12Volt Retailers Utilize Social Media to Connect with Followers and Consumers for the Holidays

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.21.2020) The 2020 Holiday Season has been like no other and Christmas Day is just 4 days away. Many proactive retailers have utilized social media to connect with followers and consumers to showcase their products, services and to wish all a very Happy Holiday. Below we highlighted several retailers that make posts which caught the 12volt Central Studio’s eye.

Custom Audio kicked of their 6 Weeks ‘til Christmas campaign on November 15th and names a weekly winner each Monday.

The Winner of Week 4 Mike Kobylka in the store picking up his Nebo Pal 360 and Custom Audio $25. Gift Card.

Custom Audio in Erie, PA began the company’s Holiday themed 6 Weeks ’til Christmas campaign on November 15th. Each week a new ‘Christmas Gift’ was offered. To enter for a chance to win a follower was required to like, comment and share the post. The winner of the previous week was selected each Monday and notified. A post was made of each winner with several weekly winners coming into the store to pick up their winning Christmas Gift. A post of that winner and gift was another opportunity for a post to connect with followers during the 6 Weeks ’til Christmas campaign. Great job to Sondralee Orengia and the Custom Audio Team.

Installations Unlimited offers a new gift special each of the 12 days leading up to Christmas.

This Alpine Speaker was a super Day 5 Deal at Installations Unlimited.

Installations Unlimited-North Syracuse, NY and Columbus Car Audio-Columbus OH both utilized the 12 Days ’til Christmas theme to engage consumers and followers with daily posts leading up to Christmas. The campaigns offered each company the opportunity to showcase a Holiday special from various product categories which they offer for sale in their respective stores.

Columbus Car Audio 12 Deals of Christmas featured a new deal each day.

Columbus Car Audio’s Deal 4 was spot on with the Compustar Remote starter.

Tint World in Palm Harbor, FL offered a Season of Savings in their store’s social media post. The Holiday graphic featured car and truck vehicle plus an offer for easy payment terms.

This Season of Savings was an attention grabber and offered easy Holiday payment opportunities.

717 Car Audio set aside an area in the showroom to highlight the Christmas donation campaign they joined with a local radio station.

717 Car Audio in Mountville, PA began a Holiday campaign to collect toys for children with a local radio station on December 3rd. An area in the store spotlighted the campaign with presents under the a nicely decorated Christmas tree. The radio station will broadcast details for the distribution of the gifts donated.

WeatherTech has a wide variety of excellent Christmas gifts which the company promoted through national campaigns. Many proactive 12volt retailers utilized those graphics for social media posts to connect with local followers and consumers.

As a national company WeatherTech did a great job with a Holiday themed ad campaign. WeatherTech graphics were also utilized by 12volt retailers to connect with followers and consumers. WeatherTech floor Mats and cupholder posts were made by many proactive 12volt retailers to connect followers and consumers looking for very useful Holiday gifts. Many 12volt retailers stock the WeatherTech brand and this campaign also worked as a brand builder for WeatherTech at the respective 12volt retailers.

Great to see 12volt retailers reaching out to connect with followers and consumers to drive sales.

We wish all across the 12volt industry a very safe and Happy Holiday Season 2020.

New Heise LED Light Mounts and Municipality Series Replacement Strobe Lights Now Shipping

HOLLY HILL, FL (12.21.2020) – Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics is now shipping two new universal light mounts that require no drilling, a fog light replacement mount for Ford Raptor, in addition to three new replacement strobe lights from their Municipality Series kits. These lights and accessories were first showcased at SEMA360 and are available now.

Lighting Mounts

An ultra-strong magnetic mount, the HE-UVMM, is a universal mount for adding aftermarket lights without drilling holes into the vehicle. The mount is sold as a pair, which can mount one light per bracket or a single lightbar using the set of two brackets. This mount is ideal for adding Heise LED lights to the top of the vehicle and is strong enough to hold a lightbar or two single lights in place. For the hood of a vehicle, Heise has introduced the HE-UVHM, a no-drill compression mount. It features rubber pads built-into the bracket to protect the vehicle’s paint and clamps into place on the hood. The mounts are sold as a pair and can mount one light per bracket or a single slim lightbar using the set. Both of these new mounts are ideal for adding Heise LED lights when drilling holes into the vehicle isn’t an option.

