Creative Data Systems

Patrick Higgins opened Creative Data Systems, 2917 Independence in Cape Girardeau, in 1991 out of a need for an affordable computer for himself.

"I was a Southeast Missouri State University student and wanted a computer for myself, but I couldn't afford to buy one," says Higgins. "So I ordered the parts for one by mail order and put it together myself. Then, I started doing the same thing for other SEMO students who wanted computers and ended up selling them out of my apartment while I was in college."

In addition to selling and servicing its own line of custom-built computers, Creative Data Systems sells security, burglar and fire alarms as well as telephone equipment and service.

Higgins, who is president of Creative Data Systems, says his favorite part of the business is the variety.

"It's something different every day," he says.

His least favorite part of the business is scheduling time off.

"It's hard to schedule time off because you never know when a problem is going to pop up," he says.

The most difficult change Creative Data Systems has overcome has been "making do with less," as Higgins puts it.

"Prices have dropped so much on electronics over the years, and the profit margins are much smaller," he says. "You have to cut somewhere, and that usually means fewer employees."

Creative Data Systems has six full-time employees.

When asked what has made the company a successful business, Higgins shares this insight: "Developing friendships with customers, being responsive when they call and trying to give them what they want."

Being innovative has helped Creative Data Systems continue to grow over the years.

"[We try to] branch out into new technology as soon as it comes out," says Higgins. "We try to get on it early before everyone else does."