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America’s Oldest KENWOOD Dealer Celebrates 50 Years in Business!

LONG BEACH, CALIF., February 18th, 2021KENWOOD 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 50th 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) states, “The biggest thing that Duke’s has done over the years is to offer great value and exceptional customer service. Everyone leaves happy.”  

For more information about Duke’s Car Stereo, please visit: https://www.dukescarstereo.com/.

JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation and is a leading developer of car entertainment products for the consumer market, two-way radio communications systems for public safety, private industry and amateur users, and video equipment for the broadcast and professional markets. For detailed information, call KENWOOD USA at 1-800-536-9663 or visit us at http://us.jvckenwood.com and www.kenwood.com/usa.

Copyright - Mobile Electronics Association 2020

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