Sale Street Welcomes hotWire Networks as New Business

By: Colleen Lehmann
Tuscola Journal - Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Don't let all the debris removal at the west end of Sale Street -- courtesy of the Dotson Building demolition -- keep you from paying a visit to one of Tuscola's newest businesses.

Take a moment to admire the handsomely refurbished façade at 134 West Sale Street, where hotWire Networks is now -- as of Tuesday, February 21st,  2012 -- officially open for business. At least the service side of the network and computer consulting biz is ready to welcome customers. There will also be a retail sales showroom, featuring new computers and products, in the building at 132 West Sale Street that was purchased by business partners Adam Burwell and Eddie Boutilier and 
it will soon be remodeled for that purpose.

Adam Burwell, a resident of Homer, has owned and operated the computer business for over 12 years, and is very excited about making Tuscola hotWire's corporate home.

So what does hotWire Networks do? Just about everything connected with technology, says Burwell, who along with Zachary Wozencraft, started the company. While Burwell bought out Wozencraft, the founding partner remains as an "extremely essential, couldn't-do-it-without-him" employee. The two techies have 34 years of combined experience.

Says Burwell, "We are a communications and networking company; we offer computer consulting, Internet consulting, Web site development and hosting. We can help you with buying a new computer or servicing what you have. Come to us for upgrades on your used or new computers, tablets, and other devices. We offer Web site design and hosting, can help you out with business networking -- both wired and wireless -- and offer computer security surveillance and monitoring."

Not sure what your business needs in the way of technology ... just that it needs something? Burwell says hotWire can develop a technology plan of action tailored specifically to your needs.

hotWire Networks, which has operated out of Philo and Champaign in the past, includes clientele of all kinds -- retail businesses of all kinds, property management firms, contractors, even fraternities and sororities on the University of Illinois campus.

With the hanging of a newly-minted sign on Monday afternoon, hotWire Networks officially threw out the welcome mat on Tuesday morning. Hours of operation have tentatively been set for 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday. To reach Burwell/hotWire Networks, just call 1-866-814-0770.

Watch for more information about hotWire Networks and its grand opening celebration, now in the planning stages.

New Brick Facades in Downtown + Hotwire Networks

Several projects are moving forward in Downtown Tuscola and one of the recently completed projects is already looking to expand.

Located at 134 West Sale, this project will be the home of a new business, Hotwire Networks. This project was made possible through the assistance of a TIF grant & loan package in combination with the owners' personal investment and private bank financing. Owners Adam Burwell and Eddie Boutilier are nearing completion of a renovation of 134 West Sale and have added a new brick facade to the first floor. The second floor brick facades of both 132 & 134 West Sale were tuckpointed as well.  

After getting their project underway, the owners approached Alan Hettinger about the possibility of purchasing the building next door (132 West Sale) which would allow additional space for the anticipated expansion needs of Burwell's business, Hotwire Networks. The 134 West Sale side had an existing apartment on the second floor. The anticipated renovation on the 132 West Sale side will allow for the addition of two new apartment units in the Downtown District. 

Overall, a win-win situation for their business and Tuscola. 

This was late summer - in the middle of construction.

The brick facade at 134 West Sale is now complete with only a few things left to finish.

The developers anticipate providing a face-lift to 132 West Sale (seen above) with a new brick facade exactly like the one on the west (left) building.