For Bobby Thompson, opening a business in Emporia has been a homecoming of sorts.
“My wife Kerri and I both graduated from ESU,” said Thompson, owner of The Help Desk, which opened a week ago at 717 Commercial St. “We lived in Kansas City for five years, while she was in dental school.”
Thompson said he looked forward to coming back to Emporia and opening a business downtown.
“I like the whole ‘downtown experience,’” Thompson said, referring to the restaurants and businesses in walking distance on Commercial Street.
What is The Help Desk?
“We do computer and network service and repair for residences and small businesses,” Thompson said. “We also offer computer accessories and retail products, such as office supplies like pen holders and mugs made by Flint Hills Laser Expressions.”
“Our goal is to simplify computer processes — setup, network issues, troubleshooting — for residences and small businesses,” Thompson said. “We’re here for those places who don’t have a full time IT guy on staff. We can help with those small projects.”
The Help Desk opened on Aug. 4, and according to Thompson business has been ok. “For a soft opening it’s been good. We’re a part of the Main Street association and the chamber of commerce,” Thompson said. “We’re starting to advertise on the radio and in the paper.”
The Help Desk's grand opening — featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the chamber of commerce — will take place Sept. 4.
“We’ll also be at the ESU block party” that takes place on Commercial Street on Aug. 19.
“We’d like to invite everyone to come meet us, come in and see what we have to offer,” Thompson said.
The Help Desk is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
TheHelpDesk (anonymous) says...
Hello. The name of my store is actually The Help "Desk" not the Help "Store". I really do appreciate the Emporia Gazette coming down and doing an article on my new business. I do hope though this doesn't lead to a lot of confusion for people wanting to come down and stop by my store.
Again, much appreciated for the article but it is The Help Desk instead of The Help Store.
Bobby Thompson
Owner
August 12, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Welcome to Emporia. I like the idea that you have availed yourself to individuals with home computers too. Great idea.
August 12, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TheHelpDesk (anonymous) says...
Thank you for the welcome. I also wanted to briefly note our store hours in the article are incorrect as well. We are open Monday through Friday from 9am until 7pm. On Saturdays we are open from 10am until 3pm.
I look forward to meeting everyone.
Bobby Thompson
August 12, 2008 at 6 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
glarson (anonymous) says...
Dear Bobby,
I'm truly sorry about the errors in the story. They've been fixed in this online version and we'll run a correction in today's Gazette.
Welcome to Emporia, btw
Gwen Larson
Managing Editor
August 13, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
And it's so unusual for the gazette to make mistakes! lol
Welcome to town Bobby and good luck!
August 13, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )