STILLWATER, USA – To give credit to one of the hardest working teams in the 12-volt category, KICKER® has honored retailer Car Toys® with the Multi-Location Dealer-of-the-Year award. Based in Seattle, the 48-store chain has locations in Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Texas. KICKER recognizes Car Toys to be an outstanding partner through a challenging 2020, and into 2021.

“Car Toys did an extraordinary job overcoming the hurdles of 2020,” said Tracy Focht, KICKER’s Western Regional Sales Manager. “Car Toys explored new inventory options last year, allowing (it) to keep up with rigorous demand. (It) has consistently shown a willingness to try new gear that fits customer’s needs.”

A long-standing partner with KICKER, Car Toys expanded its 2020 commitment to the brand by bringing in several sizes of wiring kits and loaded enclosures. Focht received ample feedback from the Car Toys install team, resonating how pleased its customers were with the product.

“Car Toys appreciated the convenience and performance of an enclosure that was made specifically for the subwoofer it is loaded with, and tuned for peak output,” Focht continued. “Their dedication is doing – and getting – the best for their clients. We’re going to continue to grow with them.”

To learn more about Car Toys, consumers can visit www.cartoys.com.

In other West-Coast dealer news, KICKER sales representative Dana Doyle (Weser Sales, Folsom, Calif.) presented Rick Khan of West Coast Car Stereo (Citrus Heights, Calif.) and Stereo City Pros (Fair Oaks, Calif.) with the Northern California Dealer-of-the-Year award. Michael Topalian (Audio Outlet) and Sarkis Topalian (559 Car Audio and Alarm) won Most Improved Dealer awards, and John Tatro (Sierra Select Distributors) won the Distributor-of-the-Year.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

Car Toys is a registered trademark of Car Toys, Inc.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER^® was proud to announce Randy Bowen as its 2018 National Sales Representative-of-the-Year and Tech Marketing (Roswell, Ga.) as National Rep Firm-of-the-Year, during the 2019 KICKER/CES Rep Meetings in Las Vegas.

Both honorees exemplified outstanding performance, reflected in a dedication to outstanding customer service and exceeding sales expectations in 2018, according to Tom Heath, KICKER Vice President of Domestic Sales and Marketing.

Covering Southern California for Murfco Inc. (Murrieta, Calif.) and principal Dan Murphy, Bowen earned KICKER’s first ever National Rep-of-the-Year award for his knowledge of local business and being a champion for his customers.

“He knows how to walk the fine line between serving KICKER’s interests and working for the dealer,” said Tracy Focht, KICKER’s Western Region Sales Manager. “Randy understands KICKER’s programs, and knows what’s good for the company, the dealer and the market in his territory. If a promo won’t work for a certain dealer, he knows, and he knows why. He has his fingers on the pulse of his territory, and he is constantly in the field. Murfco had an outstanding year, and Randy was a big part of that.”

Tech Marketing, in business for more than 30 years and led by father-son principals Ron and Richie Holtzman, along with sales reps Dennis Montgomery, Steve Paul, Mark Barber and Jim Branyon (who retired this month), earned the honor by providing excellent service and consistently finding ways to drive new business. Lori Boyer, KICKER’s Southeastern Region Sales Manager, explained the details of Tech Marketing’s success story.

“They are constantly looking for new ways to do business,” Boyer said. “They’re hard-working and always out in the field, face-to-face with their customers. They look for ways to help our existing accounts with ideas to draw customers in, utilize social media, encourage them to take advantage of sales and product trainings we offer. They are committed to excellence and it shows.

“They don’t stop at the 12-volt industry,” she continued. “They seek out businesses that you wouldn’t think would benefit from audio, and they show them how audio can benefit them. They do side-by-sides, golf carts, motorcycles, pools, spas and outdoors.”

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.^®, are available for the mobile and home-audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud^® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

STILLWATER, USA – Stillwater Designs® was proud to recognize Daniel Hernandez of Trent Partners and Associates (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) as the 2019 KICKER® Manufacturers Representative-of-the-Year, and Marketing Pros (Conroe, Texas) as Manufacturers Representative Firm-of-the-Year during its annual meetings at CES in Las Vegas.

