Our History
The Sneakers Name and Logo – Over the years many people have asked about the name Sneakers Computers and why there is a cat in the logo. Both the name and the logo came about as Sneakers was the name of the St. Germain family cat.
Sneakers Computers began in 1995, at a time when the computer industry was just starting to become mainstream. CEO Don St. Germain had been interested in computers since age 10 when he saved his paper route money and bought a Commodore Vic 20. Several computers later and with the influence of his father’s business knowledge Don opened the first Sneakers Computers. Armed with vast computer knowledge and his interest with the aspects of running a business, Don worked hard selling and servicing used computers and parts. In very little time, Sneakers Computers became so busy that they integrated new systems and parts into its product line. Word of mouth spread, and the demand became so much that within one year, Sneakers moved next door to their present location, doubling their square footage and eventually bringing interest into opening new locations, to satisfy the growing demand. Sneakers Computers changed the industry forever by initiating a limited lifetime labour warranty offered with every new computer system for no additional charge.
Sneakers Computers is very active in the local community. We have hosted such events, such as raffling off a computer and donating the proceeds to the Woman’s Transition House, donating parts to the Big Brothers & Sisters association, and collecting computers and parts to be given to Computers For Schools. We have also gone to great lengths to help the environment, with refuse bags in hand, picking up more than a dozen full bags of litter from the shoreline of the Esquimalt Lagoon. We also understand the importance of recycling computers when they reach the end of their lifetime, and so we regularly recycle as many as possible: metals, plastic and more.
Sneakers Computers has earned the acknowledgment of several well respected organizations. Sneakers Computers has been profiled in national tech magazines, CDN Canadian Dealer News, and Profit Magazine. Don St. Germain proudly won Victoria’s West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in twice. Sneakers Computers placed first runner up for the prestigious Business Examiner Retailer of the Year Award for 2004. In 2003, Sneakers Computers won the BBB Better Business Bureau Plaque Award for Business Ethics and Integrity. Just recently, Sneakers Computers won the 2004 BBB Better Business Bureau Torch Award (the highest honour) for Business Ethics and Integrity.
Sneakers Computers has come a long way and survived and thrived in an industry where most others have not. Sneakers Computers locations are owner operated, maintaining a close staff and client relationship. We are constantly updating our products and knowledge as the computer industry is forever changing. We strive to be competitive with our pricing and our products, never compromising quality.
Sneakers Computers has come a long way since the first store opened. As the industry changes, so does Sneakers. Having pride in what we do is reflected in our continued award winning service, and you can be sure that Sneakers Computers will be there whenever you need us.