July 12, 2022 - MSC, North America Distribution Partner for BLAM, Brax, Helix, Match, and Stinger Radar, is proud to announce the addition of Jon Kowanetz to their Specialty Dealer Development Team.
MSC looks to further enhance their ability to provide unmatched support to Dealer Partners throughout the North American market by adding Kowanetz’s experience as a specialty retail store owner and industry trainer. Jon brings a long history of specialty retail experience, with accolades including MEA Retailer of the Year, Installer of the Year and Best Customer Experience awards. These skills alongside his passion for educating and training provides a tremendous asset to MSC’s Dealer Partners.
Jon will contribute to MSC’s Dealer Trainings and will also contribute to the new Systems by MSC product development. In recent years, Kowanetz has rekindled a love of writing and exploring new creative ways of helping others including public speaking and experiential coaching. As he closes the chapter of Handcrafted Auto Marine & Off‐road, he looks forward writing the next one and to his new roles, both with MSC and outside of the industry.
“I have known the MSC team for most of my career and have always admired their commitment and passion. This is why I am so proud to contribute to MSC’s vision,” Kowanetz noted.
Larry Penn, president of MSC said, “Adding Jon to the team was an easy decision. MSC is comprised of team members who live the retail life daily through our proof‐of‐concept retail store. This viewpoint allows us to make sure we are providing what our Dealer Partners need in ways that can only be learned hands on in the trenches. That’s a world we share with Jon, and our shared core values will help to contribute to our Dealer Partners successes even further!”
Jon will be based out of MSC’s Mesa, Arizona office and can be reached at jon@msc‐america.com.
MSC is the North American Distribution Partner for premium European brands including Audiotec Fischer (Brax, Helix, Match), BLAM Audio, Stinger Radar as well as Mobridge integration products from Australia. MSC specializes in specialty independent retailer support with a heavy focus on training and advanced product integration. MSC also operates a full‐service retail facility which acts as the proof‐of‐ concept basis for new product development, techniques, and the backbone of partner support.
RINGWOOD, IL – July 7th, 2022 - Race Sport Lighting has announced that industry veteran JR Stocks will be joining the company as its Vice President in the executive management ranks. As VP of Race Sport Lighting, JR will be tasked with bringing the lighting pioneer to the next level and strengthening the reputation of the Race Sport Lighting and Marine Sport Lighting brands. JR will also oversee accelerating the growth of several strategic buying groups that the company is the premier lighting vendor on record. In addition, look for him to bring the companies award winning products and services global and outside their current North American footprint.
This comes at a pinnacle time in the companies 15th year in the industry since their inception. They have developed a product line of Niche lighting that spans across the 12-volt Industry, Offroad Industry, Powersport Industry, Motorcycle Industry, and the Marine Industry just to name a few. While many companies lost momentum in 2020 from the pandemic, Race Sport Lighting kept its inventory and fulfillment rates high and founds ways to grow and expand. JR will be coming in to support further growth and help manage the company’s growth and make sure they keep the focus on what got them to the top.
"Steve has built a great team and it is my pleasure and a privilege to join a company with such a great culture. I look forward to being a part of the evolution and continued growth of such a well-respected brand,” said JR Stocks, Vice President of Race Sport Lighting.
Previously, JR was one of the founders of MESA Specialist buying group as well as its director for several years. He also was the CEO or President of a few well-known industry retail chains over the two decades. His last appointment was as the CEO of Wet Sounds for the last 5 years.
“I am looking forward to having JR bring his upper management experience and fresh perspective into our company. He has so many critical relationships in each industry that expand the globe. JR’s expertise is the missing link to help our growing company exponentially grow in the next 5 to 10 years,” said Steven Jergensen, President and Founder of Race Sport Lighting.
Race Sport Lighting is the leading manufacturer of LED and HID lighting technology in North America, and serves the 12-Volt, Truck Accessory, Powersports, Motorcycle, Marine, and RV industries primarily. Founded in 2007, Race Sport Lighting is going on 15+ years leading the way as the Pioneer for the lighting category. They offer the highest quality lighting products to the industry and back it up with award winning customer service and tech support. This reputation has earned them the position of Preferred Lighting Vendor for several buying groups in the industries they serve.
Become a USA Reseller today - https://www.racesportinc.com/customer/account/create/
Become a Canadian Reseller today - https://www.racesportlighting.ca/customer/account/create/
Holly Hill, Fla. – June 29, 2022 – Axxess® by Metra Electronics® has expanded its product line to include additional vehicle applications for popular integration solutions. Now shipping are five new fully integrated dash kit packages designed specifically for select Pioneer® receivers*. The kits are an addition to Axxess’ popular AXPIO line and include vehicle-specific harnessing for select GM truck and SUV models. These new integration accessories help installers deliver upgraded sound systems and everyday convenience to drivers, with less labor and work in the install bay.