Covering Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas, Marketing Pros were chosen for their attentiveness to dealers, their communication skills and ability to grow new business in their territories. The Marketing Pros team consists of Pete Daley (principal), Kevin Knox, Jim Wehling, Mike Penny, George Reed and Kristin Daley.

“Ultimately, the reps are an extension of us,” said Brad Ganz, KICKER’s Regional Sales Manager for the Central U.S. “If they’re doing a good job, dealers are happy. If there is a problem, we want the reps to be able to handle the issue quickly and effectively. It’s a well-oiled machine that keeps moving forward.”

The KICKER Rep-of-the-Year criteria is similar to that of the companies for which they work. Individual service and communication skills are evaluated in conjunction with fiscal criteria.

“Daniel has impressed me with his work ethic,” said Matt Matheson, KICKER’s Northeast Regional Sales Manager. “He works very well with everyone internally. His product knowledge and extensive technical background in the car-stereo industry have all contributed to dealers in his territory valuing his input.”

KICKER places a premium on servicing its dealers. Every year, KICKER celebrates the representative firm and individual reps that consistently exceed expectations, measured by financial growth, providing outstanding service to customers and maintaining clear, reliable communication with members of the KICKER corporate team.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

6/16/2016, STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® is once again excited to place its logo over the mainstage at the 21st annual KICKER Country Stampede, June 23-25 at Tuttle Creek State Park in Manhattan, Kansas.  The music festival always features chart toppers and award winners who entertain the numerous fans who attend. Since the inception of the event two decades ago, the Stampede has grown significantly, as has the awareness of the KICKER brand and the dealers who offer the products. The attendance is expected to exceed more than 160,000 fans this year, placing it among the largest country-music festivals in the nation.

“We had approximately 35,000 attendees in 1996,” said Wayne Rouse, founder and president of the KICKER Country Stampede. “Stars like ZZ Top, Hank Williams, Jr., Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton have all headlined the show.”

KICKER plans to bring several vehicles to the event, including the XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) tractor-trailer, which houses a full showroom of KICKER products, plus the outrageous 20,000-watt “Boom Room” where fans can get a taste of bass.

For the first time ever, KICKER will display a customized pontoon boat, stacked with KICKER Marine amplifiers, LED-equipped speakers and subwoofers, and one of KICKER’s new all-weather source units.

Parked nearby will be a trio of KICKER-equipped Polaris® RZR® side-by-sides. Each RZR features a different combination of powersports amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers. A Chevy® Silverado using the KICKER VSS® (Vehicle-Specific Solutions) PowerStage™ Upgrade with DSP amplifier and powered subwoofer will also be at the event.

KICKER will also feature the first public appearance of the portable Bullfrog™ - the brand’s newest, wireless all-weather Bluetooth® speaker for personal use. Fans can explore the many features of the Bullfrog using an on-site dedicated display.

Two independent sales stations will also allow fans to purchase select KICKER personal products, as well as hats, shirts and other wearables. KICKER will also be giving away thousands of dollars in prizes during the course of the Stampede.

The performers will be presented a collection of KICKER products during the show to fill their tour buses with great sound. The artists will receive their giveaways in front of everyone on the massive Starscreen, displaying to the crowd at five times larger than life.

“This is our fourth year at the Country Stampede,” said Kevin Campbell, KICKER’s Director of Marketing. “It’s our favorite event of the year because it gives us the opportunity to put our brand right in front of music fanatics. 

“We’re music fanatics as well, so it gives us a great way to bond with them, to share our enthusiasm and our passion for music – especially live music – with the best fans in the country.”

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® is now shipping the weather-proof PowerCans™ 6.5-inch amplified speaker system, made especially for powersports applications. Versatile KICKER PowerCans will be available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live™ streamed show, PowerCans will retail for $699.99 and will also be available for purchase online at www.kicker.com.

