News

The Computer Guys and Tecniks Merge

Merger to Provide Firms with Wide Range of IT Products and Services

NATICK, Mass., June 28, 2007 The Computer Guys, Inc. and Tecniks, Inc. announced today that they have merged their existing businesses. The new entity, under the name of The Computer Guys, Inc. (TCG), will serve over 700 Boston-area firms with a comprehensive range of Information Technology (IT) products and services.

"This merger will benefit our customers by expanding the breadth of products and services that we offer," said Frank McDonough, co-founder and president of The Computer Guys, Inc. "We are well-positioned to offer high quality IT solutions for our growing customer base."

A Tecniks founder and new Director of Managed Services of TCG, Robin Seavey agreed. "As we transition through the merger, our respective customers can expect to continue to experience the exceptional service for which both companies are known. We will be phasing out the Tecniks name over time, but that should be the only change that our customers notice."

Hugh Fitzpatrick, President of New England Title, and a Tecniks client, is very pleased with the merger transition. "Under our TecCare™ preventative maintenance agreement with TCG, they have continued to be proactive in keeping our technology running optimally. Additionally, we have maintained our relationship with our primary technician who knows our IT systems and the impact on our business as well as we do."

For more information, please contact Susan Zaney, TCG Director of Marketing at szaney@thecomputerguys.com, 508-650-9917.

About The Computer Guys, Inc.
TCG has been delivering computer and network service, support and maintenance to Massachusetts businesses since 1987. They can be found on the web at www.thecomputerguys.com

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Frank McDonough recognized by Worcester Business Journal

Frank McDonough is one of 40 people being recognized as a successful business leader and contributor to the community in the Worcester Business Journal's annual 40 Under Forty list. Click here to view the PDF file.

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TCG In The News Again!

Make Recruiting Part Of Your Sales Message

By Peter Fabris (February 15th, 2006)

The Computer Guys, a 17-person IT services firm in Natick, Mass., achieves a competitive edge by having the same technician service the same clients week after week. This strategy fosters personal relationships between technicians and clients, which enables responsive, proactive service, says co-founder John Stone. It also helps set The Computer Guys apart from larger competitors.

But this business model presents a challenge. In order to win new customers, the firm must hire additional technicians to serve them. "It's absolutely critical for us to keep hiring people and upgrading our staff's skills," Stone says.

Though the firm receives many employment applications, finding qualified people is difficult, since larger competitors can afford to pay higher salaries. But Stone's firm presents advantages for prospective recruits, including the opportunity to acquire a wider breadth of experience and knowledge than larger competitors typically provide. Larger firms' technicians are highly specialized, focusing on either help desk, hardware or software, while The Computer Guys' technicians often support all three areas, Stone says.

So how can a small firm get the word out about their unique business model to both prospective clients and qualified recruits? By having its marketing initiatives do double duty. This can be relatively simple and inexpensive to achieve. All it takes is a little planning and coordination.

Sometimes, recruiting messages can be subtly embedded in marketing activities. The Computer Guys, for instance, distributed a press release last year touting its new 24-hour remote managed services. Though the main message targets potential new clients, by placing the announcement in a prominent location on its Web site's home page, the firm is able to also reach prospective recruits who are referred to the site in help-wanted ads. They learn of the opportunity to use cutting-edge remote IT management tools from the press release.

More direct tactics work, too. "Marketing and recruiting should take a look at all ad placements in trade publications with a recruiting eye, since recruits read them too," suggests Kathryn Sprankle, a San Francisco-based management consultant to architecture and engineering firms. "You can add the line, 'We're a great workplace, and we're always looking for qualified people.' Then put your Web address and/or a contact person in the ad so that prospective candidates can find out more about the firm. This also sends a great message to clients - that you are growing - and they may even refer candidates to you as a result."

Another tip: when your firm participates in a trade show or other event that potential recruits also will attend, bring a recruiter. He or she can work the crowd for potential new employees while also meeting potential prospects that can be referred to your salespeople.

How many other ways can you use marketing to boost your pool of recruits? Put your mind to it, and you're bound to find many more.

source: smallbizresource.com

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TCG Acquires Loring Computer Services Clients

Loring President Michael Loring Joins TCG

Natick, MA, March 21, 2006 - The Computer Guys, Inc. (TCG), an expert in strategic IT services for small and medium-sized businesses, recently acquired the clients of Loring Computer Services of Marlboro, MA and hired its president, Michael Loring, to join the TCG team.

