"Computer Essentials carries the highest quality machines in the Bangor area and I'm repeatedly impressed how knowledgeable and helpful their technicians are."
Josh - Orono, Maine
A little history
Originally Computer Renaissance opened for business in 1996. The current ownership took over in 2000 and then we changed our name to Computer Essentials in the Summer of 2006. We quickly grew to expand our staff, services and inventory. Now we have have 6 full-time technicians with at least 2 always in both stores ready and willing to help.
In March, 2009 we opened our second store on 225 High Street in Ellsworth, Maine. The new building had 2400 square feet and had 4 dedicated tech benches.
In March, 2010 we moved our store upstairs, replacing the old Curtain Shop. Our new location features 4000 square feet and a full size tech center with 6 dedicated benches. Our expanded sales floor allows us to provide a wider selection of computers, accessories and equipment for our customers. In June 2019 we moved back downstairs (to our current location), next to Battery Biz, on the lower side of the building.
In March, 2015 we moved our Ellsworth store to 41 High Street. Our new location features 3500 square feet and a full size tech center with 5 dedicated benches. Our expanded tech department allows us to provide quicker turn around time so less downtime for our customers. As of March 2022 this store is no longer open due to economic reasons...sadly!
Our team
Bunker Herbest - Owner/Partner
A Maine native, after traveling and working in different areas around the country Bunker returned to Maine to start a business and raise a family. Though formally educated in Electrical Engineering, Bunker started to develop a real interest in computers when they become mainstream in the mid 80s. He quickly taught himself everything he could about maintaining and building computers and soon met other people who shared his passion. He opened Computer Essentials after he saw a real need for knowledgeable, local computer experts.
Dave Pete - Manager/Partner
A Maine native and part owner, Dave has had a life long interest in electronics starting when he was a kid playing with his dad's short wave radios. He grew up in Milford and then moved to Old Town to raise a family. Also self-taught, he ran L&D (Leo & Dave) computers from 1997 to 2000, a local computer repair shop, until he joined Bunker to open Computer Essentials. Dave now handles almost all in store repairs with his expertise as a technician for over 20 years!
Linda Herbest - Partner
Bunker's wife and part owner. Born in the south, transplanted to Maine in 1981 and is a big help in the behind the scenes operation of the store. Her cheerful disposition is enjoyed by the customers and the staff along with the many food goodies she loves to share as she is an excellent cook. Linda also helps fill in on the sales floor as needed.
Trisha Pete - Office Manager
A Maine native, Dave's wife, Bunker and Linda's daughter, is responsible for insuring the daily office routines are taken care of like "the books". Friendly and knowledgeable, Trisha runs the sales floor as needed and is a big asset to the company.
