Today we’d like to introduce you to David Bensman.
Hi David, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was in the 7th grade my father brought home one of the first Macintosh computers. My handwriting is really bad and the editing functions of what was then called Macword were a godsend. That was when I fell in love with computers. Since then I attained a master’s degree in English and used computers my entire life.
Because I’m not really a math guy, however, before the internet hit computers for me were primarily word processors. After my Masters degree I’d been teaching English in Japan for 3 years and then when I came back home in 1997 the proliferation of the internet put computers in a whole new life for me. Suddenly what I could do with the computer was affecting every aspect of my life in a really positive way and I really wanted to be a part of that. I took a State Tech course that turned into a job at a company called Stream. At Stream I did Gateway phone support for a year. That year of being on the front lines of information technology is where I got the basis of my technical expertise. At the same time that I started that job I bought my first personal computer and took it apart and rebuilt it several times.
I had a couple of other Information Technology jobs after working at Stream. Those jobs allowed me to work with people and their computers, which is what I really enjoy doing. I felt, however, that I could provide better customer service and more effective iT solutions if I started my own business, worked directly with the customers, and was my own boss.
Thus, I started Bensman Home Computer Repair in March of 2001. My goal for my company has always been to provide the same level of service that I would provide to my mother. My mother is very smart, but not technologically literate and if I explain computer problems to her from that perspective she is very comfortable engaging with the entire repair process. At my company I realized that many people can fix computers. Just fixing the computer is not my goal. My goal is to fix the computer and provide for the client a level of communication where they understand what the problem is, what the best approach is for resolving the problem and why my suggestions are the best and most cost-effective. In short, I make the client a part of the process.
After I have repaired my clients computer I make sure that the computer is functioning in a way that is easy for them to use. I make sure to make their computer work the way they want it to work. The last question I ask any of my clients is “Do you have any more questions” and I do not leave the job until the answer is “No.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Obviously, starting a business and running it for 25 years is going to have its ups and downs. You definitely learn to adapt to changing circumstances. You learn to pull back to see the big picture as a lot of problems are merely a matter of perspective. I will say that I have made money every year I’ve been in business. Some less than others, for sure, but I’ve never gone hungry and my customers love me. So what more could you want? For me, running my own business was really the only way I ever could have gone. I realize now looking back that I do better if I’m sitting in the captain’s chair even if I’m only in a dinghy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As the sole proprietor of Bensman Home Computer Repair I go to people’s homes in the Memphis and surrounding areas and resolve their computer repair issues. If you were a computer does not turn on, does not get to the internet, won’t print, or has any other issues you can call me and we can make an appointment to have me come out to diagnose and resolve whatever is wrong with your system. I bring all the tools necessary to resolve your problems. I do not sell anything except for the odd cable, so any advice I give you is unbiased and based on 25 years experience as to what will best suit your situation.
What sets me apart from my competition is my commitment to personally resolving each and every computer repair issue in person while my client is sitting next to me. If the problem is best resolved by going to get a new computer the client and I go to get a new computer together. If the client needs new speakers as well then I show them their options and I give them advice as to which would be the best speakers to purchase. If the client needs a new monitor we go look at monitors and I show them the best monitor to meet their specific needs. My service is tailored to the needs of my client.
Because I have a master’s degree in English I have the ability to communicate very effectively and very efficiently to my clients regardless of what their technical expertise is. I always say that if my client doesn’t understand me it is my fault. Whenever I am explaining anything technical to a client I make sure to communicate in a way that they can understand me regardless of their technical expertise. Not every technician has this ability. I’m happy to say that I am very good at communicating technical issues to virtually anybody.
I do not rush clients through decisions. I give them the time and space to decide what is best for them based on my expert advice. In short, I offer concierge level technical assistance and expert level technical knowhow.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned running my business is that what one might consider a small thing might be monumental to somebody else. Last week I set someone’s printer up. It took me 10 minutes the average person might look at that as being not a big deal. A minor issue. My clients, however, we’re over the moon and called me a saint. While I do not consider myself to be a saint, my job has given me the perspective that doing something I might consider a minor task can be looked at by somebody else as a massive assistance.
Seeing computer problems from the perspective of my clients has been A goal that I have set since day one. A lot of technicians have difficulty doing that and it is been something that I have taught myself to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bensmanhomecomputerrepair.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bensmanhomecomputerrepair/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bensmanhomecomputerrepair/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BensmanHomeComputerRepai-zj4bg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bensman-home-computer-repair-bartlett?osq=bensman
