Our Story

The beginning

From a remarkably young age, I found myself utterly captivated by the boundless world of computing. To me, computers represented not merely machines, but an infinite canvas of potential—limitless in scope, unrestricted in application. At the age of twelve, I was granted the opportunity to engage with them regularly, and I seized it with unrelenting fervor. Every available moment became a deep dive into the intricacies of software and hardware alike; I was wholly consumed by the autonomy and creative empowerment they offered. Over the ensuing years, I dedicated myself to the meticulous exploration of every system I could access—methodically dissecting their architecture, behavior, and vulnerabilities. My thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and I was driven by an innate compulsion to understand how and why things worked, and more importantly, how they could be improved or repurposed. At fifteen, I successfully rehabilitated my first “dead” computer—reviving it from presumed failure using only the tools and knowledge I had acquired independently in my bedroom. By seventeen, I had rerouted the local telephone infrastructure directly into my room and configured a dial-up internet connection using a modem, an undertaking that required both technical finesse and creative problem-solving. Around this same period, I began to identify and exploit security loopholes within Windows XP. One such vulnerability—an administrative backdoor accessible through Safe Mode—enabled me to gain unrestricted access to user accounts. I recall, with a bit of mischief, using this method to commandeer my mother’s work computer by bypassing her password, much to her confusion and my amusement.

Back story

After going through some difficult times, I eventually crossed paths with an unnamed elderly gentleman, who operated a local one man computer repair shop. While this gentleman and I had starkly different philosophies—I cannot deny the role he played in my development. Working under him gave me invaluable exposure to the realities of technical work and customer interaction. I handled everything from routine service calls to highly advanced diagnostics, learning rapidly through hands-on experience. Within months I absorbed everything he knew and more. Although I strongly disagreed with many of his business practices and ultimately chose to part ways because of those ethical differences, the opportunity to work in that environment rapidly accelerated my growth. In early 2012, I decided to forge my own path, one rooted in honesty, transparency, and a deep respect for the people I serve. That decision led to the founding of Performance Computing, where I continue to honor the craft by doing right by every customer, every time.

Education

In late 2015, I made the decision to formally expand my technical foundation by enrolling at YTI Career Institute, an accelerated two-year technical college. Over the course of 2.5 intense years, I committed myself wholeheartedly to my studies—immersing in every subject with the same obsessive curiosity that had driven me since childhood. That period marked a massive leap forward in my technical knowledge and professional growth. During my time at YTI, I earned my CompTIA A+ certification in 2017, just prior to graduation. My coursework covered a wide array of essential disciplines, including customer relations, Linux systems administration, Windows Server 2008 and 2012, HTML/CSS web development, programming fundamentals, database management, SQL, and Cisco-based networking, among many others. It was a transformative experience—one that not only sharpened my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of how to communicate effectively and ethically in a customer-facing role.

Personal Touch

I’m speaking to you today with the very same fire that burned in me when I first laid hands on a keyboard at age twelve. That sense of wonder—the hunger to learn, to improve, to solve problems—never left. If anything, it’s grown stronger with time. At Performance Computing, customer satisfaction isn’t just a goal—it’s the very heartbeat of everything we do. It’s the spark that gets us up in the morning and the reason we stay late when a job needs finishing. Every repair, every conversation, every system we touch is a reflection of our integrity and pride in our craft. We’re never content with “good enough.” We’re always searching for better tools, better methods, and better ways to serve the people who trust us. That relentless pursuit of excellence is what defines us—and we wouldn't have it any other way. — George Artz