Custom Computer Design

By Lori Harrison-Stone

Owner: Karl Habighorst
Address: 210 N. 13th St., Rogers 72756
Phone/Fax: (479) 644-5519
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Startup date: Oct. 1
Web site: www.customcomputerdesigns.com

Karl Habighorst took apart the first computer he could get his hands on just to see how it worked. Today, he’s still fascinated with how they work and how he can make them work better and faster.

After years of working in the retail business, Habighorst decided to take his computer skills and develop his own business. He’d been providing a growing number of friends and other acquaintances with computer help for years. He’d even taken a number of classes to get certified by Microsoft to do computer programming and repairs.

He’s also a solution provider for Advanced Micro Devices, Habighorst said, adding that he recommends Microsoft products and AMD processors to his customers.

He moved from New Orleans to Northwest Arkansas about four years ago and just this fall decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship, opening a 200-SF office in Rogers and advertising his mobile computer service business, Custom Computer Design.

His ability to provide personalized service and his mobility are a big plus for his customers, he said. Habighorst charges $40 for a service call, but he’s willing to credit any eventual computer repair or purchase for the $40.

Habighorst said he’d built up a lot of tools and other equipment over the past 20 years of working on computers, but he spent about $500 to set up his new mobile business and his office base.

Within a year, Habighorst would like to see his business grow enough that he could lease a facility with 2,000 SF or a little more, so he could build up his inventory.