Magazine Quick Links
Metro New York Area Distributor Adds More National Coverage
April 3, 2019 – Seattle, Wash. – Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) announced today the addition of East Coast USA (ECUSA) to its member ranks. ECUSA is the thirteenth distributor admitted to the buying group, ncreasing the buying power to over $140,000,000.
East Coast USA is based out of New Hyde Park in New York City and provides same day or next day service to the five New York boroughs plus Long Island, and other portions of New York state and northern New Jersey. The distributorship is owned and operated by Albert Zandi who founded the company in 1995 with Navid Pour.
Josh Eatherly, EDA’s president, said, “EDA is growing and we’re excited to have Albert on the team. Albert adds a unique dynamic to the group that we’re eager to embrace; his knowledge of the business is so fundamentally sound and his purchasing power is impressive.”
Albert Zandi, East Coast USA’s president added, “Our team is thrilled to be working with this amazing group of Distributors. I know I will learn a lot and believe we can contribute as well.”
Jim Warren, EDA’s Executive Director said, “I’ve gotten to known Albert Zandi over the past year, and what a privilege it has been. This company is universally admired by our vendor partners.”
About Elite Distributor Alliance: EDA is a high integrity, member owned buying group serving the 12-volt specialists throughout the United States. For member information please see www.elitedistributoralliance.com
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Mr. Jim Warren at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nashville Meetings Highly Productive for Both Vendors and Distributors
Seattle, Wash. -- August 19, 2019 – From August seventh to August ninth Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) hosted vendor partners and distributors in downtown Nashville. This was the fifth annual gathering of the 12 volt distributor focused buying group.
Attendees gave a fond farewell to founding member George McGoldrick who is retiring and moving to Arizona.
The meetings involved annual planning sessions with the vendor community as well as EDA best practices and growth plans, while “Music City” provided the perfect back drop for occasion.
Josh Eatherly, whose P&E Distributors is headquartered in Nashville, said, “Nashville put on quite the show with great food and entertainment. I’m thrilled with our membership and vendor community as we come together to plan the future and celebrate accomplishments.”
The EDA members and vendors engaged in developing strategies to support dealers, fleet and upfitters into 2020 and beyond. Aron Demers of VOXX Electronics said, “EDA continues to take a leadership position in the industry and we’re pleased to be part of this forward looking group.” EDA vendors attending the meetings included Nustart, JVC Kenwood, Automotive Data Solutions (AFS), SPL Boxes, Metra Electronics, Illusion Speakers, Gladen Amplifiers, VOXX Electronics, Code Alarm, Heise Lighting, Kicker, and Brandmotion.
EDA is a high integrity, member owned buying group serving the 12-volt specialists throughout the United States. For member information please see www.elitedistributoralliance.com
Vendors and EDA Members Excited to Meet Face to Face!
Seattle, WA -- June 14, 2021 – Elite Distributor Alliance hosted the industry’s first face to face meeting in Park City Utah at the Grand Summit resort. All of EDA’smembers and vendors attendedthe event and everyone was excited to be meeting in person. “After a year and a half of Zoom meetings it was so nice to actually be shaking hands and talking inperson,” said Nalaka Adikari of Orca Designs. Ron Trout with JVC added, “Wow!
EDA hosted anincredible event.What a group of professionals, and to be able to actually sit at a tableand talk wasenergizing.”EDA presented two vendor awards at the conference. Kicker received “Best Vendor in a Storm”.The award was presented to Steve Irby, Rob Limbaugh, and Lori Robertsby Josh Eatherly, EDA’s president. Eatherly noted, “Kicker stood out throughout the pandemic. Their ability to have product during a very difficult time was not only amazing, it likely saved many of our customers.”
EDA also presented Metra Electronics its Top Gun award.“Metra was amazing,” said Nate Taliani,President ofDavis Distribution.“They pulled out all the stops and consistentlydelivered at better thanexpected fill rates. They worked literally around the clockto deliver us product. Because of this,as agroup,we purchased more product from Metra than any one of our EDA vendors,” Taliani added. EDA reported record sales for the year and estimates that 23.6% of all12 volt product sold in the United States will flow through an EDA member in 2021.With same day or one day shipping to all 48 states customers recognize the benefits of utilizing their local EDA member to allow them to react very quickly in a rapidly shifting marketplace. Steve Cote from JVC said, “EDA members are increasingly becoming more and more important. They have reacted faster than most and are building a solid and loyal following.”
Des Moines, IA – June 7, 2019 -- Mid-State Distributing is happy to announce the promotion of Tom Kolar into the new position of VP of Sales and Marketing for the 12-volt division.
