Spotlight on SCORE Clients
Jeff’s Computer Service, Inc.
August 2006
1 East Main Street. Webster, NY 14580 585-265-2550
We think computers should be like refrigerators – always doing what you want them to do, thoroughly reliable and not requiring any instructions. Unfortunately, that’s not reality. But Jeff’s Computer Service can help. We’ve built a whole business around fixing your frustration.
Basically, we do whatever we can to make life with your computer simpler and more productive. And we do all this with the friendliest and most responsive service you have ever experienced! We explain without confusing techno-jargon and offer fair pricing that fits your budget.
What the business does: Diagnostics, repairs, networking, house and business calls and emergency service. Sales of custom built laptops and desktops.
Owners: Jeff and Lynne Willey
Growth of the business: Jeff started to use his living room for repairs…then the garage and within 8 months opened the shop in Webster in 2004. Being on the four corners in the center of the village was a good decision. People flocked to the shop from the first day it opened. Jeff only had one part time tech for help with repairs. Lynne, his wife, and a friend greeted customers, answered the phone and kept track of all the computers. They quickly hired another tech and added more space for repairs. They had no time to learn accounting, pricing, competitive analysis, and many other factors in learning how to run a business.
Tom Bellucco, Lynne Willey, Jeff Willey, Deb Rinebold and Nick Peer
When SCORE started to help: Jeff and Lynne and techs and reception were so busy that there was no time to figure out why they barely ever could make ends meet. Cash flow was a problem, pricing issues…etc. Lynne was trying to tackle QuickBooks, and accounting was not her strong point. She needed a better understanding of income statements and balance sheets and there were so many distractions that even doing something routine in QuickBooks could seem to take all day.
ENTER SCORE: Lynne had met some people from SCORE at a trade show she attended with Jeff. She’d had their business card and brochure for many months. She hesitated calling mostly because she couldn’t understand how they would actually VOLUNTEER their time! She didn’t want to burden them and questioned if they could really help this growing business, with its problems
Jeff's Computer Service, Webster NY
Type of help given by SCORE: Lynne called SCORE and told them she needed help. There was never enough cash on hand, and she and Jeff wanted manage and measure things better. She soon got a return call from Frank Reynolds, an engineer. He suggested that, based on Lynne's concerns, he and a financial/accountant, Larry McKnight, would also come for an initial visit. Frank and Larry were able to understand exactly what the issues were and how to help. Lynne remembers that, from the start, the SCORE representatives were professional and polite, very ready to assist with anything that was requested. They asked many questions and presented ideas. They even spoke with the tech team and encouraged them to begin to analyze where they were now and where they were going. Frank made suggestions regarding timing for repairs, and standardizing pricing based on an analysis of time and type of job. Larry went home with information from QuickBooks and came back with detailed suggestions based on the books. He showed Lynne how to access the reports from QuickBooks and measure tech time and labor vs. subsequent charge outs for labor. The company had been giving so many breaks that if they continued they would not be there much longer. Small changes had a big impact almost immediately.
Quotes about SCORE
Lynne: “Absolute Best Thing We Ever Did!
“I was desperate, it was costing far too much to get answers from an accountant, even the accountant knew that, and then SCORE came in and rescued us
“They know what it takes to run a business, and they are there for you 100%
“There is no catch, and I really thought there must be. But in fact they won’t even accept chocolate or flowers unless I insist they give them away to someone else.”
Jeff: "I am so busy running my business that I don't have time to stop and evaluate things, SCORE shows me how to do that.
" SCORE helps me look at my business from the outside in".
Tom and Jeff
Quotes about the business
“We trust Jeff totally and his response time is A #1. Jeff gets creative within the restraints of the budget, advising what we should do now and should not do now. Anyone who would like can call me and ask more!”
Village of Webster –Kathy Vendell, Treasurer.
“We have done business with Jeff’s Computer Service for the past few years on a business and personal level and we could not be more satisfied. Jeff and his staff provide quick, professional service and understand the need for prompt, individual attention and flexibility in order to accomplish my computer needs. Thanks Jeff, you have saved the day many times – and all at a reasonable price!”
Webster Asphalt & Sealing, Webster, NY. -Val Franco.
“Open communication, good service, very accommodating and very responsive. Our computers are so important to our business, and Jeff services all 9 stores. We call, and he comes. I trust him completely.” Hair Zoo- Gary Reed.
“Jeff comes right over and is patient, professional, and knowledgeable. Confidentiality/security is important for us. Jeff taught us to safeguard our business information. I feel completely comfortable with Jeff because he tells me what I need and don’t need, so I don’t waste time or money!”
Choice One Disposal- Webster, NY. –Debbie.
If you have an existing business or are starting a new one, consider how your company may benefit from SCORE’s counseling. Call for a free counseling appointment at one of our many locations. While you are there, ask your SCORE counselor how you might tap into our 60-plus membership knowledge bank to further address your particular business and industry concerns.