The Challenge
In the summer of 2014, Entré Computer Solutions, a provider of IT services, decided to make a move towards entering the business of outdoor digital signage. The company’s current building is non-descript, and both drive-by traffic and customers alike had trouble recognizing the nature of its business. By integrating an outdoor digital signage solution, Entré would be able to promote its business, along with the products it sells. The staff at Entré wanted to find a way to showcase the solution and be seen as a leader in the audio-visual business.
Being located in a suburb of Chicago, the Entré team knew they needed to integrate a product that would be able to withstand all types of weather – from a hot humid summer day to a below-zero snow day. The team also needed a solution that was cost-effective as funding was a concern. Last, Entré’s staff knew they needed a solution that complied with local signage laws before implementing anything on the side of the building.
The Solution
With all of the weather obstacles, Entré turned to Peerless-AV, another local Chicago-area business, for an all-seasons solution. Because Peerless-AV’s Xtreme™ Outdoor Displays are completely weatherproof, Entré knew that even with the inclement Chicago-weather, the displays would be able to withstand any of the elements.
In working with Peerless-AV, the Entré team decided to install a 2x2 video wall on the front of the building. Entré’s sales and marketing staff worked diligently to create a very specific pre-installation testing plan, which included staging the four Xtreme™ Displays along with an HP I5 computer with quad graphics cards and content from Navori Content Management Solutions and Accuweather.
“This critical testing phase allowed us to ensure the systems all worked well together and we were able to work out any bugs before the actual installation,” said Cathy Niliaram, Vice President & Sales Consultant, Entré Computer Solutions. “I highly recommend pre-staging to anyone whenever possible. It made for a smooth operation.”
The Result
Since the deployment, Entré Computer Solutions has been more than pleased with the result. Keeping the content simple has attracted visitors, but has not distracted drivers. By creating co-op funds with vendors, Entré has been able to pay for the system and introduce its capabilities to customers. The company has been using the video wall to display vendor information, announcements, and special information, which have increased conversation points with customers.
“The easiest way for us to sell Peerless-AV is by using their products,” said Niliaram. “Seeing a fully functioning outdoor video wall in the middle of a blizzard will make a believer out of anyone. I am very much looking forward to our next project using the Peerless-AV Xtreme™ Displays.”
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
