Introduction

A Digital Hall of Fame might be the biggest purchase you personally make as an athletic director. It is not a small investment, and in many cases, you are the one leading the charge or making the call entirely. The decision is yours. This display will be part of your school district for decades, long after you have moved on. So let us talk about how to choose the right company and the following questions.

• What factors should I be considering?
• Who are the companies in this space?
• Which one is the right fit for my school?

How Do I Decide on the Right Digital Hall of Fame Company?

Choosing a Digital Hall of Fame provider is kind of like choosing a spouse (stay with me now). You are going to be working with this company for a long time. It is not just a quick purchase, it is a lasting relationship. Pick the right one and you only have to do it once. Pick the wrong one and you might be going through the process all over again.

So how do you pick the right partner?

Picking the Right Partner

• Choose someone who makes your life easier.
• Someone who helps you shine.
• Someone who shares your commitment and grows with you.
• Who is still there for you tomorrow, or ten years from now.
• And who celebrates your biggest wins without missing a beat.

Picking the Wrong Partner

Adds stress instead of removing it

You are already busy. A confusing or high-maintenance system just creates more work and takes time away from the rest of your job.

Hurts your reputationA blank or outdated display reflects poorly on the school. People will notice.

Stays stuck while your school moves forwardA good system should evolve with your programs. If the software feels outdated a few years in, it was never built to last.

Vanishes when you need supportGreat service does not stop after the install. If you cannot count on help when things go wrong, the whole system becomes a liability.

My Personal Advice (Gardner)

My advice for picking the right touchscreen display company:

Pick the company that…

Makes your life easier

• Look for a team that takes initiative, solves problems without being asked, and takes work off your plate. Look for a team that goes the extra mile!

Has the best looking platform

• Get a display with a “wow” factor. Its your school’s legacy so look for a platform that looks sharp, feels modern, and makes your program shine.

Will keep getting better

• Your needs will change over time. Pick a provider that updates their features, listens to feedback, and evolves with your program.

You can trust

• Find someone you can rely on. You should feel confident calling them with a question today or ten years from now and still get a real answer from a real person.

Digital Hall of Fames are amazing when done well so just make sure to choose the company that is as equally as amazing!

Which is the Better Pricing Structure - One Time or Annual?

Let’s discuss the following options:

• “Free”/DIY
• One-time purchase
• Annual subscription.

Free or DIY:

• Free tools or do-it-yourself setups sound great in a perfect world. Oftentimes, it requires Clark Kent to be on your staff. If your school is lucky enough to have one of those and can do it and be proud of it then you should!
• If Superman does not work at your school then that might be a challenge. Building and maintaining touchscreen software takes serious time, technical skill, and ongoing effort. Even with the best intentions, most DIY projects fall short when it comes to organizing decades of photos, videos, yearbooks, and stories.
• And when your “Superman” moves on, what happens to the project? Without long-term support, sustainability becomes the biggest risk.

One-time purchase:

• For schools working with the tightest budgets, a one-time payment can seem like the smartest move. You pay once and never have to think about it again. On the surface, that sounds ideal.
• But with no ongoing revenue, the company may have little reason to keep improving the platform. You might be stuck with outdated tools, clunky updates, and minimal support when you need help. Over time, what looked like a good deal can turn into a platform that feels frozen in time, hard to manage, and nearly impossible to grow with.

Annual subscription:

• When a school pays for a subscription (in a perfect world), it means more than just ongoing access. It means the company stays motivated to keep improving the platform, providing real customer support, and helping your school succeed.
• Subscriptions create a relationship, not just a transaction. You are not just buying software, you are partnering with a team that stays involved, updates the product, and works to make sure your school’s history is always presented in the best possible way.

Important Digital Hall of Fame Company Criteria

If a friend asked me for advice on buying a touchscreen history display tomorrow, here is the criteria I would tell them to use:

What specific criteria should I use to choose a Digital Hall of Fame? (In order of importance)

Cost

Ease of Use

Platform Beauty

Customer Support

Loading Speeds (vs Unlimited Data)

Features

Company’s Future

Each of these plays a critical role in whether your display works well, looks great, and lasts. So let’s break down why each one matters.

