Featured Archives - Relay The All-in-One Communication Platform for Frontline Teams Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:03:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/relay-favicon.png Featured Archives - Relay 32 32 The ‘Buy, Break, Replace’ Cycle is Officially Broken. Introducing Fleet Shield https://relaypro.com/blog/introducing-fleet-shield/ https://relaypro.com/blog/introducing-fleet-shield/#respond Fri, 05 Sep 2025 02:04:11 +0000 https://stage.relaypro.com/?p=12117 Our declaration There’s a hidden tax on your business. You pay it every day. You pay it in lost minutes when a […]

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]]> Our declaration

There’s a hidden tax on your business. You pay it every day. You pay it in lost minutes when a battery dies. You pay it in stalled projects when a radio goes down. You pay it in safety risks when a call for help is lost in static. This is the hidden tax of legacy technology. A tax on your productivity. A tax on your budget. A tax on your people. The industry that sold you these tools is counting on you to keep paying it. So, to the industry, to Big Radio, we say, enough already. It’s time for a revolution. And the revolution has one word: Uptime. You see, we believe the tool should honor the work. That’s our line in the sand. So we built a new model. Not a warranty, but a shield. A shield against the fine print. A shield against battery failure. A shield against the business model that profits from your problems. This is our promise: our job is to keep you operational. Period. A promise that a dead battery is our problem, not your fault. A promise that if a device breaks, another is on its way. A promise that your team is always connected and your budget is predictable. So stop accepting a model that leaves you exposed. Stop accepting excuses. Stop budgeting for failure. And stop paying the hidden tax of downtime. Join the Uptime Revolution. Your work deserves more than a compromise. It deserves a shield.

Today, we’re introducing the Relay Fleet Shield Program, our radical new approach to ending the era of disposable frontline tech for good. It’s not a warranty. It’s an entirely new way of managing your hardware that eliminates downtime, kills budget surprises, and treats you like a partner, not a sales target.

The Vicious Cycle of Bad Tech

If that daily device struggle feels all too real, you’re not alone. We recently surveyed hundreds of frontline managers and workers, and the results confirmed what we suspected: legacy communication tools are a hidden tax on your morale, your time, and your bottom line.

  • A Daily Disruption: More than a third of frontline teams have a communication device fail every single day. The top culprits? Dead batteries and physical damage.
  • The Financial Drain: All that troubleshooting adds up. One in four organizations loses more than an entire day of productivity every month just dealing with broken tech, contributing to those six-figure annual losses.
  • Innovation, Interrupted: Nearly half (48.2%) of all companies have been forced to delay or cancel important projects, like new safety protocols, because their communication hardware just wasn’t reliable enough to support them.

As our President, Jim Mulcahy, says, “For too long, the industry has accepted a broken model: buy an expensive, single-purpose device, watch it fail, and then pay again. That cycle of operational disruption and budget surprises ends now.”

Teal Fleet Shield Infographic With Survey Data Stats

Our Unbreakable Guarantees

Fleet Shield transforms your hardware from a headache into a reliable, always-on foundation for your team’s success. It’s all backed by our four unbreakable guarantees.

1. A New Device Before You Ship the Old One. Downtime is now a thing of the past. We intelligently monitor the health of your devices. If one is about to fail for any covered reason (including the industry’s #1 issue, a worn-out battery), we ship a replacement for next-day delivery before you even send the old one back.

2. A Full Fleet Refresh for Just $75 Per Device. Tired of watching your fleet get worn down by wear and tear? When you renew your service plan, you can replace every single device with a new, same-generation model for only $75 each. Keep your team operating at peak performance, always.

3. An Upgrade Path to the Latest Tech. Technology moves fast. Your team should too. Our Fleet Shield Upgrade Guarantee gives you the right to upgrade your entire fleet to the newest Relay models at 50% off MSRP. It’s a clear, cost-effective path to the future.

4. Accidents Happen. You Shouldn’t Be Punished for Them. Dropped it? Lost it? No problem. We replace lost or broken devices for a 50% discount. We’re your partner, which means we don’t profit from the realities of a tough job.

