Becker Computer Service changes hands

[June 25, 2008]  The computer business started in 1994 by Steve and Kerri Becker has been sold, but to a familiar face, not only to the Beckers but to many customers of the business as well. Located at 1400 Woodlawn Road on the city's west side, the new sign outside the storefront now welcomes customers to Courtwright Computer Sales and Service.

The new owner of the store is Kasey Courtwright, a Lincoln native and 2004 graduate of Lincoln Community High School.

The young man, who took Web design in high school, studied computer science at Robert Morris College. He also served his internship under the tutelage of Steve Becker at the Woodlawn location. The valuable knowledge he received from Becker is not lost on the new owner. "Working with Steve was a great experience," Courtwright said. "Steve taught me a lot about computers, and I will have to work hard to fill his shoes."

The change in ownership came about suddenly, not only for Courtwright but the Beckers as well. Steve was hired as the tech coordinator at LCHS and couldn't pass up the opportunity. "The security and benefits are just wonderful," Kerri explained.

Courtwright is thankful that Kerri Becker is staying on at the business. "She's great. She is familiar with all our customers as well as the operations of the business," he said. "That helps a lot."

The business custom-builds computers for specific needs of individuals and businesses as well as servicing them. For now Courtwright will concentrate on those same services, leaving potential expansion possibilities for after he becomes more acclimated to owning his own business.

Kerri talked about how the Internet has created so many more computer users since the Beckers opened their doors 14 years ago. "At first the computer was primarily for business use," she said. "Now it has become a form of entertainment and pleasure with personal users."

With the ever-expanding use of the World Wide Web, however, come headaches for computer users and challenges for computer service centers like Courtwright's. Both agreed that the challenges of staying ahead of the sophisticated viruses constantly running through cyberspace constitute a great deal of the service work at the store.

Courtwright explained how many viruses are extremely sophisticated and sometimes don't trigger problems for months and then take a computer system totally down. Becker stated it is a shame that some of these destructive individuals don't turn their skills to becoming a productive part of the computer world.

The store is currently sending out mailers to all their valued clients, explaining the changeover and advising everyone that their business always was and always will be most appreciated.

[By MIKE FAK]