March 31, 2020 -- As we all adjust to life working around the wide spread COVID-19 virus, DS18 joins in against the fight to help aid those in need with backing and knowledge from our close DS18 family and co-workers in China who have been adjusting to this Pandemic much longer then we have.

With China successfully battling and winning the fight and using firsthand knowledge of what needs to win the battle, we will be sending over personal protection equipment such as huge shipment of medical masks and gloves in care of DS18 Team member Marcia Mileidys Maceo to The Baptist Hospital in Kendall, Florida. DS18 hopes to help with the education and safe practices needed to minimalize casualties until the global efforts find a way to destroy this disease so life can return to normal.

Continuing to practice safe social distance, using PPE (gloves, mask, sanitizer) equipment, and knowledge of safely not spreading the disease is the key component to slowing down this very fast acting and deadly virus. If we all come together as a world population there is nothing we cannot overcome.

MEA Help

MEA hosts retail owners and managers roundtable during COVID-19 crisis

Last week, Mobile Electronics Association held an industry roundtable online for retail owners and managers, led by Chris Cook, president of MEA. Panelists and attendees focused on how the industry can move through this difficult challenge together. The call was attended by at least 125 people. Panelists included Tomas Keenan of Top Class Installations in New York; Jason Kranitz, CEO of Kingpin University; Bryan Schmitt, CEO of Mobile Solutions; and Andy Wehmeyer, CEO of Audiofrog.

During the meeting, Cook said he hopes to hold similar roundtables in future weeks with different panelists, including those who’ve taught at KnowledgeFest and those who have not. Attendees discussed staying safe during the spread of COVID-19, what defines an “essential business” and how to use downtime to focus on strengthening the structure of the business.

Panelists urged business owners and managers to work on the structure of their businesses, and keep in touch with clients using newsletters and social media. Other industry conferences have taken place online, as well, in which businesses have discussed ways of moving through this difficult challenge.

For more information about how your state and business is impacted, please click here.

In the midst of the spread of COVID-19, InstallerNet is seeing an increase in demand to help support first responders and other critical service vehicles.

InstallerNet's nationwide network of 2,000 members has been deemed a necessary support during the spread of COVID-19. Installation of products such as GPS trackers, helping to maintain emergency communications, logistics operations, and more, all fall under the heading of essential services to help support this infrastructure. Due to an increase in demand, there may be new opportunities for mobile electronics businesses to help provide support during this time.

InstallerNet is now accepting new member applications to help meet the projected demand.

Thirty-minute segments focus on business survival, staying “in shape” on installation practices

LAS VEGAS – March 30, 2020 (MEDIAWIRE) – Kingpin University, training and installation training facility serving the mobile electronics industry, is presenting two weekly series of online classes designed to keep retail owners and staff sharp during the business downturn. Using Facebook Live, “Thirsty Thursdays” and “Fab Fridays” kick off at 4:00PM PST within the organization’s industry-only group, The 12V Empire.

The decision to start the online courses came after Kingpin University opted to move its in-house training courses to July in anticipation of being able to resume operations by that time. “Las Vegas was one of the first places in the country to mandate that businesses close to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus, though it was something we were planning to do in order to keep people safe,” said Jason Kranitz, lead instructor at Kingpin University. “As the practice spread, we realized it was an opportunity for storeowners, sales professionals, technicians and fabricators to make use of slow or off-work time to re-asses business and learn new skills.”

“Thirsty Thursdays” features conversations between Kranitz, co-instructor Chris McNulty and a host of industry professionals on how store owners and managers can use downtime to freshen their business and create more efficient procedures. If their stores are still open, storeowners will get tips on how best to market business to attract a hesitant and wary customer base.

On, “Fab Fridays” Kranitz and McNulty gives installation professionals quick tips on how to use small projects to increase per-install profits as well as save time with proven, high-efficiency shortcuts. The sessions will also include elements of the company’s larger training courses on using laser in the bay, street rod design and perfecting sales techniques.

“We really enjoy re-engaging with our family of professionals to help them continue to get better even while the economy has ground to a stop,” added Kranitz. “We hope the classes encourage people to stay active both mentally and physically so they can hit the ground running once things get better. We want everybody to come out of this swinging.”

To join the sessions, please request to join The 12V Empire Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/The12vEmpire. For more information on Kingpin University’s training, products and services, please call (702) 850-2995 or visit kingpinuniversity.com.

Mobile Electronics Alert - North Andover, MA – March 30, 2020:

The Mobile Electronics Association announces the launch of www.MEAhelp.com as a resource for the Mobile Electronics Industry.

This resource will be updated frequenlty with infomation about: Vital Resources for Retailers, COVID-19 Health Information, Federal & State Resources and Education & Training Events.

Mobile Electronics Alert - North Andover, MA – March 30, 2020:

The below link is for applying through the Small Business Association (SBA) for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Relief. This is a short form (5 screens) that can be completed online in a few minutes. MEA recommends that all members that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus apply for this relief.

You will need the following information:

1. Business Tax ID or Social Security number

2. Total Sales for the period from 2/1/2019 through 1/31/2020

3. Total COGS (Cost of Goods Sold - which is only what you pay for products for resale) for the same period (2/1/19-1/31/20)**

4. Total Operating Expenses (Total of everything else you paid not including the COGS) for same period (2/1/19-1/31/20)**

5. The date the business was established (usually date of incorporated) and current ownership is the same if it has not changed

6. Select “Automotive Repair” activity and “Automotive – Parts. Accessories” for detailed

7. Number of employees you had employed as of 1/31/2020

8. You will need the full name, address, DOB and social security number of each owner of the business and the % of ownership they have

9. Bank name, account number and routing number