Biz Beat: Fixing Computers Is a 'Shore Thing'

There aren't many sure things in life - if any.

But there's one in Lindenhurst - Shore Thing Computers and Networking Incorporated, that is.

It's owned by Richard Baehr, a West Babylon resident, and Robert Putney, a Patchogue native.

Baehr is the president of the computer repair shop at the corner of Shore Road and West Montauk Highway, and Putney is the vice president.

Together they've weathered an economic downturn - having founded the business on November 1, 2008 - as well as Hurricane Sandy last October.

Their store's location at Shore Road and Montauk took a hit during the superstorm (see the accompanying photos shared by Baehr), but the business is still going strong.

Lindenhurst Patch recently spoke with Baehr about Shore Thing, Sandy and what makes the business tick.

Here's what he had to say:

How did your business come to be?
"We were working from home doing computer repair work and service calls. We got extremely busy and had to expand, so we decided to give it a shot and open up a storefront.

"We mainly generate business through word of mouth. Four-plus years later and we're now established and a recognized Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo, HP, Sony, Seagate, Western Digital partner and reseller. Customer service is our number-one priority."

Why did you choose the Lindenhurst area, and how long have you been here?
"Good location and close to home. We've been here 4.5 years."

What do you offer customers?
"We offer what most other computer shops do not (Real Virus removal). Other shops will only want to reformat and reload your computer, where we are trained in actually removing the virus and making sure with a guarantee that it's removed. We also do all other types of computer repair and networking in house, on site and remotely (where we connect from the Internet to your computer)."

What’s the one thing people should know about your business?
"We offer free estimates and are very honest with all of our customers, We'll let you know free-of-charge if your computer is worth spending money on to repair [or] upgrade or [if you should] junk it and replace it with a new one."

What's your most popular or signature product or service?
"Computer repair (virus removal) and networking. We offer remote service so you don’t have to leave your home or office. We're also contracted with a New York State-certified electronic recycler so you can drop off all of your used and broken electronics free-of-charge, and it'll be recycled properly."

What are your hours of operation?
"We're open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, and closed on Sunday."

How did you fare during Sandy?
"Not so good. We had about 2.5 to three feet of water and no power for about two weeks. We lost thousands in equipment, but no one was hurt. We were fortunate enough to have homes to go home to."

Shore Thing, Baehr added, was also recently featured in January on WBAB's perfect lunch hour with Donna Donna.

For more information about Baehr and Putney and Shore Thing, log onto www.stcomputerrepair.com or e-mail sales@stcomputerrepair.com.

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• Biz Beat: Fixing Computers Is a 'Shore Thing'
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• Lindenhurst Store Owner Helps Lead Police to Suspected iPad Thief

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