Regional resellers: Rockhampton

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Regional resellers: Rockhampton

We chat to three IT leaders from Queensland.

Clinton Contor, Centre State Computer Maintenance

I started as an apprentice in electronic component repairs, as well as doing printer and point-of-sale repairs. The company also did ATM and poker machine repairs. In 2004 the owner decided to sell the technology side of the business and I bought it. At this point, Centre State Computers became a pure technology business doing half warranty work and half professional IT support.

We grew our professional IT support arm with managed services and proactive support, which especially helps businesses not big enough to employ an IT tech. We still do a lot of warranty and contract work to repair equipment on others’ behalf. 

Years ago, a business would be happy to operate with one laptop. Now the same business wants a server and five computers. In IT, the more things change the more they stay the same. But we are definitely focused on being more proactive with our support and providing more value-added services, such as IP telephony and hosted applications.

Factfile

  • Headcount 12
  • Established 2004
  • Director Clinton Contor
  • Main vendors HP, Dell, Microsoft, Netgear, Octek

Bruce Kerr, Kerr IT Solutions

It started as a hobby while I was going through uni. I needed my computer upgraded within six months of buying it, so I put some RAM in it. Then I was helping my mates and their mates, and it grew from there.

I started the business 18 years ago and we are now the biggest new sales and repair facility in central Queensland. We have six full-time techs with more than 3,200 customers and a big percentage now are regulars. I’m an ex-farmer, so I believe in longevity and that things should be robust and kept simple.

We look after everyone from school students to one of the larger mines. We’re flat out and I’m looking for another technician. I won’t take on work to the detriment of existing customers. We are just opening a shop next door for boutique IT sales, with lounges and fast wi-fi and free coffee and tea.

For six years I’ve been writing a column for the local papers called Byte Me. It bring in more customers than anything else.

Factfile

  • Headcount 8
  • Established  998
  • Director Bruce Kerr
  • Main vendors HP, Intel

Des McCoombes, NewTech Networking

We are an IT consulting firm that mainly deals with businesses. We do everything from server installations and selling networks to software installations and troubleshooting. We don’t do retail, but we are warranty agents for Toshiba.

We have technicians at higher levels looking after networks for accountants, doctors and schools. We have maintenance contracts and one client where we have technicians on site managing their IT. We do pretty much most things business clients would need and have just branched out into cabling.

The fellow who started the business in the late 1990s was our business partner. I was IT director at a school and ended up going into partnership with him in 2006, then 12 months ago we took over when he retired.

Factfile

  • Headcount 10
  • Established 1998
  • Director Des McCoombes, Sharon McCoombes
  • Main vendors Toshiba, HP, Microsoft, Lenovo, VMware
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