The LCT Family - Cindy Dyer (Inside Sales)

If you go back into the “sales pit” area where our Inside Sales team resides, you might miss Cindy Dyer. She’s not going to draw attention to herself and you will have to look for her. The immaculately clean, organized desk will give her away because there is no place for clutter near Cindy.

Cindy is a member of the Insides Sales Team but operates more as post-sales support by entering orders, answering questions and being a point of contact for anyone who has a change, addition or special instructions to an order. So, when I say her desk is neat, that speaks volumes for her organizational skills. Coming from someone who rarely remembers the color of my desk for the myriad papers blanketing it on a daily basis, I admire the ability to keep it all organized and neat. But then, Cindy has a long history of working in an administrative capacity for various organizations and knows how to stay focused.

When the company she was working for in Carrollton, GA laid off their employees, Cindy was looking for a job nearby, but she soon decided to expand her search and almost immediately, her resume sent to Logical Choice was noticed and she came in to interview. She enjoyed the interview and the people so much at LCT that she offered to relocate to work here and an offer was made to her on the spot. Even though she had another offer, she chose Logical Choice because she could sense the family-like atmosphere and wanted that above the stiff corporate culture of the other position.

The night Cindy came home to tell her family she had accepted a job with Logical Choice, her daughter, Katie, then in first grade, immediately told her that she had a Promethean Interactive Whiteboard in her classroom and she explained how it worked to her mom. Cindy knew then that the products were special and the company was, too.

At first she traveled 70 miles each way until she found a home close to Logical Choice and now resides just 7 miles from the corporate headquarters. “It was worth it to commute to this job,” Cindy said, “I thank God every day for this job and this great company.”  Cindy likes this company so much that she has encouraged friends and family to apply for available positions and a few have been hired.

Originally from Tampa, Florida, Cindy moved to Dallas, Georgia as a young girl and was raised there until her middle school years when she returned to Tampa and graduated.

She has a 24 year old married daughter, Krista, who has one 4 year old son and is expecting a daughter in mid May. Cindy also has Katie, the now 10 year old daughter who helped to teach her mom about Promethean products at the very beginning. Cindy married her husband, Shawn in 2009 and said that “it took 40 years to find her “soul mate”, but they are madly in love and so happy.”

Cindy’s family is very important to her and that is why she loves Logical Choice so much. “This is the only place I’ve ever worked where I didn’t feel pressured to choose between work and family because they understand the importance of family. No amount of money could make me leave this company,” Cindy said. That is unless she could make a living playing Sudoku, at which she excels; then she might consider it, but the job market for Sudoku whizzes is pretty slim these days so I guess LCT is doubly lucky.

Another reason she loves her job comes from the satisfaction of receiving phone calls like the one she got a year or so ago when a teacher called to express her excitement over getting Promethean Learner Response Systems for the entire class. Cindy wasn’t aware, but the teacher had her on speaker phone with her class of 30 first graders listening in. She wanted to see if she could get the ActiVotes shipped quickly and Cindy offered to see what she could do to expedite matters. The teacher was gracious and grateful and she asked the class, “What do we say to Miss Cindy, class?” and 30 little voices chimed in with “Thank you, Miss Cindy!”

That is the moment she knew that what we do here makes a difference in real lives and she fell in love with Logical Choice all over again. And her dedication to her job and to making sure that orders are processed and questions are answered is why we say, “Thank you Miss Cindy!”


-Lisa K.

Get To Know Your 21st Century Classroom – Part 8: Presentation Software

Now that we have discussed some of the hardware that is available in the 21^st Century Classroom, we should talk about the wide range of software options. Software can be powerful and robust or as minimally invasive and utilitarian as the instructor desires.

The Basics

Since the 21^st Century Classroom is designed around the ability to present information through a broad spectrum of interfaces, the software can get pretty complex. However, it doesn’t need to be. Simple functions like projecting a document, showing a movie, and browsing the internet can be handled through most computer operating systems. Furthermore, the interactive white board, in conjunction with the projector, act as a very large touch screen. So, navigating these types of programs with the pen should come naturally within a few minutes.

Interactive Lesson Plans

To develop and present effective lesson plans using the 21^st Century Classroom Equipment, the educator will need presentation software. Programs like Microsoft Paint or PowerPoint are useful but offer limited flexibility. Promethean’s ActivInspire is packaged with the ActivBoards (and is available separately) and allows the educator to create dynamic Flip Charts. Essentially, the teacher can draw/write directly onto the board (similar to Paint) and then flip to the next slide (similar to PowerPoint). This can be performed prior to the presentation or directly in front of the class.

Other functions available through software like ActivInspire are the ability to control Learner Response Systems and import media into the lesson plan. There are a myriad of other document creation tools at the instructor’s disposal.

Cutting-Edge Educational Software

Logical Choice Technologies is pioneering the use of augmented reality (AR) in the 21^st Century Classroom. The Letters alive™ pilot program represents a new way to engage students in reading and language arts. This is the first wave of new interactive software that will become available in May 2011.

Next week: We will wrap up this series.