“Since the acquisition of AM Distributors, based in Chicago and the growing focus we have placed on mobile audio we really needed a person to help oversee and coordinate our mobile sales efforts across all of our territory,” said Jeff Hedden President of Mid-State.
Tom began working at RTI Distribution in Omaha in 1992, becoming National Sales Manager in 2000. He joined the Mid-State team when Mid-State purchased the company in 2006. Tom brings over 30 years of industry experience to the newly formed position giving him a wealth of knowledge not only in product and customer relations but also in the ever changing landscape of mobile electronics on the whole.
“I am very excited with the addition of the AM team to the Mid-State family to create a synergy in our 12-volt division like we have never seen before,” Kolar said “The growth potential as we become one company is staggering; we look forward to the next several years of major growth potential in all of our markets.”
Mid-State Distributing is a 80 year old company with warehouses in Des Moines IA, Fargo ND, Omaha NE, Milwaukee WI, and Chicago IL. Serving the needs of over 2000 independent retailers, Mid-State distributes Sony Car Audio, DISH Network products, Yamaha Home Audio, Nest Smart home products, Crosley Appliances and over 120 other lines. Mid-State Distributing is a member of Elite Distributor Alliance and the Catalyst AV group.
Contact Information: For more information on Mid-State Distributing contact Tom Kolar 1-800-798-5965 for Mobile inquiries or for CI and Appliance contact Aaron Nielsen 1-800-798-2568
STILLWATER, USA – Last week in Park City, Utah, Stillwater Designs® was named Vendor-of-the-Year 2021 by the Elite Distributor Alliance, for the second straight year. Stillwater Designs President and founder Steve Irby attended the event and accepted the award, along with General Manager Jay Ralston, Vice President Tom Heath, and Regional Sales Manager Lori Boyer.
One year ago the EDA honored the audio manufacturer of KICKER® Audio products as Vendor-of-the-Year/Best Supplier-in-a-Storm for 2020. The EDA created the unique sub-headline on the award to recognize the brand’s contribution to the industry during a tumultuous year.
The EDA consists of 11 partner distributors, servicing electronics 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 14 manufacturers that work with the EDA.
Additionally, KICKER acknowledged its West-Coast warehouse as being instrumental in allocating product into the supply chain during this delicate time period.
For more information about the EDA, consumers can log on to the website www.elitedistributoralliance.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.
LONG BEACH, CALIF., November 8th, 2022JVC Mobile Entertainment (www.us.jvc.com/car) in conjunction with the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) held its 1st-ever “Hot Shots” sales training seminar October 21st-23rd at the Hilton Doubletree Conference Center in Downtown Orlando. Attendees were greeted by JVC staff, Jim Warren (Elite Distributor Alliance), Matt Yerger (iDatalink), plus special guests Dean Beyett & Fernando Lopez (5 Star).
Early Saturday morning after a catered breakfast buffet, attendees experienced a full-product presentation by JVC Product Specialists Josh Bowen and Marcus Vasconcellos, followed up by iDatalink’s Yerger focussing on JVC’s exclusive iDatalink Maestro features along with what’s new and coming soon. During the afternoon, attendees encountered the full JVC culture with interactive product demonstrations, motorsport amplifier selling techniques by the 5 Star duo, a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming products, and a round table discussion with JVC product development personnel.
But the fun didn’t stop there. After dinner, the surprise entertainment was about to begin. Attendees walked through the doors in suspense to upbeat music, only to witness several chairs set up in front of the stage. A few minutes later, “The Incredible Hypnotist” Richard Barker appeared and the audience went wild. The next hour was described by guests as one of the most hilarious and memorable experiences of a lifetime.
Upon conclusion of the evening entertainment, guests were invited to Bowen’s Tacoma to experience the power of the DSP in JVC’s KW-Z1000W’s 10.1” floating panel receiver. Sometimes, dealers may neglect to properly tune an installed audio system, thinking the investment in a Real-Time Analyzer (RTA) and other equipment is cost-prohibitive. This theory was disproved through JVC and 5 Star’s simple and cost-effective demonstrable solution. Guests were also seated in the truck to experience the receiver’s impressive time alignment, parametric EQ, and staging capabilities. “This was a great way to demonstrate the power of the DSP technology inside of the receiver,” stated Jason McArty, Account Manager at DOW Technologies. “It has empowered me to better understand audio tuning and given me the confidence to better explain this to my dealers.”
On Sunday, Warren shared how JVC is committed to “aligning with its innovators” to provide greater “stability and growth” to its members. Steve Cote (JVC Eastern Regional Sales Manager), then shared his “Hot Shot” selling techniques, followed up by Trout driving home the entire 3-day experience with conviction.
