2020-01-05 - Opening Day At The Hub

Seems as if a bit of a 'grand opening' has taken place, though this business isn't retail, and it's certainly not a bar of any type. At most, people who come in and out might be welcome to take some coffee from the coffee pot or have a complimentary bottle of water. Those who wander in off the street take one and look around, though most of them quickly leave as this isn't a 'joint' where they would just sit and hangout for no particular reason. One thing that does stand out about the area is everything is neat. There's no speck of dust anywhere, and no streaks on the windows. There's also a receptionist at the front that greets people, middle aged but nice looking, she wears a suit as she opens and closes the door for guests.

Stefhan has his hair pulled back very neatly. There's no stray strand of blonde hair anywhere out of place and his look, albeit a bit more youthful than he should be, is also professional. His suit is neatly pressed and, like the place there's no dust or lint of anything on his dark sleeves. Waving at the reception, he goes to join her and asks, "Any interesting prospects? I would imagine the townsfolk would be interested in computer services of some sort?"

Katy is a bit of a workaholic, and the fact that five days into the New Year having just arrived in Gray Harbor, she wastes no time in meeting a potential client. She'd heard about a business just opening up that might possibly require her services so she decides to go see the place in her most stylish smart casual outfit, a black pencil skirt with a white blouse, and a red leather bomber, and black wedge heel boots that goes up to her knees. Her hair is tied in a sleek high ponytail and her makeup is carefully done to give an appearance of maturity.

Stepping into the building with an air of confidence, she holds a red purse hanging off her left arm while her right hand held a large hot beverage.

There's a bit of a chat here and there between Stefhan and the receptionist then they both look at the woman who comes in. Stefhan immediately notices her hair and his eyes open wide. Lower lip trembling, he pauses to make sure his jaw doesn't drop. At first glance he says nothing but fortunately his receptionist gently nudges his side with her elbow and he straightens up, giving the woman a more casual glance, even if it's forced for now.

The lady beside him is the one to make the first move though. She steps forward and extends her hand, "Welcome, to The Hub. This is the first day we are open for business." It's a brief introduction, but a pleasant one it seems.

Katy gives an approving nod at the gentleman giving his spiel , Her eyes take in her surroundings as she says, "Congratulations. I heard that you're in the computers and electronics repairs business?" She squints a little, as if trying to recall her research. "In any case, I'm a web designer so my technology is very valuable to me, so I thought I would check this place out."

She takes a careful sip of her coffee, watching Stefhan before she introduces herself. "Katherine Addington." She takes her coffee and switches the hand holding it, extending her right hand for a handshake.

Addington, now that's a name he is familiar with. Anyone who spent more than a week in this town knows the influential family and he finally steps up after the receptionist gives a bit of an introduction. "Thank you, for your kind words." Fortunately a few moments have passed and he's not quite as fixated on her appearance, "Yes, I am. Computer repair, building computers for companies, even offering networking services but." his eyes light up when he hears web designer and this brings up a more serious topic, "Actually, I am likely in need of such services. I do not have much time to design my own web pages but, future clients would present such a need." The hand is offered as well, and a firm handshake is given, a typical one when it comes to businesslike introduction.

In the meantime the secretary tries not to snicker as she steps aside.

Returning the handshake with a firm squeeze of her own, Katy maintains her confident expression, her eyes fixed on Stefhan.

"Well I didn't exactly come the most prepared for a full consultation but, for a small business like this? I would say that the initial development would be your most significant cost. I would be willing to be on call for the website maintenance work and not charge you the going rate for full webmaster services. I believe simply paying for the services you need. I do not overcharge." She nods casually. "And your name? I don't think you've properly introduced yourself."

Stefhan slowly takes back his hand and 'ahems' a moment, mainly for himself. That's the first thing a gentleman should do, right? "I imagine my current web page does, as some would say, need revamping and not overcharging well, that's a good notion. Though if one has to pay for quality, there is no shame in that. My apologies though. Stefhan Rosenberg, owner of this establishment that is in its infant stages."

A warm smile crosses Katy's lips, her whole face lighting up. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rosenberg," she says.

"Oh I intend to fully load the initial costs for quality. But since I don't anticipate you needing someone to really babysit your website and feed it constant updates, I'm sure that easing up on the going rate isn't a bad move."

