STILLWATER, USA – A host of KICKER® employees will judge the 2024 Oklahoma State SkillsUSA Mobile Electronics contest at Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater, Okla., Thursday April 11. Three of KICKER’s Tech Force training team will join members of the company’s Special Projects Team, R&D, and Marketing departments to judge the effectiveness of 48 Oklahoma student competitors, each attempting to solve the challenges presented by eight independent mobile-electronics workstations. The winning competitors will earn awards from the brand and qualify for the SkillsUSA Finals in Atlanta later this year.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America continues to have a skilled workforce, according to SkillsUSA.org. Students who excel in the program are prepared to shine in the exciting 12-volt industry.

The mobile-electronics category tests competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional mobile-electronics installers. In the industry, these skills have been established through the certification objectives and items created for basic MECP certification by the Consumer Electronics Association.

“We hear from retailers regularly that they cannot find qualified people to hire,” said Aaron Malin, KICKER Tech Force/Global Training Manager. “This challenge stresses various aspects of the real-world workplace. When they complete the SkillsUSA challenge, they are positioned to enter a job and immediately contribute.

“I would like to encourage other 12-volt industry leaders and manufacturers to get involved with SkillsUSA; we need those young men and women to join us in this quickly evolving industry.”

In addition to the challenges presented at Meridian Technology Center, each competitor must take and pass the MECP Basic Certification program before competing. A professional interview and hands-on applications are all required, including the demonstration of several core 12-volt installation skill sets like taking electrical measurements, installing consumer-electronics equipment, soldering, working with relay circuits, and troubleshooting electronic circuitry.

“SkillsUSA is definitely growing,” says Tech Force trainer Jacob Luckey. “Last year we had 10 competitors; this year we have nearly 50. It speaks to the importance of getting the right training, and then using those skills on the job. Being prepared makes all the difference, and these competitors recognize that.”

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.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® is now shipping an audio processor that controls the volume in up to four different zones. The KICKER KXMARLC Zone Volume Controller, created for marine use but with all-weather features for any outdoor setting, distributes a stereo RCA signal from vehicle’s source unit to as many as four independent stereo RCA outputs for very clean, very clear sound. Compatible with most any amplifier, the KXMARLC will be available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live™ streamed show, KXMARLC Zone Controllers will retail for $299.99 each and will also be available for purchase online at www.kicker.com.

Perfect for boat and RV applications, the half-DIN controller unit measures under two inches high and nine inches wide, making it easy to mount in a variety of locations. It utilizes large, user-friendly knobs for adjusting individual zone volumes. Custom zone adhesive labels are included for easily personalizing the controller unit and overall sound system.

Also included is the hide-away processor unit that features a remote turn-on lead for activating all amplifiers within the system. The processor houses the preamp section that delivers up to eight volts to each channel, so every amplifier is getting the cleanest signal possible. This allows for lower gain settings, increased noise rejection and overall better sound. All installation and mounting hardware for surface or flush mounting of both units is included.

For more information, consumers can log onto www.kicker.com/KXMARLC on the kicker.com website.

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.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® will display its XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) big rig along with more than 300 of the fastest street cars in the country this weekend at the Outlaw Armageddon no-prep drag race, August 2-3 at Thunder Valley Raceway Park in Noble, Okla.

KICKER-equipped vehicles from Street Outlaws’ Ryan Martin (driver of the Fireball Camaro®) and Chris Bales of Bales Perfomance will be in the booth near the rig, along with a custom side-by-side loaded with audio gear by KICKER and SSV Works™.  The XRV itself features a rolling showroom of hands-on KICKER gear for consumers to check out.

Billed as the largest race of its kind, more than 12,000 spectators attended the event last year, with more anticipated in 2019. Total prizes approaching $100,000 are at stake in five different classes, with several members of Discovery Channel’s® Street Outlaws and Street Outlaws:  New Orleans committed to attend.

In addition to Martin, racing celebrities such as Daddy Dave, Big Chief, Murder Nova, Deathtrap, Jeff Lutz, Dominator, Farmtruck and AZN, Birdman and many more will be on hand, ready to race and sign autographs during one of the loudest shows of the year.

