The EDGE Sports & Fitness is Vermont’s premier health and wellness destination, offering an unparalleled fitness experience across five state-of-the-art facilities in South Burlington and Essex. The EDGE is renowned for its comprehensive approach to fitness, encompassing preventative care, expert physical therapy, diverse sports programs, and engaging fitness classes for all ages and abilities.
Each EDGE location boasts a unique array of high-end amenities, including sparkling swimming pools, meticulously maintained tennis and pickleball courts, and expansive weight rooms equipped with cutting-edge exercise machinery. The EDGE fosters a vibrant and supportive community, centered on promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for all its members. They are particularly well known for their expansive and popular pickleball program, catering to the growing demand for this engaging sport.
Challenges: Technology Roadblocks to a Premium Member Experience
Prior to partnering with simpleroute, The EDGE faced several IT challenges that hindered both operational efficiency and the delivery of a seamless, high-quality member experience.
- Unreliable Wi-Fi: Weak and inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity across their five locations was a major pain point. This impacted both employees, who struggled to communicate and manage operations effectively, and members, who were unable to reliably use their devices while enjoying the facilities. Bandwidth limitations and frequent voice connection failures on their phone system further compounded these issues.
- Outdated and Inefficient Exchange Server: The EDGE relied on an on-premise Exchange server that required significant manual maintenance, including updates, security monitoring, and storage configuration. This system was not only outdated and inefficient but also lacked the robust compliance controls necessary for a modern organization. Their previous IT provider, who was responsible for managing this server, struggled to keep pace with the demands, resulting in operational inefficiencies.
- Unresponsive and Impersonal Support: The EDGE’s previous IT provider offered slow and impersonal support. Support calls often involved lengthy wait times in a queue, followed by interactions with unfamiliar technicians who lacked an understanding of The EDGE’s specific needs and environment. On-site support was infrequent, limited to approximately once a month, hindering timely resolution of critical issues. This reactive and impersonal approach was unacceptable for a premier organization like The EDGE, which prioritizes exceptional member service.
These technology challenges created frustrating bottlenecks, impacting staff productivity, member satisfaction, and ultimately, The EDGE’s ability to deliver the premium experience they are known for.
Solution: A Local Partner for Personalized, Responsive IT
The EDGE sought a local, managed service provider that could deliver a more personal and responsive approach to IT support, coupled with the expertise to modernize their infrastructure. They needed a partner who understood their unique needs as a multi-location fitness business.
“We wanted somebody local,” stated Deb Languasco, The EDGE’s Chief Operating Officer. “We wanted somebody approachable, somebody that we felt like we could tell what our challenges were and help us find our solutions that we needed.”
simpleroute, with its team of Vermont-based technicians and commitment to building strong client relationships, was the perfect fit. Our emphasis on prompt phone support, rapid response times, and frequent on-site visits resonated with The EDGE’s desire for a more proactive and engaged IT partner. The ability for any EDGE staff member to call simpleroute and speak with a familiar technician was a significant improvement over their previous experience.
Implementation and Results: Enhanced Connectivity, Streamlined Operations, and Business Continuity
simpleroute’s partnership has transformed The EDGE’s IT environment, leading to significant improvements in operational efficiency, member satisfaction, and business continuity.
- Wi-Fi Overhaul: We conducted a comprehensive overhaul of The EDGE’s Wi-Fi infrastructure across all five locations. By strategically adding and upgrading access points, we increased their Wi-Fi bandwidth tenfold, delivering fast, reliable connectivity for both staff and members. This dramatic improvement resolved communication issues, enabled seamless use of personal devices throughout the facilities, and enhanced the overall member experience.
- Migration to Microsoft 365: simpleroute migrated The EDGE from their legacy on-premise Exchange server to Microsoft 365. This complex project involved meticulously migrating each employee’s device licensing and mail data. The transition to Microsoft 365 has streamlined operations, improved collaboration, and enhanced security. “If I’m working in South Burlington one day, in Essex the next day, I can just bring my laptop with me and it’s like I’ve been working in the same building all along,” noted COO Deb Languasco, highlighting the increased flexibility and efficiency provided by the new platform.
- Business Continuity During COVID-19: When the COVID-19 pandemic forced widespread closures, simpleroute played a crucial role in enabling The EDGE to transition to remote work swiftly and effectively. Our team ensured that all staff members had the necessary tools and support to remain operational during this challenging period. Additionally, we implemented a cost-effective server upgrade during this time, demonstrating our commitment to providing tailored solutions even under difficult circumstances.
A Strong Partnership for a Thriving Fitness Community
simpleroute’s partnership with The EDGE Sports & Fitness has been instrumental in resolving critical IT challenges, modernizing their infrastructure, and enhancing both staff productivity and member satisfaction. By providing responsive, personalized support and implementing strategic technology solutions, simpleroute has empowered The EDGE to focus on what they do best: delivering a premier fitness experience to their vibrant community. Our ongoing collaboration ensures that The EDGE’s technology infrastructure remains robust, secure, and aligned with their continued growth and success.