Chief executive, Meade Computing, Des Moines
Business description: Meade Computing provides a broad range of expert computer services to meet our clients' residential and business needs. Services include new computer acquisition and installation; sale of refurbished computers; computer repair; virus removal; antivirus software installation and renewal; wireless and hard-wired network installation; Internet setup; surveillance system installation; data recovery services; and website design and maintenance.
What makes us different: Meade Computing's chief financial officer, Janet Meade, offers accounting services as an ongoing resource for the business community. Many small-business owners cannot justify a full-time accounting position and perform the accounting work themselves when they would prefer to spend their time managing and growing their businesses. Meade Computing's Accounting Services provides customized solutions.
Background: I received my computer science degree from Iowa State University and worked as a programmer from 1986 until April 2010, when I left my full-time position as a senior systems engineer to take Meade Computing full time. I started Meade Computing in 1995.
Janet's background: Janet is an accountant with her undergraduate and master's degrees in accounting from Truman State University. She has more than 25 years of experience in public and corporate accounting roles, including controller, regional finance manager and chief financial officer. She also taught full time for four years as an accounting professor at Simpson College's Division of Adult Learning.
Notable achievements: The company's most notable achievement is that we give clients peace of mind; they know their computer systems are working optimally and are protected from threats, that help is just a phone call away, and that they get a lot of value for their hard-earned money.
Why I do what I do: In 2010, my part-time business, Meade Computing, had grown into a second full-time job and I needed to make a choice, so I left the "day job" as a software developer to devote myself full time to serve computer clients in central Iowa because that is where my heart is. I get great satisfaction from the relationships that have developed with clients who call me at all hours of the day, because I have earned their trust and confidence.
What I do to get away from work: As a small-business owner, there is not much time to get away from work, but Janet and I have been season members of the Des Moines Playhouse since 1989 and always look forward to the next play. We also enjoy attending performances at Hoyt Sherman Place, the Temple Theater and the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines.
Words to live by: "Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution," William Foster, World War II Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient.
One thing I would change about the Des Moines area: I wouldn't change a thing - we have it all. Friendly people and a metropolitan area (including Ankeny, Ames and surrounding areas) that is big enough to provide plenty of cultural activities and opportunities but less congested than larger cities.
What Iowa can do to attract more people like me: Continue to promote locally owned businesses. The state should provide tax incentives for new businesses and foster the growth of businesses already in place.
My mentor: One of the most influential organizations in my life has been scouting. The one person that had the greatest impact on me, both as a child and as an adult scoutmaster myself, was the assistant scoutmaster for Troop 11 in Webster City, Ted Olson. He and his wife, Peggy, are still involved in scouting after all these years and are still instilling the values of honor and citizenship in young people today.
My leadership philosophy: "As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others," Bill Gates.
If I could do something else, I would: Had you asked me that one year ago, I would have said, "leave my day job and do what I really love, helping people with their computers." I have dreamed of taking Meade Computing full time for years, so this is exactly what I want to do.
If you want to contact me: Call (515) 963-2494, e-mail Pat@MeadeComputing.com or Janet@MeadeComputing.com or visit MeadeComputing.com.
Are you someone we should get to know? E-mail Kayla Craig at kcraig@dmreg.com.
