Executive Suite: John Scharfglass, Bayport

John Scharfglass says he wasn't always a geek. On an early job with a bartering company, he volunteered to help out with a technology-related project. That led to his developing a passion, and now, "I take great pride in being able to figure out such problems."

While doing consulting work in Michigan, he says he noticed a niche that needed filling: helping small businesses with their information technology needs. That led to his founding his own business, Compugeeks, with the idea of bringing services to "the little guy," says Scharfglass, 35.

When computer costs were higher, a big part of his business focused on refurbishing equipment. But as prices dropped, he says, he was able to cut overhead and move to a smaller space. Now much of his work involves monitoring clients' systems virtually. In many instances, they don't even know a problem has come up, as "most situations can be handled behind the scenes," he says.

What's your biggest headache?

"It's nearly impossible to get clients approved for equipment leasing [for things like computers, servers]. It's no different from the mortgage industry. All the banks are changing their rules every day . . . if we provided a leasing company with [a client], a decent credit score and three years in business, they would do the lease. Now, most want 'A' credit, with three years of profits and a personal guarantee."

What's a common issue your clients face?

"Their employees and the entitlement they feel they have to use Facebook and social networking sites . . . biggest issue is companies not having a computer policy in place or not enforcing it if they do." He says he also advises clients to have computer monitoring software "to make sure employees are doing their jobs and not browsing the Internet."

How do you translate tech-speak for your clients?"People just want things to work. Part of our job is to be educators. When we explain things to people, we try to do it as easily as possible. Personally, I use a lot of analogies to show how software and hardware work together."

What book has helped you in running your business?

"Time Warrior -- How to defeat procrastination, people-pleasing, self-doubt, over-commitment, broken promises and chaos," by Steve Chandler. "Time management is the biggest issue, I think, for every business owner. It's safe to say there are not enough hours in a day for anybody."

What's best about running your own shop?"Freedom. The ability to do whatever I need to, whenever I need to . . . not having to go and ask permission."

What would you grab first if a fire alarm went off in your office?

"My cellphone. . . . cellphone . . .My phone, literally, is my life."

Corporate snapshot

NAME: John Scharfglass, president

COMPANY: Compugeeks Inc., an information technology company in Bayport

WHAT THEY DO: "We are technology liberators . . . we create a custom solution that allows the owner and their employees to have the flexibility of having their business with them at all times, anywhere they might be."

REVENUE: $1.1 million expected this year

EMPLOYEES: Four full-time, three part-time, in roles such as network and hardware technician, Web developer, graphic designer, reception