Introducing Crestron – A Think Big for Kids Partner Company

Introducing Crestron – A Think Big for Kids Partner Company

Crestron is the world’s leading innovator and manufacturer of advanced content, collaboration, and control/automation systems for office, campus and home. Crestron has been recognized as a trailblazer in its industry since its founding by the Feldstein family in 1972. For more than five decades, the people of Crestron, across every aspect of the organization, continue to reinvent the environments where we all live and work, constantly improving the technology that connects and supports us in everything we do.

This company demonstrates the importance of flexibility, innovation and core values.

With leaders who are willing to pivot as needed, embrace a collaborative approach, and search for creative ways to overcome obstacles, Crestron has grown to become international in reach. Recognizing that technology powers human interaction, Crestron is sought out for its advanced, premium grade control and automation technology for both commercial, residential and academic spaces. With a presence on five continents, New Jersey is the site of world headquarters, along with a key presence in Plano, Texas.

After learning about Think Big for Kids, Crestron’s senior leaders agreed that the nonprofit’s goals are closely aligned with those of the family and the company. Crestron’s legacy has always included a commitment to caring about the employees, the customers and the community. From volunteering during Martin Luther King Day to participating in International Women’s Day to supporting the veterans’ population, Crestron has demonstrated its deep dedication to helping others.

There is Real power in a Think Big for Kids Showcase.

Chris Fitzpatrick, Senior Manager of Talent Development at Crestron, shared some of his insights after the recent Think Big for Kids Showcase held on February 11, 2026 at the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton.

“It is a privilege to participate in a showcase, interacting with middle school and high school age kids and broadening their universe.” To hold the kids’ interest while also conveying important lessons learned, Chris (himself a professional speaker and self-professed aspiring ‘game show host’) avoids a lecture style presentation. He opts instead for introducing games and activities that focus on four key areas – team work, communication, leadership and innovation.

As the 40-45 kids in attendance took part in these entertaining events, they were being introduced to essential workplace skills and life lessons. Many were already involved in sports, dance, swimming and other diverse athletics, and this showcase served to reinforce the lessons they are learning outside of the classroom.

Crestron’s career showcase topics include STEM, robotics, participation in social clubs and other positive experiences that contribute to the kids’ personal and academic success with an emphasis on individuality. The main objective is to help them develop the skills needed to relate to each other and to an ever changing and evolving world. Chris shared that initially he did not realize the profound impact he was having at the showcase or on field trips. Over time, he saw that the kids were responding as he encouraged them to take a positive approach, to never give up, to seek new ways to address challenges, and to use technology to engineer new solutions.

Through events like the Think Big showcases, mentoring, and other interactions with the students, the message of resiliency, perseverance, innovation, compassion and kindness continues to resonate across the generations. And with companies like Crestron whose team shares their time and talent, we can be sure there will be a brighter future.