Student setting up shop in lofts

Engineering senior Rami Tony is diving into the business world by starting a computer repair business at UH called TechMonkies, which will be entirely student-run and opening in the fall at the new Calhoun Lofts business area.

“I have always wanted to have a shop, but I would worry about finding the right location and pricing,” Tony said. “When I found this retail space at the lofts, it clicked in my head that it would be the perfect location, because it is in the middle of a university campus.”

TechMonkies will provide a wide range of computer repair services such as LCD screen installations and replacements, password recoveries, memory upgrades, tune ups, backups, power jack replacements and soldering, virus and spy ware removal and wireless system networking.

“There are lots of students who have computer problems, and the school has problems with their computers at times, too,” Tony said.

Tony said that he thinks the only competition for TechMonkies in the surrounding area is Best Buy.

“My prices are so much lower and better than theirs that they will hardly seem like competition to me,” Tony said.

Tony said that he would fix virus issues for $60. He said that his service would be up to par, because he worked in this field for almost three years and has significant training and experience.

“I will also be offering an additional discount for students who use their Cougar Card,” Tony said.

As a child, Tony enjoyed taking his toys apart instead of playing with them. While living in Egypt, he did not have access to a computer, but started using one when he moved to Houston in 2000. He first became interested in computers after watching his cousin build one.

“I was really amazed. I started messing around with computers. I enjoyed taking them apart, putting them back together and fixing them,” he said. “I continued to learn about computers by reading online and experimenting.”

Tony began working at Best Buy, selling computers and electronics, and was promoted to working with the Geek Squad when they discovered his skills and abilities.

“I worked for Geek Squad for almost three years,” Tony said. “I did networking and setting up computers for businesses. I’ve basically done everything from A to Z with computers.”

Tony quit working for Best Buy’s Geek Squad last April to take summer school courses. After quitting, he continued to fix computers that his friends would bring him. He realized that he could keep doing this from home and started advertising his services on Craigslist. This brought him a lot of business and he did freelance work for about a year.

“I got to the point where I didn’t have to advertise anymore because my customers were referring me. I haven’t advertised in about four months, and I still have a lot of work coming in everyday,” Tony said. “Every customer I have ever had has been completely satisfied with my work and service.”

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