The LCT Family - Karen Braxton

Bubbly and enthusiastic…those two words come to mind when you first meet Karen Braxton.

As the Manager of Logical Choice’s Educational Group, Karen Braxton brings a lot to the table. Her previous jobs with an interior door company and as a member of an Ebay and Overstock.com auction management company enabled her to become an expert at implementing Salesforce databases. Now, her abilities have been given full bloom in a ground floor opportunity provided to her when Logical Choice decided to create a team that prospects and assists outside sales in scheduling demos and building business.

“One door closed and another one opened for me at Logical Choice,” Karen said. “And I was able to use the skills I had in developing Salesforce databases.”

Karen has a wealth of knowledge in providing direction on how to best utilize Salesforce and she customizes it to benefit the team. Because of the expansion of Logical Choice’s Promethean partnership footprint to encompass the nation, Karen sees even more potential for future growth.

“Each of my team members has several reps to assist. Last year we had an incredible success rate by booking almost 800 demos. The more the team grows and our company grows, the clearer it will become to see the impact we create on sales”, Karen said. “Our business has such a long sales cycle, so seeing that impact is very rewarding”, she said.

What drew such a dynamic and obviously talented person to Logical Choice? “I loved that it was woman owned. I am a strong believer in the empowerment of women”.  Having gone to a women’s college in her home state of Virginia, Karen feels that the enthusiasm she observed during her interview process by those who conducted the interviews and their obvious love and passion for the company, made an impact on her decision to join the team. She, in turn, demonstrates that same passion for her job and it has rubbed off on the equally talented team she has assembled. Karen’s department has a zero turnover rate and she is proud of their retention rate. “We truly have a family-like camaraderie and we work hard and play hard, but we do eat a lot”, she joked. “Every picture of our group shows us eating something.”

That family theme runs deep with Karen who was originally born in New York and is of Dominican descent. Karen is engaged to be married and she has two children, a 13 year old daughter, Madeline and a 19 year old son, Zachary. She also has a rare combination of dogs who are a huge part of her family: Jake, a Peekapoo; Chi-Chi, a Chorkie (Chihuahua/Yorkie mix); and Chia, a Chorkie-Morkie (Chihuahua/Yorkie and Maltese/Yorkie mix).

Karen is a warm, nurturing person with a strong personal faith. The family atmosphere here at LCT drew her in and made her feel welcome.

When she’s not cooking, running or enjoying a day of beauty or shopping, she is busy caring for her family, her Educational Group team and Logical Choice.

We are so glad that Logical Choice Technologies’ door was open for such an amazing addition to our family.


-Lisa K.

Get To Know Your 21st Century Classroom – Part 7: Computing Solutions

The 21^st Century Classroom is designed to exploit the latest computing tools and presentation software to further engage students and develop their ingenuity. Pairing these systems with a capable computer is paramount when creating an enveloping learning environment.

The Right Tools for the Job

Computer software is designed to perform on machines that meet the minimum specifications. Typically, these specifications are published along with a description of the product. Hardware, such as that which is included in the ActivClassroom, is subject to the same restrictions. Each manufacturer’s minimum requirements are different. Some manufacturers will also indicate “recommended” specifications.

Here are the required and recommended specifications for Promethean’s ActivInspire:

http://www.logicalchoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/ActivInspire_1.4_ProductSpecs.pdf

Notebook or Desktop?

As long as the system is robust enough to handle the combination of peripherals and software present in the classroom, it is up to the user to decide which “form factor” is best suited for his or her use. Notebooks have become increasingly popular due to their portability and compact design features. Most laptops come with a web camera, microphone, speakers, and enough USB ports to handle the classroom equipment. However, desktop computers usually offer better hardware specifications for a lower price. They are also less prone to damage and theft.

New to the market are the touch screen computers which house all of the internal components inside the monitor. The face of the monitor can be multi-touch capable and is designed to work with the Windows7 operating system.

Next week: We will start working with the ActivInspire Software.

Get To Know Your 21st Century Classroom – Part 6: Classroom Audio

Due to budget cut-backs, class sizes are getting larger. This makes it more difficult for children in the back of the classroom to hear the instructor. The solution to this problem is simple: add an audio system that will distribute the sound evenly throughout the classroom.

Fill the Room with Sound

In the 21^st century classroom, there are many different options that are designed to fill the room with clear audio. The Promethean 300PRO Series Interactive White Boards come with built in audio equipment, including the amplifier, speakers, and connections for most devices. 

Two other options are Logical Choice’s AudioGear classroom equipment and Promethean's ActivSound. These products offer a wide range of solutions. Depending on the layout of the classroom, there can be up to four wall or ceiling speakers. Spreading out the speakers in this fashion removes acoustical dead-spots in the room and ensures that all of the students will have the opportunity to observe the lesson.

Is this thing on?

Some of the best teachers become frustrated by the limitations of their voice. With audio enhancement equipment, educators can have their voices projected through the wireless audio equipment, anywhere in the room. Typically this is performed by holding a microphone. However, some schools have chosen to include the lanyard microphone which is a hands-free device.

