Eppingen, Germany, December 20, 2017—The Systems and Consumer business divisions of Shure Distribution GmbH are changing to direct distribution in the Republic of Austria, effective January 1, 2018. A newly opened Company office in Schwaz, near Innsbruck in the Tirol region, will be responsible for all sales within the Systems and Consumer divisions in Austria, bringing Shure closer to its Austrian customers in these markets and providing direct points of contact for all technical support and distribution-related matters in that country.
While Systems- and Consumer-related activities will be the responsibility of the new Tirol-based office with the start of 2018, Shure Distribution’s pro audio business in Austria will remain with the Company’s existing Austrian distribution partner, Kain Audio, based in Salzburg and the nation’s capital, Vienna.
"We would like to thank Kain Audio, our long-standing partner in Austria, for the excellent work it has done to promote all aspects of Shure’s business for more than 20 years, and we’re delighted that they are continuing as our business partners in the Austrian pro audio market," comments Marco Weissert, Managing Director of Shure Distribution GmbH. "Christian Kain and his team have an unblemished reputation for excellence in the Austrian pro audio market, and knowing that they will continue to apply their considerable acumen to supporting our live sound business in Austria makes it possible for us to concentrate on further developing the Systems and Consumer markets."
The new Shure Austria office will be led by Gerd Kostial, who has run Shure’s Market Development office in the country since 2015. "We took the decision to move to a direct distribution model in order to cultivate more direct, more personal relationships with our Austrian customers in the future," explains Kostial. "By offering our Systems and Consumer products locally, we can serve our customers and their projects more quickly, comprehensively, and flexibly. We can also recognize and respond to their needs faster, feeding their practical requirements into our product development cycles more rapidly."
Shure Applications Engineer Christian Thöni, already well-known throughout the Austrian Events and Installation market for his extensive experience, will continue to provide customers with support through Shure Austria. Gerd Kostial and his staff at the new office will also be supported by the 30-strong Shure Distribution team in southern Germany.
"We became Shure’s distributor in 1995 and have enthusiastically promoted and developed the brand in Austria since that time," adds Christian Kain, Managing Director of Kain Audio-Technik. "We learned of Shure’s decision with heavy hearts, but change is always healthy in a business, and nothing stays the same forever. We are also delighted to continue as Shure’s representative for the pro audio market in this country. Our slogan at Kain is 'Your Partner In Sound,' and that is exactly what we continue to be for Shure’s live sound, rental, and professional customers in Austria, as well as the many small dealers throughout the country."
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.
