HAY RIVER - When Kevin Jacobs bought his first computer in 1989, he was on his own when problems developed.

Kevin Jacobs is the owner/operator of Polar Cadd Graphics, a business he runs out of the basement of his Hay River home. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"Basically, there was no one around to fix it," Jacobs recalled.

So, the Hay River man learned how to repair the computer himself, which eventually led to a home-based business.

Jacobs, 49, is the owner/operator of Polar Cadd Graphics, which offers computer repair and service, and prints large-format photos, signs and banners.

Back in 1989, the Internet was not available to him and Jacobs had to turn to the telephone and books to find out how to fix his computer.

"I think I must have had some kind of a knack for it," he said. "It seemed easy to figure out problems."

His first computer, a Tandy, broke down often with both software and hardware problems.

"I had to take computers apart," he said.

Jacobs started working full-time at his business about three years ago, but began repairing computers and printing banners for others about a decade ago.

"I just did it on the side, a few bucks here and there," he said, adding his business had a name, but did not advertise.

Instead, its services became known to friends and acquaintances through word of mouth.

Sometimes Jacobs would not even get paid for the work.

"My wife would get real mad," he joked.

Before starting to work fulltime at his business, he was a journeyman welder with Northern Transportation Company Ltd.

Jacobs said, if he had known where his life was heading, he would have gotten an education in computers.

However, he said he was 16 when he dropped out of school in 1976 after completing Grade 9 and starting working as a welder.

"That's the worst mistake I ever made in my life, not finishing school," he said.

Jacobs recalled his late father, John Jacobs, encouraged him to return to school, but said, if he didn't, he would have to work.

Jacobs, who was born and raised in Hay River, said he now wishes he had taken his father's advice and returned to school, adding he probably would have gone on to study computer sciences.

While he got work experience, he said, "It doesn't replace an education."

From 1976 to three years ago, Jacobs worked mostly as a welder with shorter periods as a truck driver and a carpenter.

Jacobs plans to change the name of his business in the near future to better reflect computer repair, plus he is having a website created.

The business will continue to create banners and signs, and will soon be including temporary outdoor signage.

Jacobs said he enjoys the challenge of repairing computers.

"When there's a problem with a computer, there's a challenge of finding out what's wrong with it and fixing it," he said.

Jacobs said some people are surprised he can repair computers because he is better known as a welder.

Currently, he works out of his basement, which is filled with computers and printing equipment.

Jacobs credits his wife, Ellen, with supporting his business over the years.

"She puts up with a lot," he said.

Jacobs said, while his business is now in the basement, it is slowly growing, and he may have to look at getting commercial space in the next year or two.