Computer service firm helps military families

By Peijean Tsai

Over the past 11 years, Fortress Computer Pros has serviced more than 8,500 consumers and businesses in Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Escondido and throughout San Diego County.

Fortress Computer Pros owner Marc Jobin. Photo by Peijean Tsai

But it’s the free work the business has done for military families that moved the local nonprofit organization Homefront San Diego to honor Fortress owner Marc Jobin with a certificate of appreciation on Monday.

Fortress Computer Pros refurbishes computers donated to Homefront, an all-volunteer group assisting military families. Fortress cleans up and optimizes used computers, formatting hard drives, installing anti-virus software, free office programs and a new operating system. These computers are then distributed to local military families so they can email their deployed loved ones, take classes online and more.

Fortress started helping military families through Homefront a year and a half ago and works on two to three computers a month sent from the nonprofit.

“It’s been a very rewarding experience,” said Jobin, reflecting on meeting the families that receive the computers. “I have a tremendous respect for the military and the sacrifice the families go through. It just seemed an amazing opportunity…a way to give back.”

The locally owned and operated computer store in Rancho Bernardo is co-owned by Jobin and his wife JoAnn. Their son Seth joined the business in 2005.

Fortress is a state-licensed company with a dual focus to service consumers and businesses. For consumers, the business handles in-shop repairs for PC and Mac laptop and desktop computers, including eliminating viruses, upgrades, hardware repairs, data recovery, and more. Fortress also offers in-home services. The business also sells computer parts and custom-built PCs.

Fortress also is a managed services provider for small- to medium-sized businesses, helping offices set up and keep their networks running smoothly, including offering remote assistance. Businesses can have as few as one or two computers up to 100 computers.

“We become their IT department because we’re a lot less expensive than hiring an in-house support person,” said Jobin.

Fortress’ staff of seven, which includes four technicians, services a variety of businesses including: Dream Design Builders (a remodeling and construction company) and K.I.D.S. Therapy Associates (a youth occupational, physical, and speech therapy clinic).

“We answer the phone; we’re always here,” he said. “We’re also a team…not a one-man operation, so we can support businesses better that way.”

The business services 30 to 40 computers a week, according to Jobin, and what sets Fortress apart is its integrity to customers. Also, Fortress prioritizes personal service and its flat-rate pricing for in-store services provides a great value over competitors, he said.

“We deal fairly and honestly with our clients,” said Jobin. “We won’t sell them things they don’t need.”

Fortress initially opened as a Computer Doctor franchise in March 2000 in the High Country West neighborhood of Rancho Bernardo. In February 2004, the Jobins separated from the franchise and changed the name to Fortress, a reference to a Bible verse from the Book of Psalms. Fortress Computer Pros moved to its business park location in December 2005, and to its 3,100-square-foot suite in January 2011.

Fortress Computer Pros is located at 11305 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 106, and online at www. fortresscomputerpros.com. The phone number is 858-451-7020.

Short URL: http://www.pomeradonews.com/?p=11171

Posted by Steve Dreyer on Apr 14 2011. Filed under Business, Business Profiles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry