What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
At Falcon IT, our pricing is flexible depending on the job—but rest assured, you’ll know all costs upfront. If anything changes, we’ll let you know immediately, so there are no surprises. Depending on which option saves you more money, we may charge a flat rate or an hourly rate. My team and I are upfront and honest about the state of your device. For instance, if a repair is going to cost more than simply replacing the equipment, we’ll tell you so you can make the best decision.
We also stand by our motto: If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. On top of that, the initial consultation is always free. Lastly, as a way of saying thanks, we offer at least a 10% discount to first responders—including police, fire, EMTs, doctors, nurses, and others in that field.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
At Falcon IT, our team starts by understanding exactly what issue you’re facing, whether you’re located nearby, and whether we’ll come on-site or if you’ll drop off your device. We also collect basic information like your full name, address, email, and phone number. All of this goes into our business software, which lets you view your tickets, track status updates, make payments, submit trouble tickets, and send messages—all at no cost to you.
Once we begin working on your device or issue, we keep our software updated so you always know what’s going on. We also stay in touch using whichever communication method you prefer, be it text, voice call, email—or even more creative options if that’s your style!
When the job is done, you’ll receive an itemized invoice with the details of the work performed. We offer multiple payment options, including cash, check, credit/debit cards, PayPal, Facebook, Venmo, and QuickBooks, to make things as convenient as possible for you.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
At Falcon IT, our collective expertise is rooted in decades of experience and extensive training. Personally, I spent 16 years at Northrop Grumman as an engineer, leading teams in networking, test engineering, and cybersecurity, as well as working in mission planning and systems engineering. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a master’s degree in Engineering, and I’ve been running a PC repair business since 1998. Over the years, I’ve taken numerous courses, attended seminars, and completed specialized training in technology, including HIPAA compliance. My background as a Law Enforcement Officer in the Air Force also gave me hands-on experience with physical security, which is one of the key components of HIPAA.
Meanwhile, my team continues to build on that foundation with their own certifications and ongoing training, ensuring we’re all up-to-date on the latest tech developments and best practices.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
My passion for technology kicked off when I was just 11 years old. My dad brought home a Texas Instruments TI-99/4A, and I dove right into coding in BASIC. Even though I served in Law Enforcement during my time in the Air Force, I never lost my love for computers. In fact, I launched a part-time computer repair business while still on active duty, and that’s what eventually grew into Falcon IT. Today, my team and I continue that same passion for helping people solve their tech issues—only now with more expertise, more hands on deck, and a broader range of services to offer.
What types of customers have you worked with?
At Falcon IT, we work with a diverse range of clients—from individual home users to small businesses. Personally, I’ve had the chance to work on projects of all sizes during my time at Northrop Grumman, where I interfaced with both small and large organizations.
When it comes to residential clients, our team especially enjoys assisting seniors. We make sure they understand the work we’ve done, teach them any skills they’d like to learn, and remain available to answer questions long after the initial service call. We also love working with kids and teens, sharing our knowledge of computers and repair to help spark their interest in the tech field. I’ve even had the privilege of mentoring high school students in the Cyber Patriot program.
Currently, we support all kinds of residential customers and small businesses, including those who need to meet HIPAA compliance requirements or FTC Safeguard Rules. No matter who we’re working with, our goal is to deliver top-notch service and build lasting relationships.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
Our team completed a full network and computer/server replacement for a dentist’s office. Beyond making sure everything met (and ideally exceeded) HIPAA requirements, we had the added challenge of working in a tight space while also seeking the most cost-effective modern equipment. Over the course of a few days, we cleaned and organized the equipment closet, installed and configured new devices, and verified that all work adhered to professional standards. HIPAA compliance, of course, is never a “set it and forget it” process—it’s always evolving—so we’re proud to continue supporting that office over time, ensuring they remain secure and up to date.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Skill & Competence: Make sure the provider has the expertise to handle the job efficiently—and that they’re available to support you even after the work is done.
Pricing: Look for competitive rates, but also weigh a provider’s background, skills, and the scope of the work before deciding purely on cost.
Insurance: Any professional who’s going to handle your valuable data should be fully insured. Handing over your computer (which often holds your entire digital life) to someone you don’t know can be nerve-wracking, so this extra layer of protection shows they take their work—and your trust—seriously.
Comfort & Professionalism: During your initial call or meeting, see if they’re easy to talk to, attentive to your concerns, and professional in their approach. You want a team you feel comfortable with, one that truly values your business and treats you with respect.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Before contacting an IT professional (or team!), it’s helpful to get clear on a few things:
Issue Description: Think about the best way to explain what’s going on—maybe you’ll need pictures, notes, or input from someone else who’s familiar with the problem.
Budget: If you’re looking at new equipment or tackling a larger project, having a rough idea of how much you want to spend will help guide the conversation.
Constraints & Timeframes: Consider any deadlines, scheduling issues, or logistical hurdles (like location or access to equipment). Having at least an outline of these details up front can make your project run more smoothly.
By thinking through these questions beforehand, you’ll be better prepared to talk with professionals and ensure everyone’s on the same page from the start.