Reprinted from Syracuse
Newpapers / Neighbors East,
12-30-1999 - by Elizabeth Doran, staff writer.
BUSINESS 'We
believe it's less costly and a lot more environmentally friendly
to repair your electronics, rather than throw them in the trash. "
-
Al Somlo,
Able Al's Electronic Service Center
He's
a Very Able Businessman
Al
Somlo branches out from computer repairs into other equipment
After
repairing computers for the past fifteen years, Al Somlo decided to expand his
business with additional staff into working on audio, televisions,
videocassette recorders, fax machines, plus other types of office equipment.
In September, Somlo opened Able
Al's Electronic Service Center at (previously at) 525 West Manlius St., East
Syracuse. The new 4,500 square foot center employees
five people and specializes in repairs on electronics, audiovisual equipment,
and office equipment. Able Al's Electronic Service Center also works on
game stations, computers, and antique televisions and radios.
Able Al's also has another new business housed within
the Service Center; Able Al's Sound Shop.
That part of the business sells compact discs by local musical artists
exclusively. Somlo said he's had an online site promoting local groups
since 1996, and decided to set up a retail shop within his new service
center. "I think it is an area neglected in Central New York, and
we like to support local music groups," he said.
Along with the new service center and music shop,
Somlo continues to run sucessfully his on-site computer assistance business, Able
Al's Computer Help. Somlo travels to clients' homes and/or offices
to work on computers. Customers also can drop off their computers
and peripherals at the new service center to be repaired.
Somlo repairs computers,
but also helps build web sites, conducts on-site
computer training, sets up new systems, and
does multiple networking. He's also
done extensive Y2K work on computer hardware
and software.
Somlo said he started the Service Center because he sees a
need for reasonable cost repairs with a quick turnaround in the area.
So far, Somlo said he's had some foot traffic at the new
store, which used to house an insurance agency. The core business so far
has been repairing computers and office equipment, with lots of work coming in
now on audio-visual equipment like VCRs and stereos, Somlo said.
"A lot of repairs are needed from normal usage and
some damage from power surges," he said. "Most repairs are
completed within seven to ten days. We believe it's less costly and a
lot more environmentally friendly to repair your electronics, rather than
throw them in the trash."
Before starting his computer sales and service business in
1995, Somlo was in charge of Silo's home office department for about six
years. When Silo closed, Somlo went into his own business. Somlo
says he choose East Syracuse because of its central location, and because
there seemed to be a lot of empty storefronts in the village.
"I'd like to see the area revitalized," he said.
Somlo said he enjoys repairing electronics but enjoys more
the satisfaction of helping people. "I like being able to help
people find solutions," he said.
