Company
In a city brimming with history, the Capistrano VW dealership is itself historic. Opened in 1963, seven years before San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, California became an official city, the dealership was the region’s first purveyor of new cars. In 1997 it was purchased by its current owner, Miles Brandon, who opened Capistrano Mazda next door in 2015. Today, both dealerships operate according to Brandon’s “undealer” philosophy, which strives to deliver a unique and positive experience that surpasses what customers and employees expect from a car dealer. Both dealerships have been recognized with award-winning customer service.
Challenge
Car dealerships are notoriously homogenous within each brand, with manufacturers dictating virtually every aspect of the design, inside and out. This leaves owners with limited opportunity to visually distinguish themselves. Nonetheless, Brandon – who is as enthusiastic about his showroom’s appeal as he is about the history of Volkswagen vehicles – has managed to implement unique and successful strategies over his many years in the business.
“In 2012, we followed the lead of Casey Gunther, then the top VW dealer in the U.S., who broke all the rules and created amazing energy in his Florida showroom,” said Brandon. “He took it pretty far, with things like vibrant hood artwork on the vehicles in his showroom. Our approach was to put in a large video wall that would enable us to dynamically change up the content.”
Initially, Brandon installed a 220-inch screen, comprised of an array of sixteen 55-inch monitors with bezels between each monitor. While he was thrilled with the energy it brought to the showroom, within a few years the system began to experience performance problems. Running with a complex system of components from different manufacturers, the dealership struggled to efficiently manage the technology, which reduced usage. Ultimately, screens began to dim or go fully dark. Frequent screen replacement was required, creating an expensive cost burden. Brandon reached out to their reseller partner Avidex, for help.
Solution
A long-time ViewSonic partner, the first solution Avidex recommended was the 231-inch ViewSonic® LDM231-251 All-in-One Direct View LED display.
“This incredible product addressed every issue we had with the other systems,” said Brandon. “It’s a complete package from one manufacturer, and it includes easy device management software. It’s absolutely beautiful, with no annoying bezels. And the price was good too, which really amazed me.”
Avidex and ViewSonic worked quickly to present a proposal, which came in right on budget, said Brandon, and the first recommendation became the only one he needed to consider.
Results
As expected, installation of the ViewSonic LDM231-251 Direct View LED display went smoothly. Everything needed, from the LED tiles and AV hardware to the software, power supplies, and cables, came in one package, making for a fast, frustration-free process.
“From pre-sales support to the installation we were very pleased with everything,” said Brandon. “The ViewSonic field solutions architect was there the entire time, overseeing the process. Everything went incredibly smoothly.”
Brandon was amazed at the transformation.
“What had become an eyesore was now a stunning, dynamic video screen,” he said. “Not only is the sheer size impressive, the image clarity is amazing and the content looks much better without the bezels. The entire solution is clean and modern looking, with no stray components or clutter.”
What’s more, said Brandon, Avidex had assured him that the LEDs used in the ViewSonic Direct View LED display are likely to remain functional well beyond the system’s expected operational life, with a rating of up to 100,000 hours of use. This eliminated the worry that screens could burn out with 24/7 use.
“We love leaving the wall running because people can see it from the I-5 freeway,” he said. “But with the other screens we were concerned that they would burn out. We didn’t want that added expense. That’s not an issue with the ViewSonic display. We’re looking forward to running content at 2:00 am with messages like ‘We may be closed but you can still pull over and look at your next new car.’”
For now, the Capistrano VW showroom team is happy to see their usual dynamic sports content, live cams from local beaches and the San Juan Capistrano train station, and brand content looking so much better on the bright, vibrant screen. The display played a star role in the dealership’s July 2025 showing of the critically-acclaimed Volkswagen-centric movie Circle the Wagen, a feature film that follows the idealistic owner of a 1972 VW bus on an iconic trip down Route 66.
“It looked so much better than the first time we did this, when the movie was released in 2013,” said Brandon. “It added excitement and energy to the event. We’re looking forward to holding more events like this on a regular basis.”
The successful installation, outstanding support, and stunning display have motivated Brandon and his team to look for new ways to make use of their video wall.
“When the other displays were new and looking ok, we used to play loops of fun car content, so we’ll definitely start doing that again,” said Brandon. “With this easier-to-use system we’ll also be adding slideshows of things like employee birthdays or anniversaries, new model release hype, features on new customers, and after-hours promotional messages.”
Ultimately, the ViewSonic Direct LED solution enables the Capistrano VW team to deliver dynamic, multipurpose content quickly and easily, thanks to the integrated management software. And with the brighter display, added Brandon, drivers on the freeway can now see their messages during the day, not just at night.
“After Avidex and ViewSonic got me the initial proposal so quickly, I knew I’d be happy working with them, and the product looked amazing,” said Brandon. “In fact, everything exceeded my expectations. Between ViewSonic and Avidex we feel more comfortable than ever that we’re working with good people that will be there for us if any issues arise.”
SUMMARY
Challenge
• Create a visually unique showroom experience within strict manufacturer branding constraints
• Replace failing multi-screen video wall with a more reliable, easier-to-manage solution
• Eliminate frequent maintenance costs and performance issues caused by complex multi-vendor setup
Solution
• ViewSonic® LDM231-251 All-in-One Direct View LED display
• Integrated ViewSonic Manager™ device management software
• Installation and support by Avidex and ViewSonic Field Solutions Architect
Results
• Stunning 231-inch seamless video wall transformed showroom aesthetics and energy
• Reliable all-in-one system resolved previous performance and management issues
• Easy setup with complete kit enabled quick, frustration-free installation
• Day-and-night visibility extended promotional impact to freeway traffic
• Enhanced content flexibility for events, promotions, and employee recognition
• Long LED lifespan reduces maintenance and supports 24/7 use
• Dealership excited to expand usage for movie nights, community engagement, and brand storytelling
“This incredible [Direct View LED display] addressed every issue we had with the other systems. It’s a complete package from one manufacturer, and it includes easy device management software. It’s absolutely beautiful, with no annoying bezels. And the price was good too, which really amazed me.”
— Miles Brandon, Owner, Capistrano VW
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.
