By day, Geek Squad Agent Chuck Weeden pins down technology problems for Best Buy customers at the Auburn Hills store in suburban Detroit.
But after work, Weeden, a.k.a. “Big Money,” tackles opponents as a semipro wrestler with the Michigan Championship Wrestling Association (MCWA).
Weeden’s signature move? The “Cash Out,” fittingly enough.
“I scoop up my opponent and as I slam him down I wrap my arm around his neck, pretty much landing on his neck as I come down,” he said.
Back to school. This time of year can break the bank for parents and students, especially those heading off to college for the first time. But you don’t have to spend money like it’s going out of style.
There are the obvious expenses – tuition, books and housing – and then there are tech tools like a laptop or tablet you need for class assignments. And don’t forget the gear that makes your dorm room the perfect study retreat.
These costs may seem like you’ll be eating ramen noodles forever, but don’t worry.
What better time to reminisce about the technology of two decades ago than this, the Geek Squad’s 20th birthday year.
Let’s mentally teleport back to the age of copious amounts of cookie-cutter boy bands, jean overalls with one strap undone, and Jansport backpacks.
To get in the right ’90s mindset, check out which movies were hot on VHS — yes VHS — back in 1994.
Laptops: From thick bricks to dynamic 2-in-1 shape-shifting gadgets
Today’s version of the PC laptop averages $399, so just a bit more affordable than that heavy $2,000+ version.
Geek Squad passed on the sheet cake for its 20th birthday.
Instead, Geek Squad hit Wall Street and celebrated its 20th birthday by ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
President of Geek Squad Chris Askew was flanked by some of the nation’s best and brightest who wear black and orange (in addition to a couple hand-picked and lucky Blue Shirts, too).
“This trip means the world to me,” said Cody Halvorson, a Precinct Agent from Reno, Nev., who was the individual to ring the bell.
After a grueling head-to-head competition that was battled out on the largest high-definition video screen in the world, James “biggcountry2” Bloomfield is Best Buy’s Ultimate Gamers Showdown champion. Bloomfield won 24 – 21 over Ryan “Dougthepirate” Danczak in the final round of the Ultimate Gamers Showdown at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“There were tough competitors all around,” James Bloomfield said. “It was an amazing experience to be able to play on this big screen.”
The Ultimate Gamers Showdown is an exclusive national gaming tournament developed by Best Buy to give gaming and sports fans around the nation an opportunity to try the next generation gaming systems, in addition to having gamers put their Madden NFL 25® skills to the test.
Best Buy was named in the longest-running global sustainability rankings – the Dow Jones Index for Sustainable Investing. It measures company sustainability, which is how businesses operate socially, environmentally and economically. Best Buy increased its performance two points from last year and moved up the retail rankings from the 68th percentile to the 84th percentile. Compared with other retail companies in North America, Best Buy scored 20 points above the average.
The Index is the official sustainability performance ranking of the largest 600 North American companies.
MINNEAPOLIS – June 20, 2013: Best Buy is consistently recognized for its sustainability leadership by the retail and consumer electronics industries. With today’s release of the company’s Fiscal 2013 Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Report, Best Buy further demonstrates its continued leadership role in positively impacting the world.
We hope you find this information useful. To view the full report, please visit www.bby.com/sustainability.
Media Contact:
Jeremy Baier
jeremy.baier@bestbuy.com
MINNEAPOLIS, March 25, 2013 — Best Buy and its Founder, Richard Schulze, announced today that Mr. Schulze is returning to the company as its Chairman Emeritus. In addition, Mr. Schulze has nominated Brad Anderson and Al Lenzmeier to serve on the Best Buy Board of Directors, pursuant to a previously disclosed agreement between the company and Mr. Schulze.
“Over the past several months, I have come to know and respect Hubert, and have a high regard for the work he and his executive team are doing to revitalize Best Buy for the benefit of all stakeholders,” said Schulze.
MINNEAPOLIS, January 7, 2013 – Best Buy Co. Inc (NYSE: BBY), the global leader in consumer electronics, is making it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy their favorite movies anywhere and at any time with the launch of the first ever in-home disc-to-digital conversion service available now. Powered by Best Buy’s video streaming service- CinemaNow – and currently in beta, consumers now have the freedom to put UltraVioletTM copies of their favorite DVD titles in the cloud, giving them access to their DVD collections from any compatible Internet-connected device including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and more.
MINNEAPOLIS, November 12, 2012 – Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY), the leading multi-channel retailer of technology products and services, today announced that Sharon McCollam, the retired Director, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., will join the company as its new Chief Administrative and Chief Financial Officer, effective December 10, 2012. McCollam, 50, left Williams-Sonoma earlier this year after serving as an executive officer for more than 12 years.
As the Chief Administrative and Chief Financial Officer, McCollam will influence and shape all aspects of Best Buy’s operations and transformation strategy.
Best Buy was recognized by the CDP in both the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI), scoring a 96 for disclosure, and the Carbon Performance Leadership Index (CPLI), scoring an “A” for performance. The combined score of 96A is tied for the second-highest score among S&P 500 companies, and is the highest combined score among retailers.