The two-way system, which connects to most devices via Bluetooth®, is designed to deliver exceptional sound quality while enduring the toughest outdoor conditions, adding music to anything with a 12-volt battery. Amplified with 150 total watts and equipped with auxiliary inputs and outputs, this system boasts powerful and clear audio that will keep the listener immersed while on the trail or in the mountains. These all-weather speakers are IP66-rated and can be installed on round tubing from 1.5-to-two inches wide with included easy-mount clamps. Square clamps for golf carts are also available and sold separately.

A hardwired remote is included and features backlit, oversized buttons for gloved hands that change volume, track, and source on the fly, allowing you to stow away your device. The line output allows system expandability such as a subwoofer for full-range sound.

PowerCans also feature vibrant RGB LED lighting, adding an extra element of excitement to any off-road experience. Another accessory sold separately, the KICKER KMLC LED Controller can add up to 20 colors and 19 thrilling lighting modes for more fun on the trails.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and its affiliates.

STILLWATER, USA – Audio integration will be the focus of KICKER® trainings at MEA KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, February 3-5 at the Paris Hotel and Convention Center.

The first class is scheduled for Friday at 1:45 pm in Champagne 3, followed by a Saturday class at 5:30 pm in Champagne 4. Attendees will also have a chance to win a KICKER PowerBar™ soundbar or KICKER KEYLOC™ Smart Line-Out Converter. KICKER’s Tech Force product-training staff will be joined by Joe Hobart, the brand’s Director of Electrical Engineering, to host two one-hour courses during the weekend. Both classes will focus on modern integration techniques, aimed at the quick identification of acoustic and electrical challenges installers face when adding an amplifier. The classes will also discuss what equipment is needed to diagnose the issue.

Featured in the KICKER booth on the show floor will be the brand’s Fiat 500 Sport, equipped with the expanded KEY line of all-in-one smart amplifier/processors. The Fiat also features the monstrous KICKER Quad Box, a loaded enclosure made from heavy, birch-veneer plywood and filled with four L7 square subwoofers.

The full KICKER product line will be on display, including the highly anticipated Solo X® Subwoofer, and WX-Series “Warhorse” Amplifier. The currently shipping PXA Waterproof Powersports Amplifiers, ST-Series PA-style Speakers, Competition Gold Subwoofers and KMXL Horn-Loaded Speakers will also be on display.

KICKER will be in booth 706, facing the Main Entrance of the show floor. More than 50 of the world’s largest 12-volt manufacturers will attend the event.

For more details, interested parties can visit www.knowledgefest.org.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® returns to the MEA KnowledgeFest at the Dallas Convention Center August 25-27, and will feature the KICKER Tech Force conducting a pair of trainings Friday and Saturday. The classes will help installers quickly determine the equipment needed to integrate aftermarket audio into a factory sound system, using KICKER’s revolutionary FIT™ and KEY® technologies. All training attendees will automatically be entered to win one of two KICKER PowerBar powersports soundbars.

KICKER’s booth will be in front of the Convention Center’s main entrance, booth 801. Forty of the world’s largest 12-volt manufacturers will attend the event.

Also making an appearance will be the KICKER FIAT® 500 Sport, equipped with the award-winning KEY Smart Amplifiers. KEY Technology drastically improves clarity, volume, and soundstage to nearly every radio on the market today – including those equipped with start/stop technology. It automatically applies time alignment, detects speaker sizes, adjusts gain, and applies a 40-band EQ and 24dB crossovers in a matter of seconds. The Fiat also features the enormous Quad Box of Solo-Baric® L7 square subwoofers.

KICKER’s newest gear will be on display, including the ST-Series of P.A. Speakers, SoloX® Subwoofers, the powerful Warhorse™ Sub Amplifier, newly released PowerCans, and award-winning KMXL Horn-Loaded Speakers.

For more details, consumers can visit www.knowledgefest.org.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

FIAT is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

KICKER® returns to MEA KnowledgeFest at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, June 23-25.

STILLWATER, USA – Thirty of the world’s largest 12-volt manufacturers will attend the event. KICKER’s booth will be located north of the Convention Center’s main entrance.

