Excellent growth at Neighbours Computers

Almost a year after moving into much larger premises, Neighbours Computers of Grand Forks, B.C., is thriving

by Marie Milner — March 24, 2015

Dave and Georgina (George) Bachmier own and operate Neighbours Computers in Grand Forks, B.C. — Photo courtesy Georgina Bachmier

Since 2002, Dave Bachmier has been in the business of fixing computers. He and his wife, Georgina—known as George—opened Neighbours Computers as a part-time, home-based business in Comox, B.C. On Dave’s retirement from the military in 2009, the Bachmiers moved to Grand Forks, B.C., and made their business a full-time venture.

An all-around win

The business quite quickly outgrew its first location, and in June 2014, Neighbours Computers moved into a 2,400-square-foot space at 327 - 72nd Avenue in Grand Forks. Just before the company moved into the new premises, the Bachmiers were asked to purchase Contact Photo Arts, a long-time Grand Forks business that was at risk of shutting down.

“We certainly liked the idea of keeping the 30-year-old photo business in Grand Forks,” said George, “but we knew nothing about the photo processing business. April and Rebecca came over along with the business, and their expertise is invaluable.”

George said that people come in through one door for one type of service, and then naturally check out what’s available in the adjacent space. The centrepiece at Neighbours Computers is a 30-foot workbench where the clients’ computers are serviced. The spacious work area allows room for comfortable traffic flow and future growth of the business.

“We now have a heat press that can custom print a design or graphic on a ball cap, in addition to what we can do with T-shirts, mugs, beer steins and more,” George said. “We also have a souvenir plan in the works and aim to be the source for souvenirs this summer for both Canada stock souvenirs and custom Grand Forks souvenirs.”

Investing in the future

Neighbours Computers is working with Grand Forks Senior Secondary School to support students who need work experience as part of their grad transitions. “We are very proud to be offering a scholarship for a graduating student who excels in photography, and another (scholarship) in computer technology,” said George.

Neighbours Computers won some significant acknowledgement in the business community when it received the 2014 Retail Excellence Award from the Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce (BCRCC) in October.

“George and Dave have done some great things with their business and they work hard. They’re big supporters of the chamber,” said James Wilson, executive director of the BCRCC.

“This is an exciting time for us,” said George. “We want you to know that Grand Forks is healthy, vibrant and open for business.”

And so is Neighbours Computers.