Computer repair shop offers high level customer service
By Joe OlenickE-mail JoeLockport Union-Sun & Journal
TOWN OF LOCKPORT — Jerad Forsyth doesn’t sleep much.As the owner of Empire PC & Repair, Forsyth spends a lot of time at his new storefront at 5887 South Transit Road. He also takes house calls, offering help to those with computer problems at anytime.
He’s the only one working at Empire right now, but although he’s tired out, it’s OK with him.“I just want to make sure the customer gets the best possible service,” Forsyth said. “If I have to lose sleep to make this a success, then that’s what’ll happen.”
As he was talking a customer walked in to pick up a laptop Forsyth had repaired. Forsyth brought him the laptop, but then had a lengthy discussion with the customer.“He had a question so I just helped him out,” Forsyth said.
Forsyth started his computer repair business in his own home back in August. In December he moved to his Transit Road location, where he has some big plans. Those plans include creating a place for folks to play video games. Currently Forsyth had two televisions set up with video game systems in the store, as well as wireless Internet. “I’m going to have a gaming center eventually,” Forsyth said. “We’re going to have newer games, like Halo 3 and Call of Duty. Gaming computers and vending machines set up.”
But for now, Empire offers computer repair, computer assistance and some accessories. It also has a Web site, http://www.empirepcrepair.com/, where people can check out the different services Empire offers as well as some products. Among the computer hardware he sells, Forsyth also sells laptops, LCD televisions, monitors and printers.
Forsyth’s interest in computers started when he was a kid. He also took some business classes at Wilson High School, where he graduated in 2003 with high honors. But what really got Forsyth on his way was the Army which he joined right after high school. One morning, at about 6 a.m., Forsyth was summoned by his commanding officer.“He wanted his computer to talk to his printer,” Forsyth said.Forsyth was able to connect the computer to the printer.
After he was discharged, Forsyth went to work for a local computer store — eventually he moved on to doing computer repairs and becoming a service manager. While he was there, Forsyth graduated from ITT Tech in 2006 with high honors. He is also “A plus” certified, which is a computer technician level of certification.
Forsyth is also working on being network certified, which is the next level of certification for computer technicians.Empire PC & Repair also has partnerships with Seneca Data and TigerDirect, an electronics company.
That gives Empire access to computer equipment and custom laptops.Forsyth said he’s available just about 24/7. That kind of service should create customer loyalty, he said.“If they’re not happy, I’m not happy,” Forsyth said.
He added that someday he’d like to own a number of stores, thus building his “empire.” And to fulfill that dream all he has to do is sacrifice some sleep.
I can tell you this guy knows his stuff...and that's not just because he is my son..
