People You Should Know

Erik Morse

Point of Sale Specialist, Midwest CompuTech

AGE: 28

JOB DESCRIPTION: Providing point of sale hardware and software solutions for restaurant and retail applications, along with the peace of mind that comes with having Midwest CompuTech’s local service standards to rely on.

YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: 10. Wow. Seeing myself type that gave me that nostalgic ‘where has the time gone’ feeling (insert photo montage with sad-and-happy-yet-reassuring song overlay).

ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: Cape Girardeau

EDUCATION: University of Missouri

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I am very proud to be involved with the efforts of the Heart of Missouri United Way every year and to be able to see firsthand the impact the agencies have on our community and the passion of the staff and volunteers. I am also co-chair this year for EPIC, an opportunity within the chamber for Emerging Professionals in Columbia to get more involved with the chamber while making new contacts and developing their leadership skills. I think both of these endeavors are very important for the future of our community.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: The first day I “suited up” and entered the business world in Columbia was at Boone County National Bank, and I must give credit to many more people there than I can mention for showing me how a steadfast dedication to the community and your customers-past, present and future-is the only way to do business, especially in Columbia. I was then general manager for Recycled Office Solutions for two years, during which time I met David Nivens, one of the owners of Midwest CompuTech and the reason I am here now. Everyone here understands the value of giving back to the community, all the while making sure to do business right the first time and maintain every customer relationship with genuine care and service.

A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: If I don’t have room for a couple dozen, please allow me two…First of all, my heart is certainly with my wife, Andrea, who owns and operates Cherry Hill Massage. She has found something at which she is very gifted and has made a great success out of, never compromising her values or strengths that have made her a role model for me. She is a therapist on many levels for all those who know her (and I can still make her laugh with the interrupting cow joke). And Mike Grellner with Plaza Real Estate. He is a humble fountain of knowledge and is a much more energizing figure than he will ever know. He has his head on straight, and if he and his family are not in Columbia forever, we will have lost something special.

WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: I used to work in the hospitality business. Having a point of sale system that actually makes your job easier is invaluable, and knowing whom to call when you need some help makes everything that much better. I like to be that guy that people come to for solutions, and then to be able to offer our service standards to reinforce that just adds to the fun.

IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, I WOULD: have to start really learning how to play my guitar and also hone my survival skills. When I felt the time was right I could make the choice between rock ‘n’ roll or Man vs. Wild. If I felt that choice could not be made, I would quite possibly be the most amazing Sherpa around.

BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME AND HOW: Most will probably not believe it is public speaking because I get in front of people so often. I even did the Napoleon Dynamite dance in front of the BCNB staff when I worked there. Last week, I spoke at the QMB for the chamber. But I will tell you, it was a very concerted head-on approach I took to overcoming nerves and lack of confidence in front of people like that, and I still have to address it sometimes.

A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: Being a part of the CORE 20 networking group, which has established itself as a force of quality businessmen with whom to work here in Columbia. You would be hard-pressed to find a more impressive collection of standup guys in one place when this group rolls up. They are all trustworthy gentlemen who are at the vanguard of their respective industries, but they still know how to tailgate for a Mizzou game!  Mix equal parts “Student Council President,” “guy who sat in the front row for every class,” and “class clown who is surprisingly functional.”  Add a little bit of Chuck Norris. That’s us. Google it.

WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: Restaurant and bar owners are typically a blast to talk to…as long as you know when NOT to talk to them.

WHAT I DO FOR FUN: Ride my bike, play golf, go to the mountains, play disc golf, cheer for the Cardinals and watch the Tigers pursue another season of domination. Bring it on!

FAMILY: My wife, Andrea, who I cannot wait to see as a mother. And our weimaraner, Guinness.

FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: On a golf course at Faurot Field, where I have ridden my bike to watch the Tigers beat the Jayhawks as I drain a hole in one and my dog plays Wish You Were Here on my guitar (because somehow he got thumbs)  while my wife sings. And I’m eating ribs. Make it happen.

ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: Meeting the people I have and keeping them in my life. I make it a habit to surround myself with good people in business, friendship and the community.

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I: won the spelling bee in the second grade. When they presented the plaque to me they had misspelled my name. That’s when I first understood iruny. ϖ