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Local Computer Store Changes Hands

Tim and Nancy Bradley Excited About New Venture

photo by Mike Cameron

Tuesday March 20, 2007

By Mike Cameron

    When Tim and Nancy Bradley decided to take the plunge into the world of business ownership they weren’t exactly neophytes.  

    Tim already possessed considerable technical skills acquired during service in the U.S. Air Force, working at Standard Register and more recently  The Burlington Free Press.  He’s always been interested in computer technology.

    Nancy, Tim’s wife, freely admits that she is not as taken-up with “high-tec” as her husband but understands technologies importance in today’s business and in everyday life.  

    As a 19-year employee of Agway Farm and Garden in Middlebury,  Nancy, like many of us, has seen the retail sector become more and more reliant on  information that has been micro-processed, website driven.

    Recently,  the couple combined their skills with a new business venture they feel is a good move for both of them and for the Middlebury community.

    Computer Specialists Incorporated (CSI) was founded in 2002 by 3 Partners. After working for CSI for 2-years Tim was presented with an opportunity to buy the business located on Route 7-South across from the A&W.

    “Tim felt comfortable here, right from the beginning.  I helped out by getting the mail and doing a few odds and ends but he is the ‘Tec person.’  I enjoy my job at Agway and he enjoys what he is doing here,” Nancy explains.

    Tim followed up with a brief description of what customers can expect at CSI.  “The fact that we are a walk in type of operation with retail space is very important to folks looking for products and problem solving help.  This way we can discuss the problem and look at products in a comfortable setting and get to the bottom of it as quickly as possible.”

    CSI sells new and used systems and peripherals.  They will repair and upgrade all brands of computers and printers.  They can easily network the computers in your office or home.  

    Tim explained further that, “an important aspect of networking is security and backup.  We have a wide variety of back-up options for business and residential.”  Tim is also looking into giving basic computing classes for all ages reasoning that the more familiar you are with the compnents and the process, the easier it is to get comfortable with them.  

    Trouble-shooting is also an important part of the CSI service.  They make it a point to become familiar with customer’s computer configuration and then suggest the changes and upgrades that will help them use their system more efficiently.

    “We have customers from parents who want their kids computer upgraded to folks in their 80’s who like to research the web and e-mail their grand- kids,” Tim explains further.  Nancy adds, “It is interesting to look how far we have come in the last twenty years.  Home computer use has grown dramatically and the entire process is more mainstream today than ever before.”

    “I think what we are trying to do here is to bring a common sense approach to computing.  We want to make the process as people friendly as possible, “ Tim says.  

    Tim’s attitude is a breath of fresh air to those of us who in some respects could be considered technically challenged in this area. Nancy has some interesting observations in this area.  “Today’s young children are introduced to computers at very early ages, pre-kindergarten in many cases.  So by the time they are in elementary school they have already formed many basic computing skills and that gives them an important advantage.”

    As for the generation that saw the computer begin to weave itself into the fabric of society everywhere in the world and might not have been able to get a formal introduction to the basics we can be thankful for a resource like the Bradley’s newly acquired business CSI and others like it who can help us catch up.

    “Like we discussed earlier,” Tim reminds me, “this business changes every day some changes are more easily integrated into the current technology and some are more difficult to learn.  Basic computing is something that everyone can take advantage of.”

    Asked about the most common mistakes that people make with their own computers, Tim is quick to react with a knowing smile.  “Adware and Spyware problems and viruses can give people a very bad day and they are easy to contract.  A simple virus infected e-mail attachment can get you in trouble so you have to be careful.”  Tim says that if the email looks bogus it probably is.  He also wanted to remind us that many people are uncomfortable with computers because they think that they will break them if they are not correctly used.  For example an incorrect key stroke or mouse click will simply crash the entire system permanently.  As many as 80% of the people who use personal computers at home or in the office feel this way.

    “In most cases we can get the system back in working order and get them back on-line so they can continue.”

    Tim also encourages people to use the web as a research resource.  “There are untold numbers of sites and information about sites available,” he explains.

    He also encourages people to consult with people in the know before buying or adding on to their current system.  “We enjoy helping people solve problems and finding the right fit and right price range for their particular needs.”

    As for the future of computing and Computer Specialties  Incorporated, Tim and Nancy plan more of the same as they continue to build their business one computer customer at a time.  For an introduction visit their store on Route 7 South of Middlebury and on the web at www.computersvt.com    

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