“Industrial companies are racing toward AI and automation, but they’re still handing out disconnected radios that are a technological dead end. This data is a wake-up call: legacy communication tools are a hidden tax on productivity and a drain on morale.”

– Chris Chuang, CEO of Relay

From Firefighting to Future-Proofing: A New Reality for Your Team

So, what do these guarantees actually mean for you, your team, and your business? It means shifting from a reactive state of constant firefighting to a proactive state of operational excellence.

  • For Managers: Budget Predictability and Peace of Mind. Imagine turning budget chaos into clockwork predictability. Fleet Shield converts a volatile capital expense into a stable, managed service. This frees up your resources, and your mental energy, to focus on strategic initiatives that move the business forward, not just keep the lights on.
  • For Frontline Staff: Tools They Can Trust. When you give your team reliable tools, you’re sending a clear message: you value them and the work they do. Fleet Shield removes a major daily frustration, allowing employees to focus on their jobs with the confidence that their equipment will work when they need it most. Our research shows this matters, with 43% of workers saying they’d be less likely to quit if guaranteed access to modern, automatically upgraded devices.
  • For Your Business: Unlocking True Innovation. A reliable hardware foundation is the launchpad for digital transformation. With operational certainty, you can finally implement those data-driven workflows, new safety protocols, and efficiency projects that were impossible with yesterday’s technology.

Building the Future of Frontline Work, Together

Your team is the engine of your business, and they deserve tools that empower them, not hold them back. Fleet Shield is more than a program; it’s our commitment to providing the operational certainty you need to build a safer, more productive, and more connected frontline.

By moving past the broken hardware model, you can finally focus on what matters most: leading your team and driving your business forward.

Ready to leave the cycle behind? Discover how Fleet Shield can become the foundation for your team’s success at relaypro.com/fleet-shield.

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]]> https://relaypro.com/blog/introducing-fleet-shield/feed/ 0 Palumbo Foods https://relaypro.com/customer-stories/palumbo-foods/ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 20:36:16 +0000 https://relaypro.com/?p=10747 PALUMBO FOODS Mushroom Distributor Speeds Up Operations with Relay RELAY PRODUCTS USED TEAM COMMUNICATIONS TEAMTRANSLATE™ USE CASES For Palumbo Foods, communication is […]

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PALUMBO FOODS

Mushroom Distributor Speeds Up Operations with Relay

RELAY PRODUCTS USED

TEAM COMMUNICATIONS
TEAMTRANSLATE™

USE CASES

For Palumbo Foods, communication is the thing that keeps customer orders running smoothly and efficiently. Traditional walkie talkies, with their dead spots, range restrictions, and interference, were too unreliable for the mushroom distributor’s fast-paced operations. Switching to Relay not only removed these issues, but also allowed management to spend more time at home with their families. 

An aerial photo of Palumbo Foods

Short Shelf Life Requires Quick, Reliable Communication

Palumbo Foods is a multi-generational, family-owned and operated mushroom grower, processor, seller, and distributor, located just outside of “Mushroom Capital of the World” Kennett Square, PA. Their customer-first mindset and competitive drive has quickly allowed them to become one of the fastest growing fresh mushroom distributors in the US. Palumbo Foods currently sells mushrooms nationwide to retail stores, produce distributors, and well-known fast food chains. 

An employee transporting mushrooms

Mushrooms are an incredibly difficult type of produce to work with. From the unique indoor growing process to keeping them fresh during transportation due to their extremely short shelf life, being a successful mushroom distributor requires exceptional care and speed. That’s why Palumbo Foods is determined to make team communication as efficient as possible.

“Communication is key from start to finish. Whether it’s the amount of product that’s coming in, the amount of product that’s needed, or when a truck gets here, it’s a constantly moving industry. For us, communication is important because one little hiccup can mess up the whole process.”

