"Computer Essentials carries the highest quality machines in the Bangor area and I'm repeatedly impressed how knowledgeable and helpful their technicians are."
Josh - Orono, Maine
A little history
Originally Computer Renaissance opened for business in 1996. The current ownership took over in 2000 and then we changed our name to Computer Essentials in the Summer of 2006. We quickly grew to expand our staff, services and inventory. Now we have have 7 full-time technicians with 3 always in store ready and willing to help.
In March, 2009 we opened our second store on 225 High Street in Ellsworth, Maine. The new building has 2400 square feet and has 4 dedicated tech benches.
In March, 2010 we moved our store upstairs, replacing the old Curtain Shop. Our new location features 4000 square feet and a full size tech center with 6 dedicated benches. Our expanded sales floor allows us to provide a wider selection of computers, accessories and equipment for our customers.
Our team
Bunker Herbest - Owner
A Maine native, after traveling and working in different areas around the country Bunker returned to Maine to start a business and raise a family. Though formally educated in Electrical Engineering, Bunker started to develop a real interest in computers when they become mainstream in the mid 80s. He quickly taught himself everything he could about maintaining and building computers and soon met other people who shared his passion. He opened Computer Essentials after he saw a real need for knowledgeable, local computer experts.
Dave Pete - Manager
A Maine native and part owner, Dave has had a life long interest in electronics starting when he was a kid playing with his dad's short wave radios. He grew up in Milford and then moved to Old Town 7 years ago to raise a family. Also self-taught, he ran L&D (Leo & Dave) computers from 1997 to 2000, a local computer repair shop, until he joined Bunker to open Computer Essentials.
Linda Herbest - Partner
Bunker's wife and part owner. Born in the south, transplanted to Maine in 1981 and is a big help in the behind the scenes operation of the store. Her cheerful disposition is enjoyed by the customers and the staff along with the many food goodies she loves to share as she is an excellent cook.
Managers
Trisha Pete - Office Manager
A Maine native, Dave's wife, Bunker and Linda's daughter, is responsible for insuring the daily office routines are taken care of and "the books". Friendly and knowledgeable, Trisha often helps on the sales floor when needed and is a big asset to the company.
Leo Pete - Sales Manager - Bangor
A Maine native, Leo has been with us since opening in 2000 and is well known to many customers as the "Old Man".
Brian St.Louis - Store Manager - Ellsworth
A Maine native, Brian started off in sales and worked his way up to Manager of the Ellsworth store. Brian does an excellent job of overseeing the Ellsworth operation and insuring the staff there have what they need to take care of our valued customers. The Ellsworth location has been open for over a year now and shows strong growth due in part to his excellent management skills.
Mark Calivas - Tech Manager - Bangor
Mark's strong technical background and eagerness to help others resulted in his advancement to Tech manager. Mark has the unique ability to handle the technical aspects of his job as well as help customers decide on what they need in regards to computers, thus the reason he frequently does onsite repairs for many of our customers.
Maxwell Morin - Tech Manager - Ellsworth
Maxwell is an excellent Tech and worked his way up from being a Tech in Bangor to handling the Tech department in Ellsworth. A very cheery disposition and his excellent technical skills are a plus for both customers and the company.
Sales Specialists
Phil Alteri
A Maine native, Phil has the knowledge about computers to help customers make a smart decision when purchasing or upgrading their system. With a background in retail, Phil's positive, friendly demeanor is a plus for both the customers and the company.
Dana Herbest
A Maine native, Dana is our newest member of the Sales team. A lovely young lady eager to help our customers discuss their choices when it comes to computer purchases.
Joel Smith
A Maine native, Joel is a Sales Specialist in Ellsworth that enjoys helping customers make the right decisions when purchasing a computer or parts.
