TOP THREE - Airwave Solutions staff receiving its award, from left, Mikayla Besser, Trent Gunsolos, D.J. Borgia, and Jesus Gutierrez. Photo by Eli Lutgens
By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
Airwave Solutions of New Richland was nominated for Dish Smart Home Retailer of the Year in 2021 and finished in the top three stores out of more than 3,200 stores nationwide.
The Smart Home Retailer of the Year category centered on product sales of Google Nest and other in-home products.
Airwave was nominated for the award because of their continued community support through different charity events, as well as customer service, retention, loyalty and sales. The award was announced during a watch party on May 20 and the staff gathered together on June 24 to receive the award in person. Airwave Solutions is owned by Trent Gunsolus, and its staff includes: Mikayla Besser (office support), Dennis “DJ” Borgia (technician), and Jesus Gutierrez (sales rep.).
Community Involvement
Giving back has always been part of Trent and Airwave Solutions’ business motto.
“We try and we want to be involved in the community to help out wherever we can,” said Gunsolus.
The staff participates in anywhere from 15-20 different events throughout the year, many of which are local.
Some of the events the staff of Airwave Solutions has participated in include a Farm and City Days committee grill out; NR Fire Department donation promotion, where $100 was donated for every dish sale; Food shelf and toy drive drop boxes; coat drive; and a 2019 teacher appreciation event.
Customers and local community residents can find the Airwave Solutions booth at many of the local fairs as well, including: Waseca, Freeborn, Blue Earth, and Steele Counties, as well as the State Fair. For their work in these local events, Airwave won a 2019 Local All Star Award.
Airwave Solutions participates in the Adopt a Highway program and helps pick up garbage twice a year along Highway 13. Last year they were also awarded with a Friend of 4-H plaque for their support, but more specifically for live streaming county fair shows during the Covid pandemic.
Being able to help people with technology while also giving back is something Trent said is the best part of his job. “I would like to thank everybody who showed their support for us and this award. Thank you to everybody who stopped in, sent messages and who attended the watch party.”
“The best part of the job is meeting people from all walks of life,” office support staffer Besser said. “Also picking on Trent is pretty fun.”
Gunsolus said being able to help people with technology is important to him. “Helping people modernize their home is important. I’m glad we’re able to be a part of that here.”
Some of the products offered by Airwave include: Google Hub, Google Nest Indoor and Outdoor Cam IQ, Google Nest Thermostat, Google Nest Doorbell, and Yale Door Lock. Other services include a wide variety of internet services, over the air antennas, and TV add-ons.
Airwave Solutions is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.