Built to Last: G2 Computers

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Those words capture the passion of Jitu and Hansa Shah, owners of the Washington Crossing-based company G2 Computers. For more than 30 years, the couple has combined deep Apple expertise with broader technology support and personalized service, creating lasting relationships that span generations of families and businesses. While devices and services have evolved over time, what has remained for decades is the excellent customer experience the Shahs provide.

Jitu and Hansa both grew up in South India. Although Hansa’s mother and Jitu’s aunt were friends, the two never met as children. In 1982, Jitu came to the United States to visit his sister in Yardley. He quickly fell in love with Bucks County and decided to stay, earning his MBA while working with his brother-in-law. After receiving his green card, he made the area his permanent home.

During a trip back to India in 1990, Jitu met Hansa at his aunt’s home. The two discovered a shared interest in technology, business, and new ideas, and although they met only briefly, they stayed in touch. They were married the following year and soon began planning a business together. In June 1992, after pooling their resources and complementary strengths, they founded G2 Computers.

“I loved Apple from day one, especially the way it operated,” Jitu says. “I knew it was going to shape the future of personal computing, and I thought Steve Jobs was phenomenal. At the time, there was a real need for someone who understood Apple technology, particularly in the printing and graphic arts industry.”

Hansa knew from the start that she and Jitu would work well together. “We struck a good note when we met,” she says. “Jitu had technical expertise that was rare at the time, and I naturally gravitated toward the business, marketing, and administrative side. It turned out to be a wonderful partnership.”

A Successful Storefront

When G2 Computers started, much of Jitu’s work involved physically installing software and setting up networks. The Shahs joke that part of their work was “under desks connecting things.” When they would have 20 computers to deliver, it took two or three days to set up software because every machine had to be configured individually, with software loading one floppy disk at a time.

As the business expanded and the couple welcomed a son, they moved to a home in Lower Makefield Township. By 2007, they felt it was time for G2 computers to have its own retail location. “At the time, Apple was putting up retail stores, so people expected that type of shopping experience,” Hansa says. “That was our impetus to open a storefront.”

Washington Crossing proved to be the perfect fit. “We made the move to Washington Crossing because we had many clients in the area who were already giving us so many references, and they suggested we move here,” Hansa says. “It’s also near many major roadways. Our longtime client Realtor Jay Spaziano suggested this store location, and we loved it.”

As an Apple Authorized Reseller and Apple Authorized Service Provider, Apple regularly refers customers to G2 Computers, which specializes in data recovery and backups and also services Windows PCs. “We’ve become a place people, schools, and businesses rely on when technology isn’t working the way it should, from buying a device to repairing it, setting up meeting rooms or home offices, or simply figuring out how everything fits together,” Hansa says. “We think of ourselves less as a store and more as a partner helping people manage their technology over time.”

What the Shahs find so endearing is how generations of families have come to them for their technology needs. “We have clients who have been with us for 30 years or longer,” Jitsu says. “Just a couple of weeks ago, we had a client’s son call us from Minnesota to order something for his son. He said his father used to buy stuff here for him and he wanted to keep the tradition going. It was very gratifying.”

Top Technology and Service

With the new school year kicking off, the Shahs are ready to meet increased student demand. In addition to providing kids of all ages with the technology they need to succeed (see sidebar), G2 Computers serves small private schools and some nearby school districts by supporting their information technology departments.

The Shahs know that it’s important to stay current in this industry. Apple requires ongoing training and certification to keep pace with new technology, and the team continually builds on that knowledge through vendor training and industry conferences. The owners say they have been fortunate over the years
to work with a talented staff.

Lead service technician Paden Hynes was hired as a 15-year-old high school student, working after school and on weekends. Nearly 10 years later, he now leads the service team. “I always loved computers and Apple and came here with my parents when I was younger,” he says. “Then one day, I walked in and asked if they would hire me. They are the best bosses. The main reason people come here is for the personal experience. We can help you with whatever you need. I love problem solving, so when a customer comes in with a problem and leaves without that problem, it’s a great feeling.”

Yardley resident Mark Gardner has been a loyal G2 Computers customer for 15 years. “Jitu and Hansa have always been trustworthy, accommodating, and knowledgeable, and I like that they are always there when we need them,” he says. “The entire staff maintains a very high standard of professionalism and customer service that is sometimes hard to find.”

More Than a Business

The Shahs credit their successful partnership to their complementary strengths. At work, Hansa oversees marketing and accounting, while Jitu manages sales, operations, and the technical side of the business.

At home, the Shahs share many interests, including a passion for travel. Some of their recent adventures include Spain, Sri Lanka, and Peru, with Vietnam next on their list. They also make annual visits to India. Self-proclaimed foodies, they enjoy trying the local cuisine on their trips. They also like to cycle and hike, abroad and close to home. In addition, Hansa is an avid tennis player at Bucks County Raquet Club.

“We love this area and often do a seven-mile walk or bike ride along the canal from Washington Crossing to Lambertville, New Jersey—it’s so peaceful,” Hansa says. “We also enjoy Dominick’s for lunch and hold holiday parties at the Washington Crossing Inn. We have such a sense of belonging to this community, it means a lot.”

For the Shahs, operating a small business in Washington Crossing has brought a deep sense of fulfillment, thanks to the connections they’ve formed with their clients. “One of the most rewarding parts of our job is seeing someone’s stress disappear because we’ve solved a problem that was keeping them from working, communicating, or simply enjoying their day,” Hansa says. “We have been so lucky to be a part of this community. There’s no place else you would see this level of loyalty and the strong relationships we have built over the years. Technology will always change, but trust doesn’t.”

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL ESSENTIALS

As students get older, their technology needs increase. To help them tackle the school year with confidence, the Shahs recommend that high school and college students invest in a complete Apple ecosystem that will allow their work to flow seamlessly across devices. Key items they suggest include:

• a reliable laptop with a protective case

• software

• integrated Apple services

• cloud storage or a backup solution for files

• quality headphones

• a smart watch

Dari Kotzker resides in Bucks County with her husband and four kids. She has worked as a reporter in television news and print media since 2001.

Photograph by Juan Vidal Photography