What makes us different?

That is a very good question.  People ask me all the time, what makes
buying a computer from CIOC different than buying a  Dell, Gateway,
or an HP /Compaq?

Well first of all, you are talking to the one who built your computer.   That's
the difference.  It's important for me to see that you are happy.  It's that simple.
Most other computers are not built in the U.S. and obviously the person
building it, isn't going to care too much about the person it's going to.

The second difference is quality of product.  There is a difference even if we
are talking about the motherboard or the processor.  Technology is always
changing, but why buy a computer that is already outdated. That would be
like paying for a new car that's already a year or two old. 

I just visited DELL's website and they are still selling last year's computers
and there really isn't a price difference.  Many companies are cutting corners
on the small parts - they figure people won't notice a slower hard drive,
processor, or memory.  However, I have always said "a lot of small details
can make a big difference when you add it up." Especially with computers.

The third difference, price.  Yes, I said price.  Back before I could buy wholesale, I put
together a computer for a friend of mine.  We compared my price to what the
person could buy through Dell.  Initially it appeared Dell may be cheaper. 
However, once the person went through the whole process of pricing it out
on the Dell website; the good deal they advertised wasn't such a great deal
anymore.  Bottom Line: Hey I can sell you a computer without a Windows disk
too but I won't do it.  What happens if you need to reinstall or repair Windows
someday?   You will end up paying for that disk even though you already
bought their computer.....

Lastly, length and quality of warranty.  Most companies provide a standard 90
day warranty.  Add-on warranties are sold at a premium upwards to an additional
$200 for 2 years.  I use quality parts so while my standard warranty is 1 year,
the CPU and motherboard is warranted up to 3 years. Hard drive is up to 5 years.

After getting horrible service from a computer repair shop in 1999, I started fixing and building
my own computers.  That was 9 years ago now!  All the computers I have built are
still running with the exception of 1 that appears to have been struck by lighting. 

Other accomplishments I am proud of:
In 2005, I found a security flaw in the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles website
where people were renewing online and unsecured.  The DVM contacted me and said
there was no problem and then closed down the site afterwards.  They have since
revamped their security.

In my early days, I helped build a multi-million $ travel company.  I was the 3rd top sales-
person for Uniglobe Travel in the United States. 

In 1990, I met with ValueVision/ShopNBC.com for a potential job.  They had just started up
and were trying to figure out the best way to sell their products on cable TV.  I suggested
that they should use 2 people during the show instead of just 1.  I guess the rest is history. 
They are now a $235 Million dollar company.  Isn’t that amazing?  That is just a part of who
I am.  My grandpa was an inventor.  I guess I got his genes and I come up with great ideas
all the time.