For race details, fans can visit www.outlawarmageddon.com.

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.

Camaro is a registered trademark of GM, its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors.

SSV Works is a trademark of SSV Works, Inc.

Discovery Channel, Street Outlaws, and Street Outlaws:  New Orleans are trademarks of Discovery Communications, LLC.

STILLWATER, USA – Celsus UK, Poole-based distributor for KICKER® Marine products in Europe, recently announced its appointment of INDEMAR to manage the Italian market for the U.S.-based manufacturer of performance 12-volt audio products.

Celsus UK believes the selection of INDEMAR begins a new chapter in a very strategic part of the European marine-electronics market. A well-respected Italian distributor of high-quality technical marine products since 1972, INDEMAR are positioned for even more success in the marine-audio segment.

“We’re very excited to have a company such as INDEMAR represent our marine products in Italy,” said David Glasgow, KICKER International Sales Manager. “We are confident the combination of their expertise and our products’ quality will deliver fantastic results.”

“We are very happy to add KICKER to our portfolio,” said Paolo Gatti, Marine Sales Manager of INDEMAR S.p.A. “INDEMAR is a distributor of top-quality products in the Italian market, and I’m sure we will have a great success with KICKER.”

Celsus UK Sales Director Mike Keenan added, “Passion, expertise and focus are key qualities to success in the marine-audio market, and we are confident that we have found this in our new partner INDEMAR. We are very happy to have Paolo and his team on board.”

KICKER Marine products are designed around two principles: reproducing high-quality audio as the artist intended, and ensuring KICKER Real Marine™ products survive harsh marine environments. The range provides complete end-to-end solutions for all vessel types, creating an exciting audio experience that becomes the soundtrack to all maritime activity. The KICKER marine range of source units, speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and accessories are gaining a powerful reputation for quality performance and value since their introduction to the European market. INDEMAR joins a growing network of distributors across Europe.

For further information, consumers can visit www.indemar.com.

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.

Celsus is an award-winning ISO9001 distribution company based in Poole, Dorset. We supply the U.K and European Automotive and Marine sectors with premium, market-leading 12v Audio, Noise and Heat-Control materials and innovative high-quality accessory solutions. Our service and value-added focus helps position us in the market to deliver enjoyment to our customers, supplier partners and team.

STILLWATER, USA – Stillwater Designs, ® the manufacturer of KICKER® Performance Audio products, celebrated 53 distinguished employees for their loyalty to the company during a meeting August 10 at the world headquarters. Service awards were given to personnel who reached a benchmark year with KICKER, deserving of appreciation and recognition for their service time and dedication to the company.

During the ceremony, president and company co-founder Steve Irby presented the service awards and expressed gratitude toward employees who have given one, three, five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service. 

Kim Wright (Customer Service), Jennifer Surratt (Sales and Marketing), and Lance Noble (Warranty) were honored with 25-year service awards for their loyalty and service with the company.

Employees with the company for 20 years are Benny Francis, Rod Goodner, Tammy Warren and Calvin Alexander.

Employees with the company for 15 years are as follows: Bill Pendleton, Stephanie Surratt, Tim Valencia, Greg Dilbeck, Josh Fletcher, Michael Wolf, Scott Waller and David Womack.

Employees with the company for 10 years are as follows: Lori VanDeventer, Melanie Fore, Jacob Boyd, Martin Williams and Tim Collins.

Thirty-three others received awards for their service of five, three and one year.

STILLWATER, USA – Celsus UK, distributor of KICKER® products in Europe, recently appointed marine-industry specialist Adrian Gray to lead KICKER Marine Audio expansion in the region.

Gray, who will assume a consultancy role to work alongside Celsus UK’s managing director Paul Baker and sales director Mike Keenan, will provide a valuable strategic resource to help foster the company’s growth strategy in the marine product division.

Gray has been a marine-industry professional for more than 26 years and has senior international sales-manager experience spanning 15 years.  Working with global marine-industry leaders, he has provided sales-chain management and valuable distribution solutions regarding the category.

