In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and advertising, few companies manage to stand out with their groundbreaking ideas and exceptional execution. Doing just that and leading the way in the Fargo area is Revel Digital and Warehouse-13, helmed by Ted Rosenbaum and Mike Tinnes, two men with a passion for creating unique products and experiences.
Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 have gained recognition for their impressive displays, which seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with captivating visuals. From combining multiple screens with sonic sensors to creating the first-ever digital signage QR code, their work pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of advertising.
I sat down with Ted Rosenbaum to delve deeper into the motivations and inspirations behind Revel Digital and Warehouse-13. During our time, we also took a trip through time with Brian Larry, Social Media Consultant for Revel Digital and Warehouse-13, and discussed many of the company’s past feats and accomplishments that have been brought to market.
When asked about the meaning behind their work, Brian explained, “Think Area 51, AREA15, OZ, or any other ‘advanced tech’ places. Our work goes above and beyond. We’re an R&D department, always generating ideas, experimenting, and bringing them to life.”
Ted highlighted the company’s commitment to international operations and collaborations, stating that they welcome projects from all corners of the globe. Collaborations with major brands, through a third-party distributor, such as Best Buy, Target, Intel, ViewSonic, and Coca-Cola (to name a few not restricted by NDAs) demonstrate the trust placed in both Revel Digital and Warehouse-13’s expertise. What sets them apart is their ability to provide valuable insights through analytics, using cameras and sensors embedded into their signage to collect user data like age, gender, location, time of day, and foot traffic. This data-driven approach allows for the delivery of tailored information based on users’ demographics and analytics.
An aspect of their work that Ted emphasized is their dedication to fostering young talent. Through participation with the State of ND Work-Based Learning Program Coordinator, Kerri Kraft, Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 actively hire interns, including students from North Dakota State University (NDSU). Ted proudly shared the story of their spider robot camera project, which serves as an interactive welcoming tool in office environments. As someone enters, the camera and screen activate, greeting them and providing directions to their destination. This innovative solution showcases their commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences.
Did You Know?
Their software tracks analytics and provides monthly reports to clients, offering valuable insights without the need for client intervention.
Furthermore, Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 have expanded their reach beyond traditional digital signage. They collaborate with ATM companies to create indoor advertising billboards that incorporate cameras and screens. These billboards offer diverse capabilities, such as displaying live TV, static advertisements, or customizable screen divisions. Their versatility enables placement in various locations, including sports stadiums, malls, shopping centers, and more.
Brian Larry,
Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 ‘s Social Media Consultant
Working Hand in Hand
Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 are two distinct companies, each contributing to their overall success.
To illustrate the power of their solutions, Ted shared an example of a grocery shopping scenario. By entering the ingredients needed for a specific dinner, users can receive the most efficient and optimized route to pick up everything in the store. This innovative integration of technology and convenience showcases the practical applications of Revel Digital and Warehouse-13’s solutions.
Not stopping with smart screens, the team introduced yet another creation—smart coolers. These coolers feature built-in touch-enabled TV screens, providing users with a menu to select their desired options. To enhance the purchasing experience, an infrared sensor on the clear door allows for various commands to be executed based on user interaction. Whether it’s applying discounts, adding items to the checkout process, or enticing customers with additional product advertisements, Revel Digital and Warehouse-13’s smart cooler takes convenience and engagement to a whole new level.+
Did You Know?
Their smart screens in refrigerated vending machines entice customers to purchase additional products and offer touch-enabled menus.
Revel Digital and Warehouse-13’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and advertising is evident in their remarkable portfolio of work. Their international presence, collaboration with major brands, and commitment to nurturing young talent have solidified their position as leaders in the industry. Explore further as we dive deeper into their innovative solutions, exploring the impact they have made in the Fargo area and far, far beyond.
Micro-Markets and the Power of Customization
One of the core principles that drive Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 is the belief that their technology holds more value than the physical components themselves. This is exemplified in their innovative approach to advertising and micro-markets, where “every available space becomes an opportunity for brands to make an impact,” according to Brian.
Did You Know?
The micro-markets they develop allow customers to input unique codes, swipe their credit cards, and pick items from shelves, automatically tracking their selections for convenient payment upon leaving.
Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 firmly believe that micro-markets represent the future of retail, and they are witnessing it unfold before their eyes. The concept of unmanned stores, or micro-markets, feature strategically placed cameras that monitor the entire area, ensuring security and preventing issues such as shoplifting. When customers approach the store, their presence is recorded by the camera.
By swiping their credit cards to open the door and confirming their entry, customers initiate a seamless shopping experience. Every time an item is picked up, its weight is registered as being taken off the shelf. If customers decide to put the item back, it is deducted from their total at checkout. This approach eliminates the chance for claims of innocence in cases of unintentional item removal. With video evidence available, customers can trust the accuracy of their purchases.
As they proceed to select items from the shelves, sensors automatically detect the chosen items and their quantities. Payment is then made upon leaving the store, eliminating concerns about shoplifting and allowing for round-the-clock operation. This concept holds the potential for expansion into other settings, such as apartment complexes, revolutionizing the way people shop and enhancing security measures.
Brian explained, “Pepsi might want to include it in their micro-markets since they don’t want any other company to have that advertising space. Once they realize this, Coca-Cola will want to join in, followed by Snickers, and so on.” The allure lies not only in the physical space for advertisement but also in the access to valuable demographics and analytics, enabling targeted marketing campaigns.
In this seamless shopping experience, the software behind the micro-market system plays a pivotal role. Ted emphasized that everything is managed by the same software, which can be customized to meet the specific needs and preferences of businesses. When approached by potential clients interested in implementing this system, the company will assess their requirements and offer tailored solutions. This aspect of their business excites them the most, as they do not sell a predefined product but instead provide their expertise to bring clients’ projects to life.
Ted shared an intriguing aspect of their ongoing work, expressing his enthusiasm for a project focused on gestures. While voice command systems like Alexa and Siri are familiar to many, this project explores the realm of hand gestures as a means to enhance accessibility. By programming devices with gesture recognition technology, Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 aim to empower individuals who are handicapped. This innovative endeavor demonstrates their commitment to inclusivity and pushing the boundaries of technological advancements.
Analytics play a crucial role in the success of their solutions. Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 automatically track and analyze data through their software, providing valuable insights to their clients. Ted highlighted that clients need not take any action beyond partnering with them; the team takes care of the analytics and sends out monthly reports. This streamlined process allows businesses to focus on their core operations while leveraging the power of data-driven decision-making.
In the past, Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 have had the privilege of collaborating directly with renowned companies such as Sony, Dyson, Philips, ViewSonic, Samsung, and Intel. These collaborations were born out of admiration for the unique projects they were involved in with other clients. While their operations have been primarily conducted within the United States, their openness to international projects showcases their dedication to expanding their reach and impact.
As Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 continue to innovate and redefine the possibilities of technology-driven advertising and retail experiences, they remain committed to their core values of customization, expertise, and analytics. Next, we will explore more of their
Innovation and Expansion:
From Interactive Displays to Smart Arenas
At the heart of Revel Digital and Warehouse-13’s success lies the visionary minds of Rosenbaum and Tinnes, the driving forces behind the company’s streamlined operations and the constant pursuit of excellence. That partnership’s impressive accomplishments and unwavering dedication serve as a constant source of inspiration within the office space that Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 have occupied for 17 years.
The duo’s passion and innovative spirit resonate with the entire team, driving them to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of technology and advertising. Ted’s ability to think outside the box and inspire his team is compared by Brian to the iconic Doc from “Back to the Future,” as Brian stated, “Every time I walk through these doors, I’m inspired to work on something new and cutting-edge.”
One of their most notable displays has catered to larger businesses like Target, Hornbachers, Costco, and similar retail stores in the past. Understanding that not every business can have a salesperson readily available, the team devised a solution that provides customers with information about products without the need for assistance. When a shoe is lifted from the display, it illuminates and offers relevant details, all without requiring a salesperson’s intervention. This innovative approach allows for the gathering of valuable analytics, such as the customer’s gender, age, and duration of engagement with the product, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
Ted reflects on the journey of their products, noting that many of them were ahead of their time. The smart cooler, mentioned previously, was introduced ten years ago when the market wasn’t fully ready to embrace such technology. However, times have changed, and businesses now recognize the necessity of investing in these digital advancements. In an increasingly digital world, obtaining accurate representations and demographics of the target market is crucial for effective marketing strategies.
Did You Know?
Their digital signage codes allow businesses to customize targeted ads based on specific times of the day and demographics.
The team at Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 takes pride in their codes, which resemble QR codes but offer complete control over every aspect. Ted demonstrated their functionality by typing his name, which appeared on a bottle displayed on the actual screen. This interactive display creates an engaging experience, demonstrating the team’s ability to blend technology and creativity seamlessly.
The touchscreen interactive nature of their kiosks enables quick adjustments to pricing, allowing businesses to adapt to different events and boost profits. For instance, during high-profile events like the Super Bowl or the NBA Championship Game, the kiosks can implement a slight price increase on items without drawing much attention. These strategic adjustments contribute to maximizing revenue on busier days.
While some of the technology developed by them has been around for a while, it is only now gaining traction and becoming more widely available. The team’s ongoing project at Newman Outdoor Field, Home of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, exemplifies their commitment to innovation and expansion. By implementing a camera system to gather insights about individuals entering the venue, including gender, time of arrival, location, and total attendance, they aim to enhance the overall fan experience. The Newman Outdoor Field serves as a proof-of-concept phase for their vision of smart arenas that can offer enhanced advertising opportunities for clients. With their network of 35 stadiums, real-time viewership of screens can be monitored, providing valuable information for national advertisers seeking a larger audience reach.
Behind the scenes, Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 utilize 3D printing technology to manufacture their devices, enabling efficient production and customization. This technology plays a vital role in bringing their innovative concepts to life, ensuring high-quality and precise manufacturing for all their solutions.
As Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 continue to evolve and expand, their commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology remains unwavering. From interactive displays to smart kiosks, their portfolio showcases a relentless pursuit of innovation and an unwavering dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions for that share their passion for innovation.
Did You Know?
They utilize 3D printing technology for manufacturing various devices, showcasing their commitment to innovative manufacturing processes.
Empowering Customer Engagement and Streamlining Capitol Tours
Revel Digital and Warehouse-13’s commitment to enhancing customer experiences extends to the fitness industry, with a primary focus on stores like Complete Nutrition. Ted explained the motivation behind their solution, stating, “When customers enter a fitness store, they are often overwhelmed with options and information. Our solution aims to address this issue.” By leveraging their innovative technology, customers can now interact with products and access comprehensive information that would typically be provided by salespeople. Nutritional facts and other relevant details empower customers to make informed decisions and engage more effectively with the products.
A common concern regarding this technology revolves around the accuracy of inventory tracking. However, Ted assures that their system is designed to address these scenarios. It recognizes when an item is returned to the shelf, even if the customer decides against purchasing it.
The system reverts back to measuring strictly by weight for subsequent orders. Additionally, when an item is placed back on the shelf, the system attempts to provide customers with enticing offers, such as “buy two, get one free.” Through smart upselling techniques and accurate inventory monitoring, Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 ensure a seamless shopping experience.
Billboards have long been a staple of advertising, but Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 have taken them to the next level. Their developed billboards are equipped with motion sensors, activating and playing videos when individuals approach them. By scanning the code on the display, customers are directed to Oreo Cookies coupons that are seamlessly added to their phones. This integration enables the tracking of customer demographics and their engagement with the billboard. Ted expressed his enthusiasm for this project, highlighting the elimination of he need for customers to download another app while still promoting engagement and additional commercials. The team is currently developing a similar concept for the RedHawks, where visitors will be recognized by distance at a kiosk and have the opportunity to select their favorite player, take photos, and share the experience. It’s similar to a project Revel developed for the Museo de Historia Natural (National Museum of History) in Mexico City, Mexico over 10 years ago!
One notable feature of Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 software is its accessibility. Brian proudly emphasized, “Another great thing about it is that you don’t need to install yet another app when using our software.” Scanning the code takes a photo and places it directly on the user’s phone, making it convenient to share on social media. This engaging project aims to captivate visitors at West Acres Mall, encouraging them to post about their experiences and generate free social media engagement. While many of their products revolve around analytics and advertising, some of their products have had public safety and precaution at the forefront of their minds in certain instances, such as the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 is are not the only companies in the United States to develop temperature-scanning kiosks for potential COVID detection, they found a unique implementation opportunity in North Dakota. Not only did the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck purchase 10 of these kiosks to scan temperatures in early 2020, but they also were distributed to high schools, colleges, and tech centers state-wide. Recognizing the potential, Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 proposed a purposeful use for these kiosks: transforming them into tour guides. Now, these kiosks at the State Capitol, featuring Governor Doug Burgum, welcome visitors and serve as virtual guides throughout the Capitol building. With 10 kiosks distributed strategically, visitors can explore the entire building, gaining access to different information on each screen. These versatile kiosks not only facilitate engaging tours but also serve the dual purpose of temperature scanning, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Revel Digital and Warehouse-13’s innovative solutions continue to revolutionize customer engagement and streamline operations. Their focus on delivering personalized experiences, integrating technology seamlessly, and repurposing existing resources for maximum efficiency sets them apart in the industry.
Did You Know?
Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 have collaborated with major companies like Sony and Coca-Cola, catching their interest with unique projects and innovative displays.
Transforming Healthcare by Embracing New Technology
The impact of Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 extends far beyond advertising and retail experiences. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, their focus shifted to eliminating unnecessary human interactions in non-essential spaces.
One of their notable developments is the Health Watch, a customizable device similar to an Apple Watch, designed specifically for monitoring vital signs and ensuring timely response in healthcare settings.
In nursing homes, patients often have access to a button they can press when they encounter an issue. However, this button may sometimes be used for non-urgent matters, leading to potential confusion for nursing staff. The Health Watch solves this problem by providing real-time information to nurses, allowing them to stay informed about patients’ conditions.
With the ability to include up to 1,000 individuals in a database, the watch enables simultaneous monitoring of their health and vital signs. This streamlined approach expedites processes, enhances safety measures, and ensures that nurses can promptly respond to emergencies.
Tracking the Future and Promising Revenue Streams
With over 10,000 active displays across the United States and overseas, Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 have established a significant presence in the industry. Despite their extensive reach, their commitment to providing excellent customer service remains unwavering. With one singular dedicated customer service operator, they ensure that clients receive the support they need, addressing any potential issues that may arise during the setup process while showcasing the quality of their software. The software Mike Tinnes has developed over the course of 12 years that they offer is highly reliable, utilizing a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that simplifies the implementation and management of their displays.
Currently, Warehouse-13 is developing an innovative solution aimed at tracking customers and products within stores. By combining advanced sensors, AI, and Revel’s CMS, they aspire to create a comprehensive customer awareness system that revolutionizes the way businesses operate and increase their ROI.
The aforementioned micro-markets, such as vending machines and coolers, play a significant role in Warehouse-13’s current market strategy. A key player in this space operates an impressive number of micro-markets ranging from 10,000 to 20,000. Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 collaborated with Peter Mayhew, who implemented Revel’s digital signage for selling advertisements in the micro markets. Unfortunately, the pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, resulting in the industry, along with nearly every other, being turned upside down. However, amidst the adversity, Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 forged a relationship with Mayhew that currently is expanding to “over 10,000 digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertisement systems throughout the US, including micro-markets, convenience stores, and athletic clubs.
Ted recounts an interesting turn of events when, in preparation for the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) conference in Atlanta, he reached out to Peter, seeking to obtain a fridge for the event. Peter, still holding warehouse kits and other items, arranged for the delivery of a fridge from 365 Retail Markets, into which Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 could integrate their sensors. The smooth transportation of the fridge led to the manufacturing company expressing interest in a promotional video to showcase their product and branding, particularly emphasizing the touch and upsell features. This collaboration not only highlights the ingenuity of Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 but also exemplifies the power of networking and seizing unexpected opportunities.
The story of Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 is one of relentless innovation, collaboration, and adaptability. From their impressive displays and micro-markets to the development of camera systems, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of technology to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and generate promising revenue streams. The unwavering dedication, expertise, and passion of Rosenbaum, Tinnes, and their team have allowed them to thrive in a business landscape they’ve paved their way in.
From the creation of interactive displays and smart coolers to the development of innovative camera systems and partnerships with industry leaders, their impact reverberates in the Fargo area and extends far beyond. By embracing cutting-edge technology and leveraging datadriven insights, Revel Digital and Warehouse-13 have reshaped the way businesses engage with customers, track inventory, and create personalized experiences.
Their dedication to customization, expertise, and analytics has garnered the attention of major brands and propelled them to collaborate with renowned companies such as Sony, Coca-Cola, Intel, ViewSonic, and other global resellers/OEMs. Throughout their journey, they’ve embraced challenges, adapted to the changing landscape, and unlocked new possibilities in diverse industries, from retail and healthcare to tourism and advertising.
It’s clear that Revel Digital and Warehouse-13’s impact extends beyond the impressive displays and technological innovations they develop. Their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, their dedication to creating engaging experiences, and their ability to inspire others are the driving forces behind their success, not only in terms of business but also in the development of their interns and employees that move on to other venues. To demonstrate this, Revel’s annual Christmas party invites/includes all of their current and past employees, remotely and locally!
With a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep passion for their work, the team behind the technology continues to shape the future of technology-driven solutions. Revel Digital and Warehouse-13’s story is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and the belief that with the right vision and determination, anything is possible.
Revel Digital Warehouse-13
01.478.8091
reveldigital.com
[email protected]
300 NP Ave, Ste 203
Fargo, ND 58102
