 What would
you do without your computer? Have you ever been without it for an
extended period of time? For a few of us, that might be as hard as giving
up smoking or keeping your
New Years Resolutions! Anyone one of us
civilians (those not trained in tearing down and rebuilding computers) who
have gone through the hassle of a computer breakdown, loss of data, or
virus attack know how difficult it can be to find someone that will solve
the problem honestly, inexpensively, and QUICKLY!
That is exactly the need Harold Roach and Ron Garvey saw an opportunity to fill with their small business, Agilite, located in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. I spoke to Harold about the new business venture when I heard he had been bit by the entrepreneurial bug. Harold had been working for another company for over a decade when the ownership changed.....and so did their approach to running the company. During that time Harold saw an opportunity to do things better. He could provide the service customers need, without the pushy sales techniques. The other small businesses that he was servicing wanted solutions not another sales pitch. Leaving the relative security of working for someone else was not a decision Harold took lightly. He met with others and discussed his options. He had several things going for him, two of which were his 20+ years of experience and the fact he was a Certified Novell Engineer. That certification and experience would assist him in demonstrating to customers that he was the guy to find solutions to their problems. In January 2010, Harold made the decision to go out on his own and hasn't looked back since. The first thing Harold and Ron did was construct a business name that they felt told their customers about them. The name Agilite is a combination of the words "agile" and "IT", short for Information Technology. Of course, Information Technology is their specialty, but it is the agile part that makes them different. They are flexible enough to solve a variety of problems, but they can do it QUICKLY!
As far as being different Harold has that covered in a few ways! When you think about a computer repair person or Information Technology professional what kind of personality comes to mind? Many cartoons and sitcoms have parodied their short and condescending attitude toward those of us that have no clue when it comes to computer problems. Harold is the exact opposite. When you meet Harold you may make an incorrect guess about what he does. Manager of a social club comes to mind; someone who needs to have a social and accepting demeanor. Certainly, in times of stressful computer breakdowns, Harold's reassuring manner will help ease his customers worries! Harold has been taking his own advice and has aggressively taken the steps needed to get himself and the company out in front of the public's eye. Harold created a LinkedIn profile and has attended many networking events to promote his company. Harold and Ron also have website in order to educate customers about their IT solutions. Harold has the kind of great story we love to hear. A competent professional who has all the right skills to do a job better than he is able to under the shadow of a boss and is now making the transition into a successful small business owner. Surely, with Harold's drive and experience, Agilite, will continue to deliver the solutions we all eventually need.....Period! Do you have a “skill turned small business” success story? I would love to hear from you. Email your story to mike@bowmansmoneycollege.com and you may be featured in this weekly column!
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