|
My Tech Guys History
  My Tech Guys was started in 2006 by Scott Swanson and Bob Wells to provide “Friendly in-home Computer Service” in the Comox Valley. Opening a store in Comox BC, My Tech Guys started with 4 employees and grew to 15 in less than 4 years. Focusing on in home service, they were amazed at how successful their retail sales were of their premium products at the end of their first year. My Tech Guys has had it share of difficulties, but customer support has kept the team striving to be their best. They opened their second store in late 2009 and become an Apple Authorized Reseller, further increasing their premium product line. Besides providing great customer service, they also support several local non-profit organizations such as Rotary, CVCDA (Comox Valley CHild Devlopment Association), ElderCollege, CYMC (the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre), Habitat for Humanity, Hospice, and YANA (You Are Not Alone). My Tech Guys has truly gained the title of “Friendliest Geeks in Town!”
  When My Tech Guys started in July 2006, there were already at least 14 computer companies in the Comox Valley, including the big box stores. The banks and Community Futures thought the market was already saturated and weren’t able to see the unique service My Tech Guys would offer their clients. So Bob and Scott decided to start the company using their own money. Their marketing was simple, Baby pictures on their business cards and the sides of their funky vehicles. They were blown away at the positive response they received and how busy they were. Then, 6 months after opening their store Bob’s wife gave birth to twins in Victoria. Due to difficulties the twins had to stay in intensive care for 4 months, which meant Bob had to stay in Victoria with them and try and help Scott run the business long distance. At the end of the 1st year, My Tech Guys had over 1000 customers and was recognized as one of the Best New Businesses by the BC Chamber of Commerce. Despite the difficulties, My Tech Guys still made it through its first year and Bob and Scott decided to hire a business coach, Ron Berry, to help build the business. Ron was able to get Bob and Scott to improve the business in ways they never could have imagined.
  With all the excitement of the first year, Bob and Scott looked forward to a quieter second year. However, shortly after Bob returned to work Scott’s wife had their 3rd child so Scott took some time off work to spend with his newborn son. Within a month Bob and his wife were in a car accident totaling one of the company's new vehicles they imported from Japan and causing Bob to miss another 2 months of work due to injuries. Bob returned to work but had to reduce his workload significantly to manage his injuries. Although it was a hectic and difficult time, My Tech Guys continued to grow and doubled their customers to 2500. They also won the 2008 MISTIC Best IT Services Award on Vancouver Island, further supporting their vision of a computer company focused on service.
  In their third year My Tech Guys continued to offer outstanding service and products, which resulted in winning the 2009 Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award.
In their fourth year My Tech Guys focused on expansion, opening a second store in Courtenay and becoming a Apple Authorized dealer, further increasing their premium product line. Staff increased to 12 with dedicated sales, ordering and management positions to help streamline the company. My Tech Guys increased their customer base to over 5000 and doubled their revenue from the year before.
The fifth year has started with winning the coveted Best Float Theme in the Canada Day Parade. We also the moved to a more retail friendly area in Courtenay on Cliffe Ave. The new Flag Ship store will continue to focus on selling premium Apple and ASUS computers as well as being an Apple Authorized Warranty Repair Centre.
  The future of My Tech Guys is as certain as their commitment to their customers. Scott has left to focus on his health after the stress of running a busy company was affecting his health and we wish him the best and will always be indebted to him. We are focusing their immediate growth in the Comox Valley for the next year before they start to look to neighboring communities like Campbell River. A new, bigger store that is centrally located on Cliffe Ave replaced our store on McPhee which will be more convenient for customers. Our Comox Store is still located in the heart of Comox in the Post Office building.
Since 2006 they have been able to celebrate many successes:
2007  Top New Business, BC Chamber of Commerce
2008 Best IT Service Company, MISTIC, nominated 5 years in a row
2009 Small Business of the Year, Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
2010 Business Growth Award, Small Business BC
2010 Canada Day Parade Best Float Theme
2011 40 Under Forty Award to Bob Wells, Business in Vancouver
2011 Christmas Parade Most Entertaining Float
2012 Canada Parade Best Float
2012 Christmas Parade Most Entertaining Float
Over 8000 Customers and still growing
|
