America’s Oldest KENWOOD Dealer Celebrates 50 Years in Business

LONG BEACH, CA (02.19.2021) – KENWOOD is pleased to announce that its oldest dealer in America is turning 50! Duke’s Car Stereo proudly represents KENWOOD as its top selling brand, along with many other excellent 12-volt brands, with locations throughout the mid-Michigan area, covering Flint, Saginaw, and Bay City.

Originally named Duke’s Tape Shack in 1970 by its founder Duke Evans, the company has grown from a 2-bay gas station selling 8-track tapes to a 4-store operation. During the last 50 years Duke’s has become a reputable name throughout the mobile electronics industry, winning many awards along the way. 

Over the years, Duke’s has gone through changes in staff and management. Now in its 50^th year of service, Evan’s vision continues with a new generation of leadership. Mark Cormier, the current owner/operator, was hired by Evans personally in 1977. Cormier recalls Evan’s leadership and guidance in overcoming challenges and adapting to grow the business while catering to their local markets. Along with former partners Jim Crary and Dave Barclay, both of whom are enjoying their retirements, Duke’s has grown into the successful business it is today.

Currently selling a full line of KENWOOD and KENWOOD eXcelon products, Duke’s specializes in the mobile electronics business providing installations ranging from basic speaker replacement to high-end systems in automobiles, boats, motorcycles and ATVs, etc. Along with car audio, Duke’s carries complete lines of remote starters, driver safety systems, window tint, and a wide variety of other 12-volt products.

Cormier attributes their long-term success to their employees, some who have been with the company for over 40 years! They have teamed up to build the KENWOOD name in the Mid-Michigan area while selling every model KENWOOD has ever produced. Navigating the Covid-19 pandemic, Duke’s has again proven to adjust and adapt in order to continue providing their customers with high levels of service.

As their previous independent KENWOOD Sales Representative, Tim Hill (current Midwest Sales Manager for KENWOOD) stated, “The biggest thing that Duke’s has done over the years is to offer great value and exceptional customer service. Everyone leaves happy.” 

Visit www.dukescarstereo.com and www.kenwood.com/usa for more.

DOW Electronics Receives PowerBass 2020 Outstanding Sales Achievement Award

CARROLLTON, TX (02.19.2021) – “DOW Electronics is proud and thankful for the recognition from PowerBass as we continue to push forward and grow with the brand. Special Thanks to Jeff Falk for all his team’s support and for bringing the award over. Supplying a fantastic BBQ feast for our sales, marketing and warehouse folks to enjoy was much appreciated,” Jay Johnson, DOW Electronics Director of Marketing, related.

Left to right: John Yodzis, President & CEO; Mike Hurwitz, Strategic Sales Manager- 12V; Dave Elkin, SVP, Sales & Product Management; Drew Fischer, Director of Sales along Jeff Falk, PowerBass National Sales Manager.

Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP Product Development and Global Marketing, commented, “PowerBass awarded DOW Electronics with a 2020 Outstanding Sales Achievement Award in recognition of continual sales growth and achieving their goals even in these distressing times. PowerBass is proud to see what DOW Electronics has accomplished and looks forward to a great 2021 as Jeff Falk works closely with the DOW Team.”

Visit www.dowelectronics.com and powerbassusa.com for more.

DOW Electronics Announces the Acquisition of Phoenix Based Audio Video Warehouse

TAMPA, FL (12.14.2020) – DOW Electronics has finalized an agreement with AV Warehouse to acquire certain assets of the Scottsdale, AZ based distributor.

The parties are closing the transaction today, Friday, December 11, 2020. DOW will open for business Monday the 14th in both of AV Warehouse’s former locations. This acquisition brings new customers and new vendors, as well as increases territory agreements with current DOW vendors to cover Arizona, New Mexico, the Metro Las Vegas area and more. The acquisition sets up DOW for future growth with new vendors, territory and customers.

“This acquisition continues DOW’s growth and expansion in the custom integration industry,” stated president & ceo John Yodzis. “We are very excited to start building lasting relationships with new customers and vendor partners. Our team is ready to show customers the benefits and support available when doing business with DOW. In addition, I want to thank our existing vendor partners, who’s support has been tremendous in helping us achieve our vision.”

“We appreciate DOW’s commitment to the industry and to its customers,” said Patrick Boyer, general manager of AV Warehouse. “With new product opportunities and DOW’s customer service, we believe our customers are in good hands. We look forward to continuing to support the customers and DOW in our role as manufacturer reps.”

“We are excited to welcome AV Warehouse’s customers to the DOW Electronics family,” added executive chairman Chip Yodzis. “These new customers will experience the great level of service, commitment, and dedication that has been our hallmark for over 60 years.”

Visit www.DOWElectronics.com or call 1-800-627-2900 for more.

Tim Freeman Named DOW June People’s Belt Winner

TAMPA, FL (07.01.2020) – Tim Freeman was named the DOW Electronics People’s Belt Winner for the month of June.

Freeman is DOW’s Director of Business Analytics and Operations. The 15-year company veteran was nominated by his peers for the award.

Tim Freeman is all smiles as he proudly holds the ‘People’s Belt’ as the June 2020 Winner.

Jay Johnson, DOW Director of Marketing related “Tim was chosen due to his continued dedication to excellence and going above and beyond for our staff and customers on a daily basis. He works tirelessly on our technology infrastructure along with being one of the top leaders in operations nationally. We feel very blessed to have him as part of our DOW family”

Freeman works out of the DOW Electronics Tampa, FL HQ which is one of 6 locations for the consumer electronics and 12volt distributor in the U.S.

Visit dowelectronics.com for more.

DOW Hosted a AudioControl Sales Training Event in Tampa

TAMPA, FL (02.20.2020) – DOW Electronics hosted an AudioControl Sales Training event at the Company’s Tampa Headquarters Tuesday evening February 18th. The training event was very successful with over 50 people in the audience for Matt Palumbo’s presentation. A dinner buffet from 4 Rivers Smokehouse was served for all to enjoy.

Matt Palumbo kept members of the audience engaged throughout his AudioControl presentation.

Palumbo is AudioControl’s National Trainer and Sales Specialist based at the Company’s HQ in Mountain Terrace WA.

Following the meeting raffle winners gathered for an image. John Schneid-Dynamic Sales the area AudioControl rep firm principal, Matt Palumbo and DOW’s Mike Barcia (L to R) flank the raffle winners.

During Palumbo’s presentation he discussed AudioControl’s newest products and how they can help grow 12volt retailer’s businesses. Specific topics included why the next LC-5.1300 and D-5.1300 5-Channel amps will be the go to amplifiers in 2020, what the DM-RTA is, how it works and why it has become “the ultimate technicians test tool”. How to help find success and exceed client’s expectations with AudioControl products was another key focus of Palumbo’s presentation.

Dealers lined up for plates filled with a great meal from 4 Rivers Smokehouse. Chocolate chip cookies and more for dessert too!

Mike Hurwitz, DOW Strategic Sales Manager, stated “The turnout of over 50 in the audience was exciting to see, as well at the enthusiasm from the dealers. We had dealer drive from Naples for the event which was probably a 3 hour drive. Matt did a great job presenting the product lineup and explaining to audience members how to present the product and explain the features. We are really looking forward to getting the brand new Audio Control products in the warehouse and into dealer’s stores”.

Visit dowelectronics.com and audiocontrol.com for more.

DOW Electronics Hires New Account Manager for New York Metro Area

TAMPA, FL (12.13.2019) – DOW Electronics has announced that Matt Miller has joined the company to support and grow the Custom Integration channel. Miller brings 20 years of experience in custom integration, system design, networking support and an extensive product knowledge.

Miller brings valuable experience from his time working with Sonos, supporting the custom integration channel. Providing consultative design assistance and technical support, Miller helped his customers grow their business by designing the right system for their clients. Miller, holds numerous CEDIA and IT certifications, and has extensive experience designing and installing network solutions, experience that will help DOW’s customers build robust high performance networks for projects of any size.

“I’m thrilled to have joined DOW’s team and feel honored to be part of its growth. I’m very happy to stay in the custom integration industry where my background will be very valuable to DOW’s customers.” -Matt Miller

“Matt’s past experience and extensive knowledge are valuable to our customers, I’m very excited to add him to the team,” added strategic sales manager Eric Friedman.

“Matt is a great addition to help us grow in the metro NY market, we are very happy to have him on the team,” stated Drew Fischer, director of sales.

To learn more about DOW Electronics, visit www.DOWElectronics.com or call 1.800.627.2900.

DOW Electronics Announces the Acquisition of New York Based BDC Distributors

TAMPA, FL (10.16.2019) – DOW Electronics has reached an agreement with BDC Distributors to acquire certain assets of the Westbury, NY based distributor.

The parties are working toward closing the transaction Thursday, October 24, 2019. DOW will open for business Monday the 28th in BDC’s former location. Upon closing, this acquisition will bring new customers, as well as increase territory agreements with current DOW vendors to cover the Metro New York area. The acquisition sets up DOW for future growth with new vendors, territory and customers.

DOW is actively working on plans to organically grow their territory through the Mid-Atlantic market to connect its existing territory in the south to the newly acquired New York Metro territory. DOW has confirmed agreements with key vendors to begin this growth concurrently with the closing of the BDC acquisition.

“This acquisition brings DOW into an exciting new chapter of our 60 year history,” stated president & ceo John Yodzis. “Opening up a new territory with the support of our trusted key vendor partners continues our drive to grow the custom integration channel. We’re very excited about the opportunities this acquisition presents currently and in the future.”

“We are thankful to have found a partner like DOW that shares our mission of helping small businesses thrive in today’s complex digital economy,” said Barry Balcourt, ceo of BDC Distributors. “We believe our customers will be in good hands, as DOW is a customer-centric, family-run business similar to ours.”

“We are excited to welcome BDC’s customers to the DOW Electronics family,” added executive chairman Chip Yodzis. “DOW is ready to provide them with the level of service, commitment, and dedication that has become the foundation of our business.”

To learn more about DOW Electronics, visit www.DOWElectronics.com or call 1-800-627-2900.