Why Affinity?
Knowledgeable. Experienced. Onsite. On time. Integrity. Honesty. We've been there and done that - and we're in the know.
Affinity Technology Group, LLC, was founded in Traverse City, Michigan, by three partners in October of 2005 as Innovative Computing, LLC. In May of 2006, after an initial restructuring and separation from an original partner, Ben Blissett and Fletcher Floyd changed the legal name of the company to what it is presently. After working together for over eighteen months and growing the business to a formidable local technology firm, Ben and Fletch parted ways in January of 2008. Fletch went on to form his own company on a part-time basis, and Ben claimed sole ownership of Affinity Tech.
Working closely with freelance developers and moonlighting technicians, privately held Affinity Tech continues to serve the technology and Information Systems needs of over fifty small businesses in the greater Traverse City area, as well as over two hundred residential clients. The company's versatility and broad spectrum of ability allows for its solid reputation to be upheld, and as the firm continues to grow by leaps and bounds on an almost entirely referral basis, Affinity remains proud to be available for the needs of its clientele.
In March 2010, Nathan O'Brien joined Affinity as the Head of Technical Services, bringing his superior Linux and hardware support skills to the table and allowing for Ben to focus more on customized client solutions and customer support. "Your Friendly Tech Guys" Ben and Nathan are proud to have developed and tested four unique, highly effective custom solutions for the small business community in Northern Michigan - ALBS™, GigAffinity™, SecureUp™, and GetMeThere™ - and will continue to design and develop additional solutions that will be introduced as the testing phases are completed.
What are our customers saying?
" Affinity Tech has provided home network IT consulting and support for our family for several years. Ben was referred to us by a mutual friend and has proven to be a highly professional and helpful resource in keeping our complex little network operational. We have IBM laptops, iMacs, home built gaming PCs, ipods, itouches and Blackberries all connected in some way - which often remains a mystery to us, but thankfully not to Ben! We work from home so "always on" connectivity to the Internet is essential to us and through multiple iterations of technology we've relied on Ben to advise us on the gear we need, to get it working and to keep us running.
" Ben consults with our teenager on a range of interests from the next upgrade for gaming gear, to installing the next version of Windows, to helping us reuse and recycle parts - staying in touch with him via Facebook, e-mail or texting - communicating the way teenagers need to communicate. On the other end of the spectrum, he's built knowledge of my professional connectivity requirements and made sure that my work PC was up and running productively. We'd still be trying to figure out what cables to connect to what adapters and which router settings are wrong without Ben's great knowledge and skill. Many thanks to the Affinity Tech team. You rock, Ben! "
- Barbara Heflin, IBM
" I want to thank you for your always prompt and professional service in keeping our computers on track. I am truly amazed at how you have kept Paul's 12-year-old computer (wouldn't that be considered ancient!) going with all the information squeezed into that old hard drive.
" I especially appreciate how you have networked our computers, provided an off site back up, and given emergency help efficiently and economically. As a small business owner, money is sometimes tight, and your honesty and fair pricing is appreciated!
" I am glad you are a part of my "team" in keeping our business computers functioning, which helps me do business! I would be lost without you. "
- Bonnie Woolsey, Mastercraft Cabinets
" I have worked with Ben from Affinity Tech for the past couple of years. He has always been helpful and professional. I feel comfortable that Ben is only a phone call away and has worked through every issue and concern I've had. Ben is highly recommended by myself and fellow business associates of mine. "
- Wendy Corey, TW Management
" Affinity Tech Group has successfully done in one day what our former technology company was unable to do in five visits. Our network finally runs like it should. Ben and Affinity more than paid for their services within a few days through dramatically increased productivity at our firm. I have and will continue to refer Ben and Affinity without question. "
- Corey Phelps, Front Street Mortgage
" We have been working with Ben Blissett for over three years. He is always looking out for our best interests. Whether it's software applications, security, or hardware issues, he is very knowledgeable and eager to help. "
- Cindy Koval, Overhead Door Company of Grand Traverse
" As a small architectural firm that relies on computer technology for e-mail, letter writing, scanning and accounting, when the computer is down the business does not run very efficiently. Ben Blissett and Affinity have come to my rescue on several occassions to diagnose the problem and efficiently apply the solution to get me up and running again. The response time by Affinity has always been reasonable and follow-up phone calls, mostly generated by my lack of understanding, are answered in the same manner. I have always found Ben and Affinity to be helpful, professional and cost effective for my technology needs. "
- Jim Elkins, Strong, Drury & Elkins Architects, Inc.