To add cube-style LED lights to the fog light location of 2017-up* Ford Raptor trucks, the new HE-FDBK13 mounts to the OE fog light location. This mount can fit up to three cube style lights per side for a total of six cube lights in the front. These are constructed with heavy gauge steel and a black powder coating for extra durability. Mounting hardware is included with the HE-FDBK13.

Municipality Series Replacement Lights

Expanding upon its safety lights for commercial vehicles and heavy equipment, Heise has introduced replacement lights that fit into their existing strobe lighting kits that can be purchased separately. Previously, the lights were only available as a four-piece set with the controller and hardware. Now, installers can purchase two-piece strobe light sets in amber (HE-MUSTR-G2A) and white (HE-MUSTR-G2W). These sets include the hardware and harnesses and are used with the existing HE-MUSTR-GRW or HE-MUSTR-GRA controllers, which are sold separately as kits.

Heise’s four-piece white strobe light kit, the HE-MUSTR-W, now has the replacement strobe light bulbs available separately as the HE-MUSTR-S1W. These white bulbs feature eight one-watt LEDs, are rated IP65, and now available individually. The full line of Municipality Series safety lights can be seen online at HeiseLED.com and a video introducing all of these products, including the mounts, is available at https://youtu.be/wtvouTaTU-Q from Metra’s YouTube channel.

Visit HeiseLED.com for more.

SEMA “She Is” Spotlight: Oracle Lighting’s CEO Tiffanie Hartenstein on Growing a Successful Business

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Tiffanie Hartenstein as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. Hartenstein is the CEO of Oracle Lighting, which manufactures designer lighting products and technologies for the automotive powersports, motorcycle and marine markets.

SEMA: What is most challenging part of running your business or job?

TH: Keeping our teams motivated and communication flowing throughout all departments. We are lucky to have top-notch staff this year, which makes it a bit easier. Keeping our team’s morale high is key to providing the best service possible to our customers.

SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?

TH: This was my first industry job. Our business was very small when it started so there were no titles. My husband, who founded Oracle Lighting, and I wore all the hats. We were sales, shipping, customer service, marketing, product development, all at once, between the two of us. Thankfully now we have a large and talented team of people who can take over each of these departments.

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? How have these qualities benefited you?

TH: Stamina, resilience and faith. Building and growing a successful business is a monumental task. The saying “heavy is the head that wears the crown” really fits how I felt over and over again during the past 15 years. Thankfully I have the stamina to stick through the difficulties and resiliency to bounce back if we take a hit. I have always carried unbreakable faith that our business will be successful. There is never any doubt that we cannot achieve each goal we set.

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?

TH: There have been many challenges as a woman in this male-dominated industry. I see these same struggles for the females in my sales and customer service team as well. Unfortunately, we come in contact with men who prefer to speak with another male, assuming that we cannot answer their question with the same depth of knowledge. Thanks to SBN pushing for female advocacy in our industry, I’ve seen this improving greatly in the past few years.  

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?

TH: I think Donna Foulger is a great role model in the industry. As the first female inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, her presence was felt as an important part of SEMA’s established growth. Her faith and dedication to build something that could last through generations is inspiring.

SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?

TH: As much as I love this industry, I didn’t know it until I was in it. The automotive enthusiast culture is fast-paced and ever-changing. I love the innovation and family feel of our industry.

Visit sema.org/sbn for more.

Story written by Ashley Reyes

Mobile Concepts NJ Wins 12volt News Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 107

SHREVEPORT LA (12.19.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ won a 12volt News $100. prize on Friday December 18th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Four weeks ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

On Friday morning, December 18th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 107th time and the Wheel landed on the 12volt News space. The Mobile Concepts NJ slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We will reach out to let Luis Pagan know the good news that a $100. check will be headed their way.

Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK,  Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC and CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel. With Christmas and New Years falling on Fridays we will move Wheel Spins to Thursday, December 24th and 31st.

