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Computer repair business gets new owners

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By Elaine Morris Roberts, Staff Writer 6:10 PM Friday, July 3, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — A local computer technician watched for more than 20 years as the business he worked for changed ownership.

Now, Bob Leath runs the show.

Leath and co-owner Jody Smith recently unveiled My PC Repair, formerly Technology Solutions, at 2030 N. Limestone. My PC Repair services small businesses and home users, offering computer systems, repair, network set-up and maintenance and iPod repair.

Computer parts and audio/visual supplies are also available.

“We can custom-build a system, set up networking and trouble-shoot. We’re better than your average geeks,” Smith said.

Old computer equipment and small electronics can be dropped off for recycling.

Leath started working for the company in 1997 when it was Computer Free America. The original company was sold and became CFA Networks, which merged with Technology Solutions in 2007.

Smith was employed by Technology Solutions at the time of the merger.

Qbase purchased CFA in June 2008, then sold the repair business to Ray Hagerman last November.

The pair purchased the business from Hagerman, who still owns the building; Hagerman could not be reached for comment.

Leath and Smith feel comfortable taking over and are ready for the challenge.

The two moved the retail location from CFA’s downtown offices in early 2008 to the current North Limestone location, cataloged the inventory, did interior repair and set up the phones and point-of-sale system, Leath said.

While sales have ebbed at times, the new owners are confident.

They are investigating the possibility of moving their store to a more prominent retail location and have discussed expansion plans, Smith said.

The transition doesn’t come without struggle, though.

“We’ve both decided not to take paychecks for the next two months and put that money into the business,” Leath said. “It’s going to be tough, but we need to do it to get things running as we’d like.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.

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