– Kimiko Palumbo, Director of Sales at Palumbo Foods

Traditional Walkie Talkies Weren’t Suited for the Production Floor

Prior to Relay, Palumbo Foods tried everything to make communication more efficient, including three different types of walkie talkies. “Those had battery issues, signal issues, if you weren’t directly staring at the person 30 feet away it didn’t work,” shared Palumbo Foods’s Operations Manager, John Tonsil Jr. As the Operations Manager, he also saw how many times messages went unheard or unreceived from the various walkie talkie issues they were facing, including fast-dying devices and lack of connectivity.

 

The team at Palumbo Foods also tried text messages, WhatsApp, and emails. Unfortunately, with spotty cell service and people not always answering their phones, these didn’t provide the speed they needed to efficiently communicate last-minute order add-ons or transportation time adjustments.

An employee checking on the mushroom growth

Sending Several Hundreds Messages Per Day with Relay

The team at Palumbo Foods needed a solution that could thrive amongst the facility’s loud, industrial equipment, constant flow of messages, and even the cold, with storage rooms kept as low as 34 degrees.

 

When John discovered Relay being used by doctors and nurses in a hospital, he figured, “if doctors were using it for emergency situations, that it would work here.” He assumed the cost of a device with all of Relay’s capabilities was unobtainable. Yet, when he reached out he was pleasantly surprised to find Relay’s costs comparable to traditional walkie talkies. “The price was much lower than anyone anticipated, it was a no-brainer for us,” he shared. 

 

That was over three years ago. Since then, there’s barely a minute that goes by that the team at Palumbo Foods isn’t communicating over their Relays. “With Relay, no matter where we are, the communication will happen with the Relay device”, shared John.

Using RelayX on the floor at Palumbo Foods

Long-Range Communication Means More Time at Home for CEO

Relay’s impact on Palumbo Food’s operations has been undeniable. Common walkie talkie issues like range, interference, and poor audio are all things of the past, allowing the team to get things done faster. Palumbo’s CEO, Shawn Palmubo shared, “There’s no interference, it literally sounds like we’re talking in person, like it’s so clear.” Relay has given them more assurance and flexibility, that they can pass along to their customers. They’re able to communicate things like mushroom add ons to an existing order instantly, getting product onto the right pallet within minutes. The team also shared that Relay’s durability has been impressive and its battery life has lasted as long as 2.5 days.

 

Most importantly of all, Relay’s nationwide connectivity has allowed Shawn Palumbo to spend more time at home with his family. He shared that, “Prior to Relay, I was onsite almost 7 days a week, now I can take the weekends, work from home and be able to answer their questions.” The person who’s seen the greatest impact of this is Shawn’s wife and Director of Sales, Kimiko Palumbo. She shared that Relay has transformed their family life, allowing Shawn to do more of what he loves on the weekends, including spending time with their son and coaching football. “He’s been able to be connected, but also disconnect.” She continued, “Having the communication through Relay, he’s been able to be home but also be here at the same time.”

 

“I wouldn’t be as happy at work without Relay”

– Shawn Palumbo, CEO at Palumbo Foods

Palumbo Food Logo
  • Over 75,000 square feet of refrigerated and production space
  • Full-scale mushroom growing, processing, packing, and distribution under one roof
  • Cold storage areas as low as 34°F
  • Multi-department team managing harvesting, packing, logistics, and sales

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

OBJECTIVE

Modernize communication across Palumbo Foods’ high-volume mushroom distribution operations to eliminate inefficiencies from outdated walkie talkies, streamline logistics, and enable leadership to stay connected while offsite.

RESULT

GET A DEMO

Sign up to receive news, product updates and more from Relay

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]]> How Far Do Walkie-Talkies Reach? What You Need to Know Before Buying https://relaypro.com/blog/how-far-do-walkie-talkies-reach/ https://relaypro.com/blog/how-far-do-walkie-talkies-reach/#respond Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:35:05 +0000 https://relaypro.com/?p=10461 Despite being invented in the 1930s (almost a hundred years ago), walkie-talkies are still one of the most frequently used communication devices […]

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]]> Despite being invented in the 1930s (almost a hundred years ago), walkie-talkies are still one of the most frequently used communication devices in business today.