Work at Signature Audio in Scottsdale, AZ

Signature Audio, a specialty 12 Volt retailer based in Scottsdale, Arizona, has immediate openings for highly qualified individuals in a number of roles. In these important roles, candidates will perform high-quality in-vehicle installations of audio and radar/laser equipment and work with a team of other installation professionals. Great work environment, great clientele and fantastic team of people.

12 Volt Production Technician

This role is focused on teamwork and production of high-quality installations that meet client expectations.

• Seeking a self-motivated individual with 5+ years of car audio installation experience encompassing a broad range of vehicles and audio system configurations.
• Knowledgeable on European sports cars and exotics (disassembly, fitment, etc.).
• Knowledgeable on OEM audio integration and basic DSP tuning skills.
• Knowledgeable on custom-installed (CI) radar/laser detection systems.
• Fabrication experience is a plus, but not necessary.
• MECP and/or ASE A6 certification not required, but certainly a plus.
• Annual salary $50,000+ depending on experience and skills
• Read more about this position and how to apply here

12 Volt Master Technician/Electrician

This role is focused on electrical, wiring, assembly and OEM audio integration work rather than fabricating.

• Seeking a self-motivated individual with 7+ years of car audio installation experience encompassing a broad range of vehicles and audio system configurations who has experience troubleshooting complex vehicles and install situations.
• Highly knowledgeable on OEM audio integration and fundamental DSP tuning skills.
• Highly knowledgeable on custom-installed (CI) radar/laser detection systems.
• Highly knowledgeable in fundamental electronic components such as relays, diodes, etc, as well as DC electrical system architecture.
• Knowledgeable in OEM-style wiring harness connectors/crimping such as MetriPack, WeatherPack, Deutch, Molex, etc.
• Circuit board level knowledge for repair or modifications is a plus, but not required.
• Fabrication knowledge is a plus, but not required
• MECP Advanced or Master and/or ASE A6 certification not required, but certainly a plus.
• Annual salary $70,000+ depending on experience and skills
• Read more about this position and how to apply here

12 Volt Master Fabricator

This position is focused on fabrication of wood, metal and plastic composites as implemented in car audio and radar/laser systems rather than wiring and electrical tasks.

• Seeking self-motivated individual with 7+ years of extensive car audio fabrication experience encompassing a broad range of vehicles and audio system configurations, all with serviceability and longevity in mind.
• Highly knowledgeable industry-leading fabrication processes using the router table, templates, table saw, sanding/primer/paint and other tools of the trade.
• Able to create fiberglass/composite subwoofer enclosures, A-pillars, custom door or interior panels, custom consoles and other interior accompaniments in conjunction with our in-house upholstery department.
• Able to perform basic MIG welding and metal work for amp racks, mounting fixtures and brackets as well as work with aluminum for panel inserts or trim enhancements.
• AutoCAD skills and knowledge of CNC automation (router and laser) is a big plus.
• Extensive electrical or OEM audio integration knowledge not required, but certainly a plus.
• Annual salary $70,000+ depending on experience and skills
• Read more about this position and how to apply here

About Signature Audio

Signature Audio is the premier 12 volt specialty retailer in Scottsdale, Arizona. The clientele are high net worth individuals and the shop works on primarily European exotics (Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc.). Signature Audio values individuals who contribute to the ongoing company philosophy of serving their clientele with the highest possible level of quality and convenience. The Signature Audio clientele expects what is promised and the company actively seeks team members who are committed to deliver on that promise.

The facility is over 8400 square feet and is outfitted with all the necessary tooling to complete metal, wood and plastics fabrication as needed. Signature Audio also has automation with a CNC router and CNC laser to further their installation and production capabilities. The entire workshop is air conditioned with epoxy floors and generous space for tools and workbenches. If there’s a tool or machine they need to increase quality and efficiency and don’t already have it, you’ll help make the business case for why it’s needed.