Cost

This category should speak for itself. Whether you are IMG Academy or a small high school with ten students per grade, you have a budget and that budget matters. So you need to decide, do you want to invest in the highest-end platform, or are you looking for the most affordable option?

My advice is to pay for peace of mind.

Ease of Use As the person most likely managing the Digital Hall of Fame, you should prioritize ease of use above all else. Start by confirming the platform can actually be updated. No one needs a touchscreen that is as static as the hallway walls around it.

Then ask the practical questions: How long does it take to add 100 profiles? What about 100 yearbooks or 100 videos? If the process is slow or clunky, you could be stuck spending entire weekends uploading content. Why sign up for extra work?

This might be the most important factor. If the system is too complicated, your beautiful display could end up collecting dust or get handed off to a coworker or student group. Make sure the platform is simple, fast, and intuitive from the start.

Some companies will promise to add your content for you, but make sure that is clearly written into your contract. If it is only mentioned during a sales call, there is a good chance it is just part of the pitch.

If the touchscreen adds more work than it saves, walk away. And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Platform Beauty

Personally, this would be my top priority. Why install something with your name on it if it is not going to look great? Choose something that makes your school proud. The goal should be for every student, coach, educator, parent, and alumni to feel a spark of pride and curiosity the first time they see it. Ideally, someone scans the QR code and sends it straight to their high school group chat. That is the kind of excitement you want.

A key consideration - can this work with my brand?

Make sure the platform reflects your brand. Can it display your school’s logos, fonts, and colors the right way?

To figure that out, hop on a call with top companies and decide what you think looks most impressive!

• How do the “Home” videos look?
• Who does it look like on the call?
• How does it look on a smartphone?
• Will your alumni love it?

Customer Support

24/7 support is crucially important. You need a company that is there when it counts. If it is 7 PM on a Friday before your first home basketball game and the screen stops working, will someone be there to fix it? That is the kind of moment that shows whether support is real or just a promise.

Just as important is building a real relationship with the company. Trust comes from knowing who you are working with. During your search, ask the questions that matter. Will you have a consistent point of contact? Will you be able to speak directly with leadership if needed? Or will you get passed from person to person? Can you give honest feedback and expect it to be heard?

Good support is not just fast—it is personal, reliable, and responsive. Make sure the company you choose understands that.

Loading speeds / Unlimited Data

Loading speed is one of those check the box items, but it still deserves real attention. You need to do your homework before saying yes.

Here is the reality. The more content you add, the more strain you put on the system. A platform that claims to offer unlimited data sounds great, but that can come at the cost of performance. If a company makes that promise, ask to see their largest live site. Then spend a few minutes clicking around.

How fast does it load? Does it respond quickly on your phone? Is there a long wait, or is the experience smooth and immediate? Try texting or emailing a link to yourself. Does it still look good and work fast when shared?

A system that looks great but loads slowly ends up frustrating your audience. Make sure performance keeps up with the platform’s promises.

Features

Make sure the platform actually includes every feature you are looking for. Ask to see real examples on current sites—not just mockups or promises. The goal here is to avoid being told “yes” to everything during the sales call, only to find out later that half of it is not built or does not work the way you expected.

Look for support for videos, PDFs, slideshows, timelines, social media links, and anything else important to your display. Do not assume. Confirm.

Company’s Future Goals

Last but not least - This is the expert level consideration and goes beyond features and pricing.

You need to make sure the company’s goals actually align with your school’s needs. Your school wants a platform that works, keeps improving, lets you add content easily, offers real support, and is willing to go above and beyond when needed. Your school wants to pay for a platform that works, is constantly improving, is able to add in new information, is there for you 24/7, and will go above and beyond. So you need to ask yourself the following…

Questions to Consider:

• What are this company’s real goals?
• Do they succeed when we succeed?
• Are they planning to sell to a massive corporation down the line?
• Do they have pressure from investors to grow at all costs?
• Will I just become another account number?
• A translation for Pink Floyd Fans - just another brick in the wall?

Once you find that company, make sure your priorities are clearly included in the contract. That is how to set yourself up for long-term success.

