Seattle, WA – August 12, 2023 – Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA), a leading provider of distribution services to the 12-volt aftermarket, announced today the addition of RDV Automotive Technology (RDV) to their vendor partner line-up.

RDV engineers and manufactures a wide variety of vehicle specific solutions that seamlessly and elegantly add some of the most wanted features to today’s vehicles including Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and other popular solutions.

RDV is owned by industry veteran Rich De Sclafani who oversees and touches just about everything at the company. Rich said, “Wow! I appreciate so much the confidence EDA has shown in my company. EDA is such a powerful group of quality 12-volt distributors. We are energized to have the group bring RDV to their thousands of customers.”

Josh Eatherly, EDA’s Director of Business Development spent many weeks researching the opportunity. “The more I looked into RDV and talked to dealers and end users it was clear that Rich has done something special at RDV. There are just so many vehicle owners out there that want to add what RDV is delivering. RDV will be plus business for our members and dealers.”

Amir Dhahani of SSR Distributors in Houston and Dallas added, “We have had so many dealers ask for exactly what RDV is delivering. This will be an instant win for SSR!”

Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) is a leading provider of distribution services to the 12 volt aftermarket industry. EDA was founded in 2016 by a group of industry veterans who saw the need for a more efficient and effective way to distribute products and services. Today, EDA is providing same day or next day services to thousands of customers across the USA through its network of twenty-five plus warehouse locations.

Contact: Jim Warren, Executive Vice President at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® Audio is honored to announce that Elite Distributor Alliance has awarded parent company Stillwater Designs as Vendor-of-the-Year 2020 (Best Supplier-in-a-Storm). The EDA ultimately created the unique sub-headline on the award to recognize the brand’s contribution to the 12-volt industry during a tumultuous year.

“With KICKER, there was never a serious disruption of business,” said Josh Eatherly, president of the EDA. “There was an obvious go-to-market strategy in place way before the pandemic, to have enough product (and a) sale-able price, and it carried through. We wanted to recognize that this was a significant event that happened. This was a supplier that went above and beyond.”

The EDA consists of 11 partner distributors, servicing mobile-audio retailers across the country. Its stated mission is to “collectively seek to improve the business of EDA distributors, vendors and retailers by striving to create a more organized and predictable business environment,” per its website. KICKER is among 11 mobile-electronics manufacturers that work with the EDA.

“We have continually heard that KICKER is doing an outstanding job of supplying product through this challenging time, and this award confirmed that,” said KICKER President and founder Steve Irby, who attended the award ceremony. “We were also honored to hear that several dealers had told their distributors that KICKER literally kept them in business through this difficult time.”

Irby also acknowledged KICKER’s West-Coast warehouse as being instrumental in allocating product into the supply chain.

For more information about the EDA, consumers can log into www.elitedistributoralliance.com on the Internet.

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.

Pictured from Left to Right: Ron Trout, Steve Cote, Jim Warren, Dave Hoag, John Lucas, and Josh Eatherly

Denver, Colo. – June 19th, 2023 – The Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) was delighted to award JVCKENWOOD the prestigious honor of Vendor of the Year. The award was presented at the EDA’s annual meeting, which was held at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver.

The Elite Distributor Alliance is a prominent association comprising top-tier distributors and manufacturers in the consumer electronics industry. This annual award recognizes the manufacturer that demonstrates outstanding performance, exceptional product quality, and a strong dedication to supporting distributor success.

Jim Warren, Executive Vice President of the Elite Distributor Alliance, said, “JVCKENWOOD is a deserving recipient of the Vendor of the Year award. They have consistently demonstrated their commitment to providing their distributors with the support they need to be successful.

JVCKENWOOD’s commitment to excellence and continuous innovation has propelled the company to the forefront of the industry. With a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge audio, convenience, and safety solutions, JVCKENWOOD has consistently exceeded customer expectations and delivered exceptional value to its distribution partners.

“We are truly honored to receive this award, especially considering the excellence exhibited by all the EDA vendor partners that work tirelessly to build momentum within the group,” said Dave Hoag, Executive VP of JVCKENWOOD USA. “This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and exceptional customer experiences. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Elite Distributor Alliance for their trust and recognition, and especially to our dedicated team and distribution partners for their continuous support.”

JVCKENWOOD remains dedicated to pushing boundaries, delivering superior products, and strengthening its partnerships with distributors. This Vendor of the Year award serves as a testament to JVCKENWOOD’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in the consumer electronics industry.

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, visit JVCKENWOOD at http://us.jvckenwood.com, www.kenwood.com/usa, www.jvc.com/usa/car-entertainment.

The Elite Distributor Alliance is a group of independent 12-volt distributors. The alliance was formed in 2016 to provide its members with the resources they need to be successful in the competitive electronics industry. The alliance offers its members training, marketing support, and access to a wide range of products and services.

