Computer Prodigies: Young Company Prospers and Grows on Archer Avenue

As part of the Southwest Chicago Post mission to promote Southwest Side businesses that are independent and locally owned/operated, we made a stop at Computer Prodigies, located in Archer Heights (at 5032 South Archer), a popular and rapidly growing business owned by Justin Cardoza, a bright, enterprising 30-year-old man who grew up in Brighton Park.

Repairing computers---especially those infected with viruses and other malware---is Cardoza's specialty, although he offers other services.

As he states on the Computer Prodigies website, "I personally created our Exclusive 24-Point A+ Certified Quality Inspection to give you more so you can do more with your PC and to ensure you receive a reliable and quality repair service. Nowhere else will your PC go through our thorough inspection...we're confident you will see that we really are different from the rest of the technicians out there."

Justin Cardoza at work.

A graduate of Davis Elementary School and Kelly High School, Cardoza began (like so many young entrepreneurs do) working from the house he grew up in. "I began literally by fixing computers in my bedroom. Clients would stop by to pick up or drop off their computers, and we'd be walking down the hall---and there's my mom with a basket of laundry," he recalls with a smile.

In September of 2011, Cardoza moved into his current office and workshop on Archer (just west of Pulaski). As his business has grown, so has his base of satisfied customers---from the city out to a number of suburbs and even Indiana. Computer Prodigies' website boasts nearly 100 testimonials from clients.

Helping those in need.

As his success has grown, so has his commitment to helping those less fortunate. Computer Prodigies just wrapped up its second annual food drive to help people in need. Cardoza collected some 289 pounds of food (much of it donated by customers), exceeded his goal of 250 pounds and more than doubling the first year's total. The food collected was delivered to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. "Even in good times, there are people who are hungry," he explains. "I think it's important for all of us to do what we can to reach out and help people in need."

Computer Prodigies also holds regular drawings for gift-card prizes to customers. "It's a modest way of saying thanks," Cardoza adds. "But really, what keeps customers loyal to us is our dedication to them---our honesty, our expertise and our commitment to providing an outstanding experience in service."

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