“The journey embarked upon was unprecedented,” stated Ron Trout, JVC Director of Sales. “The combined level of knowledge and expertise by our hosts in conjunction with the commitment and aptitude of our salesperson attendees was truly remarkable.” Guests were polled and provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, proclaiming it “A GRAND SLAM,” along with the inevitable question, “when will there be a Hot Shots Part Deux?”
For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit http://www.us.jvc.com/car.
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 JVCKENWOOD USA at 1-800-252-5722 or visit us at http://us.jvckenwood.com and www.us.jvc.com/car.
LONG BEACH, CALIF., October 20th, 2022 -- JVC Mobile Entertainment in conjunction with the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) have announced they will be hosting their 1st-ever “Hot Shots” sales training seminar October 21st-23rd in Orlando, FL. Headliners and demonstrations will be conducted by industry affiliates including Jim Warren (Elite Distributor Alliance), Matt Yerger (iDatalink), Dean Beyett & Fernando Lopez (5 Star), along with several internal JVC staff members.
Several “Hot Shot” sales personnel from EDA distributors across the country have been invited to experience this exclusive one-of-a-kind sales training. Through classroom-style presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and more, attendees will leave feeling confident in being able to successfully sell and support their retailers with the JVC mobile entertainment product line.
“With JVC and the EDA’s shared mission of looking to improve the business of its members and retailers, providing this type of intimate training environment is essential to our collective growth,” said Ron Trout, Director of JVC Mobile Entertainment Sales. “Our mission is simple; we want to empower our EDA-member sales partners with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to feel proud about what they sell, what they do, and how they do it.”
For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit http://www.us.jvc.com/car.
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 JVCKENWOOD USA at 1-800-252-5722 or visit us at http://us.jvckenwood.com and www.us.jvc.com/car.
SEATTLE, WA, July 24th 2018 - The Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) is partnering with Firstech, makers of Compustar and DroneMobile, on the launch of “NuStart,” a new brand of remote start solutions reserved exclusively for EDA members.
NuStart will feature a unique lineup of remote starter kits, ranging from traditional, analog systems to digital, web programmable systems. Each remote starter kit will include two close-range remotes, and can be easily upgraded using any one of NuStart’s RF remote kits– all of which offer extended range and water-resistant remotes.
Furthermore, NuStart’s digital remote start systems will support Firstech’s award-winning smartphone control solution, DroneMobile. As part of the NuStart launch, EDA and Firstech are enforcing a strict policy against online sales of NuStart in order to preserve dealers’ profitability in the remote s tart category. “Dealers need to be protected from online predatory pricing; installation services need to be valued; and technology needs to be packaged into remotes that look and feel great,” said EDA Executive Director, Jim Warren.
Early response to NuStart’s launch has already been immensely positive, with one distributor sharing, “NuStart combines state of the art engineering with the smart go-to-market strategy our customers are looking for. NuStart is going to be huge.”
Participating dealers will gain access to NuStart marketing materials and hands-on training by Firstech’s awardwinning technical staff. Additionally, Firstech has developed a 6-foot tall free standing product displays to solidify NuStart’s brand presence in dealers’ stores. Dealers interested in learning more about NuStart can visit www.nustartauto.com/become-a-dealer.
Firstech is an award-winning connected car company from Seattle, Washington. The company was founded in 1995, primarily focusing on aftermarket remote car starters and security systems. Firstech has been voted the “Top Vendor in Security, Safety, and Convenience” products by the Mobile Electronics Retailers Association of America in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. www.firstechllc.com.
EDA is a high integrity, member-owned buying group serving the 12-volt specialists throughout the United States. With over 7,000 active customers, EDA is the largest 12-volt buying group servicing the unique needs of distributors. www.elitedistributoralliance.com.
Davis Distribution, DOW Electronics, and Go Fast Solutions All Honored
Seattle, Wash., October 15, 2020 – Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) was thrilled to see three of its members recognized by MEA and its members as the best in the business. Davis Distribution, DOW Electronics, and Go Fast Solutions were named as the finalists for this years Distributor of the Year Award to be presented at Knowledgefest LIVE in Dallas, Texas the first week of December.
EDA believes in partnering with vendors and dealers alike bringing added value, sustainability, and integrity to both.
DAVIS DISTIRBUTION
Davis Distribution adds value to the vendor and their customer in some very special ways. For example, Davis is committed to protecting their dealers within their assigned trade areas and providing many trainings throughout the year that dealers can access on Davis’s powerful You Tube channel. On the vendor side Davis (and all EDA members) are committed to tracking serial numbers and eliminating all transshipping practices. Vendors love doing business with Davis – the integrity of the organization instills confidence.