“We are very happy to be working with Adrian on what is already proving to be an exciting project for KICKER Marine audio,” said Baker. “It is very important for Celsus and KICKER that the right people are appointed across Europe to expand the distributor network, and we believe Adrian is well placed to assist us in this objective.”

KICKER products were introduced to the European marine market at the METS (Marine Equipment Trade Show) in Amsterdam last November. The brand’s reputation for build quality, performance and signature bass sound is positioned to deliver exceptional value to the end-consumer.

“We see a definite gap in the market for an audio brand which can deliver stunning performance at a price point accessible to many boat owners,” added Baker.

Celsus feels it can easily work with the key principles around which KICKER Marine products are designed:  reproducing high-quality audio just as the artist intended, and ensuring the products thrive in harsh marine environments. The brand’s marine-product range provides complete end-to-end solutions for all vessel types, creating a superior audio experience for all maritime activity.

Premium marine electronics require dedicated, specialist distribution and a trade-installer network to deliver first-rate customer service to the end-consumer, something that will be at the forefront of all decisions for both Celsus and KICKER moving forward.

“It was clear from my first meeting with Celsus that the KICKER project was an exciting opportunity,” Gray added.  “My experience and relationships in this field will prove valuable (for myself and the brand) moving forward.”

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 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.

4-5-2017, STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® will feature several technologies at KnowledgeFest Spring Training, April 9-11 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Dealers attending this event can find KICKER in Booth 202.

KICKER will present its Q-Class, KX- and KS-Series, and Marine product lines on an interactive display for attendees to explore. Also featured will be the PS-Series speaker and PX-Series amplifier lines, both of which made specifically for the Powersports market. 

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® will be the title sponsor of the annual Ocean City Jeep Week 2018, held from August 23-26 at the Ocean City (Md.) Convention Center. Jeep clubs, individuals, thrill seekers and loyalists can still register to participate in OCJW activities on-site at the Convention Center.

Located in front of the Convention Center entrance, KICKER will bring the XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle), the brand’s outrageous rolling showroom complete with a full line of KICKER audio gear and a 20,000-watt “Boom Room.” The Boom Room features a wall stacked with 15-inch L7 square subwoofers and plenty of space to experience and even dance.

Expected to be playing nearby, KICKER’s Polaris® RZR® 4-door UTV comes stacked with a KICKER/SSV Works™ Phase 5 audio kit, all plug-and-play. Next to the RZR, a black Jeep® Grand Cherokee will be parked for demo, equipped with KICKER’s premiere Q-Class subwoofer, amplifier and coaxial speakers. Next to the XRV, the Maryland chapter of Infidel Jeepers club will be joining in to demo.

Two winners per day will be selected for the KICKER “Livin’ Loud®” award on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The recipients of the award will each receive a KICKER Bullfrog® weather-proof Bluetooth® speaker. Winners will be chosen for their KICKER “spirit” – carrying the audio gear in their vehicle and having a Livin’-Loud attitude.

Several events are planned for the show. Each day will begin at with 300 Jeepers cruising the Ocean City sand at the Beach Crawl. This is the only time all year the city of Ocean City permits Jeep vehicles on the sand. New for 2018, a beach obstacle and trail rides are planned daily, as is a Kids Zone, live DJ, vendor’s row and more. A show n’ shine is also projected for the event, as well as several parties.

Full event details are available on the OC Jeep Week web page at www.oceancityjeepweek.com.

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 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. Follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio.

STILLWATER, USA – Stillwater Designs, the manufacturer of KICKER® audio products, is pleased to announce the promotion of David Glasgow to International Sales Manager, effective July 1.  Glasgow is a KICKER veteran with more than two decades of experience in several positions within the company. Glasgow will take charge of several global accounts which will be determined at a later date.

“Management has identified the International Sales Department as a growth center for KICKER,” said Chester Weddle, KICKER’s Director of International Sales. “The company determined an increased investment in international sales was essential.”

“We’re incredibly excited,” Weddle continued. “We think David will be a fantastic addition to the team, and not just for the enthusiasm and work ethic he brings to the table.  He has the right mix of character and attitude we look for.

