Champion ship: Third store's the charm

Former NFL star Chris Harrison wasn't a business student when he attended the University of Virginia, but he could probably teach budding entrepreneurs a thing or two. He and partner Torrance Hampton opened their third Charlottesville Nextel store Thursday. August 18.

The co-owners lured in customers with appreciation discounts and a chance to win an autographed jersey and football.

Harrison owns a real estate development company in Washington, D.C. in addition to the Nextel stores, but both he and Hampton are glad to be working in Charlottesville.

"This is phenomenal," says Harrison, "to be able to come back to Charlottesville and give back to the university and the community by opening our Nextel stores locally."

Sales director John Hern and William Howard, assistant to Chris Harrison

Owners Torrance Hampton and Chris Harrison

Mike Plecker and Marty Tourville, ambassadors of Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce

Chamber boss Timothy Hulbert, Beth Garton of Union Bank and Trust, and the proud co-owners

Customers had a chance to win a UVA football signed by quarterback Aaron Brooks and linebacker James Farrior.

Farrior's jersey is displayed on the back wall.