Tag: Business

Long-Suffering RadioShack, My Geeky Youth Paradise

Carl Setzer
Radioshack Logo

It pains me a bit to see RadioShack suffering so (see No new bidders emerging in RadioShack’s bankruptcy as 2,000 stores face closure over at Geekwire). It doesn’t surprise me, just saddens me. As an electronics enthusiast growing up (back in the 70s and 80s) this was THE place to see stuff, to get your gear. I loved their electronics training kits, for instance.

There was one in Lynnwood right next to Wilcox Park off of 196th street; a rather quick jaunt from home. I would routinely ogle shortwave and HAM radio gear, various electronics kits, then the life-changing TRS 80. I coveted the affectionately titled “Trash 80” for some time. Well, until my father opted for one of the IBM clones on the market, which dwarfed the capabilities of the humble TRS. And my interest started to wane.

RadioShack lost their je ne sais quoi ages ago. I haven’t set foot in one in years. There were (and are) far better places to buy gear, especially computer gear. They failed to pivot at a crucial juncture and just can’t get their legs back under them. I fully expect this brand will die, whether a with a splendid crater or quietly vanishing into a sub-brand of Sprint remains to be seen. But I don’t see how it’s relevant anymore. Perhaps, just maybe, they can snap into the “maker” movement, but it’d need to happen NOW, as they’re behind. Thus, I doubt any such thing will materialize. So, in my heart-of-hearts, I bid this venerable icon adieu. May it rest in peace.

 

Zeeks Pizza Coming To Lynnwood

Carl Setzer
Zekes Coming Soon sign in Lynnwood

I passed this on my way to work this morning. This in front of the old Wong’s China Kitchen on 44th & 196th, a smidge east of Fred Meyer. .

 

Zeeks Coming Soon sign in Lynnwood
Zeeks Coming Soon sign in Lynnwood

 

I’ve long enjoyed Zeeks, so am quite delighted to see them coming into the neighborhood.

 

Yet, it is interesting how many of the more urban focused Seattle businesses are making their way into south Snohomish County. Such as Pagliacci, Ezells and PCC just to name a few. I feel this reflects the changing nature of the area; it’s growing urban feel. I, for one, am enjoying this change. But many are disquieted that this venerable suburb is changing quite dramatically. Such is life, I suppose.

2014 Recap of a Memorable Year from Planetary Resources

Carl Setzer

It’s great to see local space tech firm Planetary Resources doing so well. Reviewing this recap of their 2014 delights me and makes me proud to live in this hub of innovation.

I’ve always had a thing for space and space exploration. One of my earliest memories was of the Apollo moon landing. Living in the shadow on Boeing has helped keep that alive, too. Add that to their local-ness, and I can’t help but feel an intense bias towards them.

Here’s to Planetary Resources‘ 2015! May it be a banner year for them, and for us.

Ezell’s Coming Back To Lynnwood?

Carl Setzer

On my drive into the office today, I passed the strip mall on the north side of 196th (just east of 40th) and was pretty certain that I saw an Ezell’s Chicken sign. A few years ago, they closed their first Lynnwood store (on 76th & 196th; Ezell’s was still showing on this Google map street view [as of today, at least]). It looks like the store wasn’t performing, so they moved it to south Everett, which is now apparently closed (their website has one in Mill Creek). I started with their chicken years ago, and am fond of seeing local businesses do well. And how much better does one get than getting called out by Oprah as “the best”?

There is the possibility I read that wrong, but I’m pretty sure I saw the logo on the banner. It’s an interesting location, as it’s right across 40th from KFC, which has been in that location as long as I can remember. Perhaps that will help? Will it hurt? That area gets massive amounts of vehicle traffic, so that should help things.

Anyway, if I’m right, I wish them the greatest success.

Social Media Marketing Event in Everett June 25

Carl Setzer

Hey everyone,

This coming Wednesday June 25th, my office is sponsoring Tech Savvy Today. These speakers have all successfully used modern marketing, branding, and social media to build dynamic and powerful businesses. It’s a whopping $25, which gets you in front of some key thought leaders in this space. Not only do I recommend this, my money has been put where my mouth is (as the adage goes); I’ll be attending, too. Come join me! I look forward to seeing you there.