The full KICKER product line will be on display, including bespoke products for auto, marine, motorcycle and powersports. “Bass-head” consumers are rejoicing at KICKER’s reestablished competition line of products, including ST-Series P.A. Speakers and SoloX® Subwoofers. Marine and powersports dealers will see the new PXA-Series of waterproof amplifiers, in addition to the award-winning KMXL Horn-Loaded Speakers. In a nod to its history, KICKER is also showcasing 50th-anniversary Compeition Gold™ Subwoofers, featuring gold speaker terminals, advanced cooling characteristics and KICKER’s signature ribbed surrounds.

Also in the booth will be KICKER’s Fiat® 500 Sport, equipped with the award-winning KEY® Smart Amplifiers and technology. The Fiat will also feature the KICKER Quad Box loaded with L7 subwoofers.

The KICKER Tech Force training crew will give two trainings during the show. The classes will help installers quickly determine the equipment needed to integrate aftermarket audio into a factory sound system, using KICKER’s revolutionary FIT™ and KEY technologies. All training attendees will automatically be entered to win one of two weather-proof KICKER PowerBar sound-bar units. The first class will be held Friday at 3 p.m., followed by one on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. Show attendees can obtain more information at the KICKER booth.

For more details, readers can visit www.knowledgefest.org.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® will highlight its newest interactive experience, as well as Vehicle-Specific and Powersports solutions, from booth 401 at upcoming KnowledgeFest™ 2017. The event will be held August 11-14 at the Dallas Convention Center.

The newest interactive product display, which is already shipping to dealers, is the third version released by KICKER. The “red” display, featuring brand new KX-Series Amplifiers, KS-Series Speakers and CompR® Subwoofers, is designed to act both as a “silent salesman” and a convenient way to demonstrate the quality of the products on the sales floor. With the press of a button, a full list of KX and KS features are immediately visible on the HD screen, matched with the lossless audio included with the display. The sales staff may also select its own music via Bluetooth® streaming audio for a demo. In addition to the new display in the KICKER booth, both the existing Q-Class and Marine interactive product displays will be available for attendees to explore.

Dealers will be able to check out the 2017 KX-Series and KXM-Series Marine Amplifier lines, which feature a new look and a bevy of new features. Mono and five-channel versions come with the KXARC – a Bluetooth LE (low-energy)-enabled wireless remote that monitors gain, bass boost, SHOCwave™ and signal clip. FIT2™ (Fail-Safe Integration Technology) is also integrated into both lines, ensuring a noise-free connection from the input of virtually any radio.

A pair of vehicles dedicated to the Powersports markets will also be featured in the booth. One is a Can Am® Maverick® X3 featuring KICKER PS-Series Powersports speakers, amplifiers and SSV Works® enclosures. The enclosures are custom-formed to the UTV, and the PX-Series Powersports amplifiers are made to draw minimal power while outputting the hundreds of watts needed to sound great on the trail.

A Chevy® Colorado will be displaying vehicle-specific audio. KICKER’s VSS™ (Vehicle-Specific Solutions) System is made of three essential components:  a factory-speaker amplifier with digital signal processing, wiring harnesses and 200-watt powered subwoofer. All three elements have been customized to physically mesh with the vehicle, utilizing factory plugs and mounting points, as well as integrate seamlessly with the factory radio and speaker system.

To show the effectiveness of the VSS System to dealers, the Colorado is equipped with a three-position switch, allowing easy access to the factory stereo, the factory system with the powered sub, or the full 4.1 system with DSP, amplifier and powered sub enabled.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® and its 80-foot XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) will attend Slamology – one of the largest car-audio events in the country – this weekend. The XRV rolling showroom sports a new wrap for 2018 and houses the full line of KICKER mobile-audio gear for viewing. The rig’s famous 20,000-watt “boom room” is a guarantee to thrill audiences with its wall of subwoofers all during the show.

Slamology will take place June 9-10, Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Lucas Oil Raceway outside of Indianapolis, Ind.

Under the XRV’s awning, a slammed ’94 Chevy C1500 owned and fabricated by KICKER install technician Tim Smith will be on display. Smith uses an SSV Works™ MRB3 Media Controller, a pair of KICKER IQ-Series 5-channel amplifiers, Q-Class speakers and CompRT® shallow-mount subwoofers in his custom audio system.

