CLEARFIELD – Dennis Wood and Terry Narehood have been “The Phone Guys” in Clearfield since 1983, and also operated a Verizon retail store for 25 years.
However, their Verizon store was recently transferred over to Verizon – Wireless Made Simple, announced Eric Bruckner, WMS president, in a press release on Wednesday.
He said Wood and Narehood decided to pursue other interests, but wanted to ensure continued service to their customers.
He said the store’s management and operations were transferred to Wireless Made Simple because it’s another local outlet with a customer service-based business model.
It was also noted that WMS, based in the State College area, and The Phone Guys have had a working relationship for almost 23 years.
“Wireless Made Simple has been growing rapidly,” Bruckner said, and “will bring significant resources to downtown Clearfield.”
He said WMS was just awarded the 2019 Verizon National Dealer of the Year award, under The Cellular Connection, based on customer feedback and satisfaction scores.
In addition to the business investment, he said WMS has hired three, new local employees to join Calvin Walls who has been with The Phone Guys for nearly 20 years.
Bruckner said WMS has plans to increase inventory, add store hours and give back to the local community.
“Being involved [in the local community] is a huge focus of WMS as the original store in Bellefonte has shown for 16-plus years,” he said.
For example, there will be a “Teachers Rock” donation event in a few weeks, and boxes of classroom supplies will be delivered to local elementary schools.
Wireless Made Simple will also have an annual backpack giveaway in either July or August before the start of the new school year.
In late February or early March, Bruckner said WMS plans to begin upgrades and convert to a Verizon Next Gen store model. The store will then host a grand re-opening event.
“If you liked The Phone Guys we will do our best to match or exceed their service.” Bruckner said. “We really love the Clearfield area.”
Bruckner said that Wireless Made Simple is currently looking to further expand in Pennsylvania and possibly into other areas.
Current locations include Bellefonte (original store location, 2004), downtown Clearfield, State College, Burnham, Johnstown, Somerset, and Youngwood.
While the Verizon retail store has been transferred to Wireless Made Simple, Narehood said he will continue operations of The Phone Guys. For 37 years, it’s offered for sale and serviced telephone and voicemail systems, video camera surveillance systems, computer and network cabling and more.
The Phone Guys’ services are available to both commercial and residential customers. The Phone Guys can be reached at its new number at 814-592-1003 or by e-mail at info@thephoneguys.com.
