Many students would like to be able to purchase a new computer, but many

of them cannot afford the expense. Dennis Cobble, a UT alumnus, has a

viable alternative to this problem.

Cobble opened a Computer Renaissance chain near West Town Mall. Computer

Renaissance is a national chain store, with over 200 locations. It buys,

sells and trades used computers at affordable prices, and carries

accessories such as printers, modems and software.

“The concept of trailing-edge technology drew me into the field. Most folks

don’t need the latest technology. We supply trailing-edge technology at

much lower prices,” Cobble said about the reason he chose the refurbished

computer business.

Computer technology is rapidly changing. Memory and speed of the newest

computers keep getting bigger and faster. Most students do not need all of

this technology to write a paper or do research on the Internet. While a

brand new Pentium 133 Mhz system with multimedia capabilities could have

sold for over $2,000, at Computer Renaissance the price of that used model

goes for about $600. Entry level 486 computers can be found for around

$150.

“Students can benefit in huge ways in terms of pricing. We have desktops

that can do 90 percent of what students need for around $400.” Cobble

said

Cobble graduated from UT with a degree in accounting, and he worked as a

Certified Management Accountant for 10 years. He entered the business world

and opened video stores in Kingston and Rockwood. Cobble opened Computer

Renaissance because of his knowledge of the computer industry which he

acquired from purchasing computer equipment for a former employer.

Computer Renaissance is a fast growing business. It is part of Grow Biz

International, which has other companies such as Play It Again Sports and

Music Go Round. It has 200 locations which sell over $100 million worth of

merchandise per year, with an expected 80 store per year increase each

year. Grow Biz was named America’s fastest growing company by Fortune

Magazine.