Next to the XRV, the revamped JY Power™ “Cube” will be showing off its 60,000-watt KICKER Audio system. Built to “demo” at extreme volumes, the converted delivery truck features 40 KICKER 15-inch L7® Q-Class subwoofers powered by 20 KX-Series 2,400-watt amplifiers. On the outer walls, 12 KXM-Series amps juice 162 8-inch, weather-proof coaxial speakers for an unbelievable display.

In its 14th year, Slamology is billed as a “family-friendly, yet edgy” event produced by Donnie Babb, the show founder.

“We wanted a way to connect with our readers at Gauge Magazine and have a weekend-long party,” Babb said.

More than 1,700 show cars and 10,000 spectators attended Slamology 2017, with even higher attendance expected this year. The show features live bands along with RC racing, a tattoo competition, auto-limbo, a hydraulic contest, big-rig show and bikini contest. USACi, MECA, IASCA and dB Drag Racing will all have multi-point, car-audio competitions occurring at the show.

For more information, consumers can visit www.slamology.com online.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® is coming back as the title sponsor of Ocean City Jeep® Week, held August 26-29 at the Ocean City Convention Center and around the Ocean City area.

KICKER’s XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) makes the trek to OC Jeep Week and will set up in front of the Convention Center entrance. The 82-foot big rig is a rolling showroom, displaying the full line of KICKER audio products for UTV, motorcycle, marine and auto. The XRV’s upgraded Boom Room is larger and louder, built to withstand the torture emanating from 40,000 watts of power.

Next to the XRV, authorized KICKER dealer Audio Works (Newark, Del.) will be installing audio systems on-site for the entire show. Audio Works will have several KICKER packages made especially for Jeeps.

OC Jeep Week has a nonstop event schedule planned for every day of the show, beginning with 300 Jeepers cruising the Ocean City sand at the Beach Crawl. The KICKER Show ‘N Shine is planned for Thursday and Friday from 11-2 p.m., and three daily sand-course events will run that afternoon. The KICKER Kickoff Party caps off the first day of the show. The Jeep Jam trail and obstacle course will be daily attractions, as is a Kids Zone, live DJ, vendors row and more.

At the end of Jeep Week, KICKER will choose the winner of the “Livin’ Loud” award, a package that includes two sets of speakers, amplification, loaded enclosure and wire. Winners will be chosen for the quality of their KICKER installation and their Livin’ Loud attitude.

Full event details are available on the OC Jeep Week web page, online at www.oceancityjeepweek.com.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

STILLWATER, USA – Stillwater Designs®, the maker of KICKER® mobile-audio products, celebrated the anniversaries of 56 employees August 20 during a company luncheon, culminating with recognition of KICKER Vice Presidents Jeanne Snyder and Bob Spencer who have been with the company 35 years.

KICKER has been celebrating work anniversaries since the early 1980s, and employees gather for an informal meeting each year to earn a gift and a handshake from KICKER President and founder Steve Irby. This year is like none other, with employees donning masks and practicing social distancing at KICKER headquarters.

“I’m really honored,” said Irby. “It’s unbelievable to me to know somebody seeks to make a work career here, and great to see people that are team players and succeed in their years.”

A pin embossed with the KICKER logo was awarded to employees for one year of service, a wristwatch for three years and a ring for five years. Accolades were also given to employees with 10, 15 and 20 years of service. In addition to the pair of 35-year service honors, employees Glynn Cooper, Bruce Moore, Jason Sigrist and Jeff Womack received recognition for being with the company for 25 years.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

STILLWATER, USA – August 3, 2021 -- KICKER® celebrated the anniversaries of 55 employees today, culminating with recognition of KICKER department heads Kim Wright and Lance Noble, both of whom are starting their fourth decade with the company.

“I’m really honored,” said KICKER founder Steve Irby. “It’s rewarding to me to know somebody wants to stay here, and great to see people that are team players. I really value that.” KICKER has been celebrating work anniversaries since the early 1980s.

