Computer store owner sells off majority share

Doug Pitt, 41, has sold an undisclosed share of ServiceWorld Computer Center to Miami Nation Enterprises, the business arm of the Oklahoma-based Native American tribe.

Pitt opened ServiceWorld in 1991 to offer a range of traditional computer services primarily aimed at resolving network infrastructure and support issues. In the 17 years since, ServiceWorld has broadened its base with wide-area network security and video surveillance as well as wireless networking.

Miami Nation Enterprises – a longtime ServiceWorld customer – looked at five companies in Oklahoma before approaching Pitt about a strategic partnership late last summer.

“Little did we know they were wanting to get into dealing with some government IT contracts, and to do so, they have to show some history and were looking for a partner as an acquisition,” said Pitt, who also is the 2008 chairman of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

ServiceWorld wasn’t exactly for sale, but Pitt viewed the opportunity as a way to step back from day-to-day business operations and indulge his yearning to participate in overseas humanitarian projects. Although he declined to comment on specifics of the deal, Pitt said he retains a minority share in ServiceWorld, which has 16 full-time employees at its 1409 W. Sunshine St. office.

“They were extremely fair in giving us our asking price,” he added. “We were a debt-free and profitable company, and we were rewarded for such.”

See SBJ’s Jan. 7 issue for more on ServiceWorld Computer Center’s sale and what’s in store for the business.