Now that the foundation is set, let’s take a closer look at the companies in this space.

Who are the Digital Hall of Fame companies?

• Touchstone Digital Solutions
• Touchpros
• Wall of Fame
• Rocket Alumni Solutions
• Gipper

What is the Best Digital Hall of Fame Company?

Touchstone Digital Solutions! We are a family company with the most beloved interface and visuals, easiest to use, 24/7 customer service with the family, and we aren’t going anywhere!

But my real advice? Do your own research. Talk to the companies. Visit their booths. Ask their current customers how things are going. Find out what truly fits your needs and priorities.

Ask yourself:

• Are you looking for the most affordable option?
• Is having the best warranty important to you?
• Do you just want the same setup as the school down the road?
• Are you focused on the best visuals and design?
• Do you care about having the latest technology?

The Official Buying Guide for Touchscreen Recognition

Touchpros

Best for: Schools wanting a traditional vendor with extensive experience and physical display options.

Founded in 2008 by Scott Erickson and based in Barrington, Illinois, TouchPros has spent nearly two decades focused on touchscreen recognition systems. Their TouchWall product combines hardware, templates, and a CMS to deliver full-service digital display solutions.

With over 1,200 installations across 900+ schools, TouchPros emphasizes a more conventional vendor experience—providing stable performance, structured templates, and direct hardware integration. For schools that want a straightforward setup with less emphasis on design flexibility or software complexity, TouchPros can be a steady, low-risk option.

Questions to Consider:

• Does their CMS offer the customization my program needs?
• How fast can I update and manage content myself?
• What does ongoing support and training look like?
• Will the display feel modern to students and visitors?
• How often is the software updated?
• Is the system optimized for both in-school and mobile use?

Wall of Fame (Formerly “Vital Signs”)

Best for: Schools that want a one-time purchase with lasting value and committed support.

Founded by John Townsend and based in Dublin, Ohio, Wall of Fame has been helping schools showcase their history through touchscreen displays since 1997. Originally developed in collaboration with a Central Ohio athletic director, the product brings together over 20 years of digital signage expertise with a focus on celebrating student achievement.

Wall of Fame stands out for its one-time purchase model—ideal for schools looking to avoid recurring subscription fees while still receiving ongoing support. Their displays are built with durable enclosures used nationwide, and each school is assigned a content advocate to keep displays current and effective.

The company’s strong ties to the education and athletics community include partnerships with 18 athletic director associations, including the national NIAAA.

Questions to Consider:

• Does a one-time purchase work best for me?
• Does their CMS offer the customization my program needs?
• How fast can I update and manage content myself?
• What does ongoing support and training look like?
• Will I develop a strong relationship with a person at this company?

Rocket Alumni Solutions

Best for: Large institutions with dedicated tech or marketing teams, and a budget to match.

Founded in 2020 by Chase Mckee, Rocket Alumni Solutions is headquartered in Boston. Over the last 5 years, their mission is to help convert static recognition displays into dynamic, interactive digital walls.

Rocket Alumni Solutions delivers a wide set of tools. Schools get unlimited profiles, unlimited pages, homepage customization, and real time editing through a visual editor. The platform includes advanced reporting, a broad set of features, and many layout configurations. Programs that have the staff and time to use these capabilities can build highly detailed digital halls of fame, alumni walls, staff directories, and record boards. Schools with larger dedicated communications teams find this platform best!

Note: Both founders of Touchstone Digital Solutions worked at Rocket Alumni Solutions before founding their company.

Questions to Consider:

• Is my history ready to go Day 1?
• Have I talked to other companies to make sure I am getting a good price?
• How is their support?
• How do I learn to use their platform?
• How fast are their largest sites on a smartphone?
• Will I develop a strong relationship with a person at this company?
• How aligned is the company’s mission with the goals of my school?

Gipper

Best for: School that is very social media oriented and wants to bundle their platform.

Founded in 2015 by Matthew Glick, Gipper is headquartered in New York City. Gipper is venture capital backed and has raised over $10 million from Wall Street since 2020. Over the last 10 years, their mission has been to help schools post to social media effectively and easily. A few months ago, the company entered the Digital Hall of Fame / touchscreen display space, expanding its focus from social media and newsletters to all digital communication on televisions, touchscreens, and smartphones.

