Computer Tree was founded by Drew Crawford (right). The staff includes (from left) Justin Peatross, Matt Long and Leisl Trester. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

As more people switch to Apple computers and devices, demand for related sales and service is expanding. To Davidson’s Drew Crawford, that spelled an opportunity. The Davidson College grad and owner of Wooden Stone has carved out a corner of his South Main Street gallery for a new Apple retail counter and service center called Computer Tree.

The shop will have a grand opening Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with an “Apple festival” including games, refreshments, and the start of a raffle that will give away an iPad 2 and benefit Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson.

Computer Tree will sell most Apple computers and devices, except the iPhone, and offer local service, repairs and training. The shop’s experts include Mr. Crawford himself, who recently received Apple certifications. They’ll also be targeting local businesses and home users for consulting, installation, home networking and other services.

Mr. Crawford said the business grew out of both the opportunity he saw – he had trouble find Apple service for Wooden Stone’s computers – and his longtime status as a Mac-phile. Until now, Mac users in the area have had to rely on telephone support or a trip to the Apple Store in Southpark Mall, Charlotte, a 45-minute ride.

“I always wanted to do something with Apple. It’s always been an interest of mine. It’s also something the north end of Mecklenburg County has needed,” Mr. Crawford said.

Computer Tree is a partnership with Winston-Salem business of the same name. It’s one of the oldest Apple services businesses around, founded in 1982 by Bob Young Jr.

The Davidson shop currently has four employees. In addition to Mr. Crawford, they include service manager Matt Long (who also has Mac certifications), “PC-to-Mac coordinator Justin Peatross, and software specialist Leisl Trester.

Computer Tree aims to handle most computer repairs within 48 hours, to offer one-on-one and group classes, and to help businesses and home users get the most out of their machines and networks.

Mr. Crawford is not alone in believing in a need for Mac sales and services in the area north of Charlotte. In fact, Apple is rumored to be building a store at north Charlotte’s Northlake Mall. (See June 1, 2011, “Apple Store coming to Northlake Mall?”)

That could change the picture slightly, but Mr. Crawford thinks it’s a good thing. “We will providing different services for folks who want more individual attention,” he said.

COMPUTER TREE

(inside Wooden Stone)
445 S. Main St., Davidson
Mondays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
704-804-0750
www.ComputerTreeOfDavidson.com