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Russ Brackett poses next to a banner displaying the new name of his business, Harbor-Tech Solutions. Brackett owns the RadioShack and U.S. Cellular franchises in Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta. The name Harbor-Tech Solutions incorporates both franchises and all the other services the stores provide. (Tim Badgley photo) |
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By Tim Badgley
The RadioShack and U.S. Cellular franchises in Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta have a new name, Harbor-Tech Solutions, as of June 2014.
Formerly Video Loft/Quik Foto in Boothbay Harbor and RadioShack in Damariscotta, both locations will continue to operate as RadioShack and U.S. Cellular franchises.
“Harbor-Tech Solutions is the umbrella name for our two franchises and all the other services that we provide,” owner Russ Brackett said.
Video Loft began as a video store on the second floor of a small building in downtown Boothbay Harbor. Brackett said neither word in the old name accurately represents his present business.
RadioShack is not going anywhere in either location. “In my opinion, RadioShack is going to be stronger than ever,” Brackett said. “It’s not the RadioShack of old by any means.”
While still carrying all the little parts and pieces that RadioShack has been known for over the past 50 years, “it’s carrying as high-tech pieces of equipment as you find anywhere,” Brackett said.
As a U.S. Cellular agency in both locations, “we’re offering a service that works in our area,” Brackett said. The franchise carries a full line of cellular phones, including Samsung, Motorola, and Apple products.
In addition to housing a full-service RadioShack store and a U.S. Cellular agency, both locations offer photo kiosk services. “Contrary to what people might think, even though film is long gone, the photo business is doing well,” Brackett said.
The Damariscotta location has one kiosk where customers can adjust and crop their photos and place an order for prints. Orders are returned the next day, except on Sundays, when orders take two days.
There are two kiosks at the Boothbay Harbor location, home to the photo lab. Customers there have the option of same-day service and service while you wait.
“Your finalized order is transmitted immediately to our equipment,” Brackett said. “You’re put in queue, it could be 15 minutes or it could be three or four hours depending how many are lined up. Generally, most people come back the next day to pick up their order.”
The stores also sell office supplies. “We offer everything from paper clips to furniture,” Brackett said. “We are a full-service office supply store, not necessarily with it all in stock, but available within a day or two.”
Personal copying and business printing are also available at the Boothbay store.
Brackett said he and his staff pride themselves on putting the customer first and providing excellent service.
“We don’t just sell a product,” he said. “We sell it, we service it, we deliver it, and we’re there for any issues after the sale.”
Brackett said his three managers have worked in the store for more than 50 years altogether. He credits RadioShack manager Tom Dewey, photo manager Leisha MacDougall, and U.S. Cellular manager Nick Mirabile with the high quality of customer service.
“They greet you like a long-lost friend,” Brackett said. “We don’t teach them that, it’s just in them.”
Brackett said he ensures that the staff stays in touch with each other through frequent staff meetings so everybody knows what’s going on with each other.
“The staff is phenomenal,” Brackett said. “We really pride ourselves on how well we treat people.”
The stores are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 185 Townsend Ave. in Boothbay Harbor and 40 Elm St. in Damariscotta.
For more information, call the Damariscotta store at 563-1166 or the Boothbay Harbor store at 633-6509 or visit the new website at http://www. harbor-tech.com.
