Rent-A-Geek Announces Major Expansion
Leading Technology Services Firm Responds to Growing Demand with New Offices, Expanded Services
May, 2005. Vernon, B.C. Rent-A-Geek, a leading technology services firm supporting a worldwide client base and located in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, announced today a major expansion of its services.
The privately-held company, established in 1998, reports annual revenue growth in excess of 500% and a customer base that is expanding in both numbers and scope. Its remote on-line technical support service, Click-A-Geek, allows the company to service a worldwide client base. Customers are located in B.C., across North America, and Europe, Asia and Australia. Its mobile technicians, known as “Geeks” who provide on-site computer support to local businesses and residents, have expanded their service regions from the Greater Vernon Area to include the larger Kelowna market and other key Okanagan regions where demand is increasing.
British Columbia has enjoyed major growth in the number of entrepreneurial and home-based businesses. According to Western Economic Diversification Canada’s report, “Small Business Profile 2004: A Profile of Small Business in British Columbia”, 98 per cent of all businesses in the province are considered "small", with the majority employing under five people. In 2003 there were 359,600 small businesses in B.C., 208,300 of those self-employed entrepreneurs with no employees.
Rent-A-Geek’s customers represent businesses as well as residential computer users. Founder and president Keith Schiehl says, “We have a strong small business component to our customer base, but residential customers also make up an important segment. We have grandparents coming in with virus-infected computers after their grandchildren have visited and downloaded music and games. We have customers who use their computers every day to stay in touch with loved ones. There is such diversity in our customer portfolio.”
Rent-A-Geek’s expansion included a new spacious head office in Vernon, advanced portable communications devices for its mobile techs, “Geek Mobile” cars emblazoned with the Rent-A-Geek graphics and logo, and additional full-time employees. Schiehl is still on the look-out for new hires, especially motivated technicians who demonstrate a keen interest in customer service excellence.
The company’s revenue influx is being “plowed back into the business” for ongoing technology upgrades, advanced telephony systems, staff, and marketing. Schiehl expects that by June of this year, he will see lowered expenses outflow as a result of these investments.
The company’s web site, www.rentageek.ca, offers free tips and advice for computer users. Says Schiehl, “Our overriding goal is to educate people about the technology they are using. There are constant threats that people need to be aware of, and protect their systems from, like viruses, spyware, and identity theft. We want people to have fun with technology - safely.”
The company’s motto, “We serve people first, and we just happen to be great technicians as well,” reflects a business philosophy that is making others take notice. The company is featured in the May issue of Canada’s SOHO Business Report magazine.
Schiehl’s long term plans include a training centre for future franchises, a business move he foresees taking root in about five years.
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Press Contact:
Keith Schiehl
250-542-4335
