ST. PETERS, MO. — Independent computer and tech-support shop Software To Go is celebrating its 30th year of serving the Midwest and the nation.
The operation, founded by Peter Reunert in 1983 and acquired some 10 years later by former manager and current president Joe Balsarotti, has been cited as a small-business success story by everyone from President George W. Bush (in a speech) to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which awarded it its Small Business Champion Award in 2005.
The reseller was spotlighted again in 2007 when service engineer Dan Jones was invited to the 2007 State of the Union address by first lady Laura Bush.
Software To Go sells computer hardware, software and peripherals, and provides such services as in-house repairs, maintenance, and software and network consulting, to consumer, professional, small-business, educational and corporate clients in 46 states from its single suburban St. Louis location.
Recalled Balsarotti, “We started by selling software for Apple IIs, Commodores and Ataris — the IBM was brand new at that time. We changed as the technology did and added equipment to our offerings to allow us to provide complete technology solutions to our clients that led to consulting, maintenance programs and now, managed services for our customers.”
To mark its 30th anniversary the shop is holding special sales events and giveaways, has installed a company timeline on a showroom wall, and has updated its online Computer Museum, which displays some of the vintage computing equipment showcased at the company’s office.
Added Balsarotti, “To any small business 30 years is quite a milestone, but in the computer industry, we have truly been blessed with wonderful clients, many who have been with us for decades and a great staff, who know how to rise to any challenge.”
