There are many ways to learn new strategies and absorb knowledge during lectures and trainings. Continually putting these tactics into practice as you study new processes is essential for personal and professional growth.

Not knowing how to do something can leave you feeling less than adequate. That feeling is compounded when it’s your job to know it. Knowledge truly is the power behind your success, and there are many ways to learn. If you are like most of us, learning is a result of just figuring it out on your own and using every available resource to find a solution to your problem. Taking the solitary approach can be satisfying, but you may have to endure several mistakes before you find what works best. This takes time and money and depending on your situation, may cause others to doubt your ability. And, you won’t get the benefit of learning from the mistakes of others. Regardless, if you’re attempting to learn something new at a lecture, class, or training, or trying to find a better way with your current process, knowing how best to absorb knowledge will help you reach your goals.

Listening

Learning by hearing allows you to pick up the experience of others and put into practice what you have heard, or to learn from their past mistakes. Hearing someone tell their story helps you relate personally, although just hearing it may not be enough. If the presenter is less than descriptive, you may be left to your own interpretation of what you have heard when implementing this newfound knowledge. This can lead to mistakes that leave you less that satisfied.

Seeing is Believing

Seeing how it’s done is the next step after listening to an explanation. A visual representation can make all the difference. While hearing may leave you wondering, when you see it done step-by-step, you have a better chance of figuring it out for yourself. Watching video representations of a process will get your further down the road of understanding. But seeing may not leave you fully believing. There is still room for some interpretation.

Modeling Others

In my opinion, there’s nothing better than a live demonstration, and modeling what you have seen and heard with the instructor. This allows real-time questions and answers to cement your understanding. Think about the last time you participated in a learning process that was hands-on. You heard the instructor and saw their presentation. Both were most likely helpful and provided a great foundation to let you model the process with the instructor and others who may have provided input. When you left this environment, you were ready to put your newfound knowledge into practice.

Practice Until You’re Proficient

This new knowledge requires practice. Take the time to repeat the process until you feel you have become proficient. Once you have mastered the strategy you’ve learned, you can take some creative license to make it your own. Be cautious in your quest to make it yours. Making it your own should never include shortcuts that diminish the quality. Ensure your modification to what you’ve learned does not sacrifice quality. Your reputation is not something you want to have to rebuild. Remember, your work not only represents your business, it represents our industry.

Passing On What You’ve Learned

Learning from your peers is only the beginning. Now that you have learned from others and added your own ideas, consider passing your knowledge on to others. Passing on what you have learned will help others embrace the perfection you have mastered. When you take time to teach, you will find another level of learning. Teaching is a rewarding endeavor. The peer to peer learning process is the foundation of KnowledgeFest and why so many come to learn and leave the event energized and ready to conquer challenges in their own businesses.

Make every effort to learn something new every day, week and month. Never let your quest for learning be put on the shelf. And make every effort to be part of any learning experience offered. If you have not attended a local dealer or distributor training, or made plans to attend KnowledgeFest, now is the time. Go with a mission and goal to learn what you lack, share the knowledge and become the professional you were born to be.

VISTA, Calif. (February 16, 2018) Directed, a leader in the automotive aftermarket and connected car space, announced today that technology veteran Robert Lacroix has joined the company as Vice President of Engineering. Lacroix will lead Directed’s global engineering team from its Lachine (Montreal), Quebec office. He will help drive Directed’s aggressive growth plans in connected car products and services.

“Rob brings over two decades of innovation and engineering accomplishments to Directed,” said Bob Struble, Directed CEO. “His successful track record of building and managing large technical teams through complex new product launches will ensure that Directed maintains its preeminent market position. I’m thrilled to add Rob to our executive team, and welcome his leadership and vision.”

Prior to joining Directed, Mr. Lacroix led Engineering and R&D activities at Immersion Corporation. He has broad experience in software and hardware systems and new product development as well as specific expertise in wireless and Bluetooth. Mr. Lacroix has over 50 patents granted or pending. He earned his Bachelors degree in Engineering from McGill University.

"I am looking forward to working with the talented engineering team in Lachine to further Directed’s leadership in aftermarket automotive and connected car," added Mr. Lacroix. "The automotive sector is in the midst of great transformation, creating opportunity for innovators.  It’s an exciting time at Directed, and I’m thrilled to join the team and help drive our growth strategy."