“Initially, his task will be to maintain existing relationships, and then going forward, forge a new presence in territories we haven’t explored before. We want to expand the ‘KICKER attitude’ in the field.”

KICKER, now in its 46th year, has steadily expanded distribution into more than 70 countries on six continents.

“Being a small team has allowed us to focus on the right partnerships and experience growth over the last several years,” said Weddle. “Now is the time to continue expanding and fully realize KICKER’s position on the global stage.”

“We’re going to grow the business by taking care of existing relationships and establish new ones,” said Glasgow. “By working closely with distributors around the world, we can increase communication, improve sales strategy and boost the retailer’s exposure to local markets.  Everyone wins.”

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 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.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® has added a powerful 10-inch version of the Hideaway® Compact Powered Subwoofer to its line of bass products, currently shipping and available at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. The Hideaway HS10 will retail for $349.95.

Adding a larger speaker and more power to the Hideaway’s already popular feature set, the 10-inch compact sub packs a larger punch than the original Hideaway, with 180 watts of bass power. KICKER engineers ensured the new larger cone would barely alter the Hideaway’s near universal fit in modern vehicles. A highly convenient form factor, the HS10’s all-aluminum body readily fits under a seat, in a trunk or behind a truck bench.

The HS10 also features FIT+™ (Fail-safe Integration Technology PLUS), a KICKER exclusive that enhances noise rejection, increases clarity and helps to ensure the subwoofer works with nearly every radio on the planet, including modern vehicles using start/stop technology, and those with up to 40 volts (400 watts) of input voltage. FIT+ has the added benefit of making a line-output converter unnecessary.

The HS10 is ready to install right out of the box. The quick-connect Molex® plug and harness includes power, signal and remote turn-on. The Hideaway also comes ready with a remote bass control for fine-tuning bass levels, an on-board adjustable low-pass crossover, variable 6dB bass boost, phase switch and two automatic turn-on options.

The included remote control allows changing the amount of bass without changing the radio volume, for the perfect mix of bass at any volume.

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.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® will join long-time dealer Creative Audio® (Ozark, Mo.) at AMP’D UP IN THE OZARKS on Saturday, April 6 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Mo. The audio-infused event is a part of Creative Audio’s The Man Show Expo, which kicks off the day prior (Apr. 5-6). The Man Show Expo covers 75,000 square feet of indoor convention space, touting “gotta-have” items for men’s personal and professional lives.

AMP’D UP IN THE OZARKS Saturday features something for every music fan and car enthusiast. KICKER is bringing several vehicles to the event, including the XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle), the company’s 83-foot rolling showroom. The XRV displays the complete line of KICKER gear for the public to see and houses the legendary “Boom Room” with a 30,000-watt wall full of 15-inch, L7S square subwoofers and KMTC Horn-Loaded Speakers.

KICKER will also feature the highly anticipated Gates Bronco demo vehicle. The soon-becoming-legendary SUV houses a high-power, hair-trick machine, with nine 12-inch SoloX® subwoofers, nine Warhorse™ amplifiers, and a full array of ST-Series Street mids and bullet tweeters.

KICKER’s special-projects manager Tim Smith will bring his custom 1994 Chevy® C1500 showcasing an all-weather KMC4 Media Center, a KEY200.4 Self-Tuning Amplifier, and KS-Series speakers for the front stage. The Chevy uses a CXA1200.1 amplifier and a pair of eight-inch Solo-Baric® L7T subwoofers to deliver the bass.

A bagged Harley-Davidson® will also be on display, filled with KICKER motorcycle products.

Admission to the event includes access to a massive car show and a live concert starring The Mixtapes. The Man Show tickets also includes the Ozark Shred Fest – a field of 50 high-speed drift cars testing the limits of the track, and their tires.

For more information, consumers can visit www.ampdupintheozarks.com.

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 is a registered trademark of GM, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.