Held during a company-wide meeting, Irby presented the awards to each honoree. A pin with the KICKER logo was awarded for one year of service, a watch was given for three years and a ring for five years. Awards were also given to employees with 10-to-30-year anniversaries this year.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

30-Year Award

- Lance Noble
- Kim Wright

25-Year Award

- Calvin Alexander
- Tammy Warren
- Rod Goodner
- Benny Francis

20-Year Award

- Bill Pendleton
- David Womack
- Greg Dilbeck
- Josh Fletcher
- Michael Wolf
- Scott Waller
- Stephanie Surratt
- Tim Valencia

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER congratulates its recent winners from the 2020 Mobile Electronics Association Industry Awards, announced in December during the virtual KnowledgeFest tradeshow. KICKER long-time authorized dealer Car-Tunes, Inc. (Greenville, Miss.), earned top honor for retailers – 2020 Retailer-of-the-Year, while Justin Kush from Mobile Toys (College Station, Texas) was named the Installer-of-the-Year. Additionally, other KICKER retailers and associates performed well in several categories.

“Kim (Trainer, owner of Car-Tunes) and her team are very motivated, very forward-thinking,” said Lori Boyer, KICKER Southeastern Region Sales Manager. “The standard they hold themselves to is very high on every aspect of their business, whether it’s the customer service, sales or the install side. They are a fantastic shop.”

Car-Tunes has been a KICKER dealer for more than 15 years. The shop and its four employees pride themselves on attention to detail and their ability to communicate with care and genuine interest, both in-store and online. The company also believes in an active training schedule for every employee, with consistent education for leadership, installers and sales.

“We are so humbled and grateful for this honor, words cannot fully express how very much this means to us,” said Trainer. “We try to stay to connected with the industry as a whole. It’s important for all of us to continue to learn from each other. Even after more than 20 years in the industry, sometimes we learn something new that we can apply in our business. It keeps everyone engaged and motivated.”

Kush, from the successful Mobile Toys shop, beat out several talented and well deserving installers to be names the year’s best.

“Justin reflects the definition of what a manufacturer wants out if its retailers – in design, fabrication, and sound,” said Brad Ganz, KICKER Central Region Sales Manager.

“He pushes the limits of imagination to make reality,” said Pete Daley, Marketing Pros (Conroe, Texas) sales representative. “He is a hidden gem in this industry.”

Other KICKER colleagues fared well in the final tally. Mobile Toys earned runner-up in the Retailer category and also won the Customer Choice Award. Dean Beyett of Five Star Car Stereo (Clearwater, Fla.) took runner-up in the Installer category. Top Rep Firm went to Marketing Pros, Inc.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

STILLWATER, USA – Stillwater Designs®, the makers of KICKER® Performance Audio products, celebrated the anniversaries of 58 employees at a company-wide meeting this week, culminating with recognition of the 30-year anniversaries of Regional Sales Managers Lori Boyer and Tracy Focht.

“I’m really honored,” said company founder Steve Irby. “It’s rewarding to me to know somebody wants to stay here, and great to see people that are team players. I really value that.”

KICKER has been celebrating work anniversaries since the early 1980s, and Irby kicked off the ceremony with high praise for the attitudes of everyone. Employees celebrating an anniversary received accolades for one, three, five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years, which included monetary awards and jewelry. In addition to the pair of 30-year service honors, employees Trevis Rakey and Josh Alexander received recognition for being with the company for 25 years.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® delivers even more power and better fitment into a pair of all-in-one-package, Audio Upgrade Kits for specific Harley-Davidson® bikes and their fairings. These plug-and-play kits for 2015-and-newer Road Glides® and 2014-and-newer Street/Electra/Ultra Glides® will be available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live™ streamed show, Audio Upgrade Kits for Harley-Davidson bikes will retail for $899.99 and will also be available for purchase online at www.kicker.com.

Specifically designed to fit the 2015-and-newer Road Glide “shark-nose” fairing and the 2014-and-newer Street/Electra/Ultra Glide “bat-wing” fairings, these entirely plug-and-play audio kits come complete with a set of reengineered, high-efficiency speakers, a redesigned four-channel 300-watt amplifier with bracket, pre-measured and pre-terminated wiring, custom grilles and all the hardware. The kit uses factory holes and mounting points, with no cutting or drilling required.