"We're happy to welcome Mike and his clients as part of TCG," says John Stone, TCG co-founder and principal. "Now the Loring clients will have access to our managed services and server monitoring program. They'll also be able to call to speak with an experienced Help Desk staff whenever they have questions or need troubleshooting."

Says Mike Loring of his new role with TCG: "This new arrangement is a win-win for me and my clients. It allows me to deliver a smooth continuation of client service while helping me to focus on doing the work I love rather than running the business. Personally and professionally, it's a great move."

As a way of smoothing the transition for Loring's clients, TCG is offering a 30-day discount on all its normal rates for the first month of the new arrangement. They are also encouraging Loring clients to visit TCG's web site at www.thecomputerguys.com to take a vulnerability assessment to identify potential threats to their systems and sign up for TCG's monthly email tips, which are designed to keep clients' technology running optimally.

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TCG Wins 2nd Small Business of The Year Award!

Framingham, MA, November 21, 2005 --- The Computer Guys, Inc. (TCG), an expert in strategic IT services for small and medium sized businesses, was honored by the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce as an outstanding local business. The Chamber awarded The Computer Guys the Small Business of the Year Award at their November Annual meeting on November 17th.

According to the MetroWest Chamber, The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes businesses with fewer than fifty employees for their commitment to the community and the growth of their business in both revenue and employees. The Computer Guys were selected from several nominations for this year's award.

"The Computer Guys should be very proud to receive this award," said Lindsey Morris, Chair of the Small Business Council. "The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes TCG for their ability to maintain a strong commitment to the community while growing a successful business. Their support of the MetroWest English as a Second Language Program demonstrates their focus on giving back to the community."

"We are proud to receive this award," stated Frank McDonough, co-Founder of The Computer Guys. "Our business has been part of the local community for the past 15 years. Our top priorities have always been to provide excellent client service and to give back to the community that has supported our growth."

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The Computer Guys Unveil Two New Strategic Services

Helping Small and Medium-Size Businesses Manage Costs and Stay Secure

Natick, MA, June 28, 2005 --- Technology is not just a tool. It is the strategic advantage that gives companies a competitive edge. That is the foundation on which The Computer Guys Inc. (TCG), an expert in strategic IT services for small and medium businesses, built their newest service solutions. Today they announce that Help Desk and Managed Services are now available to companies with 5 to 75 computer users. These two new services extend their portfolio of high quality offerings that go beyond business continuity and support business growth.

"Small and medium sized businesses require the same type of services that large companies offer internally through fully-staffed IT departments, but they need it at a fraction of the cost. TCG's newest offerings provide enterprise level support ensuring a company is protected from security threats, maintains maximum up-time, and has immediate access to technology experts that can resolve their issues remotely and quickly.", said Frank McDonough president, The Computer Guys.

These new services complement the existing on-site support and service TCG has been providing for over 15 years, through their innovative Primary Tech program. "Assigning a primary technician is, and will continue to be, a key component of our service offerings," says McDonough. "However as security threats continue to rise, it is critical that our clients have access to monitoring, management, and support services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our goal is to continue to be a strategic partner to our clients by reducing their risk and taking work off their shoulders so they can focus on more important matters such as growing their business."

Help Desk and Managed Services are proactive, subscription-based services available immediately to new and existing customers.

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TCG Wins Business of the Year Award

Recognized By the Corridor Nine Chamber As An Outstanding Area Business

Natick, MA, June 20, 2005 --- The Computer Guys, Inc. (TCG), an expert in strategic IT services for small and medium businesses, has been recognized by the Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce as an outstanding local business. The Chamber awarded The Computer Guys the Business Of The Year Award at their May Annual meeting.

According to the Corridor Nine Chamber, the Business Of The Year Award is presented to a member business who has contributed time, talent, resources, ideas, energy and enthusiasm to the Corridor Nine Chamber and the communities it serves. The Computer Guys was selected from several nominations for this year's award.

"The Computer Guys have been active participants and supporters in many of the Chamber's programs," said Karen Chapman, Assistant Executive Director. "With their winning combination of community contributions and Chamber participation, TCG was hands down the choice for our 2005 Business of the Year award . We were all very impressed by John and Frank's [TCG's founders] initiative to create a business where they could be hands on, provide a high degree of customer service, and still find time to be active in the local community. Their work with the Natick Service Council and support of the MetroWest English as a Second Language Program are great examples of their contributions to our area.

"We are proud to receive this award," stated John Stone, Co-Founder of The Computer Guys. "Our business has been part of the local community for the past 15 years. Our top priorities have always been to provide excellent customer service and to give back to the community that has supported our growth."

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