Gutting a former eatery and turning it into
a high-tech storefront for cellular phones and alarms has proven to be a great
investment for Jackson-based Comtronics.
A $1.5 million investment, to be
exact.
“I feel very grateful to this community that they have supported
Comtronics the way they have,” said John Campau, president and CEO of the
51-year-old company. “That support is what inspired me to make this
investment.”
Comtronics received a Brick Award — which recognizes a local
business’ architectural achievements — at the Jackson County Chamber of
Commerce’s annual meeting Thursday.
The company specializes in electronic
security systems and telecommunications equipment and entered the cellular-phone
market 11 years ago.
In May, the company opened its newest retail store at W.
Michigan Avenue and Brown Street. It was formerly Gourmet Bagel, which closed in
November 2006.
Comtronics also tore down four adjacent buildings.
The
company turned the building into a beautiful, recognizable structure, said Mindy
Bradish-Orta, chamber president.
“Comtronics is a well-known business in the
community,” she said. “John’s commitment to Jackson is great, especially
considering what he did to that building.”
Inside, the store has a coffee
bar, lounge area, five flat-screen televisions and 60 live-demonstration phones on
display.
The store also has a training room — complete with WiFi and a
52-inch LCD television — where the staff conducts daily training sessions on the
latest smartphones.
The company has been successful because it embraces
change, Campau said.
“We have to move quickly to adapt to the change of the
industry,” he said. “It’s a very fast-paced business.”
Campau plans to
dedicate the building to his father, Phil Campau Sr., who died May 2,
2008.
“We’re committed to growing our business and growing it right here in
Jackson,” he said. |
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