Philosopher technician

Castlegar Computers was founded to fill a gap in the city’s technology service

Jeremie Lewis is the owner of Castlegar Computers in Castlegar, B.C. — Photo courtesy Jeremie Lewis

From little-boyhood, Jeremie Lewis wanted to know how things worked. Actually, he wanted to see how things worked—from the inside. He was fortunate, in his school years in the U.S. state of Virginia, to have teachers who pointed him toward the technical classes and programs that he needed to be in, based on his interests.

Lewis’s other interest was to learn Spanish and, as it turned out, his first job as a computer technician was far from his home in Virginia and his college in Florida—it was in Barcelona, Spain. It was a winding road that eventually brought Lewis to Castlegar, B.C., but, he said, “Love brought me here.” His wife, Sharlyn, and his two stepchildren are Canadian.

With the June 2012 grand opening of his business, Castlegar Computers—which he hopes will continue as a family business for many years—Lewis has put down roots in Castlegar. His boys have taken to the business like ducks to water and are already gaining technical expertise.

Expecting the best

Lewis’s lightly accented voice was soft, and he took time to choose his words when we spoke.

“It’s a big step to go from working in a certain field to taking the plunge into ownership,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s pride or extreme self-confidence, but I believe in myself. When I set a plan into action, well, if it doesn’t work that would be a life lesson, but I don’t even consider that possibility. I guess that’s how I handle the stress of owning a business—I just plan for it to work.”

Before taking the plunge into proprietorship, Lewis did his research. With the help of Sharlyn and their friend Shawn Vandecar, Lewis determined that, unlike Nelson—where there were lots of computer technicians—Castlegar needed computer tech support. He decided to open a business to fulfil that need, and things have gone very well.

Life lessons

“We’ve had bumps in the road where we’ve had to pause and reflect back and brainstorm how we could have done things better,” Lewis said, “but I think mistakes give you valuable information and you should squeeze everything you can out of them. I think you have to continue to be open to change, and not be afraid to make mistakes. Life is one long education.”

Lewis offered further insight into his personal philosophy.

“I’m happy to be making a profit, of course, but I’ve never had the goal of becoming overly wealthy," he said. "I do have a passion for electronic devices, so when I can make someone else’s life easier by helping them with that—that’s when I have a good day.”

Castlegar’s electronic device owners are also happy when Lewis has a good day.