About WinShape Retreat
WinShape Retreat is a meeting and retreat facility located in northwest Georgia on the campus of Berry College. Since 2003, the facility has hosted retreats for thousands of couples in various stages of their relationships — from engagement to golden anniversary. WinShape also offers leadership training retreats as well as summer camp programs for boys and girls.
Challenge
The newest audio/video system in WinShape Retreat’s largest (180-seat) auditorium was a retrofit. The customer needed a system that was easier to use and allowed more accessibility for multiple people using the system with different laptops. They also needed an A/V solution for a 90-seat room and a 30-seat room with an easy interface for presenters.
Solution
Kramer and CCI Solutions proposed a VP-725* switcher to control all inputs in the largest auditorium, plus a variety of twisted pair units. A VP-773A switcher was installed for the 90-seat room. The 30-seat room was outfitted with a VP-728** switcher. Presenters can connect their own devices into the systems via either HDMI or VGA cables. Each room has a K-Touch*** unit for easy control and operation of all audio/video equipment.
Results
Hattley said he found that the Kramer product was easier to use, allowed more accessibility and was more cost effective in the large auditorium than the previous brand. “The video quality is better with Kramer. The transitions are smoother from one video source to another. Kramer provides seamless switching,” he said.
In the smaller rooms, Hattley said the presentations are better overall. “We have many repeat visitors, and they noticed the change immediately,” he said.
The facility has had a number of systems throughout the years and they have upgraded as necessary. Roy Hattley, the AV Specialist at WinShape, said he first worked with Kramer when a Kramer switcher wouldn’t connect with another manufacturer’s product and they couldn’t figure out the reason. “The Kramer service people bent over backwards to help us. They had us send the VP-729 to them and they found the glitch. It was on the other product. I was sold on Kramer from then on,” Hattley said.
* The VP-553XL is our most current product for this specific use (recommended)
** The VP-734 is our most current product for this specific use (recommended)
*** Kramer Control is our most recent offering for this specific use
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.
