“More Bytes for the Buck”

(1,119 Words)

(Interview published on March 26, 2005 in the Door County Advocate, a Gannett publication)

From memory to motherboards, from “flash drives” to “mod” towers-everything a person needs to build a computer is available at M & M Computers. The “M’s” in M & M Computer belong to Mike Bloom and his mother, Mary, who serves as the accountant for the business “We named it M & M Computers because it’s simple and I like the way it ties in-it stands for Mike and Mary,” Bloom said. During a recent interview, he described the store’s unique inventory and services. Bloom’s business philosophy encompasses three main areas: excellent customer service, a complete array of computer accessories and parts, and competitive pricing.

The front window display features a racy “mod” case, now one of the hottest commodities for “gamers.” Inside the shop, accessories cover the walls and various processors line the shelves, below. A laptop sits on the checkout counter, while flat top monitors and desktop PC’s attract the visitor, from the far wall. “Basically, I want to give the customer a clean store with a friendly atmosphere. We’re not going to tech talk you to death,” Bloom said.

Meanwhile, a technician named Steve Rouse emerged from a workroom that abuts the building’s rear, tending to the computers and the occasional shopper. Bloom, also a technician and the store’s affable and hard working owner, joked that when he interviewed Rouse, he said, “Here’s what we have to know-everything.” He knew that customers would want to know which new Windows software is coming out, which software is comparable, and which software runs on Windows, for example, and they know the answers. Both technicians are certified in all aspects of computers and networking

Bloom, who used to work as a database programmer for corporate clients, opened the business in October 2004 after six weeks of remodeling the building that once housed Brian’s Bait Shop on Madison Avenue. Originally a Green Bay resident, he has lived in Door County, since July 2004. “I love it up here,” he said. An avid fisherman, he also enjoys hiking, boating, and observing the fall colors. Bloom decided to open a computer shop in Sturgeon Bay because “it needed to be here.” After researching the area, he wanted to offer people a place to drop by and purchase parts for their computer, if they so desired. “I knew there was nothing like that around here,” he said.

The customer needs to know three things, however, when shopping for or building a new computer: the size of the hard drive, the CPU’s gigahertz or megahertz, and the size of the memory. “Everything else is just bells and whistles,” Bloom said. “Your motherboard is what everything plugs into; the hard drive runs your operating system and programs, and the memory runs the programs--the more you have the faster the programs will respond.”

Bloom is also experimenting with merchandising generic ink cartridges, manufactured by a company called Discountink.com. He has used their product for four years, now, and said that the equivalent cartridges will fit any name brand that the printer calls for, with no change in quality. Since the cost of ink often takes a huge bite out of a computer owner’s byte budget, the comparatively low cost of these cartridges appeals to the consumer.

Bloom’s research and discussions with the public also revealed the need for computer repairs that could be completed with deadlines in mind. His experience as a database programmer for corporate employers, Bloom said, gave him an insight into the importance of timely repairs and how crucial down time may become, for some people. “When I opened the store, I wanted people to know that if they bring a computer in before noon or even 3 o’clock, it’ll be done that day. We know what we’re doing-we’re both certified. Usually, we can figure it out within an hour or two.”

“We repair every (brand of) computer, every laptop, and every printer. Dot matrix computers are a little tougher because they’re older.” They also repair and may order Macintosh systems. Because of insufficient demand, however, Macs are not part of Bloom’s in-store inventory, though they ship to the store, within a day or so.

A significant amount of M & M’s repair service involves ferreting out virus infestations. Bloom and Rouse try to stay abreast of all the latest virus information by subscribing to various company newsletters that offer virus research because it is important for a computer business to offer more than one virus scanning software.

If asked, both technicians are knowledgeable in the use of Quickbooks and Internet parental control software, as well as the pros and cons of various Internet service providers. Businesses may also contact them for research and consulting advice about new software programs. Bloom also encourages customers to take advantage of telephone support. “You can call me anytime you want, between my hours of operation,” he said. M & M’s network is hooked up to each of the ISP’s that are available in Door County. If a customer calls to troubleshoot a problem, the technicians walk him through a checklist of the most common causes.

Customers may drop off their computers for in-store service or request pick-up from their homes. On-site service is also available. “Right now, we’re probably the lowest price for repairs,” Bloom said.

M & M’s inventory includes both new (already built) and used computers, all competitively priced and expandable. Warranties range from one year on parts and labor for new computers, to “anywhere from one month to six months” for a used computer. In addition, customers may choose from Windows ’98, 2000, or XP operating systems. “If you don’t need XP, don’t buy it. Upgrading is not always the best way to go,” Bloom said. M & M Computers also buys used computer parts.

“We’re a one-stop computer shop-you won’t have to go anywhere else.” M & M plans to start offering drop-off and pick-up service to Washington Island, soon. Other expansion ideas include stocking more specialty computers, PDA’s, MP3 players, and other office machines, this spring, as well as accessories for gamers. By April, Bloom hopes to complete the business’ web site and online store, now under construction at http://www.mmcomputersst.com/1024/index.htm

“Business is good. People are happy with us,” Bloom said. M & M Computer is already giving back to the community; last December, they donated 50 optical (laser) computer mice to the Sturgeon Bay High School. Bloom hopes to continue serving the public, in similar ways.

For more information, contact M & M Computers at (920) 746-1200 or send e-mail to mmcomputersst@yahoo.com. Located at 142 S. Madison Avenue, business hours run from 8:30-6 p.m., until April 16^th, extending to 7 p.m., during summer. The shop opens from 10-3 on Saturdays.