Each kit contains new KICKER PS-Series 6.5-inch Coaxial Powersports Speakers that are completely weather-proof, featuring lightweight neodymium magnets and strong polypropylene woofer cones. Made with the rider in mind, the lightweight speaker design does not affect bike handling while playing at extreme volume levels to cut through the wind and road noise.

The equally new KICKER KPX300.4 Compact Powersports Amplifier delivers 75 watts to each of its four channels, making it ready for system expansion if a Harley-Davidson Tour Pak® is attached or added in the future.

For more information, consumers can log onto kicker.com/motorcycle-audio-kits.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

Harley-Davidson, Street Glide, Road Glide, Electra Glide, and Tour Pak are registered trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC.

STILLWATER, USA – April 12, 2022 - 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.

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.”

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

Rockford Fosgate is a registered trademark of Rockford Corporation.

Precision Power and PPI are registered trademarks of Precision Power.

Morel and Morel America are proprietary marks of Morel (I.L.) Ltd.

HOT ROD is a registered trademark of the Motor Trend Group, LLC.

Reviver Music is a registered trademark of Reviver Entertainment Group.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER^® congratulates its 24 authorized installers, retailers and sales professionals to have earned a place in this year’s prestigious “Top 50,” as determined by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA).

“KICKER is blessed to work alongside an outstanding group of retailers and their workforce,” said Tom Heath, KICKER Vice President of Domestic Sales and Marketing. “It’s a dedicated group that we feel has progressed the KICKER brand beyond our capabilities, and we’re pleased to see they are properly recognized for their efforts.”

According to the MEA press release, the announcement comes after industry nominees submitted videos describing their business or professions. Judges appointed by the association reviewed the videos and selected the winners, comprising the “Top 50 Installers”, “Top 50 Retailers”, and “Top 20 Sales Professionals.” The complete list of winners is posted at the official Industry Awards website, meindustryawards.com.

Winners at this stage also qualify as semifinalists for the top honors of Retailer-of-the-Year, Installer-of-the-Year and Sales Pro-of-the-Year. Top 50 Installers award recipients can also opt to run for 2020 Trusted Tech, an award given to professional installers who excel more from an electronics standpoint than a design standpoint.

The next phase of the competition features voting by industry professionals and consumers to narrow the semifinalists list down to finalists. These categories are joined by other categories of which industry professionals vote to select top suppliers, reps and rep firms, distributors and expeditors, as well as retail locations that excel in specific business practices. Voting began Thursday, August 27, and will run for three weeks.

Top 50 KICKER Retailers:

California Audio – West Valley City, UT

Mobile Toys – College Station, TX

Stereo & Video Center – Tyler, TX

Absolute Electronix – Rockville, MD

Sonic Sound – Arlington, VA

Car-Tunes – Greenville, MS

DES of Wilmington – Wilmington, NC

Greg’s Custom Audio & Video – Pikeville, KY

Showtime Audio – Chicago, IL

Tunes-N-Tint – Lakeland, FL

Top 20 KICKER Sales Professionals:

Jim Skaggs – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX

Jade Lindow – Anchorage Remote Start and Sound – Anchorage, AK

Top 50 KICKER Installers:

James Halter – Stereo & Video Center – Tyler, TX

Aaron Iwane – Car Toys Denver – Denver, CO

Justin Kush – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX

Matt Vowell – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX

Jesse Mitchell – Safe & Sound Car Audio and Security Inc. – Manassas, VA

Dean Beyett – Five Star Car Stereo – Clearwater, FL

Alejandro Caballero – Showtime Audio – Chicago, IL

Fernando Lopez – Five Star Car Stereo – Clearwater, FL

Alex Mendez – Showtime Audio – Chicago, IL

Mario Paredes – M & M Pro-Audio – River Grove, IL

Austin Thorne – Tunes-N-Tint – Lakeland, FL

Dalton Trainer – Car-Tunes, Inc. – Greenville, MS

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.^®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud^® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.