Don’t Miss Out

KnowledgeFest is Your Place to Learn and Connect with the Mobile Electronics Community

"These education events are designed provide you with the latest information to help you advance the professionalism and profitability of your business."

If you missed attending CES 2018 then take heart in knowing that you have another chance to discover your favorite brands at KnowledgeFest West in Long Beach, California, KnowledgeFest East in Indianapolis, Indiana and KnowledgeFest Dallas in Dallas, Texas. KnowledgeFest is the only industry event dedicated to the mobile electronics specialist, the installing dealer. These events combine a trade show floor with educational workshops and manufacturer trainings for added value to you, the attendee.

The next event is just around the corner in Long Beach California, February 23-25, 2018. This city is a great destination for West Coast dealers, especially those in the Southern California market. The Long Beach Convention Center is a downtown venue with lots of nearby hotels and restaurants. And February is a great time for manufacturers to showcase their new products and provide the best information and education to sell and install them.

The KnowledgeFest experience is designed to provide you with the information you need to provide that experience. Here's how:

Education

Learning from the best in our industry provides an unequalled educational experience that now occurs three times a year. Make plans to experience the next event in your area. These events combine educational workshops and manufacturer trainings with a trade show floor. No other event provides the quality and hours of training targeted to mobile specialists. These education events are designed provide you with the latest information to help you advance the professionalism and profitability of your business. Employees of MEA member companies attend all KnowledgeFest events free of charge.

The three-day event is packed with more than 40 hours of top-notch educational workshops, great networking opportunities, over 50 hours of manufacturer training sessions, and an exhibit floor on which new products and categories are available to discover. Educational workshops and manufacturer trainings will empower you to deliver exceptional customer experiences and grow your business.

Information

Mobile Electronics Association publishes Mobile Electronics® magazine, the best read for business, sales and installation. Mobile Electronics magazine, our Hotwire e-newsletter and various websites keep you in the know and ready for action. MEA member companies and their employees receive free magazines, e-newsletter subscriptions and access to MEA digital media. Social media sites like the Mobile Electronics Facebook page also offer ways to connect with the industry.

Empowerment

Mobile Electronics Association is the only industry group dedicated to the 12-volt specialist. Our primary focus is help you build your business. The MEA community is comprised of retailers, manufacturers, sales reps, distributors and service providers. The Mobile Electronics Association is committed to growing the mobile electronics industry and ensuring a future for mobile specialists. You can support that through your membership. Become a part of our community. Be empowered. Let your voice be heard and ensure your interests are represented.

Learn by Profession

The education at KnowledgeFest is comprised of three tracks that focus on each area of expertise. For the installer, there is the Technician and Fabricator track. This track provides a balance of the top techniques for making physical modifications to the vehicle as well technical expertise for key topics like remote start and audio upgrades. The Sales and Marketing track will appeal to owners, managers, sales professionals and those responsible for marketing. You will learn tried-and-true processes taught by retailers who use these techniques effectively in their own businesses.

Also, for the entrepreneur there is the Owner and Manager track. This year the focus will be on essential practices that every CEO should live by. Topics will include: a day in the life of a CEO and learning the best way to calculate your true hourly rate. In addition to these business building topics, a special keynote address will help you define what success in your business and life should look like.

Peer Advice, Meet the Makers

KnowledgeFest provides the best networking opportunity in our industry! Talk one-on-one with people with whom you do business (or should be). Participate in your choice of 50-plus product training sessions to get real insight on product characteristics and selling strategies to make you the expert in your market.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a relative newcomer to mobile electronics, KnowledgeFest has something for you. Learn from the experiences of others in our industry who have dealt with both failure and success. Many social activities after hours add fun to the mix.

I challenge you to join us this February in Long Beach for our first KnowledgeFest on the West Coast.

On behalf of myself, and of the entire Mobile Electronics Association team, we thank you for being part of the only industry event dedicated to the Mobile Electronics Specialist, the installing dealer!

Read the story in Mobile Electronics magazine HERE.

