The Roanoker - November/December 2018 - 17

Brambleton Computer recently moved to a larger location to accommodate
expanding customer demand and new services.

Chris Duncan (left) and Keith Duncan have built their family business into the
largest, independently owned computer-repair retailer in the region.

Each location has a team of technicians who are specially trained to repair
all types of computers and provide personalized customer care.

Brambleton Computer & Vinton Computer

Owner Chris Duncan Shares his Formula for Success
Q: Tell us about your business.
A: I started Vinton Computer in 2010 to thwart the horror stories that
I was hearing from family, friends and neighbors about getting their
computer repaired. People were paying hundreds of dollars in labor.
They were without their computer sometimes for up to a month while
their computer was being fixed. I knew I could do it better, faster and
much, much cheaper. I wanted to offer a no-nonsense solution to
computer repair and servicing.
As a "one-man band" for over two years and with continuing success,
I hired my father Keith (a former Coca-Cola executive) to help with
the business. Through our unique son-father teamwork, we were able
to grow and hire additional employees. In 2013, we determined that
another computer-repair store was needed in Roanoke and opened
Brambleton Computer. In five short years, Brambleton Computer
and Vinton Computer have become the Roanoke Valley's premier
computer-repair stores, with growth of more than 500 percent from
2012-18. We hope to open additional stores this year to meet the
growing demand. Today we proudly employ over 30 employees.
Q: How did your career path lead you to your current position?
A: I was a former Army medic that decided to focus on technology. The
Army and the GI Bill enabled me to attend James Madison University
(JMU) to follow my passion. I graduated from JMU with a degree in
Computer Information Systems. A couple years later, I opened a small
store in Vinton after inventing a process that streamlined the computer-

BEST OF 2018

3634 Brambleton Ave. Roanoke, VA 24018

540-682-2141

M-F 9am - 6pm

repair process. Ten years ago, it was common to drop off a computer
and not get it back for weeks and this was acceptable to our community
but NOT to me! I was able to do more for less and faster than any of my
competition. My automation and processes changed the way computer
repair and service was done.
Q: What specific products or services do you offer?
A: Brambleton Computer and Vinton Computer offer computer
services including repair, virus and malware cleaning, optimizing,
consulting, upgrading, security, forensics, sales and custom software
solutions. Our labor is a flat $50 regardless of how long it takes to do
the job. Since our first day in operation, we have stood by our "$50
Does It" maxim for all labor costs.
Q: What's your favorite part of your job?
A: This isn't a job. This is a passion. And, the best part of what I do
involves the people. I have met so many amazing people who are
customers and ultimately become friends. Helping people is a natural
high that never gets old. I love what I do! Also, a lot of my customers
are now my electricians, plumbers, dentists, doctors, accountants, etc.
Q: What is unique about your business that sets you apart?
A: Service. Our service is unique. We excel at giving one-on-one service
to our customers in a way that is patient, respectful, informative and
not overwhelming. We listen to our customers and put them first.

360 E. Virginia Ave. Vinton, VA 24179

540-904-2070

Sat 9am - 3pm

Roanoke Valley's Premier Computer Service

BEST OF 2018
The Roanoker - November/December 2018

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