Today, Hartco’s operations span more than 90 commercial and retail locations across the country. In commercial markets, Hartco operates under the names of Metafore, MicroAge and Microserve – some of Canada’s best-known VARs – in 60 locations coast to coast. In retail markets, the CompuSmart network has more than 30 locations, serving consumers and small businesses.
Hart was the first customer in the world to purchase a copy of Lotus 1-2-3. He was also the first to bring the Apple computer into Canada. And he was the first to represent many big-name vendors, such as IBM, Compaq and HP.
“I saw it was a different business. It was very entrepreneurial and we were fast,” said Hart. “The advantage I have is I personally am not too technically oriented, I just look at it as a user [and] don’t get caught up in the technology.”
And the company is also financially strong enough to weather a storm. Last year, for example, Hartco Income Fund’s operating revenues were close to $600 million. “The weather won’t always be clear,” said Hart. “Sometimes you get a storm – if a big wind comes and you’re not strong enough, it’ll blow you away.”