Electronic Avenue
Florida native Jim Smeltzer has found a way to thrive in Walker County through his passion for computers.
Words by James Phillips | Image by Ryan McGill
Jim Smeltzer, the owner of Hi-Speed Computers LLC, picked up a love for all things electronics as a young person and turned that love into a successful career in selling and repairing computers.
Starting with transistor radios in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, Smeltzer has followed and “tinkered” with technology for most of his life.
“I started with computers in the early ‘90s during the computer revolution,” he said. “I bought my first real computer in 1994. It was an NEC, a Japanese computer.”
Smeltzer said the computer had 16 megabytes of RAM and a 128 MB hard drive, a blazing-fast piece of technology at that time. However, the price tag was $3,800.
A decade later, Smeltzer turned his hobby into a career. His first job was at Publix in his hometown of Orlando, Florida. Smeltzer worked for the grocery store chain for 19 years before moving to Jasper in 2003. During his time with Publix, Smeltzer earned an associate’s degree in computer science with A+ and Network+ certifications.
Upon moving to Jasper, Smeltzer started working with computers in a shed in his backyard. From there, he rented space at Witcher Office Supply, then moved to another location before landing at his current spot at 112 Highway 78 West in Jasper, directly behind KFC.
“People can say what they want about Walker County, but this is a great place to live, and I wouldn’t want to have my business anywhere else,” Smeltzer said. “The customers are my favorite part of what I do. I enjoy getting to know them. I’ve built some great relationships through my business.
“My time at Publix prepared me for owning my own business,” he added. “I learned so much about customer service during that time. I also had experiences that helped me to learn how I wanted to treat my employees. I take pride in being a good boss. Mostly, I’m laid back, and this is a laid-back atmosphere. I appreciate my guys, and I try to show them that.”
Smeltzer said there was some culture shock when he first moved to the area.
“I was used to a big city like Orlando, and there was a different pace here. I have been back to Orlando plenty of times since I moved here, and I love it, but there is something special about this place and the people who live here,” he said.
Hi-Speed Computers features new and refurbished computers. Macintosh and Windows-based computers are the most popular, with Linux-based machines also offered. Smeltzer and his 2-person staff also repair computers of all types.
“We take the time to find out the needs of our customers,” he said. “There’s a big difference between a computer going to be used for gaming and computers that families use. By learning more about our customers, we can better match them with the type of computer they need.”
Laptops have passed desktop computers as the most purchased items at the store, Smeltzer said, but tablets are still popular.
One service Smeltzer offers that many other places no longer provide is television repair work.
“It’s hard to believe, but we still do many television repairs because that is a service that isn’t readily available anymore,” he said. “We get television repair jobs across the north of the state because there aren’t many places that do it.”
Smeltzer plans on doing his labor of love for a long time.
“I am blessed to be able to do something that I love. I can’t see myself not doing this,” he said. “I plan on being here for a long time.” 78