Computer Zen
Computer Zen is a founder-owned, Idaho-based technology sales, service, and support firm that supplies computers, networking, VoIP, and security systems to schools, governments, businesses, and individuals across the US, with historical reach into Canada and the Caribbean.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersSalmon, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Computer Zen does
Computer Zen is a privately held, founder-owned technology sales, service, and support company headquartered in Salmon, Idaho, founded in 2011 by Pattie and Steve Dahl and operating with 11-50 employees. The company supplies computers, laptops, 3D printers, networking gear, security cameras, door access systems, satellite phones (including Garmin inReach), and related hardware, and distributes partner products from Xerox, DISH, DIRECTV, T-Mobile, AT&T, FIBERCOM, and CenturyLink through a physical storefront in Salmon and a national e-commerce site (shopcomputerzen.com). It delivers remote IT support via AnyDesk and on-site support, and bundles installation with ongoing maintenance under quote-based, multi-year engagements.
Its technology stack centers on integrated communications and physical security rather than software platforms. The wholly owned AITelecom subsidiary delivers Digital VoIP solutions, a capability traceable to founder Steve Dahl's implementation of the first VoIP system in the Caribbean linking Bahamian and Caymanian banks and insurers. The K12.Tech sub-brand packages phone systems, PA/bells, security cameras, door access control, gunshot detection, and STEM curriculum for K-12 schools, while the STEAM World nonprofit (encouraged by the Idaho Department of Education) extends free STEM/STEAM programming to small rural schools in Idaho and Montana.
The business model combines low-margin hardware resale, recurring telecom services through VoIP subscriptions, project-based security and network installations (with at least one cited customer outcome of $6,000/month in communications savings), and professional services for IT support, all priced on a quote basis. Customer segments span K-12 education (primary), commercial/business (primary), hospitality, government, nonprofits, and individual consumers, with named enterprise accounts including Jack Link's Snack Foods, British American Bank, and SilverCreek Hotel. The company is bootstrapped with no disclosed external funding and no M&A activity.
Computer Zen firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Computer Zen
- Legal name
- Computer Zen
- Website
- https://computer-z.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Computer Zen is a founder-owned, Idaho-based technology sales, service, and support firm that supplies computers, networking, VoIP, and security systems to schools, governments, businesses, and individuals across the US, with historical reach into Canada and the Caribbean.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Computer Zen industry classification
Industry- Product category
- IT Services and Technology Resale
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Other Computer Related Services (541519), Computer Training (61142)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Retail-Computer & Computer Software Stores (5734), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cloud & Infrastructure Support (Servers, Storage, Virtualization) (BPAAACAE)
Keywords
Where Computer Zen is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Salmon
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Computer Zen business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Technology Hardware Sales: Sale of computers, laptops, desktops, satellite phones (Garmin inReach), TVs, 3D printers, cables, accessories, and related technology products through retail and online storefronts.
- Telecommunications Services: VoIP phone services and solutions delivered through AITelecom subsidiary, providing digital communications systems for businesses and organizations with reported cost savings.
- IT Support Services: Both remote and on-site IT support including virus removal, internet security, data backup, network improvements, computer training, custom PCs, and ongoing maintenance.
- Satellite TV Services: Reselling DISH and DIRECTV satellite TV services and equipment to residential and commercial customers.
- Security Systems Installation: Installation and ongoing maintenance of security cameras, door access control, and emergency management systems for schools and commercial entities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Quote-based custom pricing |
| Other | Monthly | Service-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Computer Zen product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Computer Zen provides technological sales, service, and support nationally to schools, nonprofits, governments, businesses, and individuals. Its core offering is turnkey IT and communications solutions combining hardware sales (computers, laptops, networking and security equipment), reseller partnerships (Xerox, DISH, DIRECTV, T-Mobile, AT&T, FIBERCOM, CenturyLink), and professional IT support services delivered both on-site and remotely. Operates three sub-brands: K12.Tech (education security and STEM), AITelecom (Digital VoIP), and STEAM World (nonprofit STEM/STEAM programs).
Product overview
Computer Zen operates as a technology sales, service, and support company with both retail and commercial operations. Their product portfolio centers on computers, laptops, and 3D printers sold through retail storefronts and their online shop, complemented by networking and security equipment including security cameras, door access controls, Wi-Fi mesh systems, and VoIP phone systems. The company distributes partner products including DIRECTV, DISH TV, T-Mobile, AT&T, FIBERCOM, CenturyLink, and Xerox copiers. They provide IT support services through both on-site and remote delivery models. Computer Zen's operations include three specialized divisions: K12.Tech (education technology for K-12 schools offering integrated security, phone systems, PA/bells, and STEM curriculum), AITelecom (Digital VOIP telecommunications solutions), and STEAM World (non-profit providing free STEM/STEAM education programs). The company serves diverse customer segments including schools, nonprofits, governments, businesses, and individuals nationally, with operations spanning the US, Canada, and the Caribbean.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- K12.Tech: Technology solutions for education including phone systems, security cameras, door access control, gun shot detection, and STEM curriculum for schools
- AITelecom
- STEAM World
Products and services
- IT Support Services (on-site and remote)
- VoIP Phone Systems (AITelecom)
- K12.Tech Education Technology Solutions
- Computer and Laptop Sales
- Security and Surveillance Equipment
- Network Infrastructure Services (Wi-Fi Mesh, Fiber Internet, Workstation Deployment)
- Xerox Office Copiers and Maintenance
- Satellite TV Services (DISH and DIRECTV)
- Wireless and Internet Services (T-Mobile, AT&T, FIBERCOM, CenturyLink)
- STEAM Products and Educational Equipment
- Home Automation Systems
Quantifiable outcome
- VoIP phone system saving over $6,000 per month for Salmon River Quality Motors across three locations
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Computer Zen
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Computer Zen technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Computer Zen partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- XeroxcoreXerox office copiers and maintenance are sold and supported through Computer Zen, providing businesses with high-quality document management solutions as part of their comprehensive technology offerings.
