WILLMAR - An electronics store is the latest addition to the business community in downtown Willmar.
Short Circuit Electronics, owned by Victor “Alex” Romo, opened Sept. 11. The shop is at 201 Fifth Street S.W.
The shop represents Romo’s dream of becoming his own boss.
“I’ve been working for somebody else since I was 10 years old,” said Romo, who is now 39.
He grew up in Chile, and got his first job after his father left the family when Romo was 10.
He helped support his mother and two sisters before coming to the United States in 2000.
After arriving in this country, he had some hard times at first and has had many different employers, good and bad.
“I’ve waited the last 15 years of my life for this opportunity,” he said. “There’s no obstacles in life, I believe, except the limitations you put on yourself.”
The shelves of his shop hold a variety of bluetooth speakers; accessories for gaming systems, tablets and cell phones; HDMI and USB cables; routers; GPS systems; and no-contract phones. He said he tries to offer a less costly alternative to some of the major retailers and focuses on providing good customer service.
Customers can try out anything he sells, he said, and he can give them advice about using it. He has read the owner manuals of everything he sells.
“I tried to learn so if somebody comes and buys something from me, I can explain,” he said.
“I like to see them go out of here happy,” he said. “I treat everybody the same. ... It’s important for me to treat people right.”
Romo said he loves what he does and loves this country, which has afforded him opportunities that he would not have had in Chile. “This is where I say I’m from,” he said.
Romo said his suppliers are two other men from Chile.
The Willmar Area Multicultural Business Center has offered technical assistance and encouragement, he said.
His wife, Amber, has supported him in his new business, too. The Romos have a 5-year-old son named Alex.
The store address is 201 Fifth St. S.W. in downtown Willmar. Hours are
9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The store is closed Sunday.
To reach Romo, call 320-295-8665 or email
scelectronicsmn@gmail.com
.
