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Rockford Corp. has announced the retirement of industry veteran Howard Miller. Miller and his wife, Sharon, founded Crimestopper in 1980, and Miller joined Rockford as a consultant after Rockford acquired Crimestopper in 2014. Miller will remain with Rockford until June 30.

“Howard has built hundreds of business relationships and developed deep friendships throughout his long tenure in the industry,” said Rockford Corporation President and CEO Bill Jackson. “He is known as a field intensive guy and a person who has a work ethic that is second to none. He is one of those iconic people in the industry that basically everyone knows and everyone likes because of his personality and professionalism.”

For 35 years in the North American market, Crimestopper, Inc. has been an industry leader in 12 Volt aftermarket electronics and has become a one-stop-shop for total vehicle security and safety needs. Over the past decade, the company has been recognized for offering the widest selection of vehicle security and remote start systems in the marketplace. It has also expanded its product line to include GPS tracking systems and a wide variety of vehicle safety products such as cameras, monitors, wireless video systems, collision avoidance and parking sensor systems, DVR systems, and tire pressure monitoring systems.

“It’s been quite a ride,” said Miller. “Sharon and I started Crimestopper with humble beginnings with quite literally nothing, and built it up to one of the most respected brands in the industry over the past four decades. There are too many people to recognize for helping us along the way, but we do thank each and every one of them. And now, seeing what Rockford is putting into the business allows me to retire knowing Crimestopper is in good hands.”

Jackson concluded, “We are sad to see Howard leave the organization. He has been a great partner and has built a fabulous reputation in the industry. I am sure Howard is looking forward to improving his golf handicap and relaxing. We wish nothing but the best for the Millers and look forward to carrying on their legacy by continuing to build the Crimestopper brand.”

For more information, visit www.rockfordcorp.com.

TEMPE, Ariz. – April 21, 2016 – Rockford Corp. has announced that it has finalized and completed the transition of the distribution of Audiotec Fischer products under the Brax, Helix, and Match brands in the U.S. and Mexico to Atlanta-based Hybrid Audio Technologies, Inc., officially effective April 25, 2016. Rockford announced the end of its four-year distribution agreement with Audiotec Fischer in January 2016 in order to dedicate resources and capitalize on opportunities within its own brands.

“After careful consideration, Audiotec Fischer chose Scott Buwalda and the team at Hybrid Audio Technologies to take over distribution of the Brax, Helix, and Match brands in the U.S. and Mexico,” explained Theresa Anthony, Rockford Corp. VP of sales and marketing. “Hybrid Audio Technologies will assume all service and support for dealers who purchased from Rockford Corporation, so it will be as seamless a transition for all involved…most importantly, for Brax, Helix, and Match retailers and customers.”

Brax, Helix, and Match will be now be managed under the dba namesake Audiotec Fischer Brands USA (AFB-USA), sister company to Hybrid Audio Technologies, Inc.

“AFB-USA and Hybrid Audio Technologies are collectively and uniquely positioned to assume the Brax, Helix, and Match distributorship,” added Scott Buwalda, Hybrid Audio Technologies founder and president. “We plan to expand the reach of each brand as we grow them in parallel with each other, complementing a large and diverse collection of the very finest retailers across the USA. Additionally, a distribution announcement in Mexico is imminent.”

Heinz Fischer, owner of Audiotec Fischer, stated, “I would like to thank Rockford for their dedication and efforts over the past four years, and with their professionalism and dedication to our brands and customers during this transition. We are pleased that Hybrid Audio Technologies will continue this trend in North America.”

Bill Jackson, president and CEO of Rockford Corporation, stated, “Everyone at Rockford, including myself, has the highest level of respect for Mr. Heinz and Mrs. Gudrun Fischer, their brands, and the technology they bring to the market place. Brax, Helix, and Match are in good hands with Hybrid Audio Technologies, and we wish them continued success.”

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