ABOUT US

ACGS owner, Jennifer Danker:

Jennifer always knew she wanted to own her own business someday, but she didn’t think it would be a computer store. “I was in the pre-pharmacy program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and hoped to own my own pharmacy someday. But my interests changed and I ended up graduating with a Business Management Degree with a minor in Computer Science. Throughout the next 10 years, I earned several Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, and Dell certifications.” After working in the corporate IT environment for many years, she saw a need for computer & network support of the smaller clients and consumers. So, back in 2005, Jennifer started her own business and opened Advanced Computer & Graphic Solutions (ACGS) on Main Street in Panora. Because of her long-standing business relationship and certifications with Dell, she was able to tie in an Authorized Dell retail store as well. In 2009, she opened her second computer store in Atlantic, Iowa.

“ACGS is a full-service technology store. We are an Authorized Dell retailer and sell Dell laptops, desktops, servers, LCD panels, and more. We also sell over 70 brands of other types of technology peripherals including IP surveillance camera systems, printers, routers, cables, and other electronics. In addition, we service & repair all brands of computers. Our staff of 3 certified computer & network administrators, along with the help of our other 2 support staff members, provide both in-store and on-site computer & network service, installation, and repair. Add in our web and graphic design services, and we are truly a full-service technology shop.”

Jennifer is married to Shawn, who is a teacher & coach at Guthrie Center High School. They have 4 children, Shelby (21), Sydney (19), Sophie (13), & Seth (13). “Owning my own business, along with all the school, sporting, and family activities that we do, definitely keeps me busy. But I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

ACGS Lead Network Administrator, James Fox:

Jim joined ACGS at the end of 2010 as a Network Administrator & Computer Technician. He has become the lead technician for all of ACGS’s technology projects and is the full-time “go-to” technology geek at the Atlantic store. “Jim is an amazing employee and I know I couldn’t run this business without him. He cares about ACGS, cares about his customers, and strives to be the best technician possible. Once you have the opportunity to meet Jim and have him work on your technology issue, you will realize that you can trust that he will take care of you. He will work diligently to fix your problem, and he will do it the right way, in an honest and efficient manner.”

Jim works on all brands and types of technology, including computers, servers, network routers and switches, printers, and many more devices. Jim is also the company expert on newer technology devices such as IP surveillance camera systems, IP phone systems, and the new Microsoft Office 365 technology.

Jim is a retired United States Army Ranger and earned his bachelor’s degree from Bellevue University and is certified in many areas of technology as well. He lives in Avoca with his wife Julie and their son Nick (16). Jim also has 3 other grown sons, who all serve our US military, along with 5 grandchildren.

ACGS Office & Finance Manager, Paula Swope: Paula, who happens to be Jennifer’s mother, started working for ACGS when they opened the Atlantic store back in 2009. A former director at IWCC, Paula was still looking for something part-time to occupy her time after taking early retirement. Paula was involved in every facet of getting the Atlantic store up and running, and has continued running things there to this day. “Paula truly cares about ACGS and all of her customers/friends who come through the door. I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate everything she does for not just this business, but for me. I can always rely on her to look out for the things that are important. Paula wears many hats for ACGS, she is the Atlantic office manager, she is the payroll clerk, she is the AP/AR manager, she takes care of all the ordering, does the vast majority of the sales, and basically keeps the rest of us in line. But the best thing she does is being that friendly face that greets you when you walk through the door to ACGS. You can always count on a smile, probably a story or two about her grandkids, and your best interest at heart when you are a customer/friend of Paula’s at ACGS.”

Paula lives in Oakland with her husband Charles. They have 3 children, Jennifer, Steve, and Robert, and 6 grandchildren who they love to spoil and brag about. Paula & Charlie also enjoy gardening, shopping, cooking, watching sporting events, and spending time with friends and family.

ACGS also employees 2 other computer technicians who we will highlight here in the near future.