Badger Geeks takes over Fifth Street office location

 

Changes are coming to Cornell’s business landscape, after American Family Insurance – Lori Stushek Agency decided to close their physical office in Cornell, May 26. The office space didn’t sit empty, though, as Badger Geeks moved into the vacant space, relocating from their previous location of three years, in the Cornell Eastside Mall on State Hwy. 27.

Lori Stushek, insurance agent, says they worked out of the location on the corner of Fifth and Bridge streets for 13 years, but use of the location has declined.

“Once we got our third office and could see how busy we are in Eau Claire, and how busy we are in Ladysmith, Cornell just doesn’t have that activity of people coming through,” said Stushek.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, all that was left at the Cornell location, was the payment drop box.

“It’s easier for us to go to someone’s house or to have an appointment on the phone,” said Stushek, adding the change will free them up for other tasks.

Stushek says the six people who work at the agency will continue to float between the three locations, just that the Cornell area work will be remote.

Amy Krizan, Badger Geeks, says the reason for their move was simple. They needed a bigger space for their business.

The need for Badger Geeks to have more space was obvious for some time, as local customers continued to support and work with them. Krizan says discussions with Stushek started about a year ago.

Krizan says they officially opened at the new location June 1. She says the location change will not affect the services the business offers.

“We do websites,” said Krizan. “We do IT support and we do programming for phone apps.”

Badger Geeks will also still offer computer and phone repair.

Krizan says Stushek offered them great support through the sale and helped everything go smoothly.

“She [Stushek] gave us a good deal for the house,” said Krizan of the Fifth Street location. “She, basically, wanted to support the local community and wanted to have another business in here.”

Stushek says, despite the closure of their Cornell office, they also plan to keep business as usual for their customers. The insurance company can connect with clients via phone call, email, text messages, Facetime, Zoom and Skype. People can also arrange for in-person visits, or go to the Eau Claire or Ladysmith offices.

Monthly payments can be mailed, something Stushek says the agency has encouraged for a while.

“We still want to service the people there,” said Stushek.

She also says she will remain active in service organizations, such as the Cornell Lions Club and other area nonprofi t events.

[caption id="attachment_67924" align="alignnone" width="300"] Badger Geeks moved into the office space in what was formerly the American Family Insurance office, on Fifth Street in Cornell, so the business would have more space to operate. American Family Insurance will also continue to provide services to area customers, with a number of ways for clients to get in touch with the agency. Photo by Julia Wolf[/caption]