After a pause, she adds, "Perhaps we could schedule a full consultation soon? I think I would like to take you on as a client."

Stefhan purses his lips for a brief moment as he listens to the lady. Then strangely enough his eyes go to her hair, but not for long. He is making an effort to keep things professional. Standing up straight he continues on with the conversation, "Why yes." he says, "For now, I do not anticipate a web site that needs constant updates. Now as the business grows, that is another matter. A consultation would be a rather good idea, a good place to start. Also, I would like to discuss not just my own web site, but finding a way to offer web servies to my clients. I wouldn't have time to do the design myself but, there is such a need, at least in the future. Do referrals and things of that nature sound like something that would interest you?"

"I've always been a freelancer, but if you would offer me referrals, we could come to some sort of mutually beneficial agreement. I have some important contracts here in Gray Harbor that started the minute I set foot here. I might be able to get your business out those high end clients should they ever have a need for your services."

Katy was on the confident side of the line between confidence and cockiness but she was really straddling that line, particularly at the mention of her current local clients. She settled back into a more relaxed, neutral expression. She hands him a business card and adds, "I literally just got here yesterday so if we're going to set up a meeting, you don't mind a coffee shop, do you?"

Stefhan slowly extends his hand and takes the offered card, "Actually, I have become a bit of a, how would you say, frequent flyer at the Espresso Yourself. I do not think I have met the owner yet but I'm in there all the time. I was actually rather impressed with the magazines there and getting a good cup would get me started on my day. So, as a bit of a long response, coffee shops are one of my favorite places. That would be grand actually. The less I stay in bars and such places, the better." Maybe a bit more personal than he planned to say, but an answer nonetheless.

"Same here, I'm not much of a drinker," Katy chimes in, "I'm glad I'm not the only one who loves a good coffee shop." She relaxes her posture a little and while still standing straight, it feels a lot more effortless of a moment for her, more casual, as if she's no longer trying to impress. "Espresso Yourself, tomorrow, during your lunch hour?" she suggests.

Stefhan nods politely and says, "Yes, I would look forward to such a meeting. I assume I just need to bring my laptop and perhaps some business information, yes? I also already have a domain name registered so that much is taken care of. But, I wouldn't mind a more professional and creative look to things. After we compare notes and review things, I would be willing to let you go from there."

"I look forward to working with you. This should be an enjoyable collaboration. I'm looking forward to less...demanding clientele. As much as the big city's treated me right, it comes with its own set of challenges. That's why I moved here, to get away from it." It's Katy's turn to get a little personal. She holds her hand out for another handshake. "Until tomorrow, Mr. Rosenberg."

Stefhan offers her a bit of a half bow, a motion to show respect and he takes her hand again. The handshake may have a bit of a less formal 'strength' to it but he does say, "The Addingtons have done wonders to this city. It's lovely, warm, and inviting. I can understand the pull to the larger areas though, a subject for later perhaps but, I thank you for your time Ms. Addington." Then, he slowly takes his hand away and tells her, "Should there be anything else I need to bring, please let me know."

At this point, Katy simply nods when Stefhan mentions her family and what they've done for Gray Harbor. When he pulls his hand away, she smiles again while answering his query.

"The more you bring with you as far as what you want and what you need for your website, the more I will be able to cater to your requests and have a well polished product that meets your specifications. It might require you to do some planning and the turn around time is short, but hopefully you'll have that all sorted out." She pauses, then says, "I'll see you tomorrow."

Stefhan offers a bit of a wave and takes a step back into the main office area. "Until then." he says, "Be well. I shall give it some thought on what I may need." The receptionist snickers a bit and when he catches though he just rolls his eyes, hopefully out of Katy's view when he does.

Fortunate such a business has opened up on Maple, close to his own renovation work. Stepping in with computer register under one arm, the man has a hesitant expression on his features as he slips in, and Thewlis more's eyes flit from point to point as if checking the exits whilst he also looks for someone for assistance.

Stefhan sees a speck of dust on a nearby counter and, that simply wouldn't do, nope nope nope. There's some Clorox wipes nearby and, being potentially understaffed, he goes to wipe down the counter. However, he does catch sight of the new person and offers a polite nod. "Hello Sir" his voice is formal, quite businesslike and pleasant enough, "Welcome to The Hub. My business just opened. How can I help you?"

