Computer specialist helps clients unleash cyber-potential
By Anne Polta, Staff Writer, West Central Tribune
July 13th, 2004
WILLMAR -- Almost every day, Roy Stiff deals with people who are mystified by computers, frustrated with them or don’t know how to make the most of the technology.

His mission: to help them unleash the potential of their computer -- and share their newfound knowledge with others.

It’s why Stiff, with more than two decades of experience in computer design and programming, formed KandiComp LLC in April.

“My No. 1 personal hope is to build relationships and knowledge-sharing networks,” he said. “I want to encourage people to learn and take chances with their computer.”

He’’s tapping into an underserved market: Small-business owners, nonprofits and home users who need computer know-how but lack the resources and training

for it.
“One of the needs is for cost-effective, compassionate service,” he said. “These are probably the people who need it the most.”

KandiComp offers computer repairs and upgrades for hardware, operating systems, software and networks. Stiff can custom-build computers and small networks tailored to the owner’s needs. He’ll provide training that helps his clients use their computers more effectively.

He can help businesses and home users salvage their operating systems if they get hit by a virus. He’ll even help businesses make the leap into online
commerce and Internet marketing.

The customers he hopes to reach dwell in a niche that’s often invisible: The family on a tight budget who acquires a hand-me-down computer in need of major repairs. The self-employed business owner who wants to start a Web site but doesn’t know how. The churches and nonprofits that can’’t afford to spend a lot on technical expertise.

“I want them to be independent. I want them to have good-running machines that serve them well,” Stiff said.

More than that, he wants his customers to pass on what they learn so they can help others in the same boat.

It’s this cooperative aspect that makes KandiComp singular; Stiff knows of only one other computer cooperative in the United States that matches what he’s doing.

Stiff’s knowledge of computers began more than two decades ago when he worked as an assembler for Control Data. Over the years he learned about
computers inside and out. He did volunteer consulting for churches and donated untold hours helping Community Christian School maintain its computers.

His eclectic background also includes stints as a telephone crisis counselor and later as an ordained minister. Both have shaped his approach to business. He sees what he’’s doing as a ministry. “I don’t want to do this if it’’s just a business. I have to feel like I’’m giving something back,” he said. “I don’’t want to be just the computer repair guy. I want to work with people who are disadvantaged or who are compassionate to others.”

He especially wants his clients to feel more confident about using a computer.

Take one of his customers, the owner of a small business. She was so frustrated with her computer that she was literally ready to junk it, until Stiff sat down with her and showed her how to use it.

Tech support has gained a bad rap for often having poor people skills, Stiff said.

It’s a stereotype he hopes to break. “You can’t serve your clients if you can’’t relate to their needs,” he said. “People will abandon their computers if they don’t feel hopeful about them.”

Willmar business owner Duane Rengel says there’s “absolutely” a niche for what Stiff is doing.

Rengel, owner of Gerry’’s Liquors, was having trouble last winter with his business computer. “The computer just didn’t have enough memory to handle all the

programs I was using,” he said. It had also been infected by a virus.
He called Stiff, who fixed the virus problems and upgraded the memory.
“It works very well now,” Rengel said. A few months later, he also had Stiff do some repairs on his home computer. “I really liked the service we got from him. He does a good job,” Rengel said.

Stiff is working out of his home while he gets KandiComp launched, but he plans to open an office in downtown Willmar. He also works part time at Maracom, where his wife and business partner, Beth, is employed too.

Two decades among circuit boards and software have made Stiff passionate about what computers can do.

They’re more than business tools, he said. They enable people to seek out information, communicate over long distances and connect with the rest of the world. Those who don’t know how to use the technology can end up being profoundly disadvantaged, he said. “If they don’t have access, they are left behind and oftentimes without an awareness of what’s possible for them. …… The quality of life can improve with the help of computers. God designed us to be creative and computers help us realize that creativity. At our best we all want to learn more and be more.”

Contact Stiff at 235-2701 or support@kandicomp.com .