Lafayette PC Named November 2011 Small Business of the Month
Jason and Julie Rubsam
Drawing on his background in medical information technology, Jason Rubsam describes his three-year-old company, Lafayette PC, as “your family doctor.” The downtown-headquartered business, which he co-owns with his wife, Julie Rubsam, specializes in small business and home computer support, repair and data networking.
“We want to be the first person you go to if you have a technology problem,” he says of the company he co-owns with his wife, Julie Rubsam. “Then if you need a brain surgeon, we can refer you.”
Downtown Headquarters
Lafayette PC, 839 Main St., Suite 30 (www.lafayettepc.com, 765/807-6334), has been named the November 2011 Small Business of the Month by Greater Lafayette Commerce.
The Rubsams came to Lafayette from Evansville in 1994 so Julie could attend Purdue, where she earned a degree in landscape horticulture and design. Jason, meanwhile, took some computer information systems classes at Ivy Teach, earned various certifications and worked on the medical side of information technology.
In 2008, the couple launched their business, Julie handling marketing and finances and Jason, technology.
“Computers is a talent I have,” he says. “I enjoy the flexibility, working with emerging and new technologies and helping small business folks utilize equipment they have and get the best out of it they can.”
PCs, iPhones, iPads, More
Jason and his staff work on IBM-compatible PCs, servers and printers and do repair work and data networking. They also work on iPhones and iPads. Bert Stevens serves as field technician; Chris Ragsdale, in-office technician. Much of their business comes via referrals, Jason says.
“If it has to do with technology, we can help folks out with it,” Jason says.
Customer Shirley Pence at Stanley Steemer can attest to that. “Lafayette PC provides efficient service. One thing I particularly like is that they do it with a fun attitude,” she says. “They are encouraging. And they don’t make me feel like I’m lacking or stupid because I don’t understand IT as much as they do.”
Growing Every Year
Lafayette PC’s revenues have doubled each of its three years in business. It moved to the Reifer’s Center downtown in 2009, and in 2011, opened its computer repair and service center in adjacent space in the building.
“When we moved here, we fell in love with the town,” Julie says. “Three years ago, we had the option to either move or figure out how to stay in Lafayette. We did not want to move, so we started our own business. We’ve been overwhelmed by support from the business community and how helpful and willing to share knowledge everyone is. It’s like a family.”
Jason agrees. “This community is great. People get to know you and trust you. They reach out to you. We have lots of resources here.”
Giving Part of Company’s Business Philosophy
The business has also been a big contributor to the community, volunteering with Jesse’s Kids Foundation, Junior Achievement, Tri-Kappa and more. Lafayette PC has also contributed to the Alzheimer’s Association, TippyConnect fundraiser for Hanna Community Center, Wolf Park, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Almost Humane Society.
“Because we believe in our community’s nonprofit organizations and the important work they do, it is a privilege for us to service more than a dozen local nonprofits at a reduced rate,” Jason says.
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‘Back up,’ Says Lafayette PC
Of all the tips Jason Rubsam, Lafayette PC, might share with others, this is the most important, he says: “Make sure you are backing up your data on a very regular basis.”
The process is easy and inexpensive—and could be critical if your hard drive crashes.
“You could lose everything,” he cautions. “Sometimes we can get it back, and sometimes we can’t.”
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