- DISH NetworkcoreComputer Zen resells DISH satellite TV services and equipment to residential and commercial customers, including hotel installations with room-by-room systems.
- DIRECTVcoreComputer Zen offers DIRECTV satellite television products and services as part of their entertainment and communications solutions portfolio.
- T-MobilecoreT-Mobile cellular products and services are offered through Computer Zen, providing mobile connectivity solutions to customers.
- AT&TcoreAT&T telecommunications products and services are available through Computer Zen's sales offerings.
- FIBERCOMsecondaryFIBERCOM fiber internet products and services are offered through Computer Zen, complementing their connectivity solutions.
- CENTURYLINKsecondaryCENTURYLINK internet services are available through Computer Zen as part of their telecommunications and connectivity offerings.
- Garmin (inReach Explorer+)secondaryGarmin inReach Explorer+ satellite phones with GPS and two-way texting features are sold at Computer Zen's store.
- K12.TechcoreK12.Tech is a subsidiary division of Computer Zen specializing in technology solutions for K-12 education, including integrated security systems, phone systems, PA/bells, and STEM curriculum.
- AITelecomcoreAITelecom is Computer Zen's telecommunications company delivering Digital VOIP solutions, providing cost-effective phone services to businesses.
- STEAM WorldcoreSTEAM World is a nonprofit organization created by Computer Zen founders to expand free STEM/STEAM educational programs to small rural schools. Computer Zen sponsors this initiative with 100% of donations going to support STEM education.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Computer Zen competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Insight Enterprises: Global IT solutions integrator offering hardware, software, services, and lifecycle support to businesses and institutions. Comparable to Computer Zen's integrated technology solutions and channel-reseller model across multiple customer verticals.
- Zones: IT products and services provider offering end-to-end technology solutions from hardware to managed services. Comparable to Computer Zen's combination of hardware reselling (Xerox, etc.), services, and integration offerings.
- SHI International: IT solutions provider combining hardware/software distribution, integration, and managed services for enterprise and public-sector customers. Comparable to Computer Zen's role as a multi-vendor technology integrator for schools, government, and mid-market commercial clients.
- CDW: Large IT products and services reseller serving businesses, education, and government with hardware, software, and integrated services. Closest scaled analog to Computer Zen's hybrid hardware-plus-services motion, particularly in the K-12 / education vertical.
- Micro Center: Specialty retailer of computers, electronics, and accessories, with services such as custom PC builds. Directly comparable to Computer Zen's retail storefront and online store selling computers, 3D printers, gadgets, and accessories.
- CompuCom: IT managed services provider delivering on-site and remote support, network management, and end-user computing services. Comparable to Computer Zen's on-site + remote IT support offering for businesses and institutions.
- Connection: IT solutions provider delivering hardware, software, and services to public sector, commercial, and enterprise customers. Direct peer given the similar mix of multi-brand technology distribution and integration services.
Broad incumbents
- Best Buy (Geek Squad): National consumer-electronics retailer with Geek Squad providing on-site and remote support, installation, and repairs. Comparable to Computer Zen's combination of computer/gadget retail and consumer-facing support services, though at vastly greater scale.
- RingCentral: Cloud communications platform providing VoIP, contact center, and unified communications for businesses. Comparable to Computer Zen's AITelecom Digital VoIP subscription business, though at vastly greater scale and as a software-only platform.
Emerging players
- Raptor Technologies: K-12 student safety and security platform offering visitor management, emergency management, and integrated school-safety software. Comparable to Computer Zen's K12.Tech bundle of access control, cameras, PA/bells, and gun-shot detection for schools.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Computer Zen social profiles
Digital presenceComputer Zen financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Computer Zen leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Computer Zen subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Computer Zen funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Computer Zen M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Computer Zen
What does Computer Zen do?
Computer Zen provides technological sales, service, and support nationally to schools, nonprofits, governments, businesses, and individuals. Its core offering is turnkey IT and communications solutions combining hardware sales (computers, laptops, networking and security equipment), reseller partnerships (Xerox, DISH, DIRECTV, T-Mobile, AT&T, FIBERCOM, CenturyLink), and professional IT support services delivered both on-site and remotely. Operates three sub-brands: K12.Tech (education security and STEM), AITelecom (Digital VoIP), and STEAM World (nonprofit STEM/STEAM programs).
Is Computer Zen a public or private company?
Computer Zen is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Computer Zen founded?
Computer Zen was founded in 2011. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Computer Zen based?
Computer Zen is headquartered in Salmon, United States, in the North America region.
How does Computer Zen make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Technology Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are telecommunications Services, IT Support Services, satellite TV Services and security Systems Installation.
Who are Computer Zen's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Insight Enterprises, Zones, SHI International, CDW, Micro Center, CompuCom and Connection. Broad incumbents are Best Buy (Geek Squad) and RingCentral. Raptor Technologies is listed as an emerging player.
Does Computer Zen have an API?
No public API is recorded for Computer Zen.
What industry is Computer Zen in?
Computer Zen's product category is IT Services and Technology Resale. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAAACAE, Cloud & Infrastructure Support (Servers, Storage, Virtualization). Its NAICS code is 5415 and its SIC code is 7373.