Who We Are: LandAirSea Systems’ History and Leadership
Since 1994, LandAirSea Systems has been an industry leader with a sound reputation for producing innovative, practical and cost-effective Global Positioning System (GPS tracking) devices, systems and software. It was established by Robert Wagner, Steven Moehling and Lin Xu. LandAirSea’s corporate offices are in Woodstock, IL, with satellite offices in Boston, MA and Houston, TX.
Despite increased competition in the GPS tracking market, LandAirSea remains a recognized and trusted name. Its vehicle tracking products have been featured on national television including “Rachel Ray” and Fox News, it was an essential part of a trial that resulted in the conviction of a man for second degree murder and the company consistently holds one of the highest rankings in Google searches for GPS tracking products.
LandAirSea’s powerfully-engineered vehicle tracking systems are in use by average individuals, law enforcement agencies, businesses of all sizes and numerous branches of the federal government.
Following is an interview with one of the company’s founders, Vice President of Sales, Steven Moehling.
Q: Did the LandAirSea founders have critics? Those who thought the vehicle tracking technology you use today could not achieve such a range of applications?
The idea of using GPS in the early 1990’s was non-existent so there was little to no critics at the time. This was a double-edged sword in that it gave LandAirSea a head start in a tremendous future market but provided the burden of educating the market of this need.
Q: What is your professional background and how does that make you well suited to your job at LandAirSea?
I had been responsible in the startup sales effort for another technology-based company in southern California several years prior to the LandAirSea startup. Distribution channels were established that not only became the primary sales effort, but these distributors either carried or manufactured products that enhanced our offerings. This startup eventually became a publicly-traded company in the early 1990’s. The experience of being solely responsible for sales channel development of cutting-edge technology provided the groundwork necessary to establish a similar distribution model at LandAirSea.
Q: What was the first LandAirSea GPS tracking product?
The first product offering by LandAirSea was Flight Trac. Flight Trac was developed specifically to record in-flight data every second. This data was then downloaded via a memory card and used as a post-flight debriefing tool. The Flight-Trac software interpreted the data and graphically recreated the instruments as they would have appeared in flight. This provided instructors and students the ability to identify areas of weakness. Embry Riddle, the nation’s largest aeronautical university, installed Flight Trac in all of its training aircraft. This provided validation that LandAirSea could produce cutting-edge technology capable of enhancing a federally-mandated pilot training program.
It is important to note that Flight Trac was the first passive second-by-second GPS tracking device produced in the commercial market and set the stage for future LandAirSea passive devices.
Q: How has vehicle tracking technology changed, even in the last 5 or 10 years? How do today’s LandAirSea products differ from the first GPS tracking products created?
As with any technology, ongoing advancements help improve performance and capability. At the time of the Flight Trac launch, the cost to manufacture this device was very high and limited our ability to effectively market it. Smaller and more cost-effective micro processing, as well as a significant increase in the competitive landscape has contributed to these changes. Although many companies have been created due to others finally recognizing the market potential, LandAirSea maintains a competitive advantage by continuing to produce cutting-edge products along with a strategic distribution model.
Q: What was the key turning point in GPS tracking technology?
President Clinton signing the Selective Availability Act in 2000 removed the military accuracy restrictions on consumer-based products. In addition, micro processing and overall production as a whole lowered the cost of these products making this technology available to anyone.
Q: What sets LandAirSea Systems apart from competitors?
LandAirSea has always produced products that outperform its competition, whether it is GPS reception sensitivity, battery life, functionality, etc. These advantages start at the development phase with months of planning, design, and testing prior to launching any product. Because this technology is still evolving, it is critical to integrate the finest GPS receivers, antennas, motion sensors, etc. to produce a product that has the respect of major retailers, top government agencies, and consumers.
Q: Five years from now, where do you see LandAirSea in the GPS tracking industry?
I was asked this question several years ago and the answer remains the same. LandAirSea has achieved the market leading position in this industry by continuing to stay ahead of the technology curve. In order for LandAirSea to retain this position, we will need to continue this trend. We recognize that there has been a dynamic shift from passive recording technology to real-time/active devices over the past couple of years. You will see LandAirSea aggressively broaden its offerings in this market segment within the next 12 months. We also recognize weaknesses in the current marketplace offerings that will provide us a competitive advantage.
Q: Where lies the future of GPS tracking, from the consumer perspective? Do you see personal and/or vehicle tracking devices as common household tools?
The advent of the consumer’s desire for mobile technology offers a unique opportunity in this marketplace. It would be no surprise that vehicle tracking would be taken to the next level by incorporating a complete mobile solution such as in-vehicle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, navigation, entertainment, etc.
Q: So far, the courts have failed to come to an agreement about the legality of placing a vehicle tracking device on a suspect’s car without a warrant. Recently, a Madison, Wis. court ruled one way and in New York, another. Do you suspect this legal wrangling about GPS tracking will affect LandAirSea Systems’ business?
If you look at the cases across the nation, the question is not whether police can use this technology, it’s whether they need to secure a warrant prior to installing the device. The courts have already accepted this technology as admissible evidence. LandAirSea has participated in several federal court cases including armed robbery and murder. I do not foresee these cases affecting our business. In fact, the publicity can only help.
Q: What advice would LandAirSea give to a parent with concerns about teen driving? What benefits are there to using a vehicle tracking unit?
Many parents are not aware of GPS tracking as a tool to monitor the safe driving habits of their children. With the increasing statistics showing automobile accidents as being the number one cause of teenage deaths, GPS tracking provides assurance that their children are driving responsibly. I have been tracking my children for years and could not have imagined not having access to that data and the peace of mind that came with it.
Tags: Founders, FOX News, GPS, GPS Tracking, History, Industry Leader, LandAirSea Systems, Leadership, Lin Xu, Rachel Ray, Robert Wagner, Steven Moehling, Vehicle Tracking
No related posts.
