By Amy Gilroy and James Chevrette
After more than 40 years in business, K40 is closing its doors.
Dealers were told this week that the radar detector company will sell through inventory and shutter its doors upon completion of the liquidation or by May 1, whichever comes first, according to sources close to the company and retailers.
K40 had no comment.
Retailers contacted Tuesday were literally grieved after learning of the closing. Some expressions were “There will be a big hole to fill in our store,” and “I truly believe we need more companies to have the culture that K40 represents.”
K40 has been a key player in the radar detector market with a primary focus on custom radar detectors. It has been a leader in good customer service and has enjoyed a strong retailer following.
The company has been perhaps unusual in its focus on employee well-being as well as customer service. K40 also has a community focus, donating to the local Boys & Girls Club–a place for “at risk” youth to learn, and do homework after school.
As of 2018, K40 Electronics had donated nearly $600,000 since 2010, both through in-kind gifts and cash donations. The Boys & Girls Club said each employee at K40 donates a portion of their profit sharing directly back to the charity.
K40 has been owned by Peggy Finley since 2009. She was a secretary at K40 who worked her way up, becoming its best salesperson, and then president and then owner.
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The end of a Legend. Peggy I will you and all the best of luck. I think by now you deserve to retire. I will never forget your kindness when I got in the accident. Take good are of yourself Peggy.
K40 truly was 2nd to none in the 12volt Industry for excellent customer service. Patrick Dunaway, our sales Rep , always went above and beyond. It was a pleasure to work with him. We wish Patrick and Peggy and everyone else at K40 farewell and may God Bless you in your future endeavors. Autosound Lab, Inc.
Their built in detectors were worthless when compared to an Escort or Passport.
I remember spending almost a grand to have one installed in my Callaway Corvette.
Really Jeremy, K40 had the best customer service in the industry, not to mention as they said, they took care of their employees. I did a co-op at K40 in 1984, they are the greatest people ever.
Soundcrafters has been a K40 Dealer since they opened their doors. They offered the best CB Antenna the industry had seen, progressed to a quality CB Radio and entered into the Radar Detector category, with the same attention to quality, performance and warranty. I had the pleasure to meet Peggy Finley at a trade show; a nicer person may not exist. Certainly, I lament their decision, however, I am a realist enough to understand Peggy has her reasons whatever they may be, I respect her decision and would like to see another company to obtain and continue the brand. I wish Peggy and my Account Executive, Justin Vallo who has serviced our account famously.
wow long time ago in the 80s in HS i went to the HQ my dad was printing salesmen he printed stuff for them it had a 1 lane bowling alley down stairs and the owner loved cars he had like 7 single car garages outside. Definetily will be missed as Icon. Surprised no one would buy them at all