Working at Signature Audio:

• Pay for all positions is commensurate with work experience, skillset, and organizational ability.
• Signature Audio offers above-average pay for the greater Phoenix area compared to 12 volt shops for these positions.
• Full medical coverage – 100% employer-paid
• Generous annual paid vacation time.
• 8:30am-5pm Monday-Friday. No weekends.
• Relocation stipend available for qualified applicants.
• Signature Audio provides advancement opportunities as company growth continues to expand.
• Signature Audio is an equal opportunity employer.

About Scottsdale, AZ and the Greater Phoenix Area

• Scottsdale is located in Maricopa County, AZ.
• Population 248,000.
• Nearby cities to Scottsdale include Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Fountain Hills, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Cave Creek and Carefree.
• Major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (code PHX).
• Scottsdale hosts the world-famous collector car auctions (Barrett-Jackson, Russo & Steele, etc.), as well as the Arabian Horse Show, Good Guys car shows (2 annually) and the Phoenix Open PGA golf tournament among many other events.
• Scottsdale average temps in the winter – 70-75 degrees during the day. Wear shorts all year round if you like.
• Maricopa County per capita (individual) income – $34, 744 (Signature Audio pays well above that).
• Maricopa County Median Resident Age – 36 years old
• Major Industries in Phoenix Area – Aerospace/Defense, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing.
• If you’re a foodie, the restaurant scene in and around Phoenix/Scottsdale is legendary. No shortage of great places to dine and discover new flavors.
• If you like the snow, less than two hours’ drive north takes you to Flagstaff, AZ where there is generous skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.

How to Apply

Signature Audio retained Ramsey Consulting Group, Inc. to oversee the applications and initial phone interview process. Please click the links above under each position description for greater detail of the positions and to help determine where you might best fit if interested in applying.

To apply, you’ll submit a resume and cover letter. Please email your resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format to info@ramseyconsultinggroup.com. Put the title of the position for which you’re applying in the subject line, please (very important). You can consider your email message a cover letter and please include notable installation, technical and management skills, salary history and complete contact information.

No phone calls or emails directly to Signature Audio, please. All submissions will be kept confidential.

CES 2021 Digital Venue Revealed

ARLINGTON, VA (12.18.2020) – Leaders from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has made major show announcements including keynote speakers, Innovation Award honorees and conference program updates. In addition, a preview was shared of what audiences can experience on the CES 2021 digital venue. CES 2021 kicks off January 11-14, 2021.

“CES 2021 will be making history, with our first all-digital show,” said Gary Shapiro , president and CEO, CTA. “This new experience will feature more than 1000 exhibitors from around the world, showcasing the latest trends and innovation in artificial intelligence, 5G, digital health, smart cities, vehicle tech and beyond . Technology will move us forward and CES 2021 will illustrate how innovation paves the way for a brighter tomorrow.”

Preview the CES 2021 digital venue

Keynotes and Conference Sessions
CTA announced that Best Buy CEO, Corie Barry will be joining the keynote line-up for a conversation with Fortune CEO, Alan Murray. Barry will discuss her vision for the future of tech, leading through the pandemic and why diversity and inclusion is good for business.

Barry joins other confirmed CES keynote speakers, including: Verizon’s Hans Vestberg, General Motors’ Mary Barra, AMD’s Dr. Lisa Su and WarnerMedia’s Ann Sarnoff. View the featured speakers page to see the full line-up of visionary speakers at CES 2021.

Preview the CES 2021 digital venue

In addition to the keynote program, CES 2021 will offer over 100 conference sessions. CTA also announced the conference session “Privacy and Trust with Amazon, Google and Twitter”:

Keith Enright, Chief Privacy Officer, Google
Damien Kieran, Chief Privacy Officer, Twitter
Anne Toth, Director, Alexa Trust, Amazon Alexa

CES Digital Venue
Audiences will experience the all-digital CES through the digital venue, the online platform created with technology partner Microsoft. CTA has released a video preview of the digital venue to provide a closer look at the experience which will foster collaboration, engagement and connections.

Preview the CES 2021 digital venue.

