From TV to Computers, Dr. Bob Shares His Love of Technology and Solutions

Robert Powell first made money doing something he loved when he was a kid. He played baseball in front of television cameras as an extra in the 1960s Dennis the Menance television show.

“We got paid $50, which was a lot of money back then,” Powell said.

He was friends with the show’s child star, Jay North, which led to the lucrative gig.

“They set a few of us kids in the background, rolled the cameras and we played ball. We didn’t think of it as acting. We were just having fun, playing baseball.”

Powell looks like someone you know, but can’t quite place. He's a big man, softened with a baby face, warm greeting and friendly smile.  

Though he has fond memories of his childhood's brush with fame, Powell’s gig didn’t entice him to pursue acting.

As a huge Star Trek fan, Powell dreamed of technological solutions. He was hooked on computers after taking a weekend job a friend offered him.

Powell's interest in technology and natural talent in understanding it, made it the perfect career. He earned his doctorate in computer science from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) when he was 35 years old.

His career path brought him from being a contractor to owning several successful companies in manufacturing, business and computer services. He wrote a book for struggling businesses called "Computerized Business Information Systems: An Executive Guide," which he uses in his business consulting practice.

For the last 30 years, Powell's been the man behind Dr. Bob's Computer Services. He's moved between Largo and Clearwater locations over the years. His store in the Belcher Plaza has been open for the last 11 years.

“There’s only six of us [computer stores] that’s been around that long,” Powell said.

Seven years ago, he hired Richard Thomas as the store's tech. Thomas' computer know-how and business sense quickly impressed him. Powell offered him a promotion and later, part-ownership. 

Their teamwork started , or Advanced Technical of Florida, the commercial business side of Dr. Bob's Computers.

Throughout the years Powell’s seen the highs, lows and everything in between. 

In the last three years, his business lost almost 200 commercial customers, casualties of a struggling economy.

“The only businesses I lose are those that go out of business themselves,” Powell said. 

He’s changed with the times and always stayed on top of the latest technology.

His business longevity is built on word-of-mouth from loyal customers that span three decades. To bring in new customers, Powell did for his company what he often does for others in his business consultation practice- find a solution.

He stepped up his sales team; first with himself, then hiring sales manager Carl Babcock.

As Powell addresses customers’ computer questions in his store and on the phone, his answers show he’s not in business for the quick buck, but to help those who may be technology-challenged.

He tells customers to call him whenever they need a new computer. His offer is free and available whether they buy from him or not.

“I want them to call and ask me before they buy a computer. People get confused, they’re not sure what to buy. I’ll tell them if it’s going to work for what they need. I want to help,” Powell said.

Powell's mission is to help solve people's technical problems.

Inside Dr. Bob's hub are used laptops and desktops that line the store's shelves. Computer monitors, software programs, cords and tower cases stand ready for custom-built models.

Powell views the built-from-scratch systems as more reasonable than the in-the-box models but also as the best way to get the right computer.

He asks customers about their computer needs and offers options that will give them the best machine to accomplish it.

“You may not need everything, so it’s better to build one with exactly what you need,” Powell said.

Powell's main focus is two-fold: boost the customer and commercial computer sales and increase his business consulting.

"That's what I love and it's what I've always been good at; problem solving. Businesses call for help, and I can find the problem and tell them how to fix it," Powell said.

When asked if he remained friends with North, Powell smiles.

"We lost contact after the show ended. Jay went on to star in another show, but I ran into him a few years ago at a local Comic-Con show," Powell said.

"He looked exactly the same way he did as a kid ... just older."

More information about Dr. Bob's: 

will be hosting a customer appreciation day on May 14, 2011. For more information, contact Dr. Bob's Computer Services at (727)524-2873.

Dr. Bob's Computer Services is located at 1479 Belcher Road South, Unit U, Largo, FL. 33771. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.