Five Questions with 360 Wireless Owner

When Prem Mehra took over the Verizon store at 569 Pompton Ave. in Cedar Grove, the store was struggling.

But since taking over the store, his company, 360 Wireless, has been such a success, he is working with Verizon to open up two new locations in the state — one in Florham Park and one in Princeton.

Though Mehra and his family live in Marlboro, he said he doesn’t mind the hour-long commute to Cedar Grove. He said the trip allows him the luxury of seeing Cedar Grove through the eyes of an outsider.

He appreciates feeling like he and his employees are always safe, he loves the location and is very happy being part of the Cedar Grove community.

Recently, Mehra took some time to discuss his business with Patch.

What drew you to the wireless business?
Cell phones, Internet, FiOS – it’s a challenging business. You have to keep yourself updated every day. You’re dealing with technology, so you have to be knowledgeable of other carriers – the competition and their technology. It’s ever changing. I like that it’s a challenging job. 

What do the majority of your customers want when they come in?
It all depends what your requirement is? If you’re looking for a phone, are you using the phone for business or for pleasure? What’s the size of your business? We try to find the device that will benefit (the customer) the best.

Are you using if for banking or business? If someone just wants to make a call, then they need a simpler device.

It’s all about determining their needs – listening to the customer. Who is the phone going to be used by? How often will it be used? If the person has bad vision, we get them a phone with larger display.

Some people know their needs, but they may not know (everything that is available to them). 

What has made 360 Wireless so successful?
I deal with Verizon. Verizon has more for its customers than any other carrier – (the best) reception. With AT&T you don’t have reception everywhere. Cell phones are also for emergency use. What happens in an emergency if you don’t have service? What if there are children in an emergency and you don’t have service? Verizon has (the best service). 

How do you stay on top of the ever-changing world of cell phones and wireless services?
We (are always) on the Internet. We go through articles and read up on what’s new, what’s coming.

All the devices always change. Every month there’s a new device; (different) carriers (offer new deals). We learn the main functions (of the devices), how it will help the customers. What are the advantages of this phone or that phone?

Our customers pay less and get more. 

What’s one thing people don’t know about your business that you wish they did?
The important thing is – for any person who comes – we listen to their requirement and determine what device they need. Sometimes people don’t know the whole story. (Or what will fit) on their budget. We have to educate them, we have to make them understand and we have to give them a choice.

There was already a Verizon store here before we took over, but they weren’t doing really well. Verizon selected us to go open the store and improve the business here. They’re going to have me open two more stores also. They are very satisfied.

They are happy and we are happy.

People are good (in this area), they’re nice and it’s a safe (area).

I’m very happy to be a member of the Cedar Grove (community) and the Chamber of Commerce, to do my business and be professional. 

360 Wireless is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday. Reach them by phone at (973) 239-1095 or email 360wirelessinc@gmail.com.