The AXPIO-XXXX packages include an Axxess interface, plug-n-play vehicle-specific harnessing, a dash kit, and an antenna adaptor. Vehicle information and settings controlled on the factory screen are retained, displayed, and controlled on the Pioneer® touchscreen. These settings would otherwise be lost after replacing the head unit. The built-in integration technology from Axxess also retains safety chimes through an offboard speaker, retains audio controls on the steering wheel, retains R.A.P. (Retained Accessory Power), and provides accessory power (12-volt-10-amp) and NAV output for parking brake, reverse, and speed sense.
These new packages are designed to fit the following GM models**:
AXPIO-COL1 - Fits Select Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon 2016-2018
AXPIO-COL2 - Fits Select Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon 2019-2020
AXPIO-STY1 - Fits Select Chevrolet Suburban & Tahoe, GMC Yukon 2015-2020
AXPIO-SIL1 - Fits Select Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra 2014-2019
AXPIO-SIL2 - Fits Select Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra 2019-2020
All of these solutions are in stock now and available for shipping. *Refer to radio manufacturer for most current models. **Visit AxxessInterfaces.com for vehicle-specific applications.
Product Specifications:
At Metra, 12volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 75 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp®, Metra Marine® and Daytona Lights®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium AV and surveillance products from MetraAV™. For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.
PIONEER is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation.
STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® has announced the promotion of Jacob Luckey to its group of global product-training specialists, known to the brand’s dealer base as the Tech Force.
“Following an extensive interview process, we invited Jacob to join the Tech Force and will begin his training duties on July 15,” said Aaron Malin, Tech Force Global Training Manager.
Prior to his promotion, Luckey has been a vital member of the KICKER Consumer Technical Support team for the last three years. During that time while learning KICKER’s vast product offerings, he also worked to earn MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professional) certification. Luckey began at Stillwater Designs, the manufacturer of KICKER products, in 2016 and has held duties in various departments prior to landing the Consumer Tech Support position.
Luckey becomes the fourth member of the KICKER Tech Force, a team that’s responsible for educating KICKER dealers and installers about KICKER audio products through live appearances, recorded video and live digital streaming.
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.
Guarantee Program Adds to Recent Customer Enhancements
TAMPA, Fla. (June 21, 2022) – DOW Technologies, the leading independently owned technology distributor, announced today the launch of their Price Match Guarantee. The program continues DOW’s commitment to innovate new programs that provide customers the best value in distribution.
DOW’s Price Match Guarantee ensures that dealers can get the best price in the market while also taking advantage of DOW’s free shipping program, Smart Ship. DOW will match the price on identical products sold by authorized distributors within the same territory the customer is located. The guarantee covers all physical products in each of DOW’s areas of business.
“Our goal is to add value for our customers through innovative programs and policies- offering the best price and best service from a single source saves them time and money” stated president & ceo John Yodzis. “This program adds to the enhancements we’ve rolled out over the past year that make purchasing and shipping easier for a business owner to manage.”
“This new program gives us an opportunity to take price issues out of the equation,” added senior vice president Dave Elkin. “At DOW, we’ve always competed using our great customer service and knowledgeable sales team, and now we have another tool to prove our value to customers.”
To learn more about DOW Technologies, please visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., DOW Technologies is one of the largest independently owned and operated technology distributors servicing independent retailers in the United States for 63 years. With eight locations serving Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., DOW Technologies focuses on distributing products and technologies that enhance lives at home, at work and on the road.
DOW Technologies’ areas of business include:
• Car Audio/Video • Custom Integration/Consumer Electronics
• Broadband • Satellite & Terrestrial Television
• Surveillance • Marine Audio and Accessories
• Commercial Audio/Video • UCaaS
The Creator of the SKAA Wireless Audio Standard Has Revamped ElevenEngineering.com with a Modern Design, Improved Team Info, Intuitive Site Navigation, Easy to Read/ Understand Product Descriptions, and Complete Design/Factory Partner Listing
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada, June 10, 2022 – Eleven Engineering, Inc. (elevenengineering.com), a market leader in semiconductor products for wireless audio for professional, home theater, multi-room, portable, 12 Volt (car, truck, motorcycle, power sports, marine) and gaming applications including SKAA wireless HiFi audio is proud to announce its redesigned and updated website.