Workplaces across the globe rely on walkie-talkies to communicate with staff and keep a business running smoothly – from large entertainment venues and casinos to hotel chains and warehouses.

Yet investing in a walkie-talkie for your business requires careful planning. They have their benefits, but only if you choose the right device to suit your workplace needs.

The most important question? How far a walkie-talkie can reach. Poor signal can severely impact daily operations and the productivity of your staff, so choosing a walkie-talkie with a good range is crucial for business safety and efficiency.

In this article, we’ll explain how far a walkie-talkie can reach, outline factors that affect distance, and compare different walkie-talkies for business.

How Far Can Walkie-Talkies Reach?

Walkie-talkies have different ranges depending on where you’re using them. A standard consumer-grade walkie-talkie has a range of around 2 to 5 kilometers (1 to 3 miles).

Using a walkie-talkie in open areas, like in a field, can achieve higher ranges of up to 5 kilometers. In urban areas or inside buildings, you can typically only achieve the lower ranges of around 2 kilometers.

How Far Do Long-Range Walkie-Talkies Work?

Higher-end, long-range walkie-talkies can reach distances up to 15 kilometers (around 9 miles), depending on the surroundings. Smart radios (that use Wi-Fi or cellular networks) have the longest range, capable of communicating nationwide distances.

Demo Center GIF

How Many Miles Can Walkie-Talkies Reach?

Different walkie-talkies can communicate over more miles than others:

  • Consumer-grade two-way radios: Typically reach between 1 to 3 miles
  • Higher-end, long-range outdoor walkie-talkies: Can reach up to 9 miles
  • Vehicle radios: Can reach ranges between 10 and 30 miles
  • Cellular/Wi-Fi-based smart radios (like Relay): Operate with nationwide range

Factors That Affect Radio Distance

Various factors affect radio distance, including the type of walkie-talkie you’re using, the location, obstructive materials, and any outside interference (like poor weather conditions). Learn more about each aspect that impacts how far walkie-talkies work below.

Type of walkie talkie

There are two main types of walkie-talkies; devices that use radio frequencies and those that use WiFi or cellular connectivity. Smart radios use Wi-Fi or cellular networks, allowing you to communicate with 1000+ private channels and reach nationwide distances.

Radio frequency walkie-talkies come in short and long-distance ranges to cater to different environments. Their signal strength ranges from 2 to 15 kilometers, which is (at most) around two times the length of the Las Vegas strip.

Frequencies

Walkie-talkies that rely on radio waves can’t communicate as far as smart radios, but the signal strength and range can be increased with extenders. Walkie-talkies with extenders can reach further distances or experience less interference in busy areas, but they are often costly to install.

Terrain

In outdoor areas, obstructions in the landscape, like tall mountains or hillsides, can disrupt and reduce radio signals. In open, low-lying fields, walkie-talkie ranges are at their best, capable of achieving more radio distance.

Obstructions

Any obstruction in the surroundings can interfere with walkie-talkie distances. In outdoor environments, buildings and large items can lower the range. Inside large buildings or warehouses, walls and other objects can reduce signal strength. Especially certain building materials like metal or steel.

Weather conditions

Walkie-talkies are designed to be used in varying weather conditions, yet extremely bad weather can still reduce the communication range. Heavy rainfall, fog, and thunderstorms can cause static interference and temporarily reduce the signal.

How to Increase Walkie-Talkie Range

The range of a walkie-talkie can be increased using the following:

  • Upgrade to nationwide range radios
  • Use a long-range radio
  • Minimize interference by changing channels
  • Routinely change batteries
  • Purchase antenna extenders
  • Use in open spaces (i.e., not in small rooms or inside buildings)
  • Keep a direct line of sight between the two radios
  • Use during good weather (i.e., not during thunderstorms or heavy rain)

Comparing Smart Radios vs Traditional Walkie-Talkies

Walkie-talkies have a limited range, capable of reaching distances of only a couple of miles. Smart radios use Wi-Fi or 4G/5G, giving users coast to coast range regardless of external obstructions.

