Tech Masters Computer Services has Made It In the South Sound

[8/2/2022] Listen to Wade Stewart share his story of challenges and success with Tech Masters Computer Services on the latest episode of Making It in the South Sound.

"We started, like many businesses do, as a spare room in my house."

Wade Stewart is the founder and managing member of Tech Masters Computer Services, and a living small business success story. Tech Masters is celebrating its 10th year in business this year. Through all that time, Wade has been an active and involved member of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.

The story of Tech Masters is one that many small business owners can likely relate to. Soon after its start as a business, Tech Masters experienced exponential growth. According to Wade, this was a good problem to have. Still, it brought with it unique challenges. His initial plan of hiring staff within 18 months was fast tracked to a mere 8 months. In its first year alone, Tech Masters saw 30% quarter over quarter growth. 

Seeing this rapid business expansion, Wade realized that he needed some help. He credits networking through Chambers like the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber for helping him find a business coach to prepare Tech Masters for success. 

"The interesting thing about a business is there's ebbs and flows to it."

Since its founding, Tech Masters has expanded across state lines, and now serves clients in Oregon as well as Washington. Wade speaks to flexibility as a skill that helps Tech Masters be successful in multiple locations. Due to how well-established the business is in Washington, they can leverage some of their existing resources here to help clients in Oregon. The COVID-19 pandemic also led Wade to the realization of how much a business can accomplish remotely. 

In addition to being a business founder, Wade Stewart is also an author. His book, Personal Retreat, gives advice for feeling burned out that can benefit individuals both personally and professionally. And it's never been more relevant than in these last few years of pandemic turmoil and exhaustion.

"If you just have your head down and you're putting flagstones down to get to the house from the sidewalk, if you don't look up, you could end up at the garage instead."

Wade's idea of a "personal retreat" is a concept to help individuals take a break from being burned out and re-center on their true goals and ambitions. You can learn more about his book and the personal retreat concept here.

Learn more about Tech Masters Computer Services here. 

This Member Feature story is part of a series by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber to promote stronger connections and increased engagement between the Chamber, its members, and the local business community. Member stories are non-promotional opportunities to share members' business stories with the community. If you are a Chamber member interested in being featured for a story, please contact Digital Marketing Outreach Coordinator Audrey Widner at audreyw@tacomachamber.org