INTRODUCTION
Fishtech Group is a data-driven cybersecurity solutions provider that ensures their clients’ secure digital evolution. Combining a group of holistic, data-driven cybersecurity solutions, they can easily identify gaps and introduce next-generation solutions that help organizations minimize risks, maintain compliance, and increase efficiency.
THE CHALLENGE
In early 2019, Fishtech opened its Cyber Defense Center (CDC), a 20,000 square-foot cybersecurity operations center, next to its company headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. The space was designed to serve as an around-the-clock cloud security and threat-monitoring center, where Fishtech employees can manage and monitor their client’s applications. The new facility features a video wall, workstations, private offices, meeting spaces, and a showroom known as the ‘Cloud Gallery’. It was imperative that Fishtech standardize on an AV platform that is secure, reliable, and flexible to ensure their clients’ cloud-based infrastructures are safe.
THE SOLUTION
To outfit the CDC with the most intuitive technology, Matt Skeen, the Director of Information Technology worked hand-in-hand with Andy Jones, Director of Digital Technologies at Fishtech Group. Together they designed a mission critical command center focused on leading their clients through next-generation cloud, IT, and security transformation challenges.
THE TECHNOLOGY
Outfitting meeting spaces and conference rooms throughout the office with the right technology was a top priority for the Fishtech team. They needed an enterprise grade hardware solution that offers a native UC experience while providing best-in-class audio and video. To accomplish this, Fishtech standardized all of their meeting spaces on the Crestron Flex UC platform.
“As a Zoom campus, it was imperative that we found a solution that natively integrates with our existing UC platform,” explains Skeen. “By standardizing on Crestron Flex, we created a seamless and intuitive experience across our organization that extends well beyond our conference rooms.” For Fishtech, integrating a solution that fit perfectly into their existing ecosystem was a true game-changer. It allows employees to easily manage their meetings and control the lighting and shading throughout the room with one touch. “The Crestron Flex platform not only provided us with a consistent experience throughout our office but offers my team an easy-to-manage solution that we believe in and trust,” says Jones.
Fishtech is a company that was born in the cloud, therefore they give preference to applications and tools that can function successfully within the cloud. By utilizing Crestron XiO Cloud, Andy and his team are able to easily view, manage, troubleshoot, and update technology throughout the office from one centralized location. The XIO Cloud dashboard empowers the team to diagnose and fix issues quickly and efficiently.
One of the most critical parts of the project was the video wall inside the facility’s security operations center. Made up of more than 60 55-inch displays, this 4K video wall required a technology solution with the ability to distribute content on the existing infrastructure. Ensuring zero latency and Pixel Perfect Processing, Crestron DM NVX™ was selected as the technology backbone for this mission-critical space. With the ability to route audio and video with a touch of a button, JITC-certified DM NVX allows Fishtech employees to securely distribute content anywhere in the building from one centralized location.
Crestron room scheduling is another favorite among Fishtech employees. Every meeting space features a TSW touch screen located outside of the door where employees can walk up and reserve the room. Each room scheduling touch screen is natively integrated with their existing calendaring platform, which allows employees to also book spaces in advance, right from their desk.
These beautifully designed spaces also feature Crestron lighting and shading solutions. Crestron keypads are located throughout the CDC, providing employees the ability to control the lighting and the shading with a touch of a button. “By integrating Crestron lighting, we were able to cut energy costs and reduce the amount of lighting loads used throughout the space,” explained Skeen.
RESULTS
With Crestron deployed inside the CDC, Fishtech is able to offer their clients and employees a technological experience unparalleled by any other cybersecurity provider. “Our employees enjoy using the meeting room solutions within our collaboration spaces,” explains Skeen. “It has taken their conferencing experience to a whole new level.” Thanks to Crestron, Fishtech offers a reliable and consistent experience to everyone who enters their facility.
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.