" I have secured Affinity Tech's services for several of my business clients and close friends. All of these contacts experienced the same positive results. Ben's professionalism and quick response was most helpful when trying to solve DSL computer problems. Ben also helps me with my own personal computer security software. "
- Victor Dinsmoore, AT&T
" I wanted to write you a quick thank you note for your services yesterday. You were responsive when we called and gave us a time to expect you that same day! You showed up on time and were very professional and efficient. Sally mentioned today the difference even in the atmosphere when you were here versus the last tech company we used. We appreciate your professionalism and your thorough but simple explanation of what happened and for not making us feel inept. I'm pleased that I made the switch to your company. Thank you for being great at what you do! "
- Charity Anderson, Cornerstone Title Insurance Agency
" What is most valuable to me about Affinity's service is their flexibility and timeliness. They are always prompt; almost immediate in their response and service. And I can use their service either to do it all for me or they will teach me if I'm in the mood - some things I want to learn, others I just want fixed yesterday. Rather than just dictating a menu of services, Affinity lets their customers decide. They also will come to my house for pick up, or for tutorial, and for return delivery. I trust them implicitly with my private data.
" Since they have managed massive networks, preserving my data is a breeze. I also find their service particularly nice when I upgrade. They transferred my data and set up all my accounts within 24 hours. They also made recommendations on what I needed for my upgrade: both hardware and software. Four years ago I didn't even know what a docking station was and I didn't have autobackup. They suggested I consider this interface and it made life much easier. At essence, that's what they do: make life easier. I haven't banged my head against the monitor once since I found them. "
- Missy Y., Traverse City
" Affinity Tech has provided our office with solutions to help keep our data safe and secure. Ben is knowledgeable, professional and personable. I look forward to working with him and the Affinity Tech team in the future. "
- Dr. Kathleen Sawhill, Hearing Solutions of Northwest Michigan
" Ben at Affinity has been our “go-to” guy for our computer needs for almost two years. He’s very accessible and punctual, and gets the job done at a reasonable cost. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have to work on our computers and highly recommend his services. "
- Karen P., Traverse City
" I met Ben through a networking group and hired him to deal with a laptop problem. He did such a good job that I had him come in and assess an issue at work. He has since helped us in setting up new associates' computers, a new network, and when we moved our office he set up both the wired and wireless networks. I could not recommend him more highly - we will use him again both at the office and at home. "
- John Watkins, TC Business News
" I have been receiving assistance for my home computer technology needs from Ben Blissett since 2000 and have continued with him as he helped found Affinity Technology Group.
" I have been very pleased with the technology assistance received. Anytime I have had a computer problem, the response time to my phone call or email has been very timely with either scheduling a time for my computer to be picked up, dropped off, or for Ben to come look at it in my home. Ben has been very easy to get in touch with, work with, and he has been very flexible.
" This year when my computer’s hard drive crashed, I had asked for some suggestions and guidance on buying a new computer. Ben took the time to personally go with me to shop for a computer and he took it with him directly after the purchase to have everything set up correctly. I had my new computer ready to go the next day.
" The honesty, timely manner, and very personalized support in which Affinity has assisted me has been outstanding. I would recommend services from Affinity to my closest friends and family for their personal and business needs. "
- Ashley K., Traverse City
" Affinity has played an integral role in maintaining our computer system. Ben is competent, reliable, trustworthy, and gracious. He avails himself with short notice. I endore Ben and Affinity for any tech-related issues. "
- Frank Ambrosius, Mainstream Marketing
