T-Mobile on the move

          “The big thing about a smaller town is that everybody knows everyone and so much of the news spreads by word of mouth,” said Friend, "Just trying to go around selling only looks bad. For me and my team, making a difference is important and we really care about this community. Making a positive impact helps bring trust.”

          The Decatur store is a part of the corporate business, not a third-party location. Friend explained that there is a push right now to try and establish their stores in more rural markets. Areas like Adams, Wells, and Huntington counties are all areas that the cellular provider has placed on their radar. 

          Many of the new store's employees are from Fort Wayne. Friend himself is a graduate of Fort Wayne Wayne High School. He then studied at Indiana University for three years before beginning his career at T-Mobile.

          “I was notified about seven months ago about the new store. It probably was talked about within the corporation for longer than that,” said Friend. “The most exciting part is being able to open a new store in a place where we have not only had no face to face yet, but to be able to do it and get where we can get involved. We hope to host events for Teachers and Veterans. The help we have already received from the community has been great since we have gotten here.”

          One of the helpers whom Friend acknowledged was the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. The organization put together a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new store, which featured appearances from local leaders, including Mayor Dan Rickord. The ceremony was held on Monday, January 16th before the grand opening, which was held on Friday, the 20th. 

           While Friend explained that business can be hit or miss depending on the day, one of the biggest challenges the store is facing is that they are not currently recognized by online search engines. This resulted in the manager sending out his employees throughout the area with flyers to spread the word about the new business.

          The store now joins Verizon, AT&T, and Cricket as providers in Decatur. Friend looks forward to spreading their business throughout the county to the other local towns and cities. The store can be reached at 260-206-9500 and will be open from Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m, and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.