Partnership will expand sales footprint and support KENWOOD retailers in distribution channel

LONG BEACH, CALIF., September 11, 2017 (MEDIAWIRE) – KENWOOD USA announced it has joined the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA). Formed in 2015, the EDA is a member-owned LLC focused on bringing more order and predictability to the business of two-step distribution in the mobile electronics and related product categories. The new relationship combines the brand strength of KENWOOD with a nationwide team of premium distributors committed to delivering value, consistency and legitimacy to its vendor partners and retail customers.

“Our driving focus has always been, and remains, a direct relationship with our retail partners, particularly the independent mobile specialist,” said KENWOOD Executive Vice President Dave Hoag. “To that end we have recently engaged in a restructuring of our distributor network to better service the market while avoiding brand-erosion pitfalls associated with over-utilization. The EDA philosophy parallels very closely with our brand direction, and we look forward to a healthy and responsible partnership.”

The Elite Distributor Alliance brings KENWOOD increased focus within the country's most legitimate distributors, as well as stronger ties to 12-volt specialty retailers who buy primarily through distribution. Its membership consists of 11 premium mobile electronics distributors throughout the U.S. that support thousands of car audio retail locations.

“We are very proud to partner with KENWOOD and applaud their commitment to organization and predictability,” said EDA President Josh Eatherly. “Our 11 distribution members have worked tirelessly planning for this business opportunity. They are prepared to be an extension of the KENWOOD brand as we deliver these great products to retailers who embrace technology, installation excellence and quality customer service.”

Visit the EDA’s website at elitedistributoralliance.com. For more information, contact Tony Mercado at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

The Mobile Electronics Distributors Merchandising Alliance announced several changes in their business structure, starting with the change of the name from MED to Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA). The new name, according to all of the members involved, better represents the broader business activities of the distributor members.

In addition the Elite Distributor Alliance is a member owned LLC. Each member will invest in his ownership of the EDA and pay annual dues thereafter.  According to Ray Windsor, “This set of business conditions will allow the EDA to more effectively set about its goal of bringing value and improved organization to the mobile electronics supply chain.  It will help add Profit, Identity and Predictability, the three most important elements of a business to all supply chain participants”.    

The EDA became incorporated on Wednesday July 28, 2015 as an LLC in the state of Delaware.  Josh Eatherly of P & E Distributors in Goodlettsville TN said, “The immediate tasks now include identifying and inviting vendors to participate with the EDA, approving by-laws and mission statement details and electing officers”. 

The EDA equity ownership includes, Advanced Marketing & Distribution in S. CA; Custom Plus Distributing in N. CA, OR, WA; Mountain West Distributors in MT, ID, WY, UT, CO, AZ, NM; Pioneer Music Distribution in NE, IA, KS, MO; Sunbelt Distributors in TX, OK, LA, AR; P & E Distributors in TN, MS, AL, GA; Ultimate Marketing in NC, SC, FL; MRI Premium Distributor, ME, NH, VT, CT, MA, RI, Upstate NY; AM Distributors in N. IL, E. WI.  That covers about 70% of the US BPI.  The EDA is expecting to add at least one more equity member in the next 30 days.

A number of the EDA Charter Members have indicated that they have each been queried by vendors as to the progress in forming the group.  Many of those vendors have expressed interest in learning more details about how they can be involved.  Michael Durand of Ultimate Marketing indicated that the EDA will have vendor information kits available in the next few days.  He encourages interested vendors to contact Ray Windsor at the number and/or e-mail below.  The EDA also has a few territories open for new equity distributor members.  Bob Oliver from Custom Plus suggested, “The equity membership investment and later annual dues along with the vendor participation fees have not changed.  In fact they are more than reasonable given the benefits delivered by the Elite Distributor Alliance.”

Never shy Dan Haight from Pioneer Music offered, “This took a little longer than I expected but at least we are off to the races now, with a solid mechanism for business improvement”.  Bob Dean of MRI echoed the claims from all of the members that, “Not only will the EDA be a business improvement catalyst for our equity members but we expect the vendor participants will realize a strong value add and improvement in the predictable and on purpose growth of their business and market share.  The collateral benefits to our collective retailer customers will be more predictability in product availability and margins”.  

The EDA members are set to have a group meeting at CES 2016 which will include vendor participants.  In addition to that meeting the EDA members suggested there will be a number of discussions with potential vendor invitees and probably a prospective distributor or two to join the EDA as equal equity members. 

Professionally managed distribution network to offer Illusion Audio, Black Hole brands

CAMARILLO, CALIF., July 25, 2019 (MEDIAWIRE) – Orca Design and Manufacturing, provider of high-end audio systems, components and accessories for the automotive aftermarket, announced it has partnered with the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA), a member-owned network of mobile electronics distribution companies.

