Nick Kaye
Special to The Weekly
ORONO — The stereotypical techie is a bit antisocial — someone who’s more comfortable working on a circuit board than speaking with a human being. Michael Cota and Robert Duane, co-owners of Cota Technologies LLC could not be further from this stereotype.
“I like to fix things, but more than that, I like to see the customer happy. That’s the key. That’s what makes it worthwhile,” said Duane.
Cota agreed enthusiastically, “It’s definitely all about the people.”
Cota and Duane joined forces in April to create Cota Technologies LLC. The company offers technology repair and service, as well as electronics retail, out of their Orono storefront, located at 119 Mill St.
“What makes us stand out is our experience,” said Duane.
Cota has been repairing electronics for the past five years at his former business, Michael R. Cota Electronics Repair in Old Town. He is familiar with cell phones, tablets, computers, televisions and other consumer electronics. He has been factory certified by industry-leaders, including Mitsubishi, LG, Vizio and Samsung.
Duane began his career working as a field radio repair specialist in the military. Since then, he has completed certification in electric motor repair at Eastern Maine Community College and a degree at Thomas College in business management. He has accumulated technical experience working at Edwards Systems Technology and Naturally Potatoes in Mars Hill.
“It’s been a good combination between the two of us,” said Duane. Cota holds up the consumer electronics end of the partnership while Duane brings his knowledge of commercial technology and business management to the table.
Cota Technologies provides in-store service and statewide on-site service for electronics, appliances and medical equipment. They back all repairs with a free one-year warranty and offer extended warranties at cost.
The store is in the process of rolling out a retail section that will include computer components, appliance parts, geocaching equipment, new movies and games, and more.
“We’re trying to provide a lot of the specific components and hobbyist materials that stores like Radio Shack no longer carry,” said Cota.
The two business partners also are looking toward the future of the environment and the tech industry. The Cota Technologies Web page hints at forays into solar power, geothermal energy and other new technologies. The pair even mentioned plans for an aerospace division.
“We would like to get to a point where a section of the business involves working with [University of Maine] campus engineers to build prototypes based on their ideas and designs,” said Duane.
By the end of the summer, Cota and Duane plan to bring a several part-time technicians on board so they can begin to pursue seriously projects with UMaine engineers and local businesses.
Their main focus, however, will remain on the customer, both men agreed.
For information on Cota Technologies LLC, call 659-8382, visit cotatechnologies.com or find it on Facebook.