When the St. Johns Public School District in Michigan wanted to add technology to its classrooms, administrators knew their priority was reliability. They enlisted the help of Moss Telecom’s Audio Video Integration Group of Grand Rapids, MI, to create a system. Moss designed two pilot classrooms around a network control system and used a Kramer Electronics VP−4X4k switcher as the heart of the system.
According to Doug Prins, audio/video sales engineer at Moss, the Kramer switcher provided all of the necessary inputs and switching capability, plus the reliability required by the school. “The Kramer switcher has been rock solid,” Prins said. “These schools need reliable units. We used a network connection as the foundation because we felt it was more consistent than RS−232. We selected the Kramer switcher because it has proven to be extremely dependable, with a success rate far greater than other manufacturers.”
In addition, Prins said the Kramer seven−year parts and labor warranty and the company’s strong technical support was a key factor in Moss’s recommendation. “The peace−of−mind of this type of warranty was an added incentive for the schools, and the technical support from Kramer is always outstanding,” Prins noted.
When the pilot rooms proved successful, Moss outfitted 220 classrooms in eight out of nine schools in the district with movable audio/video carts. They featured an intuitive touch panel control, which controls the Kramer VP−4X4k switcher. With four VGA inputs and an Ethernet connection, the switcher makes source connection and selection easy and convenient. The system includes a laptop computer, DVD player and a document camera, and instructors can switch seamlessly from one source to another. The switcher outputs to a router that sends the signals to the classroom’s projector. The system also features Kramer cabling.
The cart can be moved easily throughout the room, and the system has proven to be hands−on for both teachers and students. “The students also get a chance to use the technology,” Prins said.
Moss Telecom will be completing the ninth school in the district in the coming year, wrapping up a system that succeeded in both technology and reliability for the St. Johns Public School District.
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.
