As a leading office equipment supplier, Smile Business Products was used to supplying organizations with the products they needed to enhance their IT services across the board. However, Smile realized they needed their own solutions when they noticed their primary meeting room’s technology was no longer serving their needs. Through its partnership with Sharp, Smile was able to introduce a new technology system in their meeting room to ease frustrations and reduce the need to rely on the help desk staff.
Identifying Technology Gaps
As a leading office equipment supplier, Smile Business Products was used to supplying organizations with the products they needed to enhance their IT services across the board. However, Smile realized they needed their own solutions when they noticed their primary meeting room’s technology was no longer serving their needs. Their aging 9 panel LCD array required a dedicated PC to drive the display. As a result of COVID-19, Smile had standardized laptops with VPN connections, Microsoft Teams, Sharepoint and several layers of security to enable remote work. This often meant that to access Zoom or Teams meeting links, users had to use their personal login credentials on that dedicated PC and wait for the technology to sync up. It also meant that if a vendor sent a link to their preferred screen share tool, the users may not have permission to install it. Overall, their previous set-up required planning and coordination with Smile’s internal IT employees to get a meeting started properly. To help mitigate these issues, and as a result of their experience, Smile knew exactly who to turn to for help. Through its partnership with Sharp, Smile was able to introduce a new technology system in their meeting room to ease frustrations and reduce the need to rely on the help desk staff.
Turning Frowns Upside Down with Stellar Tech
Smile engaged with Sharp to complete the NEC LED-FE019i2-165IN video wall kit installation for them. Together, they used the existing heavy-duty metal frame from the panel as the basis for the collaboration screen and had contractors install furniture-grade plywood to provide a perfectly flat surface for the installation. The Sharp team set up the video wall, and the work went quickly since the surface was smooth and level. Smile now uses a 30-foot HDMI cable to connect the screen to a docking station at the presenter’s podium. They also installed a Logitech Meetup camera and speaker to the docking station to provide better video and sound quality from users’ laptops. “Working with Sharp has always been great, so I was not surprised that this process went so seamlessly,” stated Scott Bartos, Director of Managed Services at Smile. “I’m thrilled we were able to make this update and provide an easier way for our employees to utilize the technology in our meeting room.”
A Glowing Review
The installation of the NEC LED-FE019i2-165IN kit greatly simplified the use of the video wall for team meetings and training. Presenters utilizing the room are now able to use their own laptops, applications, and data. To ensure individuals are utilizing the technology correctly, Smile has provided a single sheet of instructions to use the wall and has had no issues since the installation. “We’re so happy that this new offering has resonated so well with our employees who love technology,” said Patsy Cutler, eCommerce Manager at Smile. “It is wonderful to use a product from Sharp, an organization that we are so passionate about.” Outfitted with upgraded technology, Smile can confidently utilize its meeting room and looks forward to sharing its positive Sharp experience with customers.
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.
