Jesse Wallace and CAF Tech
I have known Jesse since we were neighbors over two decades ago, long before we left the 9-5 grind. Since 2003, Jesse has built up a expansive business providing electronic products and software to schools, organizations and also other small businesses. Now as President of CAF Tech Inc., Jesse is always willing to help and make the purchasing process as easy as possible. Below he shares some of the things he has learned about running a business.
Interview:
Briefly describe your business:
We partner with top brands so that customers can get front of the line support (instead of calling 1-800 numbers). Some of our top brands include VEEAM, Adobe, Microsoft, Data Locker, VMWARE, and Dropbox for Business.
Why you started this business:
Knowing that we would eventually have the next recession, I wanted to provide my own job secuity. Since we started there has been at least two economic downturns with layoffs. The first one in 2008 and the other one right now.
Educational background and training:
MBA in International Studies.
On the job sales training.
For the past two years, Jesse has been hosting his Edu Tech Event. This year’s event will take place on May 12th.
Describe your typical work environment:
Depending on the time of year: local trade shows, customer visits, and/or work from home. A typical day includes multiple phone calls and dozens of emails.
Difficulties encountered when starting:
Funding
How you would define success:
The ability to keep the doors open and work for myself. Also: developing great partnerships with vendors and relationships with customers.
How social media plays a role in your business:
Limited social media because B2B (business-to-business) and SLED (state, local, & education) customers don't tend to use it as much.
What are your thoughts on computer security:
CAF TECH INC is currently working on a security bundle for Post Production in Hollywood. There are dozens of software brands that focus on security practice and functionality, so you could say we consider it very important.
How do you manage equipment and computer repair:
We try to limit purchasing from DISTI (distributors) because of all of the paperwork involved. Sometimes AMAZON is just easier if I we need something rather quickly. All our support and repairs are done in-house.
Tell us about your the website:
We have had several websites hosted on Go Daddy, but in the future we’d like to combine these so that they can be managed better.
How you balance work and personal time:
I tend to spread my hours between Monday and Saturday. I try to use nights and weekends to make up for any lost time during the week.
On the Environment and Being Green:
The State of California usually requires resellers to notate and document all recyclable products. In addition, we collect recycling fees for TVs and Computers (same fees that you would pay at a local store).
Diversity and Your Businesses:
We are asked to participate in programs as a Small Business and a Micro Business for the State of CA. In addition, we occasionally partner with other DVBE (disabled veterans business enterprise) vendors. Finally, we have held Small Business events at the Disney Hotel in Anaheim CA.
The CAF Tech website
What is your outlook for the future of the business:
Subscription software (Microsoft, Adobe, Dropbox, etc.) has really helped in levelling out the ups and downs of only working on hardware sales. In addition, it removes the headaches involved with shipping and tracking orders. But most of all it makes the accounting process much easier. I think software licensing is where we will see the most growth.
Personal approach to being a business owner:
Ask for help if you need it. Look for a good CRM (customer relationship management) sowftare to keep track of your customers and leads.
How can people get in touch with CAF Tech?
Website: caftechinc.com
Email: sales@caftechinc.com
Phone: 949-559-1663
