PC Handyman aims to make computer repairs and web design fun

PC Handyman co-owner John Pierce sits at his desk. Photo by Lewis Pollis.

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Charley Bass and John Pierce want to put a friendly face on the electronics repair and service business.

“It’s not such a bad thing to have to drop off your computer,” said Pierce, who is co-owner, along with Bass and silent partner Brett Angney, of PC Handyman, which opened this month in Cedar Fairmount, above Starbucks. “We like to have fun,” he added.

“A handyman has to be able to do a lot of things,” Bass pointed out. In addition to computer repairs and web development services, PC Handyman offers graphic and gaming design, videography, and search-engine optimization services. They also offer one-on-one classes for computers, social media and mobile devices.

Bass and Pierce, both 40, have been friends for 15 years, and bonded over shared entrepreneurial aspirations. “Charley and I were always talking about ideas,” Pierce recalled.

The partners say that the reason they decided to open up shop in Cleveland Heights is simple: it’s where they live. “We’re your neighbors,” said Bass, who was born and raised in Cleveland Heights. “We try to do everything local.”

“We love Cleveland Heights and want to support our community,” added Pierce, who has lived in the city since 1996.

Pierce and his wife, Rosemary, have a daughter, Brynn, 10, and two sons, Trey, 8, and Miles, 4. Bass has a daughter, Anabel, 7.

Bass shared his “vision” for Cleveland Heights: “I think this town should have a more positive vibe,” and noted that he hopes to see more “eclectic” small businesses open in the city.

Bass and Pierce see themselves as more than just tech guys. One package that PC Handyman sells to musicians offers not only web development and marketing but also music video production and studio time organization tools. “That’s how we handle all of our web exploits,” Pierce said. “It’s not just, ‘We got you 50 page views today.’”

"This is a cool place,” Bass said, and Pierce pointed out that their office is “an open environment,” as opposed to other computer repair centers, which he compared to “going into a Laundromat.”

"We care a lot about people," Pierce said. "That's the fun part for us."