More information can be found at this address:

http://www.logicalchoice.com/products/classroom-audiovisual/classroom-audio-overview/

Next week: We will view some of the computing solutions available.

The LCT Family - Frank Bowerman (American Jedi)

It would be hard to find another individual that I like and respect more than Frank Bowerman. Frank is our Internal IT Support, here at Logical Choice Technologies and is retired military with a long, impressive history of military service.

Joining the Army in 1990 after high school, Frank spent part of 1990 and 1991 involved in the Gulf War. Frank’s training as a Combat Engineer and subsequent movement to the 101st Airborne Unit and Rangers ultimately led him to Special Forces.

In 1993 as a member of Special Forces, he was in combat in Somalia where he received his first Purple Heart. Frank then went to Bosnia in1995, Kosovo in 1999 and to Afghanistan, this time in the Reserves, in 2001. Frank was awarded a second Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan.

Frank was awarded the Bronze Star for his 2003 service in Iraq and in 2004 Frank returned to Afghanistan where he received a Silver Star and another Bronze Star for his service.

Finally, Frank was embedded with the Marines for 13 months in Iraq during 2006 and 2007, as a civilian contractor.

To say that Frank Bowerman, born in Michigan but raised in Centerville, Ohio had come a long way is a vast understatement. Yet to look at him, a youthful looking man of 38, one would never suspect that Frank had endured nine tours of combat.

“I’ve had plenty of excitement,” Frank said, “now I’m ready to relax.”

In 2000 Frank decided that being in the Army Reserve and spending periodic time in combat wasn’t quite exciting enough, so he moved to New York and taught himself IT and worked for his first certification, MCSE Window NT. Then in 2001 he got his second certification in MCP Windows 98 and in 2002 he got his CNA (Certified Novell Administrator) certification. “I had nothing else to do,” Frank joked. “So I started teaching myself.”

If there is something that he doesn’t know how to do, Frank said that he will “research it until he finds out or he will go to someone who knows about it and learn from them.” That attitude of getting it done no matter what the personal cost is in Frank’s DNA.

Although he says he sometimes has to remind himself not to “bark like a platoon sergeant”, Frank has never lost his military bearing. He has quietly and efficiently solved every computer issue or in most of our cases “operator error” issues, in a calm and easy going manner.

The “family-like atmosphere” played a large part in putting this talented individual onto Logical Choice’s team. With the growth and changes here, Frank’s background of being flexible, adaptable and overcoming will play an integral role in the future of LCT.

Recently, Frank has overcome an even greater adversary: Lymphoma Cancer. After a 6 year struggle with Lymphoma, Frank was given a clean bill of health just in time for our company Kickoff Party in January, 2011. Frank received a well deserved standing ovation for meeting this foe head on and conquering it as he has conquered many obstacles in the past – quietly and with great dignity.

While Frank is enjoying a less dangerous line of work here at Logical Choice, his personal life has also taken a turn for the better when he wed his beautiful wife, Fay in 2010 in a ceremony in Las Vegas which was video cast in our own LCT café. It was a beautiful ceremony that demonstrated that good things do happen to good people. Frank and Fay and Sniper, their rescued German Shepherd, live in Lawrenceville.

While he describes himself as “a can with a label missing – I could be a can of worms or can of whoop @$$,” Frank is the whole package. He’s a hero who has made Logical Choice his home and we are so blessed to have him here.

-Lisa K.

CUSTOMER CARE TIP OF THE WEEK: Get To Know Your 21st Century Classroom – Part 5: Digital Microscope

Remember how fascinating it was to discover all of the life that is present in a drop of water? That was probably one of the single most eye-opening experiences in my early scientific education. Sharing this experience with students has been difficult in the past due to the limitations inherent to laboratory equipment. Microscopes are fragile, heavy, and typically require the use of a slide. The Ken-A-Vision T-1050 kena™ Digital Microscope was engineered to eliminate these barriers and represents a great leap in portability and functionality.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Microscopes work by zooming in on an object. At close range, lack of light becomes a major issue. To combat this problem, Ken-A-Vision has built in an array of LED lights next to the camera aperture. This allows the user to observe opaque subjects with ease. They have also included the standard deck light which allows light to pass through a transparent subject or slide and enter the camera lens.

Focus…Focus…Focus

One of the most difficult tasks to perform on a traditional microscope is focusing the image. Typically this is performed by someone who has experience with the equipment and a very sharp eye. The Ken-A-Vision Digital Microscope is incredibly easy to focus. No more attempting to focus the image through an eye-straining, eyepiece. Rather, the user can easily resolve the image because it is projected onto the screen through the Applied Vision software. The user can also adjust features such as brightness, contrast, and saturation, among others.

Mobile Laboratory

The T-1050 kena™ offers three zoom levels: 2x, 4x, and 10x and comes with a removable base. The user can choose to observe a subject on the stand or remove the handheld microscope and go exploring. The microscope is connected to the computer through USB, so it is as portable as a laptop.

Next week: We will talk about the importance of proper audio equipment in the classroom.