Ben Thomas, owner of Simple Act Computers

   Ben Thomas knows he can fix computers. So he started a company.
   Simple Act Computers began almost exactly two years, after people saw him do them favors.
   “There was a need for a company that could come to a home or business for less then an arm and a leg,” he said, via e-mail. “Also, a lot of people bought computers not realizing what they were getting, or how to make it work for their application. Having a mother … with a successful local business, and a love of working with computers and people, I decided that maybe I could do what I most enjoyed while earning a living.”
   Thomas’ mother is Sondra Ashton who owns the Recovery Room Upholstery Shop.
From that one idea, Thomas said he has come to embrace the idea of having customers and his relationship with them.
   “My goals for my business,” he said, “have always been to maintain a long term relationship with my customers, (and) build custom solutions and systems to fit customers’ needs and budgets.”
   A continual effort to educate those he works with is also a part of what he wants to do. He wants to make computers simpler for people who use them. Hence the name.
   “I was brainstorming with my wife (and biggest supporter), when the name came up,” Thomas said. “It was discarded, but it lingered in the back of my mind. When the time came that I needed a business name it seemed like the right choice. It definitely says something about my business though, as we are constantly striving to make things as simple to understand and use as possible.”
   Thomas holds several Microsoft & Novell certifications as well as partnerships with top manufactures, including Intel, HP, AMD, and Compaq. This background knowledge helps at every level.
   “[I work] closely with customers ranging from the average Joe looking for a word processing laptop or upgrade, to the bigger business clients such as Bad Blanche, Windermere Real Estatey, International Plastics and Northwest Renovations.”
   Whatever the company, Thomas said, one problem plagues them all, and it’s the one he works on the most.
   “My most common support issue is definitely computer security,” he said. “Viruses, annoying (and sometimes damaging) advertisements and pop-ups are an ever increasing problem as the Internet becomes more and more an integral part of using a computer and running a business.
   “Solutions range from changing simple Internet settings and installing specific software, to hardware based firewall and virtual private network planning and implementation.”
   Thomas directs those with PowerMacs to other companies.
   As well as working to fix problems, Simple act sells custom-built systems and fully-warranted desktops, servers, laptops, as well as parts. Open-licensing for software is made available as is “large scale data storage,” fully integrated and backed by Hewlett Packard.
   “We also take donation computers and fix them to give to theaters and charity groups,” he said.

Simple Act Computers
Owner: Ben Thomas
Phone: (360) 698-1363
Website: www.simpleactcomputers.com
E-mail: support@simpleactcomputers.com