When Niles’ Michael Reed decided to open a storefront for Custom Computer Company at 603 N. Second St. he wanted a place that he could share with the community.
“I just wanted a place where people could hang out,” Reed said.
The storefront, which celebrates its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony 9 a.m. Monday at the store, is laid out similarly to an internet café. Long couches are placed in front of a series of 10 TVs and tables with eight computers are accessible for free use. There is also a snack area, where Reed hopes to potentially install a Panini bar.
For Reed, who built his first computer in middle school, it seemed natural to follow his passion for technology and use it to help Niles residents and businesses. Reed studied at Southwestern Michigan College where he earned certificates in the field.
The store will offer complete computer servicing, including home visits, virus removal and hardware and bug fixes, as well as 24-hour emergency service repair, security installation and multiple technology related jobs.
He also offers technology upgrades for the home or business, including video surveillance security, TV installation and wall mounting.
While Reed has operated the business for more than a year, he said that the storefront would help him share his love of technology with others.
Reed bought the building two months ago and spent that time revamping the inside. This included improvements to the bathroom, installing new flooring and resolving the formerly multicolored walls to one shade.
While customers can come in to the store to do business, the storefront will also offer activities to those that share Reed’s passion for technology.
There will be multiple lock-in activities on the horizon, where up to 25 gamers can play in multiple tournaments from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Reed said they will aim to have two lock-ins a month.
“They can game with friends, play darts…or ping pong,” Reed said. “We are going to keep adding activities.”
Lock-ins will cost $20 a night and are for those 14 years old and up. Pizza from Front Street Pizza Pub will be sold for $1 per slice. Food from the snack area will also be available for the lock-ins and during regular store hours
At the foundation of his business, Reed said he wishes to offer reasonable rates to customers. Home service will not have an additional travel charge, as long as the home is within a 30- mile radius of the store. Servicing that is farther than 30 miles will cost an additional $1 per mile.
“I just do not believe in $110 an hour,” Reed said.
To help out nonprofits and churches, Reed said the work will be done at a 30 percent discounted rate.
Having been in the business for a year, Reed already has a reputation with area businesses and has been contacted for a number of upgrade and servicing projects.
Among the projects he has completed for local businesses is the technology installation at Front Street Pizza Pub. Custom Computer Company installed point of sales systems, sound, projectors and TVs.
With the opening of the storefront Reed hired a few additional employees, bringing in three full-time jobs and several out-source workers to get the job done.
In the future, Reed said he hopes to form partnerships with other technology companies that might also decide to call Niles home. IT3 Computer Company of Dowagiac has proposed moving into town and Reed said that the companies would work together to make sure technology needs of local businesses and residents are met.
In addition to aiming for fair rates and offering a storefront that serves the community, Reed said his company will work to tackle the tough jobs.
“When the other guys say ‘we cannot do it.’ It is like ‘Yeah, we will do it. Do not worry about it,’” Reed said.
To learn more about Custom Computer Company call (269) 235-0470.