Fastest 50: NERDiT NOW

Photo by Eric Crossan

NERDiT NOW
Location: Wilmington
Nerditnow.com

NERDiT NOW began in my apartment four years ago. Today, we operate two business lines, a full repair/retail location as well as a B2B marketing agency. We purchase, repair and resell computers, phones, and tablets and offer device diagnostics and virus removal while also providing technology to at-risk communities. 

What have been the biggest factors that contributed to your company’s growth over the past three years?
To sum it up in one word: Community. This includes mentors at the NCC Chamber of Commerce and First State Community Loan Fund, media allies, family mentors, the NERDiT NOW team, the support of my wife, and of course everyone who has supported our business. 

What have been the biggest obstacles your company has faced over the past three years, and how did you overcome them?
Being a first-generation business owner who returned from living in China for five years, I found it difficult to secure funding. Finally we stumbled on the UD Horn Entrepreneurship Hen Hatch competition in 2015. After coming in 2nd place and winning $9,000, we were able to relocate our business to our first retail location. 

How do you keep your team inspired and focused on the future?
When I was 12 years old, someone donated a computer to me. That event changed my life. The business fuels our nonprofit, The NERDiT Foundation, which has donated over 300 computers to at-risk communities, including Ghana and Kenya. I keep my team inspired with this “why” behind the business.