Tech Support in a Small-Business Atmosphere

In this technological age, computer and tech-related “box stores” have been popping up all over the place. , located at 438 U.S. 206 near Five Guys in Hillsborough, offers an alternative: computer sales and service with a small-business atmosphere.

“I’m trying not to be a box store; I’m trying to be more of a local store that’s here for the people and here to help people with their computers if they ever need a repair,” said David Molnar, owner and operator.

Molnar prides himself on the fact that his business offers a no-pressure approach. Dave’s Computers is free of promotions, meaning that the store specializes in giving customers exactly what they need.

“If they need to buy a computer, I’m not here to try to sell them all the features or add-ons that they don’t need. I’m here to tell you what your options are,” Molnar said. “I’m going to give you an unbiased opinion, versus the other places that are trying to sell a certain computer or a certain promotion. I really don’t have promotions, so there’s nothing pushing me to sell a certain product. It’s more how I feel about it.”

Customers of Dave’s Computers will also get service from someone who understands the ins and outs of current technology. Since age 6, Molnar has been learning about and fixing computers.

“Ever since then, I have been dedicating myself to a computer,” Molnar said. “I’ve been learning each computer that’s been out on the market.”

What made now the right time for Molnar, who has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, to start a business? Believe it or not, it was the state of the economy.

“(The economy) allows me to show the type of business I am. As a business owner, I can judge how to develop my business,” Molnar said. “If it’s a down economy and I’m doing well, I know that, during a good economy, I’ll do even better. If I’m located here and getting good enough traffic, and the economy gets better, it will convince me to stay here.”

Although his store has been open for just about a month, Molnar has already become part of a close-knit business community in Hillsborough.

“They seem to be really friendly; they want to help you out,” Molnar said of other local businesses. “I get a good vibe that everyone’s trying to help each other.”

Although he’s happy with his current location, Molnar has big plans for the future that involve not being part of a retail mall. Eventually, Molnar would like Dave’s Computers to have its own building.

“I want to have my own building where it’s just ‘Dave’s Computers’ and do full service, which means have my own set of vans that will go on-site, have people go in and drop off computers, and have a big stockroom where I have a lot of inventory,” Molnar said. “That’s the biggest thing as a small business; being able to afford a place on the main street.”