Computer 'doctor' adds refill procedures to his resume

Husband-and-wife team Dave and Sherry Besser recently started a double business that marries computers with recycling.

The Refill Stop focuses on refilling ink cartridges for printers while The Dr. of Computers provides repair services as well as setting up networks.

The Arlington Heights businesses opened just more than a month ago at 4212 N. Arlington Heights Road, southwest of Lake Cook Road.

Sherry said a focus of the business is to educate the public about the importance of refilling ink and laser cartridges to keep them out of landfills. In addition, customers will see a savings when they recycle their old cartridge instead of buying a new one.

Dave said customers will save between 50 percent and 60 percent on ink cartridges and between 40 and 50 percent on laser toner refills.

"The refill will be just as good as a new one," Sherry said. "We are able to refill just about any cartridge. If not we can order one," she added. The couple, heavy into recycling at home as well, said they also take added steps in cleaning the cartridge ultrasonically.

The motto for this aspect of the business is "better to refill than landfill," Sherry said.

Dave, who has worked in the computer industry for the past 17 years, handles the day-to-day operations of The Dr. of Computers. With a computer science degree, he worked for various companies until about four years ago when he focused on his business full time.

For the past few years he would travel to client's homes to solve their computer problems. Dave, 50, is now able to charge less if clients come to him. He continues to make house calls to set up wireless networks or other networking systems in homes or businesses.

"When your computer's not feeling well, call Dr. Dave," is a slogan for the business.

Dave said he wants people to feel comfortable at the business with a "homey atmosphere." He stresses he doesn't want customers to feel intimidated.

"If I can save them (customers) money, I will," he said.

The saying for the computer repair business is, "why call a geek when you can call the doctor."

The couple resides in Buffalo Grove with two sons, Bryan, 17, and Danny, 12. Before launching the business, Sherry was in the hospitality industry involved with new construction and renovation of hotels.

The shop is open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

For information, call (847) 818-9200.