Desjardins is the largest financial group credit union in North America, serving a customer base of over 7.5 million. Located in Levis, Canada, Desjardins is the main financial establishment in 121 towns and villages in Quebec, and the institution is a well-known pioneer and leader in online and mobile banking services. Desjardins is proudly ranked fourth globally and first in Canada on Forbes’ list of The World's Top Female-Friendly Companies.
the challenge
Desjardins realized that their current office space could no longer accommodate the growing number of employees and customers. They decided to renovate their offices, aiming to create additional areas and opportunities for both their employees and their clients. During the renovation, Desjardins recognized the need for a technology revamp that would grow with them and increase employee productivity.
the solution
They fostered a relationship with systems integrator Solotech for years leading up to the Desjardins office renovation. Solotech approached employees to understand what technology would be useful to work efficiently. With that knowledge in hand, Solotech helped Desjardins identify new meeting solutions with a simple user experience and one-touch join capabilities.
the technology
Desjardins nearly quadrupled their collaboration spaces, going from about six meeting rooms on each floor to 20 areas. It is important that Desjardins employees have the ability to choose their own experience, whether at their desk, collaboration area, or from any choice of small, medium, or large conference rooms. The technology implemented is consistent throughout the entire company and all branches. This extends to the training and multi-purpose rooms where Crestron touch screens, control, and AV capabilities enable larger groups to get together.
Crestron Flex was implemented in over 1,200 rooms across Desjardins’ multiple locations. This solution gives them the ability to connect with clients with the touch of a button. Desjardins was familiar with the product as they had used Crestron in other areas prior to this deployment. Crestron Flex for Microsoft Teams® Rooms improved Desjardins’ user and security experience. Everything is private while using Microsoft Teams software, whether in the conference rooms or using a personal device. The ability to contact clients through video calls even before large numbers of companies had shifted to hybrid work gave Desjardins an advantage to maintain those relationships and continue working as if nothing had changed.
Desjardins previously had Microsoft Teams Rooms with BYOD capabilities but ultimately decided to switch to a native Microsoft Teams solution in this most recent project. It is easier to connect with clients using a stable solution the company is familiar with. Desjardins has notched three million meetings on Microsoft Teams software, and telephone calls have surpassed 800,000 per month.
Desjardins uses Crestron Fusion® monitoring and scheduling software to remotely monitor the technology utilized throughout the offices. The Unified Communication team benefited from Crestron’s solutions by managing and troubleshooting the rooms when needed.
the results
Building on the success of this deployment, Desjardins has continued expanding their technology capabilities and has brought Crestron solutions to even more spaces on campus. Employee satisfaction has increased since the installation, and Desjardins has welcomed other companies into their offices, serving as a strong example of a hybrid work environment done right.
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.
