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.

Industry Veteran Returns to Strengthen Member Services and Enhance Membership Offerings

North Andover, MA – January 9, 2025 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is thrilled to announce the return of Lynn Swezey as Membership Manager. With extensive industry expertise and a proven track record, Swezey is set to drive membership growth, engagement, and retention while elevating MEA’s offerings to its diverse community of professionals.

Swezey’s return aligns with MEA’s ongoing mission to enhance the membership experience through innovative strategies and deeper engagement. In her role, she will lead initiatives such as incentivized virtual monthly member meetings, showcasing the benefits of membership, and strengthening MEA’s industry partnerships. With a deep understanding of the industry and a passion for creating meaningful connections, she will oversee membership growth, engagement, and retention, while reimagining how the association communicates its value and strengthens its offerings.

“Lynn is a dynamic force with an outstanding history of contributing to the success of our members and the broader Mobile Electronics industry,” said Chris Cook, President of the Mobile Electronics Association. “Her return signals a fresh, creative approach to how we engage with our members, improve our services, and provide even more value to our community.”

Having previously served as a member of MEA’s Member Services team, Swezey’s experience with trade show execution, member engagement, retail management, and professional marketing makes her an invaluable addition to the organization. Between 2014-2019, Swezey contributed to Mobile Electronics-based sales teams, including two East Coast distributors and a Manufacturer’s Rep Firm; she primarily attended southern New England and mid-to-upstate New York retail accounts.

As Membership Manager, Swezey will focus on amplifying MEA’s portfolio of member benefits, including:

• Exclusive Access Events: Invitations to MEA’s acclaimed KnowledgeFest shows and member events, offering unparalleled networking, professional development, and industry insights.
• Unmatched Insurance & Service Deals: Access to industry-leading insurance plans and exclusive service partnerships, delivering substantial savings to members.
• Strategic Industry Affiliations: Partnerships with key players in the Mobile Electronics space that offer members critical connections, discounts, and growth opportunities.

“I’m thrilled to rejoin MEA and reconnect with so many great colleagues and members,” said Swezey. “The landscape of the mobile electronics industry continues to evolve, and I’m excited to work alongside the team to bring fresh, creative strategies to how we engage with our members. Our goal is to ensure that every member maximizes their experience and realizes the full value of their membership.”

Please visit the MEA Booth at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, held January 31–February 2, 2025, where Lynn looks forward to reconnecting with industry professionals and valued members.

For more information on membership benefits, or to join the Mobile Electronics Association, visit www.mobile-electronics.com

About the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA)

The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is the leading trade association for the mobile electronics industry, providing its members with access to industry resources, networking opportunities, exclusive events, and a comprehensive range of benefits. MEA serves as the voice of the mobile electronics industry, advocating for the interests of its nearly 1100 members and helping them grow their businesses through innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and educational programs.

Contact:

Lynn Swezey

Membership Manager

Mobile Electronics Association (MEA)

Phone: (978) 645-7416

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.