Macintosh man - Simmons Business Systems Inc - Company Profile

Black Enterprise, April, 1992 by Wiley M. Woodard

When Kevin Simmons was a student at Drexel University in 1985, his goals was to pursue a career in chemical engineering. "Every student was required to have a Macintosh as part of a program started in 1984," Simmons recalls.

But when incoming freshman received more advanced computers, students who already had systems wanted theirs upgraded. "The students were looking to get a better deal from the school," Simmons remembers, quickly adding that none came. That's when Simmons found a distributor who offered computer parts and illustrated instructions,and he upgraded his own Macintosh. Word quickly spread about what Simmons had done and, before your could say "bits and bytes," Simmons found himself upgrading other students' computers at minimal cost. The engineering major realized that he could make a living at upgrading and repairing computer systems. In 1987, Simmons launched Simmons Business Systems Inc. (SBS) with $1,300 from personal savings.

A small advertisement in a national magazine helped the 25-year-old Simmons expand his customer base beyond Drexel students to include Macintosh owners throughout the United States and Canada. Additional ads led to customers in the Virgin Islands and South America, Simmons says. His current client base includes Federal Express Corp., Raytheon Co. and Rohm and Haas Corp.

SBS provides such services as repairs, systems support and upgrades. The Upper Darby, Pa., company also sells software and hardware. Simmons notes that SBS has come a long way from its first year's sales of $53,000 in 1987. Last year, the five-employee company posted $1.2 million in sales.