inputs, and a top mounted control panel sealed by a smoked plexiglass cover completing the amps sleek industrial look.

If the amplifier is being installed into one of Rockford’s new Polaris RZR or Can-am Maverick X3 stage kits set-up is incredibly simple out of the box with the preset switch in the on position no settings or adjustments are needed. Simply flip the switch to the off position to customize set-up for all other applications.

The new M5 series amplifiers are the first in Rockford’s portfolio to carry a dynamic output power rating in line with the updated CTA-2006 standard measured to simulate real world music applications.

M5 Models include:

  • 2 Year Warranty

Visit rockfordfosgate.com for more.