John Beagle

25 Years ago, I started a technology rental company, Rent-A-Computer.

Upon graduation from Cleveland State University with a BBA, I was hired on to work for ETR, Inc. dba Chuck E. Cheese Pizza Time Theater. At 25 yrs old I became the franchise’s youngest district manager where I managed 100 employees. I met Atari and CEC Founder Nolan Bushnell on several occasions at numerous store openings in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Rent-A-Computer Logo as it appeared in 1987

In 1987, I started CFR, Inc. dba Rent-A-Computer where I assumed the duties of sales, marketing and operations. My marketing role was centered on outbound phone sales calls, yellow page advertising and direct mail.  Rent-A-Computer also had billboards in various locations in Cincinnati, Dayton, Cleveland and Columbus. We tried radio including 700 WLW during the early and mid 1990s with radio personality Mike McConnell.

In the 1990’s I expanded Rent-A-Computer operations to the Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland and Indianapolis metropolitan markets. I also started three additional companies: Computer Service Now, Camera Security Now and Xponex Media. All four companies are still operating today.

In 1997 I registered the domain name “Rentacomputer.com”. This would be a milestone event that would change the focus from regional to national/worldwide. It would also give rise to our internet initiatives including 3 community websites, forums and several product and service discussion blogs.

In 1998 I met and worked with a group of 15 technology rental owners and operators. Subsequently we formed the NCRA, the National Computer Rental Association, now named the ITRA (International Technology Rental Association), reflecting our international membership from 7 countries on 4 continents. Through our membership in the NCRA/ITRA we have created long lasting working relationships with over a hundred locally owned companies throughout the world.

I’m second from the left in this 1998 photo.

In the year 2000, I changed our name from Rent-A-Computer to Rentacomputer.com to reflect our focus on internet advertising and marketing.

Rentacomputer Awards
2003 Award of Innovative Excellence – National Computer Rental Association
2005 & 2006 Platinum Award for Outstanding Service – International Technology Rental Association
2005 & 2006 Award for Innovative Excellence – International Technology Rental Association
2010 MVP – ITRA

Memberships
United States Chamber of Commerce
NFIB National Federation of Independent Businesses
International Technology Rental Association
Tech Army Organization
National Computer Rental Association (name changed in 2005)

Appointments, Memberships
Appointed to Financial Planning & Supervision Commission by then Governor Taft on April 13, 2005 to assist the City of Monroe out of Fiscal Emergency. -2 years
Monroe Finance Committee of Council Member 2002-2008 – 6 years
Member of Technology Committees for Both Monroe and Middletown Local School Districts
1990-2003 – 13 Years
Coached SAY Soccer from 1995 – 2005, MSA Baseball 1998-2001

Interests, Hobbies
Traveling, Racquetball, Golf, Cycling

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