There is a flinch and Thewlis halts when he is acknowledged, staring wide eyed at Stefhan like a deer in headlights before he raises the register "I! Yes... Uh..." he approaches, after a bit of time spent working himself up to it, but he doesn't dare sully the counter with his equipment it seems
"I... we. Th-th-thu-th-thiii..." he lifts the computer register. "Open... soon. Can't. Need to... second hand... Can... fix? You fix?"

Stefhan takes a moment as he tries to understand what the other man says. Being at least someone perceptive, he might be able to catch the fact that the fella is a bit nervous. "Well, if you have a computer issue I am sure I can help you figure it out. That's what this place is here for." Gently patting his hand on the counter he indicates he should put it there, "If you do not mind, I can have a look."

"OH! Of... Yes. I." Thewlis sets down the small system, rubbing at the back of his neck. "For... I. Theater, down... Th-th-hi-huh-the road." swallowing hard and looking down at the counter, closer to his feet. "Stah-stu-st-Starlight Th... Movie House... We're... I. Opening. Suh-s-ss-soon."

Stefhan hears more of the information and notes it, "Oh? A theater? How grand. I do not have talents in such fields but, it's lovely knowing those that do. So, can you turn it on Sir? That would be a good place to start. I'm sure whatever is going on, we can fix it."

Motioning to the device, head ducked as he looks for a place to plug it in at first. "It... I. It's... Bios. I. I don't know. I. I can't... fix bios." Thew looks down at the device. "T-t-touch system" he blinks and blushes before drawing out a small disk folder. "Suh-seh-second hand..." brow knitting. "Any sort... plug... turn on?" looking around again.

Neatness, it has its drawback. The cable and other parts needed are not right out on the computer but hearing more information he does go through some drawers to pulls out some cables and what not. "Shouldn't be too complicated to look into. If you want you can have a cup of coffee while I take a look at it." More things are getting hooked up, looks like he's ready to work!

"Yes. I, Yes, please." Thew bobs his head and looks for where to acquire said coffee. "I... it's a good thing... to. Theater. I love movies." Thewlis hooks his thumbs into his pocket. "I... I hav... No. I." looking up for a moment before his eyes are on his feet again. "C-co-ka-computers... f-f-fo-or a lo-ot. P-p-probably see me... Lot?" biting at his lower lip and taking a moment to compose himself, "If... to make sure... you... that you... have steady... work. We have... quite a few."

Stefhan furrows his brow for a moment and his fingers go through the keyboard at a rather fast pace. "I enjoy a movie or two myself, been a while though but." he turns and offers the man a bit of a smile, "Please, come in anytime, the work is much appreciated." But his attention goes to the task at hand. "It will take a few minutes but, yes, not that complicated." Computers are not fast machines to work with after all but, a reboot here and there and then, you guessed it, he takes some of those electronic wipes to begin to clean the machine, "These things collect dust like a moth to a flame but, it's fixed. Went in doubt, just go to DOS."

Thewlis frowns at that, brow knitting. "I'm.. I. I'll try. I can try. I can. Some things, b-b-uh-but, I'm bad... at fixing." chewing at his inner cheek and blinking. "Oh! I'm... Th-Th-Thewlis." his hand comes up for a moment and then he is staring at the ground again, hands shoved into pockets. "I app-pp-ppreaciate the help."

Stefhan extends his hand to the man and offers a greeting, "Stefhan Rosenberg, owner of this computer place that you see here. Pleasure to meet you." Getting ready to continue with the introduction he says, "So, you mentionted you work with the theater?" Small town, why not welcome small town chat?

Arm jerking a little, Thewlis managed to extend and take the offered hand. Judging by the glisten at the temples that doing that was maybe the most effort expended of the day in regards to social interaction. "Yuh-yeh-yes... I... I." chewing his lower lip again, "Owner. I. I. Proprietor." looking back down to the counter. "Opening soon."

Stefhan doesn't crowd the man though and continues on with the casual chat. "Definitely impressive" he says. It's then that the receptionist calls his attention for something. "My apologies." he says, "There's something I need to tend to. But, it's all working fine. Tell you what. If you could spread the word of my business being open, no charge this time, if that works for you." Marketing ploy but what works works. "I will see you again I hope Sir." Then he goes to deal with other matters.