Terrill Jarvis installs firewall software on a client's computer

Featured Business
Electronics Unlimited, LLC

By Dawn Anderson

Imagine your computer stops working...a horrifying thought to most of us. Not every business has a computer repair specialist on staff. What you need is someone who can come to you fast and fix your computer!

Terrill Jarvis and his wife Becky started Electronics Unlimited in 1995 because, “we saw a need in Cedar Mill for personalized on-site computer repair and service for businesses and home users,” said Becky. “We go to our customers and work around their schedules.” They started by posting a flyer at Bales Thriftway which caught the eye of their first customer, Frank Myers. They now have over 600 customers in the Portland area.

The dust and dirt inside this computer can affect performance or even damage the components. Regular cleaning is advised.

Electronics Unlimited offers solutions for hardware and software issues, virus/spyware/adware removal, maintenance and security. In fact, “Our most popular request is dealing with computer security issues. For businesses this typically involves installing Juniper firewalls and for individuals who are using online banking we install firewall hardware and software for added security,” Terrill explained.

They are licensed Toshiba Authorized Resellers. “We purchase Toshiba laptops and then add value by installing software,” said Terrill. A new service they are offering is Preventative Care Plans. “We clean the computer inside and out...removing all those messy fingerprints and performing general cleanup which helps the computer to run faster,” said Terrill. This is done on a quarterly basis. They also clean students’ computers prior to heading to college and then again during spring break.

Another unique service Electronics Unlimited offers involves the use of specialized software to wipe out a computer’s hard drive before it is recycled. “In this day and age of identity theft, this is a very important step to take,” cautions Terrill. In addition, they offer their clients the convenience of having the company take care of arranging for the computer to be recycled through Quantum Recycle or Free Geek.

The Jarvises operate Electronics Unlimited out of their home. Becky manages the business. She handles marketing, customer relations and scheduling. Terrill takes care of the computer work. He has many years of experience with Microsoft Windows, Novell and a wide variety of common software programs, as well as extensive experience with all Intel processors. Prior to starting Electronics Unlimited Terrill worked as a subcontractor for Intel, performing processor and IT support. He was also employed at a local computer service and repair company. Becky worked at the University of Oregon in the Office of Multicultural Affairs. They have really enjoyed being able to work together for the past twelve years.

Electronics Unlimited has a large variety of clients. They work with small and large businesses, residential customers, home-based businesses and nonprofits. Local customers include Richard Uppinghouse, owner of General Maintenance and Peggy Carmichael and John Resch; satisfied residential customers. Most of their clients are repeat customers. “Terrill?’s patient, friendly nature makes him an excellent teacher,” said Becky. He is willing to take the time to go over everything with clients and he always assures them that he is only a phone call away if they have any additional questions.

Twenty percent of Electronics Unlimited new business comes from client referrals. The other eighty percent of new customers learn about the company from their ad in the Yellow Book. Unlike many businesses that are moving away from the printed yellow pages to online listings, they have found that it is important to maintain their ad. “When your computer is not working you are not able to use the online phone book to find a computer repair company,” explained Becky with a smile.

There are many advantages to working with a home-based computer service and repair business. “We can offer lower service rates since we do not maintain a retail shop 40 hours a week,” said Becky. Another advantage is that “we answer phones and have appointments in the evenings and on weekends when most retail computer service and repair shops are closed.”

A major challenge facing the business is how to expand when Terrill is the “face” of the company. Electronic Unlimited now has two part-time employees that work with Terrill. Patrick Dilley has over 15 year of computer experience and Peter Batistel has over 10 years of experience in the computer field and is A+ certified. They have been a big help to Terrill although it has been hard for some long time clients to accept someone new assisting them.

Community involvement is very important to the Jarvises. They enjoy helping local non-profits. Over the years they have worked with Growing Gardens, African American Health Coalition, City Club of Portland and Brief Encounters. They have also donated services to ARC of Washington County and PSU Small Business Outreach Program.

Electronic Unlimited has been a member of the Cedar Mill Business Association (CMBA) since 2006. They would like to see more workshops for small businesses to help them grow their business and more networking opportunities. Becky would also like the CMBA to consider operating a shared office space. Her thoughts on this are to “offer a professional meeting space for home-based businesses to meet with new clients; a place to have packages shipped as it can be difficult if you are not home when a package is delivered, especially if a signature is required; a small community meeting place; resources and books pertaining to small business; and an office space for the CMBA.”

The Jarvises love the community feel of Cedar Mill. “It’s a nice place to raise a family. We especially like visiting the farmer’s market,” said Terrill. Becky is an artist who specializes in basket weaving. She does a few shows each year; the most recent was the Southwest Presbyterian Church Celebration of Creativity. The Jarvises enjoy spending time with their family, camping and traveling in the Pacific Northwest. Their four-year-old son, Zachary, loves to explore the local parks.

You can reach Electronic Unlimited, LLC at 503-848-9191. www.eucomputers.net.

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