Pros & Cons: Smart Radios vs Walkie-Talkies

Both devices (smart radios vs traditional walkie-talkies) have their benefits and disadvantages, which we’ll outline below:

Pros of smart radios:

  • Nationwide range
  • Superior audio quality
  • Up to 1,000 private channels
  • No outside interference from other channel users or adverse weather
  • Easy to set up and start using
  • Enables group communication and team broadcasting
  • Suitable for use anywhere, including large buildings and obstructed areas
  • Durable design
  • Can communicate with buildings in different areas (e.g., warehouses or chain hotels with multiple locations)
  • Offers other features to benefit the modern workplace (e.g., real-time language translation, location tracking, and panic alert systems)

Cons of smart radios:

  • Requires connection to Wi-Fi or 4G/5G

Pros of traditional walkie talkies:

  • Low-cost option
  • Easy to set up and start using
  • Suitable for use in extremely remote areas
  • May be more appropriate for teams smaller than 10 people

Cons of traditional walkie-talkies:

  • Short communication range
  • Limited number of channels
  • Signal and audio can be fuzzy during bad weather
  • Radios may not work in areas with heavy obstructions (e.g., in a hotel storage closet or busy corner of a warehouse)
  • Requires expensive expanders to increase walkie-talkie range
  • Bulky and fragile design
  • Can receive interference from nearby walkie-talkie users

Which is Best? Smart Radios vs Traditional Walkie Talkies

Smart radios are the best choice for modern workplaces, such as warehouses, healthcare, and hospitality settings.

With nationwide range, smart radios offer a reliable, professional solution that can enhance team communication and boost productivity, with additional features capable of increasing worker safety.

Relay is a world-class solution for enhancing business communication. Robust features – including TeamTranslate™, location tracking, panic alert systems, and other operational insights – enable staff to communicate safely, securely, and without interference, making Relay one of the best equipment solutions on the market for modern workplaces.

FAQs

Do Walkie-Talkies Have Infinite Range?

No, standard walkie-talkies operating on radio frequencies have a limited range, usually reaching only a couple of miles/kilometers.

Are Walkie Talkies Outdated?

No, walkie-talkies are still one of the most frequently used forms of communication in most workplaces, from facilities to hospitality venues. Yet smart radios are the more modern solution for workplaces today. Here’s 5 signs your radios just aren’t cutting it. 

Smart radios use multiple cellular networks and Wi-Fi to provide businesses with nationwide range, allowing staff to communicate across large premises and even different sites.

What is Better Than Walkie Talkies?

Smart radios that use multiple cellular networks (4G/5G) and Wi-Fi are generally considered better than traditional walkie-talkies, particularly for businesses.

Smart radios are strong, durable, and water-resistant, with high-strength signals that offer staff extreme audio clarity and long communication ranges. With advanced features specially designed to support productivity and safety in the workplace, it’s a modern, professional choice of walkie-talkie for businesses.

Conclusion

Walkie-talkies and smart radios are both powerful tools in business, with thousands of companies across the globe – from golf courses to healthcare services – deploying these to improve communication and deliver better customer service.

Ready to make the switch to smart radios? Explore Relay at your own pace in our on-demand video demo center.

Demo Center GIF

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]]> https://relaypro.com/blog/how-far-do-walkie-talkies-reach/feed/ 0 TownePlace Suites https://relaypro.com/customer-stories/towneplace-suites/ Mon, 18 Nov 2024 23:00:20 +0000 https://relaypro.com/?p=9673 TOWNEPLACE SUITES Overcoming Language Barriers with TeamTranslate™ RELAY PRODUCTS USED TEAM COMMUNICATIONS USE CASES Non-English speakers on staff once caused language barriers […]

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TOWNEPLACE SUITES

Overcoming Language Barriers with TeamTranslate™

RELAY PRODUCTS USED

TEAM COMMUNICATIONS

USE CASES

Non-English speakers on staff once caused language barriers and service delays. With Relay’s TeamTranslate™, staff now communicate in real-time and confidently engage with guests and supervisors.

A Housekeeper using Relay

Extended Stay Hotel Using Relay Adopts TeamTranslate™

TownePlace Suites Raleigh Cary/Weston Parkway is a spacious, extended-stay hotel offering comfortable accommodations for both business travelers and families. Located conveniently near Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the hotel features comfortable suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast and a fitness center, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a convenient and enjoyable stay in the beautiful Cary area.

Language Barriers Were Causing Communication Gaps and Service Delays

For the Marriott property, language barriers were difficult and frustrating for the staff. Brian Prentice, General Manager, explained, “This is the hospitality industry so communication is always the number one key for success.” He also shared, “Not being able to communicate with staff was very difficult for us to understand what they were saying.”

Before we had TeamTranslate™ we were looking towards the other staff that were speaking that same language.
– Brian Prentice, General Manager at TownePlace Suites Raleigh Cary/Weston Parkway

One housekeeping staff member, Veronica Patricio Basilio, has been working at the property for 21 years. She believes communication is what enables the staff to give better service to guests. Not knowing English has been a huge barrier for Veronica and she had to rely on the Front Desk Supervisor, Jennifer Perez, to explain what needed to be done.

If Jennifer wasn’t on property and something needed to be translated, staff had a really difficult time communicating. Having to find Jennifer to communicate with one another slowed staff down and took Jennifer away from her primary role – helping guests at the front desk.

Real-Time Team Translation Transforms Team Dynamic

Already using Relay for communication, when the property found out about Relay’s TeamTranslate™ enhancement, getting it for the staff was an easy decision.

I love the Relay system. It’s made it much better for us. I would highly recommend it. It’s been a big convenience to us. Our overall quality of work is better.
– Merlin Chaney, Chief Engineer at TownePlace Suites Raleigh Cary/Weston Parkway

Maribella Esmeralda Nolasco, a housekeeper at the property, has found TeamTranslate™ to be especially helpful. Her first week at the property, before the real-time language translation capability was onboarded, she felt very anxious since she doesn’t speak English. Now, she’s able to communicate with both guests and her boss.

Bridging the Language Barrier Gap Equals Faster Guest Service

Now with Relay, anyone can communicate with one another. “It translates word-for-word what I would say,” says Jennifer. “It’s just a lot faster than having to reach for my phone. Especially being at the Front Desk, it doesn’t necessarily look the most professional for me to do that. I feel like I can focus more on the guest.”

When asked about how the staff has reacted to TeamTranslate™, DeShawn Mills, Operations Manager, responded with “They love it.” He continued, “We have some Spanish speakers that prefer it now. They’ll go and run and pick up their Relay because they know they can communicate with us effectively”.

As for Veronica, she explained that Relay has empowered her at work. She is really happy with TeamTranslate™ because she better understands what people are saying to her. Veronica now interacts with her coworkers more and has been able to build stronger relationships with them because of the translation capability.

If there’s one thing I would say to any other properties in the company, I would definitely say get TeamTranslate™.
– Brian Prentice, General Manager at TownePlace Suites Raleigh Cary/Weston Parkway

TownePlace Suites Cary Logo
  • 97 suites across four floors
  • Designed for extended stays
  • Located near Raleigh-Durham International Airport and key business hubs

INDUSTRY

HOSPITALITY

OBJECTIVE

Language barriers were making it difficult for staff to communicate with one another, especially when the multilingual Front Desk Supervisor wasn’t available. As soon as the Cary hotel learned about Relay’s TeamTranslate™ capability, implementing it was an easy decision. 

RESULT

GET A DEMO

Sign up to receive news, product updates and more from Relay

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]]> Monarch Casino Resort Spa https://relaypro.com/customer-stories/monarch-casino-resort-spa/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 18:57:27 +0000 https://relaypro.com/?p=7637 MONARCH CASINO RESORT SPA Elevating Casino Communication and Safety with Relay RELAY PRODUCTS USED TEAM COMMUNICATIONS WORKER SAFETY USE CASES Monarch Casino […]

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MONARCH CASINO RESORT SPA

Elevating Casino Communication and Safety with Relay

RELAY PRODUCTS USED

TEAM COMMUNICATIONS
WORKER SAFETY

USE CASES

Monarch Casino Resort Spa shifted from traditional radios to Relay, eliminating dead spots, and eventually saving over $100k, while enhancing security through location tracking, resulting in significant cost and time savings.

Photograph © Monarch Casino Resort Spa

Cost Savings and Innovation Is the Monarch Black Hawk Way​

Ben Harlow, the IT Director of the Monarch Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk, Colorado was facing a dilemma. His facility was expanding, which means he needed more radios but the costs for their radio systems just kept increasing. Between the costs of replacing radios, the additional required infrastructure and the ever-increasing programming fees, he felt like he was not getting the value for what he was paying. Ben prides himself in being innovative and it frustrated him to no end that with these increased costs, he was getting no enhancements that would improve their operations or make the management of these complex systems easier. The radios were all operating the same way they did when he got into the business a few decades earlier. 

Realizing there are alternatives to radios

Ben was not happy with the radio status quo and began to look for alternatives that were as forward-thinking and innovative as his department. He said “I’ve used the gorillas in the space because I had to, there has not really been another option. When I discovered Relay and realized what it could do without the extra infrastructure and support from an IT perspective, I realized I could save money, take a big chunk of work off my plate and improve the way we do business.”

“With radios you are going to have dead spots”

Feeling the immediate impact of Relay innovations. 

Ben shared “With radios you are going to have dead spots. Since Relay leverages cellular networks and WiFi, we don’t have dead spots anymore – and we used to have a lot”. Being able to get a hold of the people they needed to, no matter where they were in the facility, instantly improved many operational efficiencies across the team. 

Ben also implemented Relay’s indoor location tracking, leveraging his existing WiFi infrastructure. The panic button functionality enabled his security team to respond to incidents much faster than before. Additionally, geolocation tracking provided opportunities to increase operational efficiency while also saving their team money by preventing devices from being lost or stolen. Ben shared, “The security team reached out to me and said they were missing 12 Relay devices and needed replacements. I checked the Relay dashboard, to see if they had left the property and using the device’s location tracking, we found 11 of the 12 devices immediately.” This experience not only prevented the security team from spending their team’s budget on new devices, but it showed them powerful location data they never had access to before with radios. They now leverage the Relay location data every day to improve security.

“Monarch Casino Resort Spa saved over $100k on their communication devices”

Real cost and time savings

Monarch Casino Resort Spa saved over $100k on their communication devices, spending about 30% less than the estimates received from other radio providers. Relay does not require additional infrastructure which saved them both money and weeks of time that it would have normally taken to roll out a new radio system and 10+ hours of ongoing monthly maintenance.

Why not Relay?

When Ben was asked what he’d tell someone considering Relay, he said, “My response would be why wouldn’t you? The big guys never listen, improve or innovate, this is absolutely the innovative radio solution platform that can change your business.”

Monarch Casino Resort Spa Logo

  • 45 minutes west of Denver, offering 1,000+ slots, video poker, 42 table games and more

  • 516 guest rooms across 16 floors

INDUSTRY

CASINOS
HOSPITALITY
LARGE VENUES

OBJECTIVE

Monarch Casino Resort Spa sought to enhance communication efficiency, reduce costs, and embrace innovation within their expanding facility.

RESULT

GET A DEMO

Sign up to receive news, product updates and more from Relay

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]]> Pinehurst Resort https://relaypro.com/customer-stories/pinehurst-resort/ Sat, 17 Jun 2023 19:34:52 +0000 https://relaypro.com/?p=6887 PINEHURST RESORT Improving customer service and employee engagement through better communication RELAY PRODUCTS USED TEAM COMMUNICATIONS USE CASES Pinehurst Resort required a […]

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PINEHURST RESORT

Improving customer service and employee engagement through better communication

RELAY PRODUCTS USED

TEAM COMMUNICATIONS

USE CASES

Pinehurst Resort required a robust communication solution to ensure seamless connectivity among their teams spread across three hotels, enhancing guest experiences and improving employee engagement.

Relay is the right solution for Pinehurst Resort

Two drivers exchange a smile and a nod as their shuttles filled with guests roll past each other. Inside the hotels, teams of housekeeping staff are already buzzing through the hallways with carts filled with crisp sheets and fluffy towels. At the front desk, friendly hosts are spreading that unique southern hospitality Pinehurst Resort is renowned for. Team members are in sync and connected – thanks to Relay.

“It really does change the game when it comes to employee engagement and obviously guest service and guest impact being positive at the end of the day,” said Matt Chriscoe, the Director of Hotel Operations at Pinehurst Resort.

It’s hard to say that a small communication device has a large impact on your property, but I will say with Relay, it really has

With more than 400 guest rooms in three hotels as part of the resort, Pinehurst has found that nothing else compares to Relay when it comes to making sure their employees stay connected and focused on providing guests with an experience they’ll remember.

“It’s hard to say that a small communication device has a large impact on your property, but I will say with Relay, it really has,” says Chriscoe.

  
 

While investigating their options, Pinehurst discovered Relay’s powerful device that has the ability to connect nationwide using the 4G LTE cellular network as well as WiFi.

Now, losing connection is no longer an issue, no matter if an employee is inside a hotel, at the clubhouse, or picking up a VIP at the airport.

“The range was a big proponent for us in how we could travel hundreds of miles with this device and still have the same communication as if you were 100 feet away,” says Chriscoe.

As Pinehurst integrated Relay throughout their campus, team leaders quickly began to see the many other benefits of having their workers connected through Relay.

 

 
Each device is equipped with GPS tracking. When using the Relay Dashboard or App, any employee is easily located and you can directly communicate with them using your phone, laptop or another Relay device with just the touch of a button.
 
“When you think of industry, any industry, one of the top struggles that a lot of people have is communication, and that can be in various forms,” adds Chriscoe. But for us it was obviously verbal communication, passing along information.”
 
“So with the functionality of the device, it has allowed us to, I think, have better work and employee relations throughout the company.”
 
When Pinehurst decided to ditch their old two-way radios and upgrade their technology, Chriscoe says the team at Relay helped to make the transition nearly seamless.
 
“We had great customer support from the Relay team,” says Chriscoe. “Whether it’s the clips, or the earpieces, or the devices themselves, or the dashboard — how to add users, how to eliminate users, how to add teams.”
 
“All of those things were new to us in that world, but we were able to have a nice blend of communication back and forth with the customer service team, the sales team with Relay, and then our teams getting real-world feedback.”
 
 
While Relay has been the right solution for Pinehurst in improving communications and guest experience, it’s also been a boost for their bottom line compared to their previous radio system.
 
“The cost to repair, the cost to purchase new (equipment) continued to increase. The devices (Relay) are not as expensive as the other two way communication system…and overall that allows us to do more with our revenues and expense line controls,” said Chriscoe.
 
“It has been a wonderful solution for us. We’re very, very pleased with the product.”
 
  • Three hotels, 400+ guest rooms, spa, extensive sports and leisure facilities
  • 2,000+ acres
  • 55,000 sq.ft. of indoor space

INDUSTRY

HOSPITALITY
GOLF COURSES

OBJECTIVE

Improve employee engagement, streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and reduce communication challenges across the expansive resort.

RESULT

Pinehurst experienced improved work relations, streamlined operations, and enhanced guest satisfaction. The cost-effectiveness of Relay compared to their previous system allowed them to optimize expenses, significantly boosting their bottom line. Pinehurst Resort achieved seamless communication and exceptional guest experiences.

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