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Tech:bar is the computer service shop of core:tech, the Apple
Authorized Campus Store located inside LCCC’s bookstore,
Commodore Books and More. The shop repairs Mac and PC computers
and is an authorized service provider for Apple’s warranty
program, AppleCare. Services are available for students and
community members.
“The tech:bar is one more example of the value LCCC adds to the
community,” bookstore manager Patricia Clark said.
The repair desk is staffed by LCCC students Matt Vinson and
Craig Lopez, and Ben Brown, who is earning a bachelor’s degree
in network engineering from The
University of Akron through LCCC’s University
Partnership.
For Brown, working at the tech:bar is icing on the cake after he
discovered LCCC’s University Partnership. Brown earned an
associate degree in network engineering from
Sinclair Community College in
Dayton and was planning to
transfer to The University of Akron’s main branch when he found
out about LCCC’s partnership program. He moved to
Olmsted Falls and began
coursework earlier this year.
“I am earning the same degree for a lot less money by going to
through the UP and taking my non-major courses at LCCC,” Brown
said. “Plus, I was able to get the tech:bar up and running so
this has turned out to be a great choice for me.”
In addition to using their computer knowledge, Brown, Vinson and
Lopez are also getting a lesson in business. The men were tasked
with creating the tech:bar as part of the bookstore’s
requirement as an Apple authorized campus store.
“Part of the agreement for the Apple store was that we would
open a service center,” explained bookstore manager Patricia
Clark. “These students took that challenge and ran with it by
creating their own business plan and design for the center.”
Writing a business proposal was a new experience for Lopez, 28.
“It’s been fun to create a business from scratch. I’ve learned a
lot and it will enhance my resume,” he said.
This isn’t Brown’s first business venture. The 21-year-old
operated his own consulting firm in Dayton and contracted with
small businesses to perform their IT work.
“I’ve been through some of these procedures before, so I was
able to lend a hand. There are other aspects that are new to me,
and it’s exciting to see it take shape,” Brown said.
One of the best aspects of working at the tech:bar is being able
to help local people for a reasonable fee, Vinson said. Keeping
in mind the tight budget of students, tech:bar offers services
for a fraction of the cost charged by competitors.
“Students may not have anywhere else to go with their computer
problems, so it’s great to be able to apply what I’ve learned in
my classes to helping real people,” Vinson, 33, said.
The cost for services ranges from $29 for software installation
to $129 for virus and spyware removal. As part of the grand
opening celebration, the initial diagnostics fee of $49 will be
waived for all customers through
January 1.
To help customers get the most from their Apple purchases, the
tech:bar offers free my:tech personal enrichment workshops.
These fifteen minute sessions teach customers how to get the
most from their technology purchase. my:tech sessions are
offered daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
and 3 p.m.
The tech:bar is located inside LCCC’s Commodore Books and More
in the College Center building on the LCCC campus. tech:bar is
open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Thursday and from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. For
more information or to schedule an appointment, call
(440) 366-7463. For more
information about Commodore Books and More, visit
www.lorainccc.edu/bookstore.
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