Nothing But Tech Goes All In
Rui Dias is three years in to his lifetime dream as the owner of the computer store Nothing But Tech.
He was 13 when he got his first computer, and for the now 39-year-old, there was no turning back.
“I love doing it,” says Dias of working on computers in his own shop. He gained experience in the inner workings of computers on his own growing up in Winnipeg’s St. James neighbourhood, taking computers apart to learn how they worked and then figuring out how to put them back together again. He learned more about the business working at Staples and Memory Express before going into business for himself.
Dias works on personal computers and laptops as his focus, offering fast, affordable service and free pickup and delivery. He wants people to know that new is not always the answer if you’re having issues with your computer.
“No one wants to work on a slow computer,” says Dias, adding that there is a lot that can be done to speed up a computer that’s lagging. Dias is not one to slow down, either. He figures he’s only missed three days of work since opening the one-man-shop. “I’m not a big box store. People know I’ll be looking after them personally. I’m not just another guy paid to help you.”
He jokes his only employee is his Razor, a Havanese Shih Tzu who comes to the 1795 Main Street shop with him every day.
He is happiest solving people’s computer problems when they arrive at the counter in distress due to lost files, viruses and broken screens. “I wanted to be somebody helpful. I know I can help people. There are people who help in sports, in medicine… I’m helping the tech world.”
Believing in himself has kept him going through the rough patches that come with owning a business. He often works with students to help them get experience in the field. His advice to them? “Follow your dream. I always thought I could do this, even if no one else did. I wanted to prove people wrong. I wasn’t a straight-A student. I was picked on and bullied. I was a small kid from a Portuguese family. I had to push myself. If you want it; go for it. Giv’er.”
All Photos by Claudine Gervais
