Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Nyberg.
Hi Tim, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into entrepreneurship began unexpectedly during my college days at UW-Stout in Menomonie, WI, where I found myself supporting computers while working for the Campus paper “The Stoutonia.” Students and faculty alike sought my assistance with computer questions, drawn to my willingness to unravel technical issues. Little did I anticipate then that this knack would lead me to becoming a consultant or IT advisor.
Throughout college, I took on side gigs for fellow students and university departments, eager to earn extra income. Upon graduation. However, I had not actively pursued computer-related roles; opportunities in the field seemed to find me. I spent a stint at Kinko’s World Headquarters in CA before returning to the Twin Cities to work as a Field Consultant at First Tech Computer. However, it wasn’t only a short time before I grew disillusioned with the unethical sales tactics prevalent in the industry. Driven to provide genuine, no-nonsense client support without pushing unnecessary products or exorbitant prices, I leaped and established my own business in the fall of 1997. By January 1999, The MacGuys+ was officially formed, marking the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
Over the years, my business has evolved in response to changing landscapes. I briefly operated a shop in Plymouth, MN, catering to Apple hardware repairs until shifts in Apple’s technology and the onset of COVID necessitated a change in focus. Transitioning to providing managed services for businesses utilizing Apple technology, I remained steadfast in my commitment to meeting client’s needs with integrity, not sales targets. With an MBA and multiple undergraduate degrees, I’ve extended my services to include CIO support for smaller companies lacking full-time IT resources. Today, my journey continues, driven by the same ethos of honesty, integrity, and client-centric service that has guided me from the outset.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running your own business inevitably comes with its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was finding reliable help—individuals who were honest and committed to delivering quality work and service without cutting corners. Unfortunately, I encountered a few instances where employees seemed more interested in social media or arriving late, if at all. The impact on a business owner’s bottom line can be staggering. Conversely, I’ve been fortunate to have had some exceptional employees whose contributions I miss. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for businesses across the globe. Like many others, I had to pivot quickly, adapting to remote work arrangements and witnessing the unfortunate closure of several client businesses. Adapting to these changes required a shift in approach, with a greater emphasis on remote services and a concerted effort to reach out to clients who were still navigating the new normal. In addition to the trials posed by the pandemic, the typical hurdles faced by small businesses persisted. The juggling act was relentless, from the constant pursuit of new clients to the demands of marketing and managing operations while in the field. Seeking outside assistance for marketing and sales was a natural step, yet it brought challenges. Like my initial motivation to strike out independently, I encountered unethical practices and ineffective services peddled by unscrupulous businesses. Finding trustworthy partners and vendors became paramount, as their support proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. In the dynamic landscape of business ownership, the ability to adapt and cultivate strong partnerships remains essential. Despite the obstacles, the journey is filled with forged relationships and lessons learned.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The MacGuys+?
At The MacGuys+, we specialize in providing strategic IT support tailored for companies that leverage Apple Technology. Our services include CIO-level coaching and guidance as your trusted “IT Translator” to bridge the gap between technology and business objectives. This is something that is only sometimes within reach for smaller businesses. We also focus on ongoing managed computer support; we ensure that clients’ systems remain optimized and operational, freeing business owners to concentrate on their businesses. My expertise extends to equipping small businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge to safeguard their valuable data. Through training resources and best practices, we empower business owners to understand the critical importance of staying abreast of security measures to reduce the risks of disruption to their businesses by hackers or staff. Threats can come from inside or out.
One of our key strengths lies in providing seamless support to remote teams, regardless of their geographical locations. Whether your employees are spread across different regions or countries, we deliver prompt and efficient assistance to keep operations running smoothly. Moreover, we excel in collaborating with larger organizations with Mac-based departments, serving as a co-managed partner to ensure the integration and proper management of the Macs within the broader IT PC-based infrastructure. At The MacGuys+, I aim to empower businesses with the tools, expertise, and support they need to thrive.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I’m an avid consumer of audiobooks and podcasts across various genres, including campground management, marketing, IT, security, and beyond. As a seasoned vCIO and consultant, I recognize the importance of maintaining a diverse knowledge base across multiple topics. Some notable audiobooks that I have enjoyed and would recommend include “The Apple Experience” by Carmine Gallo, “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz, “The Fred Factor” by Mark Sanborn, and an extensive array of other titles from various authors and experts. It’s hard to list them all here.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.themacguys.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themacguys/
- Facebook: facebook.com/themacguys
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themacguys/
- Twitter: @The_Mac_Guys
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMacGuys
Image Credits
Tim Nyberg