The 12 partners of the organization will have the opportunity to stock and distribute Orca’s in-house Illusion Audio and Black Hole brands, as well as the RC line of amplifiers from the Gladen Audio brand, to thousands of its authorized retailers throughout the U.S. The agreement provides Orca with a broadened base of professional retailers through a professionally managed conduit of progressive distributors.

“I have worked with the team at Orca Design for many years and believe the Illusion Audio product to not only be unique and well-built but extraordinary in sound quality,” said Nate Taliani of Davis Distribution in Newell, W. Va.

“The Illusion Audio products and Gladen amplifiers are extraordinary, but what further impresses me is the training and support Orca will deliver to our customers,” added Josh Eatherly from P&E Distributors in Nashville, Tenn.

Illusion Audio is imagined and engineered at Orca’s corporate headquarters in Camarillo, Calif., and is manufactured in India. The line consists of premium speaker sets such as the iconic Carbon C5 and C6 component sets, and the shallow-mount Carbon C10 and C12 subwoofers.

Black Hole features premium sound-dampening materials that eliminate noise and improve audio system efficiency, as well as OEM-grade tapes and surface protection materials specially designed for automotive installation. Orca is the exclusive U.S. importer for the German-engineered Gladen line of car audio products which includes more than 25 power amplifier SKUs with both MOSFET-based and Class D designs.

“I have known the team at Orca for many years,” said Jim Warren, executive director of the EDA. “While Orca’s passion for sound quality is second to none, they didn’t stop there. They thought deeply about the needs of the installer and their go-to-market strategy is thoroughly thought out. We are happy to finalize this agreement and bring Gladen and Illusion Audio to all of our dealers.”

“Our objective has always been to provide high-quality audio products to the automotive aftermarket, to be sold and installed by proactive, professional retailers,” said Kimon Bellas, president of Orca. “Our partnership with EDA joins two like-minded organizations with the goal of building business through smart, selective distribution and empowering retail and installation professionals with ongoing training and support.”

Orca will showcase the latest Illusion Audio, Black Hole and Gladen products at KnowledgeFest, August 9-11 at the Dallas Convention Center. For more information on KnowledgeFest, visit knowledgefest.org. For information on Orca products and represented brands, visit orca-design.com.

Started in 2015, the Elite Distributor Alliance consists of a group of mobile electronics distributors that collectively seek to improve the business of EDA distributors, vendors and retailers through a more organized and predictable business environment. For more information, please visit elitrdistributoralliance.com.

Based in Southern California for more than 30 years, Orca is a multi-faceted supplier of premium audio brands and components. Orca is the sole U.S. importer and distributor for Focal mobile audio and Gladen-Mosconi. With in-house design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, Orca also produces quality products including Blackhole damping materials, Raven pure ribbon tweeters for pro audio applications, and Illusion Audio reference car speakers and subwoofers. For more information, visit our website at orcadesign.com.

Houston 12-Volt Distributor Broadens National Footprint

Seattle, March 22, 2021 – With one day shipping from seventeen distribution centers, Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) has broadened its footprint with the addition of SSR Distributors to the group. EDA estimates that with this addition over 20 percent of the 12-volt product sold in the United States now flows through an EDA member.

“What Amir Dhahani and the team at SSR Distributors have achieved matches really well with EDA.”, said Jim Warren, Executive Director of EDA. “The line mix, velocity, and approach to the market makes for a very good fit.”

Amir Dhahani added, “We are excited that our company got the opportunity to join such a great group. Our core values align with this association and I look forward to learning from and networking with experienced and principled business partners. I believe working with EDA will open up opportunities to demonstrate that distributors are an important asset to our industry."

SSR Distributors is a family owned and operated business founded in 1998. With decades of experience and a wide range of product selection SSR has become one of the largest 12-Volt distributors in the country. They currently serve the 4-state territory Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

John Yodzis, one of the officers of EDA, and president of DOW Electronics said, “We looked long and hard at solutions for the Texas and surrounding market. My company, DOW, has a strong presence in the same markets Amir serves, but we felt we needed one more member to really round things out. Over and over again we kept coming back to SSR due to their customer service and strong reputation. Here at DOW we’re really excited about jointly meeting the needs of the Texas and surrounding markets.”

EDA has grown substantially over the last four years and now is exclusively building and marketing a number of twelve volt brands including SPL Boxes, Triton Audio, and Nustart.

Elite Distributor Alliance is a member owned buying group 100% committed to delivering high integrity, no compromise solutions for all of dealers 12 volt needs. Find out more at www.elitedistributoralliance.com.

SSR Distributors is a family owned and operated business founded in 1998. With decades of experience and a wide range of product selection SSR has become one of the largest 12-Volt distributors in the country. SSR currently serves the 4-state territory of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas.