As a football star and Air Force Academy graduate, Dan McVicker knows the value of teamwork. He knows how to get the job done. So when the Bridgestone Firestone Law Department tapped this legal lion to be their business manager, he didn't miss a beat. Realizing that information is a firm's most important ally, McVicker spearheaded a technology and communications revolution. He partnered with Duthie Associates to implement Lotus Notes on a high speed network. McVicker also had the unenviable task of organizing a mountain of legal information, updates and "how-to's" into an easily digestible form. Working with DAI he discovered multimedia was the right answer.

Southland Multimedia Journal (SMJ) recently had the opportunity to ask McVicker how tires and multimedia mix.

SMJ: Why did BFS decide to use multimedia for its presentations/training courses? Why Duthie Associates?

McVicker: The Bridgestone/Firestone Law Department represents many different companies in many product areas. Our story becomes very compex. We use multimedia programs to synthesize that complex picture into a streamlined series of facts, recommendations and possible outcomes.

By using multimedia and partnering with Duthie Associates we can effectively tackle complicated issues, stay ahead of our competition and therefore provide added value to our clients and our company. Duthie gives great, personalized service. They always get the job done and done well, no matter what the deadline.

SMJ: Describe how the programs

McVicker: We have used multimedia in many different programs…to show employees how tires are made; as orientation training for new staff; for business presentations and strategies; and marketing. We even did a "music video" for our United Way fundraiser. Programs may be used for a group as large as 500 people or in a corporate training piece for an individual. Each program is custom tailored to our specifications.

SMJ: As a presenter do you find multimedia useful? How?

McVicker: For a corporation as large and diverse as BFS it is important to fully understand the responsibility we have to our customers and our partners. When giving presentations it is imperative that our audience stay focused. With multimedia we can use video, sound, animation etc to heighten the interest of our audience, and keep them tuned in.

Unlike printed materials like workbooks or transparencies, the flexibiliy of multimedia allows us to quickly and easily change our presentations. We can provide up to the minute information on a large number of subjects. We can concentrate on specific segments to make shorter programs for audiences who have less time.

The programs look more professional. These are much more exciting than slideshows and flip charts. As a presenter, you look really good.

SMJ: How would a trainer find it useful?

McVicker: The training programs are never static like a book or video. They change to meet the needs of the individual. The user decides where he wants to go and controls the flow of information. This becomes important when dealing with a large amount of complex data. Programs use sound, video, and pictures to keep the program interesting and give feedback to the user.

SMJ: How do audiences respond?

McVicker: Audiences really like the look of the program, the sounds and movement. Duthie has created some awesome animations and artwork specifically for BFS. It really does knock people's socks off