Luke Ford calls himself “an almost native” to Scottsdale. He moved to the city in 1976, attending Cherokee Elementary and Chaparral High School before attending the University of Arizona. He then went on to earn his MBA in international business from The American Graduate School of International Management, Thunderbird.
After 15 years working for multiple Fortune 100 companies around the country and overseas, he launched Scottsdale-based IT services company My Computer Works (MCW) over 20 years ago from here in Scottsdale. MCW provides nationwide remote and on-site computer support and data backup solutions for consumers and small businesses.
Ford currently serves on multiple boards for technology and nonprofit organizations, and is an active mentor through Entrepreneurs’ Organization, helping small business owners scale from early growth to sustainable profitability. He also teaches entrepreneurship at the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management.
Ford and his wife—who is also an entrepreneur and founded Raegan Ford Design in Scottsdale—raised three boys.
What made you take the leap and start My Computer Works back in 2005?
After working in the technology industry for 15 years in three countries and three different cities in the U.S., I decided that I wanted to build something of my own in the city where I grew up. I remember being frustrated as a graduate from the University of Arizona that very few companies had headquarters in Arizona—and I knew I could do it.
As far as the idea, in 2005, I realized that technology in the household was becoming just as important as technology in business. So, we decided to move back to Scottsdale and build a company where I grew up to do just that—support the technology needs of households nationwide. Two decades later, we’ve served more than 125,000 customers and fielded more than one million service calls.
You’re a four-time honoree by Inc. Magazine — what’s been the secret to that growth?
Persistence. I recently heard a quote attributed to Elon Musk, “The difference between a successful and unsuccessful entrepreneur is one that doesn’t give up.” We have been building this business for 21 years, and this past year was our best year ever, growing by more than 70%! We continuously focus on testing and learning new ways to build the business. We never stop.
From corporate life at IBM to CEO—what was the biggest mindset shift?
When I told my boss that I was resigning and starting my own business, his response was, “Well, at least now you will know how good you are!” He was right. While I have an amazing team that takes on much of the responsibility of the company, at the end of the day, our success or failure is squarely on my shoulders and my decisions. When you are the founder, it ultimately falls on your shoulders to be successful.
What’s one cybersecurity habit everyone should start today?
Everybody uses the same password. Do not use the same password on all your devices!
Second one as a bonus: Never trust emails that you were not anticipating.
You mentor through Entrepreneurs’ Organization—what’s your favorite advice to give?
Focus on the most important issues in your business. Most entrepreneurs have 20 different issues they are sorting through every single day. I’m betting that one to three would make a major impact on their business. Outsource the 17 other items (or just don’t do them) and laser focus on the one to three items that will have a material impact on your business.
Why is Scottsdale a great place to build a tech company?Lifestyle. Weather. Community. Scottsdale is an amazing place to live and work based on the activities that are part of the fabric of this city. I have children who are pursuing careers all over the country; they experience terrible weather, dense populations, and expensive communities. It will be very difficult for them to find better places to live than Scottsdale. Truly, our competitive advantage in attracting talent from around the country is that Scottsdale is just a great place to live.
When you unplug from tech, what does a perfect day look like?
Wake up slowly with a great cup of homemade coffee. Set off to the McDowells for a hike on Gateway Loop, and then a nice, relaxing lunch outside to enjoy the Scottsdale weather.
Favorite places around Scottsdale?
The decision to create a preserve in the McDowells was brilliant … this is my favorite place in Scottsdale. Second place would be in one of our many outdoor restaurants, whether it is at Scottsdale Quarter/Kierland Commons, Market Street at DC Ranch, or in Old Town Scottsdale.
Something we’d be surprised to learn about you?
My wife and I lived in Mexico City for two years while I worked for IBM—and I was business fluent in Spanish.
