Longtime IT consultant opens up shop in Palmer

PALMER — For many in this ever-changing information age, finding a good IT guy is akin to finding a good car mechanic — trust is everything. Whether it’s easing the anxiety of keeping security patches up-to-date or creating a full daily data backup for a small business, finding a trusted pro for that laptop or network is vital.

Rent-a-Geek Alaska owner Jamie Hushower has fielded the anxious phone calls and seen the tears that come when a system goes down, but his company’s mission is simple: they know how to fix it, and rest assured that it will be done right.

“There is no shortage of people who know how to work on computers,” said Hushower, who opened a Palmer storefront in March after more than 10 years as a consultant. “There is a shortage of people who can do the job right. We pride ourselves on personalized service.”

Although Hushower said he has been interested in computers since the sixth grade, once in college, he studied “biology and the natural sciences like we were supposed to, but then all those jobs were taken,” he joked, adding that he was hired for a part-time IT job while still in school. He moved later moved into the field full time, but wasn’t interested in programming as much as the physical aspect of repair.

“I have always been more interested in taking things apart… I think you don’t have to know it all — you just have to have a logical mind,” Hushower said, adding that after a few years at larger IT firms he gravitated to more one-on-one relationships with clients cultivated through his work as a consultant.

One longtime client said Hushower knows his stuff, and has fostered a trusted relationship in the process.

“He’s just a great all-around guy who basically keeps us running,” said Leslie Plikat, the Chief Operating Officer of Fidelity Title in Anchorage as well and Mat-Su Title. “Whether it’s new programs, upgrades — he just installed a new operating system — Jamie has been great.

“He better not go anywhere,” she joked.

While his business services primarily include custom computer workstation and server builds, network architecture and administration as well as continuous maintenance programs, Hushower said he has been pleasantly surprised by the residential traffic now that the physical storefront, located at 104 E. Arctic Ave., has opened. Hushower also credited his lead tech, James Rivard, with building that residential client base.

“James was a one-in-a-million find. We’re always looking for the best fix and he is great with people and in getting things done right,” said Hushower, whose wife Carol also is part of the business. “Carol is marketing, web design as well as the painter,” he said, motioning to the interior’s dark red/blue-green color scheme with clean, industrial accents.

Along with doing their best to bring that desktop or laptop back to life, Rent-A-Geek’s other residential services include new computer setup, data recovery and backup as well as hardware upgrades and replacements. They can even replace a cracked laptop screen. House calls are offered, but appointments well in advance are requested.

While PCs make up the bulk of the work, they do service Apple laptops and desktops. Hushower said selling computers or parts isn’t part of the business plan for now.

“We can’t really compete with the Walmarts or Best Buys when it comes to selling computers, but we can certainly fix it when it breaks,” he said.

And while the primary focus is on repair, the Rent-A-Geek family also has a penchant for gaming, which will be on display next month during Palmer’s Dec. 12 Colony Christmas celebration. Hushower said Rent-A-Geek will host “A Very Merry Minecraft” competition at the shop and will have treats and candy for participants.

To learn more, call 745-5060, visit the shop at 104 E. Arctic Ave., South Suite, or go online to www.geeksalaska.com. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Contact reporter Steven Merritt at 352-2269 or steven.merritt@frontiersman.com