Jake Esh, founder and owner of Esh Computer, bought his first computer in January of 1985. The computer was an IBM PC, MS DOS 3.0, 12” RGA Monitor and an 80 Column Dot Matrix Printer. At that time Jake’s younger brother, Ken, was taking a course in high school. Together they completed a basic computer course and then continued through vocational technology courses and various other self-study materials. Jake also learned from valuable, personal contacts that had experience in specific technology fields. Jake and Ken’s main focus between 1985 and 1989 was on computer programming and software development. They programmed in Basica computer language and later in a format known as GWBasic.

Over that time period Jake offered some computer services to individuals and companies aside from his regular full time employment. He created an accounts receivable program for Kauffman’s Fruit Farm. In 1989 Jake decided to reduce his hours at his full time job to meet the demands that became relevant for software development. In 1990 Jake went into the computer services business full time. He had a lot of support from his family. Both Jake’s father and father in law supported his efforts financially and personally. They believed in Jake’s desire to be successful and were supportive in his decision to leave secure employment in pursuit of a business in a new industry. Jake’s wife also supported his work in the new PC world. Her encouragement was vital during this decision. It was during the same time that they were establishing their own family. The last significant factor in this venture was the repeated confirmations that Jake received from God. Jake learned about the significance of trusting in God at an early age. Whenever Jake applied himself to a new computer concept there was an opportunity to use that knowledge in the real world. This happened time and time again. Thus, Esh Computer Center was born. Jake’s goal in establishing Esh Computer Center was to offer computer solutions to small businesses. The main focus was software solutions but it didn’t take long to see the need for an entire computer solutions establishment, including computer hardware.

Jake Esh started serving people in 1987. The first few years of service were conducted from the basement of Jake’s home. The company was formally set up in 1989. From 1990 – 1991 Jake ran the business from his home by appointment only. In 1992 he opened a showroom and established regular business hours. Because of rapid growth in 1993, the business moved to 5329 Lincoln Highway, Gap. Gap was relatively close to the original office and the new location had store frontage along Route 30. In 2000 the business moved to a brand new facility at 5351 Lincoln Highway, Gap. This larger, expanded location is where Esh Computer Center is presently serving businesses and consumers at all technology levels.

As Esh Computer Center first grew it was primarily from customer referrals. The first service offered was custom programming. Next came computer hardware and in 1992 they expanded into computer networking such as Novell Netware and Artisoft Lantastic. The first computer sold at Esh Computer Center was a 386SX/16. Today Esh Computer Center sells computer hardware and networking solutions primarily in PA, DE and MD.

On opening day Esh Computer Center employed only one person. Today there are over twenty people employed and trained to serve you at any consumer level, professional or personal.

Did you know that Eagle Solutions, a division of Esh Computer Center, developed a custom accounting software known as Eagle Business Management Solutions? Early versions were created in 1989 – 1990 and the first release of EBMS followed in 1993. EBMS evolved from a strong need for a good business software that was chock full of flexibility and reliability without the costly price tag of the larger business packages. EBMS has a lot of customization and expansion options that are available to meet the demand of a growing business. EBMS is a powerful package with an ease of use for even the most limited computer user. The EBMS software solution is being offered throughout the nation.

During the first years as a company Jake expected to become primarily a software or hardware company. The demand for both remained steady in growth and not one became dominant over the other. Both aspects grew in ratio together. The relevance here is that as the industry grew and matured, the main focus for Esh Computer Center became simple and clear. Solutions was the key, meeting both hardware and software needs for businesses and individuals. The solutions, product and the way of doing business have all changed over the last fifteen years. The goal of assisting small businesses and individuals to better utilize computer technology, however, has not changed.

Esh Computer Center is committed to customer service. “We sell many computers, networks, software and peripherals but what sets us apart from the competition is service” says Jake Esh. If a person has a problem or a question they know whom they can call. “We don’t just sell the product, we offer support to use the product efficiently and correctly.” Many people experience the disappointment of buying hardware or software from a company or an individual only to have them disappear and leave the consumer without support. Esh Computer Center not only has a team of professionals to do the job right, we have the record of being there next year when additional service or support is needed.

The employees at Esh Computer Center are a team of exceptional individuals that have the expertise to implement a wide range of business and individual consumer computer solutions. It is with many thanks to everyone that has supported us through the years that we are able to continue providing hardware, software, service and support to the computer industry.