Computer Doctors in the News!

Source: Flint Journal

     Forget cars, iPods, cellphones, gift certificates, and other conventional graduation presents. Ryan L. Everson gave himself a far better gift – his own business right on M-15.

     The brand-new Davison High School graduate skipped summer vacation and went straight to becoming a full-time, self-employed career man last month when he opened Computer Doctors, 124 S. State Rd.

     Located at the former site of Dr. Eustace – next door to CR Automotive and just south of the railroad tracks – Everson’s venture in sales and service is fulfillment of a dream he said he has had since age 12, when he first became interested in technology.

         

      “I’ve always wanted to open my own computer shop” Everson said.

     He prepared well.

     Everson said he worked for two years at CWC Computers & Network Solutions (formerly Davison Computers) on computer maintenance, sales, and upgrades. He went into business for himself a year ago, gaining not only experience but the money that bankrolled his own storefront.

     Those profits paid in full for his lease, equipment, and other expenses, Everson said.

     Not only is he not in debt, as so many new business owners are, “I don’t even have a credit card,” he added.

     Involvement in his school’s marketing curriculum, including its DECA marketing club, propelled Everson closer to his goal of entrepreneurship.

     His business teacher encouraged him to go forward after researching the concept, Everson said.

     He did so, creating a business plan with a cash flow chart, and he determined that the prospects of success were good.

      “Six months ago, I started looking for a building and really became serious,” he said.

     Everson said he made the decision to go into business full time during his first semester in 12^th grade.

      “I was kind of scared, but I did a lot of preparation,” he said.

     Years of practical experience in doing the work, studying marketing, consulting other business people and his own work ethic were valuable benefits, he said, and his uncle Don Hall of Otisville, provided extra inspiration.

     Hall, who owns three used car dealerships in Flint, Caro, and Harrison, went into that business about six years ago, when Everson was a relatively new computer buff. But Everson did all the computer work for his uncle, he said.

     Everson said he decided he would rely on quality of service, economical rates and quick turn-around time to build his business. To help attract customers, he said, he decided to forgo the bench fee that service companies usually charge to examine equipment needing service.

      “A customer comes in and drops off their computer, and I call them back and tell them how much it will cost to fix it,” he said. “…Most computer places charge at least $55 to have a computer looked at.”

     If the prospective customer opts to not have the work done, he or she is out no money, said Everson, who last spring placed first in an international marketing competition involving thousands of high school DECA chapters – the first time a Davison student has reached that pinnacle.

     The student-turned-merchant said he doesn’t have an hourly rate but charges by the nature of the work. He offers a 10 percent discount to high school students and senior citizens.

     Everson, who said he has acquired a number of private computer certifications, plans to devote his spare time to marketing strategies and promotions. The only catch to that plan, he said, is that he has been so busy, he has had no spare time.

     He has five employees, Christopher Lesko - network engineer, Christopher Campbell - head computer technician, Kali Pariseau - secretary, and Christine Martin - accountant and office manager.

     In time, depending on how Computer Doctors fares, he may open a second outlet, Everson said. He said “anything computer-related, we do.” This consists of the typical virus removals, upgrades, and much more. Computer Doctors is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information contact Ryan at (810) 412-4200 or ryan@computerdoctors.me.