“We are excited to update and make our website more attractive in both aesthetics and usage,” said Rex Whitehead, Eleven Engineering executive vice president, sales & marketing. “We are a designer and manufacturer of reliable semiconductor components for wireless audio, as well as the creator of the world’s new wireless standard, and we needed to be able to better tell our story in a more informative and easily navigable way. The new ElevenEngineering.com does just that.”
The updated website includes:
1. A modern, beautiful design
2. Improved team info
3. Intuitive site navigation
4. Product line described in plain language so you know which is right for you with ease/speed
5. Exhaustive listing of design/factory partners
SKAA is the new wireless HiFi audio standard developed by Eleven Engineering, Inc. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack. SKAA is also available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products, which are featured at SKAA.com. In environments laden with heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic, SKAA navigates through these hostile environments with best-in-class reliability. SKAA also allows for uninterrupted audio signals which are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.
For more information, please contact Rex Whitehead at 480-650-3979 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and please visit www.elevenengineering.com, www.SKAA.com, SKAA wireless YouTube channel, and Facebook/.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada-based Eleven Engineering, Inc. is a market leader in microprocessors SiPs (System in Package) and modules designed for wireless audio for Home Theater, Multi-Room, Portable, and Pro Audio products. Eleven's XInC2 multithreaded processor was designed specifically for digital wireless audio applications but is also well suited for other realtime intensive microprocessor applications. Eleven's high-performance wireless audio semiconductors, equipped with XInC2 wireless processor cores, are complete solutions for high-quality digital wireless audio transport.
Developed by Eleven, SKAA is the new standard for wireless audio. With guaranteed, seamless compatibility between all products incorporating it, SKAA is the modern-day wireless equivalent to the venerable RCA audio cable of the past, which for decades enabled anyone to freely connect audio products to each other regardless of brand. SKAA’s adoption is growing exponentially in key audio markets including: Pro, DJ, Whole House, Home Theater, Party Speakers, Outdoor & Garden, Marine & Power Sports. www.skaa.com
June 5, 2022 -- Commerce, Calif. -- Massive Audio was at the Fuel Fest 2022 show in Irwindale, California, on Saturday, June 4th. Rigo (Massive Ghost) was taking videos of the show highlights and give those who could not attend a birds eye view of the excitement.
"It was nice to see so many familiar faces and friends after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 Pandemic," he said. "It's so beautiful seeing the car scene return to Southern California. I had a blast checking out all the participants rides and sharing information and promo items for Massive Audio. So excited to see the turnout at Slamology later this month. Make sure to check out Cabe Sipes Massive Audio Hyundai."
Watch highlights of Fuel Fest 2020 on YouTube by clicking here.
Massive Audio also held their first official social media giveaway on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok. Massive Audio fans had the chance to win a Brand New Massive Audio EQ7X 7-Band Equalizer simply by sharing our social media content and tagging 3 friends. The winner was randomly selected on Saturday, June 11th, 2022. Massive Audio is proud to announce this 1-st round winner, Mr. JC Meza on Instagram, @rockstar_finess13. Massive Ghost and Massive Audio would like to thank all of the 67 participants who entered on social media!
Massive audio is looking for a few select “influencer” dealers to help with product development and to show case products and installs. Call 323) 262-2262 and ask for JR. if you would like further information on perks offered. Hablamos Espanol.
STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® is celebrating a trio of audio-equipped rides awarded in the Street Trucks magazine “Slamology Top-10 Trucks” list, put together by editors following the show’s conclusion June 12 at Lucas Oil Raceway.
All three top-tier trucks spent their time as featured vehicles parked in front of KICKER’s XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) during the weekend, accumulating a non-stop crowd of awestruck spectators.
John Farr’s 1980 Dodge® D-50 pickup, known as the Ramster, sports a 3000-watt system that drives a half dozen KICKER subwoofers and 10 KICKER Q-Class speakers.
KICKER Special Projects Manager Tim Smith won “Best Interior” honors with his custom Chevy® Silverado®. It is equipped with a KICKER Q-Class amplifier and speaker system, along with a pair of eight-inch L7T square subwoofers in a custom enclosure.
Rounding out the honorees is a GMC® Sierra® showcasing a system installed by Indianapolis native Paul “Handmade” Howard. The system features L7T square subs, KICKER speakers and eight KICKER CX-Series amplifiers.
Billed as one of the largest car, truck and mobile-audio events in the world, Slamology featured in excess of 2,000 show cars over the two-day event, with nearly 20,000 spectators passing through the gates.
For more information, consumers can visit www.streettrucksmag.com/top-10-trucks-slamology-2022.
