Data Doctors Computer Services
Rich Dad Special Achievement in Entrepreneurship Award
Data Doctors Computer Services has been connecting people with technology for 18 years. It was founded in Phoenix and now has operations in 70 retail locations in 26 markets. The first franchise opened in 2002. The company provides service and repair, data recovery, home and businesses services and new systems.
Ken Colburn is president and chief executive officer. Ken co-founded the company with David Sperber. Twelve people work at the Tempe national corporate headquarters. The company focuses on the customer instead of their technology, a defining value that differentiates it in the marketplace and has been critical to its success.
Company Profile
Name of Business: Data Doctors Computer Services
Nature of Business: Computer service, repair, sales
Address: 2082 E. University Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281
Web: www.datadoctors.com
Founded: 1988
Employees: 34
"Our employees spend as much time as necessary with customers... to resolve their problems and educate them on how to avoid them again."
-Ken Colburn and David Sperber, Co-founders
Data Doctors Computer Services
Tech-based business models often depend on high volumes and low margins, where numbers are more important than people. The Data Doctors' business model is as simple as its technology is complex: Consumers and small businesses need a localized, convenient and trustworthy environment to deal with their technology issues. With Data Doctors, they get an old-fashioned neighborhood IT department.
Data Doctors wants to promote the public's understanding of technology, too, by using a repeatable set of processes to service computers. This, too, sets it apart from its competitors, who often rely on trial and error.
The company measures its success by how much value it creates for its customers, its employees and the community. Data Doctors helps parents cope with the "dangers of the Internet" in the home. This free community service, launched in 2004, includes a "Safe Surfing Guide" and sessions with parents to guide them on everything from detection of undesirable content to the use of software to block and track their children's Internet usage.
