Dan Robinson, center, purchased nGenuity in December and merged it with his business, Robinson Tech. As part of the deal, Robinson inherited nGenuity employees Rachel Baldwin, bookkeeper, and Andy Robbins, right, a network security specialist.
Dan Robinson has always loved technology, so it’s no surprise to find him in an office with servers and computer towers.
Five years ago, Robinson, a home-schooled and self-taught techie, started Robinson Tech, offering technical support, trouble-shooting, repairs, networking and network security.
Through the home-based business, Robinson grew steadily and kept busy with a loyal client list of about 80.
In December, Robinson purchased nGenuity Information Systems, a company founded by Adam Baldwin that offered network security services, for an undisclosed amount.
Baldwin sold the business to join &yet as its chief security officer and chief of software operations.
Through the transaction, Robinson’s one-man, home-based business gained two employees — Andy Robbins, nGenuity’s former security specialist, and Rachel Baldwin, the wife of nGenuity’s founder Adam Baldwin. Rachel Baldwin does the books, while Robbins continues to take care of network security, giving nGenuity’s former customers continuity and peace of mind throughout the transition.
Robinson also inherited nGenuity’s office on North Johnson Street in Kennewick.
Robinson said he and Baldwin had known each other for several years and he liked nGenuity’s business model.
“He did contracts with his customers and was very proactive and security-centric,” Robinson said.
With the help of Robbins, Robinson plans to continue that model while helping clients keep their IT systems up-to-date in the rapidly changing field.
“Right now, everyone is moving to the ‘cloud,’” said Robinson.
That has benefits — allowing businesses more flexibility and mobility within their networks.
Robinson said he has seen an expansion in mobile services, with more employees depending on their phones and tablet computers for email and other work applications.
But his favorite part of his job lies in helping clients find solutions to their problems.
“I like the consulting part where we go in and find a technical solution for them,” said Robinson.
Robinson said Robbins holds the same passion for security as he has for consulting and troubleshooting.
That especially important when working with small and medium businesses that have a lot of sensitive, personal, like doctors offices, he said.
“(Andy) really watches clients’ backs and when he finds a vulnerability, he quickly takes care of it,” said Robinson.
Robinson Tech specializes in virus/spyware/ad-ware detection and removal, technical support, onsite support and troubleshooting, computer repairs and upgrades, hardware and software installation, networking and networking security, consulting, telephone systems and maintenance and custom-built computers.
Robinson said the company works in both PC and Mac platforms.
Robinson Tech is at 320 N. Johnson, Suite 300 in Kennewick. The phone number is 737-6050 and the company can be found on the web at www.robinsontech.net.
by Mary Hopkin
Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business