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.
Chevy, Silverado, GMC and Sierra are registered trademarks of GM, its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors.
Dodge is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.
Holly Hill, Fla. – June 16, 2022 – Daytona Lights® by Metra Electronics® has introduced new accent lighting products designed to provide affordable and stylish vehicle illumination that is easy to install. Now in stock and shipping are Single-Color EZ Accent Lights, Single-Color Rock Lights, and RGB LED Rock Light Kits. These products have universal vehicle fit applications and can be used inside and outside the vehicle. This makes them ideal and versatile lighting solutions for automotive lighting installers looking for an economical way to add dramatic color and illumination.
Single-Color EZ Accent Lights
Daytona Lights® EZ Accent Lights are designed to provide soft glow illumination for the interior of vehicles. They conveniently plug into the USB port for the easiest possible installation, with no tools required. These lights are sold as a set of two, with red (DL-EZAR), green (DL-EZAG), blue (DL-EZAB), or white (DL-EZAW) options. They are ideal products to feature as an eye-catching, colorful countertop display for retailers.
Single-Color Rock Lights
Daytona Lights® single-color rock lights are available in white (DL-ROCKW), green (DL-ROCKG), blue (DL-ROCKB), and red (DL-ROCKR), and are sold as a two-pack. The rock lights are rated IP67 with metal housing for a resilient lighting solution that can go inside or outside - withstanding the elements for use under the vehicle, inside wheel wells, engine bays, and more. They are easy to install with a two-wire connection and include hardware along with flat or curved mounting bases that work on a variety of surfaces. Each 3.6-watt rock light has three 2525 LEDs for an affordable but bright accent lighting solution that adds flair to any vehicle’s interior or exterior.
RGB LED Rock Light Kits
The new rock light kits by Daytona Lights® include everything an installer needs to add brilliant, multicolored lighting to a vehicle. Each package includes four (DL-RGB4KT) or eight (DL-RGB8KT) RGB LED rock lights with 10 feet of wiring attached to each, mounting hardware, and one app-controlled RGB controller. The controller works with the free Lotus Lantern App to allow the user to control the color temperature and flashing pattern of the RGB LED lights. These competitively-priced products are designed with installers in mind, featuring easy two-wire hookups and water-resistant connectors.
All of these products are available now and shipping. Visit MetraOnline.com for more information.
At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 75 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp®, Metra Marine® and Daytona Lights®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium AV and surveillance products from MetraAV® . For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.
Oklahoma City, OK, June 1st, 2022 -- DD AUDIO®, a manufacturer of high-quality mobile audio products for the masses, is proud to introduce the all new HD8SBK, Harley Saddlebag Enclosure Mounting Kit. Every square inch of space matters when you ride. Whether you’re going to the corner-store for a six-pack or going into the desert for the weekend, you need room in your saddlebags to keep the adventure safe and fun. Should you have to sacrifice this space for good audio or worse, sacrifice good audio for the space? DD AUDIO doesn’t think so, and that’s why they’ve built a better, smarter bag/speaker mounting system. With the USA Made HD8SBK you can split your bag in two: one half for space and one half for bass.
Unlike other kits on the market, the HD8SBK completely encloses the speaker while taking up minimal bag space. Riders can store bulky items and sensibly packed loose items in the front of the same bag as their fully enclosed 8” speaker without serious concern for the items or the speaker. The HD8SBK also features a built-in utility tray with bungee straps, so riders can easily secure and quickly access small items stored in the bags. To protect the speaker’s outward facing soft-parts from rocks and debris, DD AUDIO has included a striking black powder coated aluminum 8” DD grill.
The HD8SBK has been tested relentlessly and underwent a thorough prototyping phase to ensure the best possible performance and bass response. It was also built with versatility in mind, giving you a nice range of options for your two 8” woofers (one in each bag). Riders looking to experience superior motorcycle audio can choose from DD AUDIO’s VO-W8, VO-XN8, VO-MN8, VO-M8 and RL-SW08, all of which are water resistant, reliable and offer their own unique sound.
The clean design was tailor made for stock saddlebags on Harley-Davidson Street Glides, Road Glides, Ultra Glides, Electra Glides and Road Kings from 1998 to today. With professional installation, this USA Made kit will fit like a glove and look as if it came included fresh off Harley’s US factory line. From the quality build to smart design features, there truly is no comparison to other mounting brackets on the market which can cost more and offer far less.
Visit ddaudio.com/mounting-hardware/hd8-sbk to learn more about this incredible space saving saddlebag enclosure mountin kit.