
By: Greg Elliott, Director of Business Development at 1102 GRAND
Apple is everywhere, especially this week with the tragic passing of Steve Jobs and the release of the iPhone 4S. Even our hometown wireless provider, Sprint Nextel, will finally have the iPhone available mid-October. Phil Poje and his new company, Tech Orchard, recently launched into the Apple game as well. Phil has always been a great proponent of 1102 GRAND and we are excited to hear about his new venture. I had a chance to catch up with Phil this week to ask him a few questions about Tech Orchard and why he chose to start a business in the Kansas City Area.
Tell us about your new company.
Tech Orchard purchases and finds new homes for used iPhones and iPads; thus reducing landfills and overflowing desk drawers. Sellers can get cash or can donate the money to their favorite charity with Tech Orchard matching 10% to the same charity. www.techorchard.com
Tech Orchard will also assists organizations with the purchase, leasing, renting, and management of 1-1,000 iPads and/or iPhones. Our services will include, but not limited to implementation, security issues (data encryption), integration, iPad app development, and training.
Who are your clients?
Tech Orchard partners with individuals, businesses, healthcare, and educational institutions in purchasing pre-owned iPads and iPhones; then re-selling them after being refurbished.
What value do you offer your customers?
Tech Orchard buys old iPads and iPhones, and makes sure that any important data is securely erased. We provide cash back in order to purchase new equipment. Customers can feel good that the devices are being re-use or recycled responsibly.
Why are you in Kansas City?
I was born in Kansas City Missouri, raised in Kansas City Kansas, graduated from University of Missouri-Kansas City and have lived on both sides of the state line. The vibrant K.C. region is a great place to live, work and raise a family. The friendly Mid-western culture and variety of intellectual, sports and recreational activities make this a wonderful place to call home and build a business.
What is the best part of doing business in Kansas City?
The friendly culture of Kansas City along with the strong work ethic makes our city great for doing business. In addition, KC has recently been ranked among the best in the nation in terms of its IT work force. We have many innovative companies; and organizations like Google and others are recognizing the value our city and region has for them.
What are the benefits of working in Kansas City?
Smart people! Great educational institutions like KU Medical Center, UMKC, KU, K-State, Avila, Baker, Park College, DeVry and a stellar group of junior colleges. Also, we enjoy having many organizations like KC Next, SITAKS, KCIT Professionals, EDC of KC, ECJC, Kansas Pipeline, KCADC, Kauffman Foundation, Start KC and many others who are helping businesses like ours grow and prosper. At Tech Orchard, we are proud and privileged to be part of the Kansas City region.
What are the financial or economic incentives to living in Kansas City or the metro area?
Low cost of living, great communities, strong workforce, good infrastructure, and ease of transportation are a few of the financial/economic incentives of being based in Kansas City. In addition, we are developing a good community of investors who strive to re-investing back in new area companies.
How does someone get in touch with Tech Orchard to learn more?
Direct inquiries to Phil Poje, CEO, phil@techorchard.com