NILES, Ill., May 19, 2014—Lake Local High School, home of the Blue Streaks in Uniontown, Ohio, started the year with 12 channels of wireless audio gear comprised of incompatible equipment from a variety of manufacturers with zero frequency coordination capability. The result was drop outs, crackling, and unsatisfactory sound quality during the school’s talent shows, concerts, theater productions, and presentations. While the school budget required a degree of frugality, Lake Local High School needed a new solution for the widely used and often rented—by local churches and dance studios—space.
Steve Etherton of Woodsy’s Music Audio/Video sales and installation team had long stressed that the core of the school’s audio issue was lack of frequency coordination. When Shure introduced BLX® Wireless Systems in January last year, offering professional-quality sound with simple setup and an intuitive interface, Etherton presented the new wireless solution for consideration. Given BLX’s affordable price point, Lake Local High School approved the budget for the system, enabling Etherton to purchase the system. From there, he worked hand-in-hand with the Shure support team to remotely set-up the equipment and ensure that the school’s 665-seat theater was free of its audio nightmares.
“It just worked. We were able to easily connect with the Shure support team, who helped guide us through the selection process to ensure BLX was in fact the right product for the facility. With the frequency scan technology, we’ve eliminated all audio delivery issues and can easily locate the best open channel,” said Etherton.
With BLX Wireless Systems, RF interference can be avoided with the one-touch QuickScan frequency scanning feature, which quickly locates the best uninterrupted frequency. Additionally, the box-to-stage design of the system provides easy set-up and, for Lake Local High School, guarantees the school’s audio novices can operate the system. BLX Wireless Systems are available in a variety of receiver options, including a half-rack size for installed applications.
Etherton added, “The school has been impressed with the sound quality. For a reasonably priced solution, availability of the BLX Wireless System meant that Lake Local didn’t have to sacrifice quality in order to meet the school’s budget. The theater now has great-sounding audio. Plus, the parents are happy.”
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.