All the details are available here (EventBrite link)

 

Tech Savvy Flyer

Lynnwood’s Changing

Carl Setzer

It’s been a rough couple of years along the 196th Street corridor. With Alfy’s, Prime Pacific, Amante, and now Celtic Bayou vacant (along with several other major storefronts in the general area), it’s been a bit worrisome. Most of the rest of that strip, though, seems to be strong. Which is good news for the city. I’m pleased to see work being done around there.

Verdant’s efforts to launch their new space this Spring (in the old Prime Pacific Bank building) seem to be moving along nicely. That should be a great space for Verdant’s on-going work. It’s pretty solidly covered by transit, and seems to have adequate parking.

I’m not at all certain what the new owners plan to do with the old Amante restaurant space, though it’s pretty clear they’re doing some drastic work. Whether they’re fixing it up to attract interest, or if they have a tenant and it’s being readied for their use, I’m not sure. I hope for the latter, since it’s good for all of us to have those spaces used. It looks like Alfy’s is up for any sort of adoption you’d like. They dropped a huge banner that covers the old Alfy’s sign (all the way to the ground). It’s sure a funky space, though pretty big. I’m trying to remember if it’s 3 or 4 floors. Not traditionally laid out, with flowing access to the different spaces/floors. I remember (seems like eons ago) there being a huge video arcade in the lower room. That’s the space which was recently used for banquets. Anyway, I’d love to see someone make something great there.

That’s what I noticed this week. How about you?

Thoughts on Vision Quest’s Sale

Carl Setzer2 Comments

I just received a note from my almost-former fitness club, Vision Quest (read it here, if you wish). They have been acquired by Fitness International, LLC. If my brief bit of research holds true, they’re the parent for LA Fitness.

I bear them no ill will, and truly wish them and they’re staff the best. I found them pleasant and helpful. I great weary, though, of worn gear. Yeah, I’m not a treadmill runner, preferring my stationary bikes. But being relegated to barely functioning, decades old equipment wore me out. Anyway, I hope the new owners are prepared to invest and bring the facilities up to date. Sadly, I expect they will simply close sites and push people to existing LA Fitness locations.

It’s sad to see truly local companies fail and vanish. I guess, at one level, it’s the way of things. It’s hard to compete with the extra-large in commodities.

US Small Business Administration Small Business Fair : Sept. 28 in Renton

Carl Setzer

Just got this from the US Small Business Administration. Looks like a great opportunity to expand your small business skill-set. And it’s free! I love seeing these opportunities.

If you are looking for one day and one place to learn what you need to start or grow your business, plan on attending this year’s free Washington Small Business Fair Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p..m, at Renton Technical College.

Attend seminars that cover important, up-to-date topics for all stages of business ownership. Savvy business experts share their knowledge and real-life experiences with you. Save valuable time and visit the Exhibitor Resource Center to get the information and help you need from federal, state and local government agencies, and business and trade associations.

The event is free and there is no advance registration, just show up, and spend the day or just a few hours – it’s well worth your time!

For more information, email info@bizfair.org or visit the website at www.bizfair.org.

PayPal+Customer Service+PR=Longevity

Carl Setzer

Reading this at Venture Beat just annoyed the crap out of me: GlassUp raised $100K on Indiegogo — but PayPal is refusing to pay up. This isn’t the first time PayPal has dealt with similar issues, even to the point where their president publicly intervened in a resolution. This troubles me regarding PayPal’s future.

These rules need to significant repair if PayPal wants to remain relevant in this space. StartUps, heck, any business CANNOT operate with random and inconsistent access to funds. I think PayPal’s growth as a purchase transaction processor might be the root of these aggravations. At a brief glance, I see vigorous efforts to protect buyers from fraud. Noble, but hampering these transactions that vary from that model. Policies need to evolve with market changes. Especially market shifts that reflect your company’s goals and objectives. David Marcus has publicly tried to change this, to better align themselves with the startup community’s needs. However, high profile breakdowns like this run the risk of major damage to the brand. And, I guarantee you that someone out there is getting ready to come in and out innovate PayPal.

PayPal has been a disruptive innovator in their field, and have brought a lot of value. However, these gaffs have eroded trust and that goodwill will be hard to earn back. These are ripe fields for competitors to come in and win.