Gimmie a nerd to go, please

Once upon a time, being labeled a "nerd" was enough to make anybody run home, exchange thick eyeglasses for contact lenses and buy pants that actually reached the tops of their shoes.
No doubt, Bill Gates contributed much to changing that image - who wouldn't want to be a rich nerd? Yesterday's brainiacs are today's brilliant entrepreneurs. A tag that used to be cliquishly derogatory is now associated with respect, and , in the case of computer glitches, relief.
Everyday computer users know firsthand how frustrating dealing with these temperamental machines can be. Trying to figure out problems can lead to brian aneurisms. It's easier, and a lot less painful., to order up someone who makes a their living figuring these things out, and who'll come to you.
"Nerds To Go" is a Guilford-based company that specializes in home computer services and on -site servicing for small businesses. Founded by the husband and wife team Dave and Kristina Colella two years ago, "Nerds To Go" has grown in leaps and bounds, employing a staff o f25 "Certified Nerds" servicing 69 territories in Connecticut, including Milford.
Customers needn't be concerned with any pretense of being offensive in calling this company's employees Nerds. They cherish their title. Besides, they DO know more about these complicated machines than most.
"It's a term of endearment," said Dave Colella. "What better way to describe somebody that fixes your computer?"

"At the beginning of the year, I saw an ad on monster.com that read, 'Nerd Wanted," said Milfordite Jay Rein, one of the "Nerds To Go" Certified Nerds. "I Like working on computers, solving problems. It's right up my alley. "When I saw the ad, I said to myself, "I want to be a Nerd."
Rein already has certifications in IBM, Compaq, Hewlett Packard, Cisco GPS, and 83 different Dell certifications, to name a few. STill, he went through the requisite "Nerds In Training" boot camp before receiving his ceremonial dub of "Certified Nerd."
"I wear it as a badge of honor," Rein said.
Employees with excellent technical skill and the ability to communicate with customers in ways they'll understand are two aspects that lend the company's unique business model, not to mention those cool Toyota Scions they get to drive.
"When we first started this company, we took a look at the market and saw that there was a huge need for computer support services for residential computer users and small businesses," said Colella. "We are on a drive to make this company the next Wendy's, the next MCDonald's, the next Starbucks."
From nerds to customers to investors, Colella feels his vision is steadily gaining stream. He said, "Nerds To Go quickly kicked off in Guilford, Madison and Branford, developing a reputation with the catchy name and follow-through on everything customers expect."

"Nerds" now reach as far as Middletown and Mystic. Both he and Rein note how communities have embraced and supported them. The cool cars probably help, but the growing customer base can't be that superficial.
"We try to hire people with great personalities," said Colella. "Otherwise, with a bunch of nerds in the place, we'd go crazy."
"(Colella's) got a talent for hiring really good people," added Rein. "So far it's been excellent. I really enjoy it here. With the team, there're no limitations."
Colella's worked in the technology sector for the last 20 years; as a Vice President for IBM, Dell, Microsoft, and as general manager for several technology companies. He's technologically proficient and a proven business leader. And he's looking to expand his Certified Nerd roster to 100 by year's end.
So far, it seems like these nerds will have their revenge in the end, by being smarter, nicer and more reliable than most from high school alpha cliques.
"People love the company, love the name, love the cars - it's been a very positive experience," said Colella. "I think people like the concept - we're just real people trying to get by like everybody else. We just want to help out in the way we can."
Call 1-800-390-NERD or visit www.nerdstogo.com.