Brian Sugarman said he knew as a teenager that he was “a computer guy,” which led to his long-term career as an Apple computer technician. Blair Miller is a former IT executive turned Apple product trainer.
You can find both Apple experts at MACnician, Sugarman’s new Highland Park based certified Mac repair store that houses Miller’s Apple training business, Applelearn.
“We have the ability to pay great attention to detail and to help people understand and use their technology to its fullest,” said Sugarman, who began working at an independent Apple repair store at just 16 years old, and who during his 15 year career spent four years working for the Apple Store.
“It’s very quiet in here,” said Miller, who also worked at the Apple Store for three years before starting AppleLearn in 2010. “You get personalized attention and there’s more continuity if you’re working on a project, because you’re always getting me.”
Sugarman, who lives in Highwood with his wife, Marianna, opened MACnician three years ago in the Ravinia Business District, and chose to move the business to its new location on the corner of Highway 41 and Park Avenue West for two reasons: a larger facility and the addition of AppleLearn.
“I cold called Brian a few years ago because I thought he would be a good person to share leads with,” said Miller, who lives in Highland Park with her husband, Ron Heller. “He and I worked on a big project together a couple of years ago where we converted a law firm from Windows to Mac, and we worked really well together.”
“Blair is very knowledgeable and is always staying up to date on changing technology,” Sugarman said. “She’s also very patient and easy to be around.”
MACnician offers computer technical support, and AppleLearn assists clients in troubleshooting and training on features of Apple products that include Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV.
“A lot of my clients are seniors or people who have converted from Windows or from a different phone,” Miller said. “My job is giving people the tools to empower them to become more productive.”
Evie Rooth is an educational consultant who works with elementary and middle school aged students, parents and teachers, and who uses several Apple products for her job.
“As a professional, I feel more comfortable here than I do at the Apple store,” said Rooth, who has been a client of Sugarman’s for two years. “Both Brian and Blair are highly trained and intuitive. They are able to understand my professional growth requirements.”
Sugarman and Miller offer the same hourly rate for clients, and both consult onsite or in people’s homes or businesses.
“I’m really passionate about Apple,” Sugarman said. “I love how simple and elegant the products are and how well they work.”