LONG BEACH, CALIF., January 16, 2018 (MEDIAWIRE) – Last year, KENWOOD introduced Hi-Res Audio compatibility in its line of multimedia receivers. For its 2018 line which debuted at the 2018 CES, the brand is adding a pair of multi-channel amplifiers as well as two sets of component speakers that are fully capable of reproducing the extended-range audio as it was originally intended. The addition of these models allows KENWOOD to offer an end-to-end, premium audio experience for music lovers and audiophiles.

The XR901-5 (MSRP $650.00) is a five-channel amplifier in a two-inch-high chassis, ideal for under-seat applications. It produces 60 watts RMS from each of four channels with a frequency response of 20Hz to 50kHz at four ohms. The remaining channel provides 400 watts RMS at four ohms to a subwoofer. At less than 1.5 inches high, the XR401-4 (MSRP $450.00) features a four-channel structure that can be reconfigured to two or three channels. Its powerplant provides 75 watts per channel RMS with a frequency response of 20Hz to 50kHz at four ohms. Both models are two-ohm stable and allow for speaker-level or line-level inputs. Their output can be tailored with high-and low-pass filters and a wired remote control.

To complement the amplifiers, KENWOOD’s newest separates are specially designed to fit into most factory locations and still deliver a Hi-Res Audio-compliant frequency response of 25kHz to 48kHz. the XR-1603HR includes a 6.5-inch midrange, while the XR-1703HR features a 6.75-inch design. Both are partnered with a one-inch, silk-dome tweeter with adjustable surface-mount options. MSRP for both models is $600.00.

“With music services like TIDAL™ and Spotify®, which tout higher-bandwidth streaming, more attention is being paid to the Hi-Res Audio category in the vehicle,” said Tony Mercado, marketing manager for the KENWOOD brand. “We feel we are introducing Hi-Res Audio components to our retailers at the right time, giving them products that can really deliver on the experience that customers may have only read about.”

For more information on select models and features, visit www.kenwood.com/usa.

January 15, 2018 -- COO Gudrun Fischer, COO of Audiotec Fischer, announced that MSC America has been awarded exclusive rights for our Brax, Helix and Match brands. “We are excited to bring our Specialty Independent Dealer culture and focus to Audiotec Fischer and our US Dealer Partners” explained Larry Penn, President of MSC. “Our business model is unique, and we look forward to explaining our methodology with all of the current dealers, as well as welcoming new dealers to our company” Penn continued.

MSC America will be based in Chandler Arizona. “We have acquired a brand new 7000 square foot facility that will house our warehouse and will also include a state of the art training center for our partners” said Penn. “MSC is going to create a dealer support program like no other; this will include an industry leading training project that will insure our dealers are fully educated on getting the most out of our reference “Made in Germany” DSP processors and integration products” explained Julian Fischer CEO of Audiotec Fischer. Doug Dobson, Technical Director for MSC added “we look forward to bringing the technical based culture of Audiotec Fischer to a select group of Specialty Independent retailers across the country.”

Industry leader Jason Digos heads the US Sales Team in his role as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MSC America. “We cannot contain the passion and excitement we have for this brands and our upcoming launch event! While we will introduce the details on that event shortly, I will be in contact with existing Dealer Partners and Sales Representatives over the next week to discuss our mutual plans” Digos explained. “We are also available to take care of any emergency warranty items and product orders” Digos continued.

Heinz Fischer, Co-Founder of Audiotec Fischer closes by saying “MSC understands our culture and our product. We will assist them in all of their efforts in supporting our dealer partners both old and new.”

MSC is hard at work putting the final details on their website etc. To contact MSC please email them at their temporary email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

VISTA, Calif. (January 16, 2018) Directed is pleased to announce it has acquired Alcohol Detection Systems (ADS), a leading provider of breathalyzer-based ignition interlock devices (IIDs). ADS provides IIDs under its Determinator® product line, which Directed will maintain moving forward.

Evolving state regulations that require IID devices in DUI and DWI remediation programs have propelled the growth of the IID market. A growing body of evidence shows that IIDs have a positive effect on reducing the incidence of drunk driving.

“Ignition interlock devices really do save lives, and the growth of the IID market has been driven by the major benefit they provide to society,” said Directed CEO Bob Struble. “Directed and ADS share core technology, and we are confident that by bringing our leading product design, technical service, and distribution capabilities to the IID market, we will rapidly expand ADS’s business. IIDs are primarily installed by mobile electronics retailers and auto service shops, and we are excited to bring this new business opportunity to our longstanding partners.”

