Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since1928..... dot com.
What is your primary product or service?
Virtually any product or service that a business needs, other than high volume copiers or office supplies.
We sell, service, maintain and manage computers systems from a single PC to an involved server-based network. We are HP and Canon (among others) specialists, and employ one of the most experienced technicians in the country.
We represent Datacard, manufacturer of specialty plastic card printers, for uses as diverse as company ID, access control, gift cards and Casino Player cards - and are recognized nationally as an authority on optimization of systems using plastic card technology (magstripe, issuance efficiency, security, etc)
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Gary Foote is the 3rd generation owner, the business started by his grandfather Harry and continued by his father Gordon. Gary has a degree in Accounting and Information Systems, and is driven to optimize his clients of technology, given THEIR business plan, goals and motivations.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We are uncommonly responsive and meticulous; we view ourselves as "a horse among zebras" (or visa versa) - we may look similar initially, but clients quickly discover how we are different (better). As an example, the typical response time for service may be measured in days for other providers; our is typically hours or minutes.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One. This is not exactly the age of expanding via bricks and mortar in our industry, anyway. We do some business nationally (even internationally) in specialty areas where we have particular expertise, and able to remote to computer systems worldwide to troubleshoot or otherwise assist our clients.
Provide detailed directions to your location
323 West Street, Downtown Reno.
--->From Midtown(south): Take Arlington north, turn right on 4th Street, then right again the very next street, on West Street. We're at 323, the building with the tall windows in front, right next to the newly remodeled 3rd Street Lofts. Park right in front in our loading zone.
--->From Freeway: Take Virginia Street exit from I80, turn south on Sierra Street, next turn right on 4th Street, then LEFT the very next street, on West Street. We're at 323, the building with the tall windows in front, right next to the newly remodeled 3rd Street Lofts. Park right in front in our loading zone.
PARK RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR OFFICE - in our loading zone.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash, Check, Visa/MC/AMEX/Discover; and Terms accounts on prior approval and arrangement.
Which areas do you service?
Primarily Northern Nevada. As stated, in specialty areas where we have particular expertise we do business nationally (even internationally).
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
HBM is a closely held family "C" corporation.
What are your hours of operation?
Mon-Friday 8:30-5:30; 24 x 7 x 366 availability with prior relationship and agreement.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
A quote from a new client in the past year... "Finding HBM has been a blessing" ... (Thanks, Rodger, glad to help!)