An interview with Jeff Keightley, owner of Sea Star Satellite, 1004 Commercial St., Astoria.

This small business on the corner of Tenth and Commercial streets in Astoria offers much more than meets the eye. Walk in for a cup of java by Columbia River Coffee Roasters and you will also find access to Dish Network Satellite systems, Sirius Satellite Radio, home theater consultation and installation, and tanning booths. The business is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

How long has this business been here?

“The satellite business has been in Astoria since 2000. I bought the business from my mom in 2002 and ran it from my home until last December when I bought this location from Classy Lady’s.”

What would you like readers to know about your business?

“It’s an unusual combination. It’s a blend of a successful home-base business with what was a struggling storefront business that we have turned around.

We have been fixing the building and store up since we bought it. All of our efforts are going into improving the location. Continuously. The six tanning beds are all that remain of Classy Lady’s, and we carry a full line of moisturizing and tanning cosmetics. I added the coffee shop to give my girlfriend something to do.”

What brings the most people into the store?

“The coffee.”

What part of this business brings in the most volume?

“The satellite systems. This business has been successful since 2000, and is the anchor. It is how I can afford to develop the rest of the location.”

Do you install satellite systems?

“Yes. If you call me you will get a local service. I am a local member of the Better Business Bureau. We make a big difference over the 800 numbers you can call to have Dish installed. My background is in repairing electronics, a trade I learned at the Phoenix Institute of Technology. Instead of an out-of-town technician sent by Dish, Sea Star Satellite provides local expertise. We also continue to provide service to our customers after the installation, a service that is more effective when offered locally.”

Is diversity an asset for a business in Astoria?

“I think unless you have a very strong base enterprise, diversity is essential.”

– Bob Duke