1TeK Technology Services establishes itself on West Main Street in Waukon

First established in the Waukon community in May of this year, 1TeK Technology Services has established itself at its 504 West Main Street location in Waukon.

Owners Ahmed and Orouba Khalili, who live in Calmar and also own and operate Decorah Tech in Decorah, say that the lack of service providers in the area prompted them to open 1TeK in Waukon to be able to help residents with services within driving distance, as well as respond to IT (information technology) issues in a timely and efficient manner.

The 1TeK location in Waukon will try and work with any IT-related issue that needs to be addressed. Services through that Waukon location include - but are not limited to - iPhone, iPad and computer repair, website creation, security cameras, and fully managed IT services for business, in addition to purchasing, installing, configuring and maintaining computers, servers or network appliances.

“Our inspiration comes from the need for qualified and certified professionals to help residents and small business in the northeast Iowa region at an affordable rate,” the Khalilis shared. “We are a family-owned small business that knows what small businesses and residents need when it comes to technology services. We will make sure their technology needs are met professionally, efficiently and at an affordable rate.”

Originally from Palestine, Ahmed Khalili came to the United States in 2006 and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management Information Systems and Accounting at Luther College in 2010. He went on to complete a Master of Science degree in Cybersecurity from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, and is presently pursuing a PhD in Cybersecurity. Since 2018, he also continues to serve as a faculty member in the Computer Science Department at Luther College, and he was also a Website Engineer and IT Manager for Iroc Web Design Services from 2010-2019.

Ahmed and Orouba Khalili have three daughters who are seven, five and two years old. Ahmed says he has lived in the United Kingdom and more recently in Decorah before his family is now settled in Calmar.

“I have been in the United States since 2006 and we love northeast Iowa,” he shared. “Out of all the places we lived, Iowa has been the best, with wonderful, friendly and welcoming people.”

The 1TeK location in Waukon prides itself on its experience dealing with small business and its certified and professional technicians. “We make sure all our technicians go through the certifications and training needed to perform the best services,” the Khalilis explained.

“We strive for 100% satisfaction with our services and will go out of our way to make sure the client receives the best services at the best prices.”

The Khalilis say the most rewarding thing about running their own business has been helping clients. “The relief that we see after we perform our range of business and residential IT services is very rewarding,” they shared.

As one might expect with a small, family-owned business, finding the right balance of time spent between family and work has been the greatest challenge in their newest venture in Waukon. Currently operating out of two locations, both in Waukon and in Decorah, the Khalilis still have plans to continue growing their business.

“Our future plan is to continue enhancing our skills to provide more range of services and to expand to other small towns in the northeast region, while maintaining our quality of work,” they explained.

The 1TeK location in Waukon is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by appointment at its 504 West Main Street location. For more information, call 563-419-7666 or visit the business website at https://www.1tek.us/.