'God Squad' catches geeks' attention

FOND DU LAC - A Fond du Lac priest is making a few adjustments to his car after his "God Squad" design caught some geeks' attention.

Electronics retailer Best Buy ordered Rev. Luke Strand of Holy Family Catholic Church to stop using the "God Squad" logo.  The company felt it was too close to its own "Geek Squad" design.

"He got a letter and his jaw dropped and he didn't quite know what to do with it," Rev. Bob Stiefvater, who works with Strand, said.

Stiefvater spoke for the priest because Strand is out of town.

"He's very aware that every company has to protect its trademark and that "Geek Squad" is a protected trademark," he said.

Stiefvater says anything that is a little bit out of the ordinary causes a buzz, and the "God Squad" grabbed attention in the area.

He says the "Geek Squad" resonated with Strand, who like the geeks hits the streets to serve, but with the gospel.

"I thought it was fantastic, it's something you usually don't see," Mike Feudner of Fond du Lac said.  "It really promotes that God is all around us, God is everywhere."

Holy Family says Best Buy doesn't seem concerned about the name "God Squad," but it does take issue with the logo. FOX 11 tried to contact the company about that but our calls were not returned.

In statement to Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, Best Buy said it was tough decision to send the cease and desist order, "but at the end of the day, it's bad precedent to let some groups violate our trademark while pursing others."

Strand is still driving the God Squad, his only car, but has removed the logo.

Holy Family says he's hoping to come up with a new design and has plenty in the community offering to help.

"The "God Squad" will still be there," Stiefvater said.

"What's more important is the message that God's out there and you need to have a relationship with him," Feudner said.

A message Holy Family says Strand and his wheels have reinforced.

The church says the story has gained national attention.  Its phone has been ringing off the hook with people offering help with designing a logo, or simply their opinions.