Davis was founded in 1998 by Kevin Taliani, and today with two generations of Taliani’ working day to day Davis serves the needs of Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, Southern New Jersey, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Davis operates two distribution centers, with one each in West Virginia and Indiana.
DOW ELECTRONICS
DOW Electronics, founded in 1959, is currently under its third generation of family leadership and celebrating 37 years of 12-volt distribution. As a four-time Mobile Electronics Distributor of the Year winner, (2014, 2015, 2018 & 2019), Dow continues to stay true to their mantra ‘Customer Focused, Technology Driven’. Creating and expanding on industry leading, dealer centric programs like SmartServices, SmartShip and SmartCourier as well as a fun and informative You Tube channel. These value added services are helping DOW grow a very loyal customer base. Six fully stocked Distribution warehouses provide 1-2 day product delivery across 21 US states and Puerto Rico, while DOW’s 100 + employees ensure that customer satisfaction, product availability and vendor support are at the highest possible levels. Additionally, Dow supports many Industry events, shows and organizations to help maintain, drive and grow a healthy business market for dealers.
GO FAST SOLUTIONS
GoFast was founded in 2016 and entered the 12V arena in August 2019. True to their name, Go Fast has rapidly made a very positive name for themselves in New England. Now with over twenty employees, Go Fast’s mission is to provide the highest level of sales and service at competitive prices – and their customers love it.
Dave Prinz, president of Go Fast Solutions says, “Being recognized by the 2020 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards as one of the Top 3 Distributors is no small accomplishment for any company, but the thing that makes this recognition special for GoFast Solutions is that this is their first year in the industry.”
While Go Fast is a new name in the industry, its staff brings a wealth of industry experience. The company’s twenty plus emplyees not only are industry professionals, they’re also enthusiasts. Note: Jon Mercado, a sales professional on the Go Fast team is also being recognized as one of the Top Five Sales Reps!
Go Fast operates through a state of the art 30,000 square foot facility in Middletown, Connecticu
ELITE DISTRIBUTOR ALLIANCE
EDA is pleased to see the industry recognize these EDA members. Jim Warren EDA’s Executive Director said, “For Distribution to succeed it’s imperative that you build relationships with your customer by adding value. EDA members are very good at this – helping dealers have product in the right place at the right time, helping them become experts, and providing needed profitability to their business. It’s really inspiring to see these three distributors being recognized for their hard work.”
EDA is a member owned alliance of like-minded distributors committed to the highest standards and serving the 12 volt industry. Find out more at www.elitedistributoralliance.com
12 Volt Distributor Powerhouse Adds Strength to the Upper Midwest
Seattle, October 21, 2019 – Elite Distributor Alliance announced today the addition of Woofer Electronics to the premier 12 Volt focused member owned buying group. Chicago based Woofer Electronics services the upper Midwest states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Founded in 1980, Sam Yoo had this to say about joining EDA: “The EDA has brought together an amazing group of distributors who share an immense passion for this industry. The EDA's strategy and vision are incredibly exciting and we could not be happier to be a part of it. We look forward to working closely with the member and vendor partners to help continue the group's growth and success.”
Woofer provides same day or next day service to nearly all the dealers served. Jim Warren, EDA’s Executive Director said, “Sam and his team have built a very exciting company in America’s heartland – the alignment of brands and vision is powerful, and we look forward to working closely with Sam and his leadership team.”
EDA, which consists of a dozen members servicing almost all corners of the lower 48 states is experiencing double digit growth. Josh Eatherly, EDA’s president added, “2020 will be a pivotal year for our buying group with several significant initiatives that will be announced in coming months. We are committed to adding value in very significant ways and Woofer Electronics is positioned well to partner with our members. We are really pleased to have Sam join the group as we continue our path to $200,000,000 in wholesale buying power.”
EDA is a high integrity, member owned buying group serving the 12-volt specialists throughout the United States. For member information please see www.elitedistributoralliance.com
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Mr. Jim Warren at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Magazine
Other News
- VOXX International to be Acquired by Gentex Corporation in All-Cash Transaction for $7.50 per Common Share in Industry News
- SEMA PRO Awards Alpine with 2024 Manufacturer of the Year in Industry News
- Big Sound and Big Power Marks Systematic’s 2024 SEMA Offerings in Industry News
- LEATHER CRAFT Supports Breast Cancer Awareness with Special Donation Campaign in Industry News
- Sony Car Audio Presents Professional Racers in Booth at 2024 SEMA Show in Industry News