Gipper is positioning itself as a bundled platform—combining tools for social media, newsletters, brochures, digital signage, and now touchscreen displays. With their new expansion across all these sectors, their Digital Hall of Fame product is new and still evolving. When it comes to omni channel marketing they can help get it done. They are a jack of all trades.

Questions to Consider:

• How well does their support team understand touchscreen displays?
• How has the platform performed at scale for other clients?
• What is the load time and how do the layouts look on smartphones?
• How invested is the company in improving recognition software over time?
• What’s the long-term roadmap for the company?

Touchstone Digital Solutions

Best for: Schools seeking a family-owned, extremely easy to use platform with next-generation visuals and unmatched customer support.

After working in the Digital Hall of Fame space, in 2023, Colby & Gardner Gendron founded Touchstone Digital Solutions to fulfill an unmet need. Touchstone’s platform is fast, beautifully designed, very easy to use, constantly improving, and top level customer support. With over 100 Installations across 40 US States, institutions are taking notice. From the Ivy League to America’s smallest high schools, we do touchscreen displays the way it's meant to be done.

Why is Touchstone Digital Solutions the Best Digital Hall of Fame Platform?

We created the company we always wished existed — one built around real service, honesty, and quality.

• Customer First
• Designed with Beauty
• Built for Scale and Speed
• Fast Mobile Speeds
• 24/7 Live Customer Support
• Unmatched Hardware Flexibility
• Complimentary Customer Data Transfers
• Family-Owned & operated

What Makes Touchstone Digital Solutions #1?

Customer First

Whether it's professionally designed layouts or integrating actual customer requests, we make dreams a reality.

Designed with Beauty

With software engineers from the video game industry, our platform features crystal-clear visuals, smooth motion effects, and immersive 3D elements that bring your school's legacy to life.

Built for Scale and Speed

Even with a century’s worth of trophies, photos, videos, social media, and PDFs, your Hall of Fame runs at top speed. The more you upload, the more powerful the experience becomes.

Fast Mobile Speeds

Built to load fast and run smoothly on every device. From smartphones to large touchscreens, the experience is instant, responsive, and frustration-free.

24/7 Live Customer Support

Call, text, email, FaceTime — or meet us in person. We’re always available to assist, update, and troubleshoot. Whatever it takes, we’re there and ready to go the extra mile.

Unmatched Hardware Flexibility

Wall-mounted displays, rolling kiosks, and custom touchscreen stands — all available at competitive prices with free shipping and full warranty coverage.

Already have a screen? We can work with that too. You choose the setup, and we’ll make your hardware look great.

Complimentary Customer Data Transfers

We handle the full migration of your photos, videos, and records at no extra cost, making it easy to switch without losing your history or wasting your time.

Family-Owned & operated

You won’t find call centers, middlemen, or sales quotas at Touchstone. We believe in direct support and strong relationships. As former athletes, celebrating sports is our passion and we aren’t going anywhere.

Our Unique Approach

We set out to build a platform good enough for America’s top institutions, but accessible to even the smallest high schools. Our goal was simple — make great technology available to everyone.

As industry veterans, we knew what pitfalls to avoid. That experience allowed us to design a platform that’s fast, efficient, and built for real-world use. Touchstone can process thousand-row spreadsheets in seconds, handle hundreds of large video files without slowing down, and apply updates across the system without having to edit each profile individually.

We believe this combination of speed, flexibility, and thoughtful design makes Touchstone a dependable and inclusive solution for schools of all sizes.

Touchscreen Software Experts

More than anything, Touchstone exists to deliver a state-of-the-art Digital Hall of Fame platform. It’s not one of many things we do — it’s the only thing we do. This singular focus has allowed us to master every detail, and we take pride in doing it right.

Conclusion

At Touchstone Digital Solutions, our goal is simple. We make your life easier and help your school's legacy shine. We care just as much about celebrating your history as you do and we will make it look really great. Lastly, we are a family-run company, we are here to stay. We plan to grow, improve, and adapt just as your story continues to evolve.