Harley-Davidson is a registered trademark of H-D, Inc.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® and the XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) head to south Texas for the first big show of the year at the 2024 Lone Star Throwdown, showing off several SEMA Show-quality custom trucks in a viewing area filled with fun.

Mississippi-based KICKER dealer Pro Audio Center (Richland) will bring a gleaming black F-250®, featuring a massive 20,000-watt KICKER system built entirely in-house loaded with ST-Series midranges and bullet tweeters, powerful amplifiers, and imposing SoloX® subwoofers.

Featured in KICKER’s 2023 SEMA Show booth and recent Gauge Magazine cover vehicle, Randy Frederick’s 1991 Toyota® pickup is packed with classic KICKER gear, and Outlaw Grafiks is also bringing a dropped Silverado® to the booth, emblazoned with the KICKER logo and sporting a wall of eight Solo-Baric® L7S subs.

KICKER Special Projects Manager Tim Smith will haul his custom ’94 Chevy® C1500 filled with a KICKER KMC4 Media Center, a KEY® Smart Amplifier, and a KS-Series front stage. A CX-Series 1200-watt amplifier and a pair of super-thin, eight-inch Solo-Baric L7T subs deliver the bass from an MTI Acoustics™ custom enclosure.

The sprawling event fills more than 30 acres of Conroe’s Lone Star Convention and Expo Center. Two thousand show cars have pre-registered for the show, with every spot taken more than a month in advance. LST officials anticipate attendance exceeding 15,000 people, with Top-100 and best-of-show awards being presented along with several cash prizes.

For more information on LST, consumers can visit www.lonestarthrowdown.com.

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.

F-250 is a registered trademark, owned and used under license by Ford Motor Company.

The Toyota name and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are trademarks of TMC.

Chevy is a registered trademark of GM, its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors.

MTI Acoustics is a trademark of MTI Acoustics.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® hauls its newly wrapped XRV tractor-trailer and road show to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River for the 20th annual Desert Storm Poker Run and Shootout, April 19-22. It is KICKER’s initial tour as the presenting sponsor of the event.

Named “One of the Top Five Poker Runs in the Nation” by Performance Boats magazine, Desert Storm is an event based around a world-class collection of the fastest and most prestigious boats.

Sporting a fresh wrap from 3M® and Gatorwraps®, the 80-plus-foot XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) will be at every featured event throughout the week. In addition to the rolling showroom, the KICKER area will be loaded with custom vehicles, around and under the XRV’s awning.

MURFCO, KICKER’s Southern California distributor, will bring a 1968 Firebird and 29-foot Nordic deck boat to the party. Lake Havasu audio dealer Wired 4 Sound will also bring both a 2018 Can-Am Maverick X3 and 25-foot Eliminator Daytona with more than 11,000 watts of KICKER power. Legendary Lake Havasu customizer SicChops will be showcasing its Goodguys Gold Award-winning 1961 Chevy Blazer, completely decked out in KICKER gear.

The new venue at the London Bridge Resort is located adjacent to the world-famous London Bridge and along the Bridgewater Channel.

“Lake Havasu City is home to so many ideal events,” said Cal Sheehy, general manager of the London Bridge Resort. “We are excited to welcome Desert Storm to our property and showcase the iconic London Bridge as the backdrop for this amazing event.”  

In addition to a new venue, the event featured its tokened “Krusin’ for Kids,” an annual Wednesday kick-off celebration that includes approximately 150 special-needs children and adults going on boat rides. Desert Storm’s charity organization, Storm Charities, is partnering with KICKER, Teague Custom Marine, DCB, Savage Marine, and Biokleen for the event.

“We are honored each year to kick-off our event with ‘Krusin’,” Crane said. “Our volunteer boat drivers take these clients on an unforgettable experience on Lake Havasu, an experience that some only dream of until now.”

The four-day event will feature a street party on Thursday, free to the public, with top-caliber boats lining Lake Havasu City’s Main Street.

The poker run will be held on Friday, and the acclaimed performance-boat Shootout is scheduled for Saturday, which will determine who is crowned “King of the Desert” and “Queen of the Desert” by clocking the fastest speeds on Lake Havasu. Past contenders have clocked speeds topping 180 miles per hour.

