Bringing life to business stories through websites: Behind the Business with A2Z Computing Services, Inc. in Oakland, ME

Bringing life to business stories through websites.

With each photo, owner Matthew Hunt conveys the beauty of Maine and its landscapes. With each website, he believes he brings life to a business’ story.

Any business that’s been around for 27 years could be considered a triumph. It’s nearly impossible to keep pace in an ever-changing world, especially in an industry that evolves at lightspeed. But that’s exactly what Matthew Hunt of A2Z Computing Services, Inc. in Oakland, Maine has done. Founded in 1995, A2Z Computing Services, Inc. provides professional web hosting and design, including photography and videography, for hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses in the U.S. and Canada. Hunt says their special brand of web design and stunning imagery creates first impressions that are sure to last.

After 40 years in the industry, Hunt thinks he’s seen it all: from primitive message boards and dial-up connections to self-published sites and SEO-enabled content. He’s installed every version of Windows released in the past 30 years. He’s created dozens of databases for both nonprofits and businesses.

When asked how A2Z Computing enjoys such longevity, he credits strong relationships with clients. “Our growth is client-driven. I have two pairs of eyes, the client’s and mine. Clients call with something they’ve seen that they like. It gives me a chance to examine and explore,” he explains. “Life in general is a constant learning experience.”

There aren’t many who have seen it from the beginning. “The internet was a combination of the military and the collegiate communication systems,” he explains. Hunt was first introduced to technology while serving in the Air Force in the early 80s. There he trained on military communication systems and learned the basics of computer networking. More than that, he came to appreciate accountability and attention to detail. “It was drilled into you. The tiniest thing can make a difference. You make sure you do things right the first time as much as you can. When you can’t, you fix it. I take ownership for everything I do for someone,” Hunt says.

After leaving the Air Force, Hunt continued his work in the exploding computer industry. By December of 1995, he founded A2Z Computing. “What started as hardware and computer repair quickly evolved to include software installations. As personal computers became affordable and easy to use, more and more businesses needed help implementing and maintaining a network of devices, users, and programs.” They also needed websites. By the early 2000s, Hunt’s focus shifted to web development. A2Z Computing also grew to a team of two to include his partner, Lisa Roy. “I run the show, and she runs me. It works out,” he chuckles.

Requests for social media have increased in recent years, but websites continue to be the bulk of A2Z Computing’s business. Despite the ubiquitous nature of websites today, it wasn’t always so easy. “Twenty years ago you’d tell a business owner they need a website, and they’d say, ‘What’s a website?’,” he chuckles. Hunt recalls the time he created a free site for a potential client in the late 90s who, upon being presented with their shiny new website and custom domain, promptly refused it. “Back then, there was a lot of suspicion about the internet. Not everyone understood it. They didn’t trust it was secure. People were wary of transferring data or money online.”

Today, A2Z Computing is servicing several hundred clients from Canada to Georgia with web design and hosting. More than that, Hunt teaches others how to navigate the ever-changing world of technology. He was an adult education instructor who is more than happy to share his knowledge to help others in their professional use. He’s hosted basic classes, introducing users to PCs, Microsoft Office, Facebook, and internet searching. More advanced users explored topics like Adobe design and animation, TurboTax, QuickBooks, and running your own backups and anti-virus software.

After so many years helping companies with their websites, Hunt says it all comes down to making a great first impression. “The first few seconds on a website is going to retain or drive away a visitor. The imagery on your website needs to be vivid and top quality.” If the images are out of focus, low quality, or don’t tie into the content of your site, “people are going to look elsewhere for a place that took the time and spent the money for a professional site. Great photos add to the impression of the site and by extension, their impression of your business.”

Hunt provides aerial photography and videos as well. Gorgeous, sweeping views of central Maine’s towns, businesses, and homes are featured on many of A2Z Computing’s websites. Hunt uses drones to capture stunning images of everything from real estate listings to Maine’s farms, landscapes, and wildlife. With each photo or video, Hunt conveys the beauty of Maine and its people. With each website, he brings life to a business’ story.

For more information about A2Z Computing Services, Inc., check out their BBB Business Profile. To learn more about BBB and read more stories like this, visit Behind the Business Stories.