ADS Founder, Nick Cassiere commented, “We believe we have found an ideal partner in Directed. Directed’s national distribution and service footprint will allow us to expand quickly. I’m enthusiastic to push forward with the Directed team and bring the important benefits of our products to more drivers.”

ADS products are easy to install and use. During remediation programs, users have IIDs installed in their cars, and the devices ensure that the driver successfully passes a breathalyzer test before allowing the car to start. It is typical for IIDs to be recalibrated on a regular basis and then uninstalled upon program completion.

Directed is a division of DEI Holdings, a portfolio company of Boston-based private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC. Charlesbank acquired DEI Holdings in 2011. “We are pleased to support the expansion of Directed and to help bring together two complementary companies,” said Ryan Carroll, a Charlesbank Managing Director. “We look forward to a successful integration building on the cultural similarities, talent, and best practices of these two companies and to a stronger future as one entity.”

Any dealers interested in learning more should call 1-800-677-1361 or visit directed.com/ads/.

AudioControl Adds First-Ever 6-Channel Amplifiers to Mobile Audio Lineup

Superb sound and build quality along with unparalleled OEM integration capability give 12V retailers the ultimate amplifier solution for discerning consumers 

Seattle, WA, January 4^th, 2017 – AudioControl (audiocontrol.com), makers of innovative high-performance audio solutions for the residential, commercial and automotive markets has unveiled two 6-channel car audio amplifiers that offer unparalleled innovation and set new levels of performance for aftermarket sound systems. The design goals of the AudioControl LC-6.1200 and the D-6.1200 were to deliver the ultimate solution for factory (OEM) sound system integration and superior overall performance.

The new 6-channel amps from AudioControl are high-current designs housed in a solid one-piece aluminum chassis with internal cooling. Each amplifier delivers 125 watts into 4 ohms/200 watts into 2 ohms and 400 watts bridged into 4 ohms. Each pair of channels is bridgeable, giving installers unprecedented flexibility from a single amplifier. Both AudioControl 6.1200 models are the first automotive amplifiers to offer 8 Summable speaker-level inputs, eliminating the need for clunky external adapters and making OEM integration possible even for the most complex factory systems. Innovations such as input summing have top 12-volt installers worldwide turning to AudioControl as their premium aftermarket car audio solutions provider.

The LC-6.1200 features fully adjustable independent Linkwitz-Riley crossover networks for precise system configuration. The D-6.1200 offers AudioControl’s matrix digital signal processor, providing the most refined levels of tuning flexibility for any factory or aftermarket sound system. Using AudioControl’s smart user interface allows complete control over all features including 30 bands of equalization, signal time-alignment, input delay and phase correction, plus integrated input and output RTA’s.

Other key features of the new 6-channel amplifiers include AudioControl’s proprietary patented AccuBASS® circuit, a unique smart technology that has been designed to seamlessly apply bass compensation only when required in order to restore low frequencies to their proper level within the recording. Both amps also feature MILC™ level-matching technology and the GTO™ signal sensing circuit, helping installers overcome OEM integration hurdles and deliver the finest possible automotive sound systems. An optional ACR-1 assignable remote level control gives users fingertip access to bass level on the fly. All AudioControl automotive amplifiers are designed and assembled in the USA from components sourced globally and come with a 5-year warranty.  

“Installers need premium solutions to make OEM integration easier and with absolutely stunning performance and overall sound quality,” commented Chris Bennett, AudioControl’s National Sales Manager of Mobile Electronics. “These 6-channel amplifiers are complete system solutions in a single chassis that deliver the features and performance that today’s car audio consumers demand.”

The AudioControl LC-6.1200 has an MSRP of $699 and is expected to become available Q1, 2017. The D-6.1200 has an MSRP of $999 and is expected to become available later in 2017.

PLEASE VISIT AUDIOCONTROL AUTOMOTIVE AUDIO SOLUTIONS AT CES 2017, BOOTH 5016 NORTH HALL & THE AUDIOCONTROL HOME AUDIO LIVE DEMO IN THE VENETIAN HOTEL, SUITE 29-103