About Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a seven-acre public garden in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Its mission is to explore, explain and celebrate the world of plants through design, programming and exhibits.The not-for-profit organization has a commitment to education, culture, innovation and ecology. Its dedication is evidenced by its community activities, perfectly kept gardens and interesting, welcoming exhibits.
The display of color and fullness is expertly tended and visitors can see what’s in bloom at any given time of year. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a seven-acre public garden in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa.
Its mission is to explore, explain and celebrate the world of plants through design, programming and exhibits. The not-for-profit organization has a commitment to education, culture, innovation and ecology. Its dedication is evidenced by its community activities, perfectly kept gardens and interesting, welcoming exhibits. The display of color and fullness is expertly tended and visitors can see what’s in bloom at any given time of year. The Botanical Garden is open year-round with a showcase of timely plants and flowers, as well as presentations and information about horticultural subjects.
Kramer Product Spotlight
- KT-107 Touch Panel
- VP-778 Presentation Matrix Switcher/Scaler
- SL-240C 16-port Master Room Controller
- TP-580R Range Extender
Customer's Challenge
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers several conference rooms and large event rooms to the community. The original AV control system included two projectors, two screens, a matrix switcher, DSP for microphones, four sets of shades, three sets of lights and a touch-pad controller in each room.
When the room systems began to turn on and off at random and trigger the central system, officials at the Botanical Garden thought it would be a good time to upgrade the facility’s audio/video technology. They enlisted the help of local installer and reseller, Embark, whose team was tasked with reprogramming the entire system
Kramer's Solution
Embark recommended the Kramer Control solution. According to Gerson Carrillo, Embark technical sales engineer, the Kramer solution made sense because it was flexible and expandable, and would allow both Embark and the Botanical Garden to modify or update as needed. “We also created our own interface for the Botanical Garden, to which they were able to make changes, like including a locking mechanism for password protection,” he said.
The Kramer KT-107 touch panel control unit highlighted the installation, making it easy for presenters to choose any one of a number of video sources by simply tapping the screen.
Signals are switched by the Kramer VP-778 Presentation Matrix Switcher/Scaler and controlled via Ethernet connection to the SL-240C 16-port Master Room Controller. The Kramer TP 580R extends HDMI over the HDBaseT signals it receives from the matrix switcher. All other devices are also controlled via Ethernet and the projector screen uses relays.
Joint Challenges
Both Embark and Kramer said the timing of the installation was a challenge. It had to be done in a few days, because the Botanical Garden welcomes visitors every day of the week, and it couldn’t close the conference area.
David Regan, assistant director of retail and guest experience at the Botanical Gardens said, “Initially the controller presented some challenges. Embark was helpful to continue working with us to resolve programing and technical glitches. Now the controller works effortlessly.”
Results
The new system was installed at Des Moines Botanical Gardens and it was cost-effective, innovative and on time. The system was up and running within two days, and it has been working fine, according to Carrillo. “This is just phase one,” he said.
Customer's Feedback
“We looked at Kramer for financial reasons, but they gave us a new way of thinking about control,” Embark’s Carrillo explained. “They have a great warranty program and got great recommendations.”
“The Botanical Garden is a landmark in the Des Moines community,” Carrillo continued. “It has a strong educational program for the community and it offers presentations to schools and adult clinics, so they need to have new, high technology components.”
David Regan from the Botanical Gardens said, “Our success is determined by meeting the needs of our guests with the touch of a button. We were not delivering a great experience due to aging equipment that worked when it wanted to. Now our guests can trust that their AV needs will be met and lead to successful meetings and events.”
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.
