Coblentz keeps you connected
“The new location gives us a presence we didn’t have before,” Preston Coblentz said of the 3,000-square-foot space that serves as the company’s retail headquarters and service center. “People like the central location, where they can drop off their computer for service and get shopping done nearby. It’s also an open facility, so people can see their computer being worked on. It’s not being serviced in a back room.”
To celebrate the new location and thank the commercial and residential customers who have supported the eight-year-old company, Coblentz Technology is offering discounted services and a chance to win a computer during the grand opening and ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, November 1 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. During the month-long grand opening celebration, customers pay just $34.99 for virus removal instead of the regular price of $69.99, and $44.99 for computer optimization instead of the usual $89.99. No purchase is necessary to enter a free drawing for a laptop valued at $420. The winner will be drawn at the end of November and announced on the company’s Facebook page.
Coblentz’s success story began several years ago when Preston Coblentz, a West Holmes High School graduate and former aviation technician for a major airline, saw his penchant for tinkering with components turn into an affinity for fixing computers. In 2008, he morphed his hobby into a part-time business based out of his home. A year later, he added a career diploma in PC maintenance and repair to the aviation maintenance degree he had already earned at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics.
Since then, Coblentz Technology has grown its service and product lines and added two full-time employees — one does on-site IT work for local businesses and residents and another handles service and the retail center. Preston Coblentz continues to work out in the field and at the Millersburg location. Bonnie Coblentz, who previously worked in marketing for the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce, provides administrative support.
The retail center, which is a Lenovo authorized dealer, offers new and refurbished computers as well as computer accessories and components. Coblentz Technology prides itself on matching customers with the right system — whether they are purchasing a laptop for home use or an elaborate computer system for an office. An individual customer may only need a simple word processor, while another needs a huge hard drive to store scrapbooking photos or design work. Likewise, a medical office has different needs than a manufacturing plant.
“We ask what they’re using the computer for and then fit them with the right computer,” Bonnie Coblentz said. “That’s important for businesses that are using proprietary software. They need a configuration that is made to order. They need a computer and printer that is set up to do exactly what they need
it to do.”
On the commercial side, Coblentz Technology offers on-site IT support including virus removal, computer repair, low-voltage wiring, and network setup. They also provide commercial WiFi systems, phone systems, high-definition security camera systems, and point-to-point bridges.
VoIP phone systems save customers money, Preston Coblentz said.
“You don’t have to pay for an analog telephone line,” he said. “You can run everything through your internet system and have a feature-rich, commercial telephone system.”
Security camera systems, which are also available for residential customers, are sophisticated enough to capture license plates. And point-to-point bridges work well on properties where, for instance, a home and a business both require internet service. “Bridging” allows the two buildings to share internet service instead of paying for separate networks.
The Coblentzes, who both grew up in Holmes County, are devoted to the area and its residents. Committed to customer service, their company continues to offer pick up and drop-off service, as well as 24-hour emergency repair service.
Coblentz Technology is located at 1441 S. Washington St., in Millersburg. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They also offer 24-hour emergency service. The phone number is 330-473-0050. Look for the new website coming soon at CoblentzTechnology.com.