“We have an awesome new partnership with KICKER Audio who will be bringing some noise to Lake Havasu,” Crane said. “They are going to feature their semi-truck equipped with the Boom Room, an unforgettable sound experience. This is going to be a Desert Storm Party that Havasu hasn’t seen before.”

For more information, fans and consumers can visit www.stormpokerruns.com.

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 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. Follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER Vice President of Research and Development Bob Spencer announced his retirement recently, following 41 years of employment for Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc. As one of KICKER’s original employees, Spencer remarked he is now looking forward to spending time with his family and pursuing personal interests.

“Bob is an intuitive and talented manager who leads from his own wealth of hands-on experience and knowledge,” said KICKER founder and President Steve Irby. “He has been a key in nurturing and maintaining our major vendor relationships through R&D for decades.”

The company veteran was among the first KICKER employees ever, soon after the brand originated in the early 1980s.

“I was a musician and knew Steve through the local music scene,” recalled Spencer.

His friendship with the KICKER founder evolved into a working relationship in 1982, with Spencer building the original KICKER enclosures by hand. These same full-range boxes would prove to be the beginning of the car-audio enclosure market. Over the next half decade, the company expanded to 80 employees and more than a dozen SKUs. Spencer oversaw the staff, managed production, and created the sales forecasts.

In the late 80s, cabinet assembly evolved into raw speaker and amplifier production. As KICKER’s product line grew, so did Spencer’s responsibilities as he was promoted from Project Manager to Director of Research and Development. During his tenure, KICKER has become one of the most well-known car-audio manufacturers in the world.

“He loved working with people that are passionate about music,” Irby reflected. “He plays many different instruments, so being a musician myself, we connected on that level. Bob loved putting a band together with the best players, which was his approach to building our R&D department.”

Going forward, Spencer’s responsibilities will be split between KICKER veterans Chanc Bergbower (nearly 25 years at KICKER) and Joe Hobart (17 years). Bergbower assumes the role of Director of R&D/Acoustics, while Hobart has been promoted to Product Line Manager - Electronics.

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.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® is headed back as the title sponsor of Ocean City Jeep® Week, held from August 22-25 at the Ocean City (Md.) Convention Center.

Located in front of the Convention Center entrance, KICKER will bring the XRV (Xtreme Recreation Vehicle) to OC Jeep Week, the brand’s rolling showroom complete with a hands-on selection of KICKER audio gear on display.

Next to the XRV, dealer Car Worx & Trucks of Pasadena, Md., will be installing KICKER gear on-site for the entire show. The team will have several pre-made bass packages made especially for Jeeps, ready to install at the show or its shop.

Under the XRV awning, highly customized Jeeps will be featured, including Hook It Up Car Audio’s “Jeepers Creepers” equipped with KICKER KX amplifiers, KM tower speakers and subwoofers in a custom enclosure. Another Jeep, customized by Autosport Plus, features KX amplifiers and TB tube subwoofers in a custom rack.

Two winners per day will be selected for a KICKER “Livin’ Loud” award, with recipients earning a KICKER Bullfrog® wireless speaker. Winners will be chosen for the quality of their KICKER installation. Additionally, Bullfrog winners will be chosen from daily entries at the XRV.

Several events are planned for the show. Each day will begin with 300 Jeepers cruising the Ocean City sand at the Beach Crawl. This is the only time all year Ocean City permits Jeeps on the sand. A beach obstacle course and trail rides are planned daily, as is a kids’ zone, live DJ, vendors’ row and more. A KICKER “show ’n shine” is also planned for Friday afternoon.

Full event details are available on the OC Jeep Week web page:  www.oceancityjeepweek.com.

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.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® is headed back to the East Coast as the title sponsor of the Ocean City Jeep® Fest, held from August 24-27 and originating from the Ocean City (Md.) Convention Center.

Located in front of the Convention Center entrance, KICKER and Jeep Fest will host Jeeps from several local and national clubs, with several featuring custom KICKER installations. As an added bonus, there will be a chance for showgoers to win a full KICKER bass system, including the TB-Series 10-inch loaded “tube” enclosure, 400-watt mono amplifier and wiring kit.

KICKER dealer Audio Works (Newark, Del.) will be installing audio systems on-site for the entire show and will feature several audio packages for purchase made especially for Jeepers. The Audio Works tent will be located next to the KICKER setup, which will be assisted by sales representatives from OPUS Marketing.

OC Jeep Fest has a nonstop event schedule planned for every day of the show, beginning with 300 Jeepers cruising the Ocean City sand during a beach crawl. The KICKER Show-and-Shine is planned for Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and three daily KICKER sand-course events will run from 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. The KICKER Kickoff Party caps off the first day of the show at the nearby Hilton® Garden Inn that evening. On Friday night, Pier 23 waterfront restaurant hosts Kickin' It at the Harbor with KICKER, featuring live music, food and drinks.

Full event details are available on the OC Jeep Fest web page at www.oceancityjeepfest.com.

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.

Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

Hilton is a registered trademark of HILTON International Holding LLC.

STILLWATER, USA – August 14, 2018 -- KICKER® is teaming with Makita®, a leader in cordless-tool technology, and hitting the road with the new Driving Innovation Tour™, a fleet of fully custom vehicles with product specialists delivering an interactive and hands-on experience for Makita tool users and dealers across America.

The Tour delivers a 360-degree experience with the very latest in Makita cordless innovation as well as sweepstakes, giveaways and promotions – all backed up with a custom KICKER audio system. Each vehicle in the fleet will carry a full range of Makita LXT®, which gives users one system using the same batteries and chargers on all LXT tools.

“KICKER has been proud to be a marketing partner with Makita for over 10 years,” said Roger Demaree, Associate Director of Brand and Sports Marketing, KICKER. “When they informed us of their Makita Driving Tour, we knew we had to help them out so their tour experience would be over the top!”

The Driving Innovation Tour is a mobile demonstration of Makita’s leadership in the cordless-tool category. Makita created the 18V lithium-ion tool category in 2005, and today LXT is one system that will offer over 200 cordless solutions in 2018, the world’s largest cordless-tool system powered by 18V lithium-ion, slide-style batteries. Besides an intense KICKER sound system, each Driving Innovation Tour vehicle packs a full range of Makita LXT tools, power equipment and lifestyle solutions, offering users and dealers an opportunity to experience Makita’s vision of a cordless job site.

“We worked with (Makita’s) team and came up with a killer audio system for these rigs that uses a combination of our (KM-Series) marine component speakers, L7 subwoofers and our KX power amplifiers,” Demaree continued. “We can guarantee wherever the Makita Driving Tour rigs are, you’ll be able to hear it before you see it.”

"Makita made a significant commitment and investment in the Driving Innovation Tour to bring our leading LXT technology to users and dealers so they can experience Makita innovation hands-on,” said Brent Withey, Sr. Director of Brand Marketing, Makita U.S.A., Inc. “The number of Tour events will reach well into the four-figures each year as we bring this mobile experience to our user and dealer audiences where they work and where they learn, and even where they play as the Tour will make stops at Makita-sponsored events off the job site."

For more on the Makita Driving Innovation Tour, consumers can visit www.makitatools.com/drivinginnovation.

Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial power tools, pneumatics and power equipment, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network throughout the U.S. Call 800/4-MAKITA or visit makitatools.com. Find Makita on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube @makitatools

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 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. Follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio.

STILLWATER, USA – Stillwater Designs®, the maker of KICKER® mobile-audio products, celebrated the anniversaries of 48 employees July 21, culminating with recognition of four employees who have worked for the company 30 years or more.

Warranty Manager Clint Cooke was honored for his 30th year of service, Electronics Engineer Bill Doering and General Manager Jay Ralston for 35 years, and Vice President Bob Spencer celebrated his 40th year at KICKER.

KICKER has been celebrating work anniversaries since the early 1980s, and employees gather for an informal meeting each year to earn a gift and special wishes from KICKER President Steve Irby.

Accolades were also given to employees with 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service.

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.