CSUN University News Clippings

Rob Varela / Star staff 10/2/09 Westlake. Scott arky, left, and Richard Marder offer tech support at Axicom, a computer and network management, tech services and computer hardware and software sales firm, in their Wesstlake office.

Photo by Rob Varela

Jake and Christa Nonnemaker own Axicom, a 13-year-old computer and network management, technical services and computer hardware and software sales company. Below, Scott Arky, left, and Richard Marder provide tech support at the company’s Westlake Village office.

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Owners: Jake Nonnemaker, CEO, president and founder and Christa Nonnemaker, vice president and co-owner.

Product or service: Computer and network management services and computer hardware and software sales.

Location: 31352 Via Colinas, Suite 104, Westlake Village.

Date established: July 1996.

Hours open: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Telephone: 818-865-9865.

E-mail: info@axicom.net.

Web site: http://www.axicom.net.

Employees: Eight.

Startup capital: $25,000.

Estimated annual gross revenue: $1 million.

Questions to Jake Nonnemaker:

What prompted you to start your own business? I was working for the County of Los Angeles and started Axicom in my spare time to meet the growing need for reliable, fast, consistent, honest tech support to like-minded businesses at a fair price. I wanted to show small companies how to leverage technology to grow, increase efficiency and streamline business, and through Axicom, I have this opportunity each and every day.

What is your educational and career background? I have a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from California State University, Northridge, and have completed graduate coursework in physics. I am a Microsoft-certified systems engineer and small-business specialist. During the course of my career, I worked for the Los Angeles City Department of Water and Power, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Los Angeles County Public Works Department.

How much research did you do before starting your business? I really didn’t do much research. In the early 1990s I was helping small businesses with their computer support as well as helping home computer users. Once word got out, I kept getting more requests because at the time there were not many IT companies dedicated to the needs of small businesses.

What were the most helpful sources, including Web sites? I started working with a business coach a few years ago to transition from being a technician to a business owner. I also read many books about business ownership, leadership, and how to think strategically. Additionally, being a Microsoft-certified partner has provided me with resources such as trade associations and Web sites dealing with technical and business management issues, as well as marketing resources.

When were you the most discouraged? I’m not the kind of person to be discouraged, though I’ve had moments of frustration such as when I hired my first employee, who wasn’t as reliable as I had expected. I’ve since refined my system of hiring by using technical assessments, including looking at one’s experience, personality, efficiency, and values including integrity, mutual respect, teamwork. I make certain that candidates are customer-focused.

What company or individual do you admire? I admire John C. Maxwell for his leadership, Warren Buffet for his business acumen, Bill Gates because of his ability to envision how technology could change business and Steve Jobs for his technical creativity.

What will make your business stand out from competitors? Our No. 1 commitment is to always be a customer-service-focused company. We communicate with our customers and give them the proper level of support that they deserve. In the business world, I’ve seen a lack of communication, from the initial issue through to resolution. We have a process in place for this. Also, we’re not just a computer consulting company. For example, I’ve created several products to meet the needs of my various clients. In addition, we write and send out newsletters, conduct training classes, host free seminars and embrace a strategic focus to optimize our clients’ costs.

Who is your target client/customer base? Our target clients are small businesses with up to 400 people, including private schools and nonprofit organizations; however, we can provide support to any company, anywhere.