Plan B is working just fine

For these two IT experts, a business partnership was a great idea

Dave Bachmier and Joe Sheremeto are partners in Neighbours Computers in Grand Forks, B.C. — Photo courtesy Joe Sheremeto

Joe Sheremeto, a former paramedic, and Dave Bachmier, a retired army sergeant, love the e-world. They run Neighbours Computers together in Grand Forks, B.C., designing, building, selling, repairing and unscrambling the components of that world for the rest of us.

In 2009, when Bachmier moved to Grand Forks from Comox, B.C., after retiring from the army because of degenerative disc disease, he thought he was leaving his 10-year-old IT business—Neighbours Computers—behind. Crawling under desks—frequently necessary in the computer world—had become an activity that he had to avoid. The citizens of Grand Forks soon learned about his skills, however, and Bachmier started getting calls from people who needed his help.

A partnership is formed

Soon after he moved to Grand Forks, Bachmier met Sheremeto, and the two men quickly became friends because of their shared interest in all things technical. Though Sheremeto proceeded with his plans to open his own business, called TechEz Consulting, conversations between the two men continued and they realized that pooling their skills would be a profitable venture.

“We brought complementary skills to the business,” said Sheremeto. “For me, if it’s electronic, I love it. I’m not so much into the marketing and administration side, and Dave is good at that.”

“The best thing about having a business partner,” said Bachmier, “is that you have someone to share the work, the stress, the ideas.”

TechEz Consulting was put on the shelf and the two men opened the doors of Neighbours Computers about a year ago. Sheremeto and Bachmier have been busy since the moment they opened, providing timely, economical and quality service even as their clientele increases. In addition to a long list of individual clients, Neighbours has 14 corporate clients in the Grand Forks/Christina Lake area, keeping them busy. At present, Bachmier and his wife, Georgina—known as George—are the legal partners in the business, but incorporation is in the works and Sheremeto’s name will soon appear on the partnership roster.

Putting down roots

After 25 years in the army and the frequent relocations that entailed, Bachmier is glad to put down roots in Grand Forks.

“Even though my postings were for four years, my wife and I were always considered transients—not really part of the community,” he said. “It was hard for George to find work.”

Things are different now. Bachmier and his wife are deeply involved in community causes. George happily works at the local Dollar Store, is active in the Grand Forks Choral Society, and while raising three kids she makes time to work on websites for the computer business. Sheremeto and Bachmier have signed on as volunteers for the upcoming six-day Grand Forks International Baseball Tournament (GFI), where Bachmier will co-ordinate security. Sheremeto, as the tournament’s vice-president, has assisted in organizing the event and will also volunteer for the duration of the tournament. This is one way that the pair can support their community, though it will cost them to have the shop closed for almost a week.

“We’re part of this community and it’s something we want to do,” said Bachmier. “All of our corporate clients have our cellphone numbers, so if an emergency comes up, either I or Joe will have to leave the ballpark to deal with it.”

A working philosophy

Sheremeto and Bachmier agree that sharing moral and ethical standards is a cornerstone of their business, as is their friendship. They would recommend that these elements be present for anyone considering a partnership of any kind.

“You have to know your strengths and weaknesses and respect that your partner’s contribution is equal in value to your own,” Bachmier said. “You need to be confident that whatever either of you promises as an individual will be upheld by the other person.”