Live Anchors
To help navigate the show, CTA announced a live anchor desk will be part of CES 2021 – featuring familiar faces from the tech media world. This “central command” will help attendees navigate the digital experience, hear the latest news and view interviews on critical tech topics. Featured anchors:

• Justine Ezarik (iJustine) – Host + Tech Content Creator
• Rich DeMuro – Tech reporter for KTLA-TV Channel 5 in Los Angeles
• Naomi Kyle – Actress, Producer and host of Star Trek’s The Ready Room on CBS
• Brian Tong – Tech Host & Content Creator

Preview the CES 2021 digital venue

“CES 2021 will be a collaborative experience, encouraging connections between audiences and exhibitors from around the world,” said Karen Chupka, EVP, CES, CTA. “We threw out the playbook and decided to not just recreate CES online– but to reimagine it. The digital transformation of our industry has given us opportunity to reach an even larger, global audience and create new experiences for this year and beyond.”

Exhibitors for CES 2021 include tech giants such as Canon, Hisense, Intel, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Samsung Electronics, TCL and Voxx, as well as non-traditional tech companies including Bridgestone, Caterpillar, Indy Autonomous Challenge, John Deere, L’Oréal and Procter & Gamble.

Visit www.ces.tech for more.

DS18 Hosts 3rd Annual Loud for Tots Event

MIAMI GARDENS, FL (12.18.2020) – Loud for Tots was the place to be on Saturday night December 12th at the DS18 HQ in Miami Gardens FL. The 3rd Annual Loud for Tots event was designed as a community minded event to gather toys for children in need during the Christmas Season.

The DS18 Big Bad Wolf was spotlighted at the Loud for Tots event.

As dozens of vehicles filled the DS18 parking lot local police arrived on the scene. Masks were a requirement and social distancing was encouraged for all. The ‘rub’ with police was the ‘Loud’ aspect of the Loud for Tots. Apparently the local authorities did not know what people around the world know…. at DS18 “We Like It Loud”.

Vehicles on the lot at DS18 HQ.

A wide variety of vehicles were in the DS18 parking lot for the event.

Rob Ferro, Mr DS18, was on site with the Big Bad Wolf. “The Loud for Tots event was a success despite the 12 officers on site. The Sargent agreed to let us continue the event but without the LOUD part. During the event we were able to collect over 20 boxes of toys on Saturday night… and I was not arrested for being too nice” Ferro stated.

During days after the event people from charity organizations picked up toys from the Loud for Tots event.

Continuing, days after the event, Ferro related “First of the week we started to deliver the toys to diverse foundations. One of the organizations was for children with Autism. Putting smiles on the faces of many children is very rewarding to all of us at DS18.”

Visit DS18.com for more.

CRUX Releases a New Mini-Camera Line with 3 Models

CHATSWORTH, CA (12.18.2020) – The 3 new CRUX mini-cameras are designed to fit in tight spaces. The cameras can be used both for aftermarket and OEM install needs.

The new CRUX Mini-Camera Line models are so small.

Each of the 3 models provide parking guidelines that can be turned off and on. Each of the 3 cameras provides 100 degree horizontal viewing angle. Push-in type mounting options provide installation flexibility.

These cameras provide the option for dealers to find the best possible camera solution no matter how tight the space may be.

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

Mad Mark’s Creates the WOW Factor with Customers

BRADENTON, FL (12.17.2020) – Mad Mark’s Stereo has been “Disturbing the peace since 1988” in Bradenton FL. For more than 30 years Mark Turk and his Team have also been creating a legion of happy customers. A Mad Mark’s Instagram post on Tuesday December 15th, highlighting new exterior signage on the building, led to this article. A Kicker logo,15’ high and 6’ wide, was painted on one side of the building that is located on a very busy street in Bradenton.

This is the recent Instagram post that grabbed 12volt News eyeballs. The KICKER logo freshly painted on the building and so much more for people driving down the street to see.

The comment with that post read “We are off to a great start this Monday morning with our new signage and our new boat Tee Top out front. Ohh, let’s not forget WE also do GOLF CART customization and upgrades. Stop in or call to make an appointment to speak with our Golf Cart expert and see how far we can go with your golf cart! “ Being based in Florida Mad Mark’s does a lot of marine and golf cart business along with audio, automotive aftermarket, performance and Powersports. These words in the comments, from a very passionate owner, certainly connect with consumers and followers.

