Haven Electronics under new ownership

Haven's RadioShack sold

 

Haven Electronics under new ownership

By Mike Van Sickle
Union editor

After two decades of serving the community in downtown West Union, Carolyn Havenstrite has sold Haven Electronics/RadioShack to Ryan and Amy Christensen of Decorah.

“It was just time,” said Carolyn in explaining her reason to step away from the business’s front counter. “I have a great buyer in Ryan, whom I have known and respected for a number of years. He (Ryan) stated a long time ago that if I ever wanted to sell the business he would be interested in purchasing it.

“I will be doing some bookwork at J&W Auto Body, and just having the opportunity to be at home more often will feel great,” added the 73-year-old.

Carolyn opened Haven Electronics/RadioShack approximately 20 years ago. Previously known as Wayne

and Del's, the West Union electronics store got a new name after Carolyn received a telephone call from a RadioShack representative, asking if she would like to open a RadioShack store in the community.

Carolyn and her husband, Wayne, have been married for 55 years. The couple have four adult children, Nancy, Jeff, Theresa, and Tim. The Havenstrite family also includes nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. J&W Auto Body in West Union is owned by Jeff and Wayne.

“I would like to thank the entire community for its patronage for all these years,” Havenstrite closed. “It has been great to have a business in West Union for such a length of time. Each of my customers has been very special to all of us (at Haven’s), and West Union has always made my entire family feel proud to call it home.”

Ryan and Amy own and operate two similar electronics businesses, as well as their new West Union venture.

“I have known Carolyn for approximately 15 years,” said Ryan. “And I certainly have a great amount of respect for her and what she has done with this store in West Union.

“Amy and I look forward to meeting longtime and new customers and being a part of the entire community,” he added, while noting that West Union native Cathy (Brown) Harris will serve as store manager.

The Christensens reported that initial plans are to maintain the Haven Electronics name. The couple stressed that while the business, located at 121 N. Vine Street in downtown West Union, will soon undergo remodeling, it will maintain its regular hours.

In addition to a large variety of electronic items, among the services offered by Haven Electronics/RadioShack include DirectTV, CenturyLink phone and Internet, and Exceed satellite and Internet. Haven’s will also continue to serve as a UPS drop-off site.

A Haven Electronics/RadioShack grand opening celebration announcement will be published in the near future.

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