Let us be a small part of celebrating your biggest wins. Reach out at sales@touchstone ds.com or schedule a call here. (Schedule Call)

Appreciate your time,Gardner

Frequently Answered Questions For A Digital Hall of Fame

What is Digital Hall of Fame software?

Digital Hall of Fame software helps schools and athletic departments showcase decades — even centuries — of history in one seamless, interactive platform. It can display tens of thousands of profiles, thousands of videos, trophies, awards, and even full digital yearbooks. These touchscreen and web-based systems create a modern, mobile-friendly experience that makes it easy to celebrate achievements, share stories, and engage the entire school community.

In short, it’s a powerful way to recognize student-athletes, teams, alumni, and anyone who has made a lasting impact — from anywhere, at any time.

What can be shown on a Touchstone Digital Hall of Fame?

A Touchstone Digital Hall of Fame can showcase much more than just Hall of Fame inductees. Schools use it as a digital trophy case, digital record board, and even a digital yearbook to highlight everything from team championships and rosters to college commitments and Olympians. You can display highlight videos, plaques, leaderboards, tryout info, training programs, and even facility tours. It’s a versatile platform that brings together athletics, history, and school pride in one interactive experience. Whether it's celebrating alumni or informing current athletes, Touchstone makes it all accessible and easy to manage.

Is it hard to manage a Digital Hall of Fame?

Not at all. Most modern platforms are built for non-technical users. With visual editors and easy navigation, adding or updating content is simple. Many providers also offer support services to help you maintain and grow your display over time.

Does Digital Hall of Fame software help recognize student-athletes and engage alumni?

Absolutely. A well-designed Digital Hall of Fame extends recognition beyond a wall in the gym. It gives your entire community — including alumni across the country — an easy way to explore and celebrate achievements. Schools that go digital often see a boost in school pride, stronger alumni ties, and more interest around events and reunions.

What does a Digital Hall of Fame cost?

Pricing depends on the provider, the size of the display, and the features included. Be sure to check what’s covered — some companies charge extra for storage, data imports, or support. Touchstone offers simple pricing with no hidden fees and includes migration services to make switching easy.

Can a Digital Hall of Fames display more than just athletes?

Definitely. While many schools focus on athletics, Digital Hall of Fame software can also honor academic achievements, performing arts, staff milestones, and community impact. It’s a versatile platform for recognizing the full range of excellence within your school.

Can Digital Hall of Fame platforms strengthen alumni relationships?

Yes, they can. By making your Hall of Fame accessible online, alumni can revisit their accomplishments, explore school history, and celebrate peers from any location. It’s also a great tool for showcasing alumni achievements, promoting events, and encouraging long-term connection with the school community.

Is touchscreen software the same as Digital Hall of Fame software?

Not quite. Touchscreen software is a broad category that includes any interactive display system. Digital Hall of Fame software, on the other hand, is specifically designed to recognize athletes, alumni, and school achievements. Most Hall of Fame platforms use touchscreen technology, but not every touchscreen program is built for this kind of storytelling.

What kind of touchscreen works best for a Hall of Fame display?

For the best results, schools should use commercial-grade touchscreens that are designed for regular use. Look for features like high brightness, wide viewing angles, and kiosk mode capabilities. Many providers, including Touchstone, offer complete hardware packages that include a touchscreen, mounting gear, and a built-in computer to make installation easy and professional.

How long does it take to launch a Digital Hall of Fame?

Setup timelines vary, but most schools are up and running within one to three weeks. The speed often depends on how quickly content is gathered. With platforms like Touchstone, the setup process is simplified — thanks to user-friendly tools, professional support, and white-glove onboarding that handles the heavy lifting for you. Touchstone has completed a project from start to finish in 5 days!

What is the best Digital Hall of Fame software?

The best Digital Hall of Fame software depends on your school’s priorities, commitment level, and budget. It's recommended for schools to do their own research based on their needs.

High Schools looking for a state-of-the-art platform and for peace of mind chose Touchstone Digital Solutions! With their beautiful interfaces, easy to use platform, and 24/7 support it is beloved by high schools big and small.