Mark Turk behind the sales counter. Check out the impressive Mad Mark’s inlay.

“I have a passion for my business that is virtually 24/7. I’m up at 5 AM and at the at the store for a full day by 6AM many days. We continually work to draw attention from the street and provide people an exciting experience when they enter the store” Turk related to The12volt News.

Product neatly stacked on the showroom floor.

There is definitely a WOW Factor when people enter Mad Mark’s. The showroom walls are covered with large graphics spotlighting Wheels, Tires, Lifts and Motorcycle Upgrades. The showroom floor features stacks of audio products, a marine cockpit display and stacks of wheels. The Kayak, loaded with an amazing system with multiple amps and speaker pods, is also on display. Bear in mind a Kayak is less than 10 feet long.

Signage of the wall highlights product categories.

Turk continued “When customers come into Mad Mark’s they look both ways to see the wide selection of categories and products we offer. We also change things in the area out front frequently with demos that include bikes, Golf carts, Slingshots and vehicles as well. We also change the signage on our large street sign. The 6’x8’ panels are backlit with LEDs and we change the graphic frequently.”

Slingshots out front grab attention and generate big ticket sales.

Business in 2020 has been very strong at Mad Mark’s in 2020 as it has been with many 12volt retailers across the U.S. during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This decked out Kayak will create sound waves on the water!

“Our Team of 9 continues to be aware of social distancing and making provisions to keep all safe. We are focused on the long term and being a forward thinking member of the community. We frequently receive positive comments. I recently had a very positive comment from my doctor who noticed how we continue make the Mad Mark’s building eye catching as people drive along our busy street. We definitely plan to continue to do more at Mad Mark’s” Turk concluded.

Visit madmarks.com for more.

Alpine Names the 2020 Rep Firm of the Year

AUBURN HILLS, MI (12.17.2020) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. named their 2020 Rep Firm of the Year for the Brand (aftermarket) Business Unit during the virtual Brand Summit held on Dec. 10, 2020. The Rep Firm of the Year awards recognizes independent and direct reps who have shown a strong commitment to the Alpine brand, providing exceptional sales and marketing growth.

 Mike Anderson, Alpine Vice President and General Manager-Business Unit, with Dennis Montgomery, Mark Barber, Richie Holtzman and Steve Paul from Tech Marketing (L to R) pictured at a previous Alpine event.

“During this unprecedented time, our independent and direct reps have remained consistent in providing support to our Alpine Authorized Retailers,” said Mike Anderson, Vice President and General Manager, Brand Business Unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “We recognize their commitment to Alpine’s business strategy and commend them for their contribution to growing the brand in 2020.”

The Santa Fe Team members Jeff Henshaw, Eric Balzer, Anthony Rawlings and Matt Macias (pictured from top left) in social distanced settings.

During the ceremony, Santa Fe and Tech Marketing were named the 2020 Co-Independent Rep of the Year. The team from Santa Fe, Jeff Henshaw, Eric Baltzer, Matt Macias, and Anthony Rawlings, was recognized for their strong sales growth in the sound system category and a focus on driving sales initiatives and loading effective sound system displays and products at their dealerships.

The team from Tech Marketing, Richie Holtzman, Mark Barber, Steve Paul, and Dennis Montgomery, were also recognized for their growth in sound system sales that contributed to Alpine’s overall growth in the category. They also maintained consistent communication with their dealers and drove Alpine sales and marketing initiatives and content.

Colette Beaudoin the 2020 Alpine Direct Rep of the Year

Colette Beaudoin was named the 2020 Direct Rep of the Year for her tremendous sales growth in the sound system category. Colette was also praised for her consistent communication with her dealers, embracing a new way of promoting the brand through social media. Colette recently celebrated her 25th anniversary with Alpine.

Award recipients were chosen by Alpine senior leadership based on an evaluation of their sales, marketing, customer service, and communication for 2020.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.