David Lerner, a self-taught computer repair expert who built one of New York City’s first independent Apple service centers, Tekserve, died on November 12th at a Manhattan hospital. He was 72 years old, and his passing marks the end of an era for early Mac users who relied on his unique expertise.
The Rise of Tekserve
Lerner, a high school dropout, co-founded Tekserve in 1987 with Dick Demenus, a fellow engineer from WBAI, a New York radio station. This was long before Apple Stores with their iconic “genius bars” existed. Tekserve quickly became a haven for anyone needing help with their Mac – from retrieving lost data to fixing hardware issues. The business started as a small workshop in the Flatiron district, but grew into a multi-location operation serving a diverse customer base.
A Unique Clientele
Tekserve was known for its eclectic clientele. Lerner once told The New York Times that the company sold computers to the Council on Foreign Relations, the Trilateral Commission, and even the Communist Party – all in a single day. This highlights how Tekserve filled a critical gap in the market, providing services that Apple itself hadn’t yet formalized.
Beyond Repairs: A Reputation for Recovery
Tekserve specialized in “rescuing” failing machines, including dealing with unusual problems like insect infestations. The company was known for its success in data recovery, claiming an 85% success rate. Lerner’s unique business model — charging only if the repair worked — built trust with customers.
Legacy
Lerner and Demenus grew their business from a two-person operation into a thriving company with over 200 employees, providing services that would later become standard practice at Apple’s own retail stores. His work showed the demand for independent repair services long before the tech industry embraced them.
David Lerner’s Tekserve didn’t just fix computers; it fostered a community of Mac users who needed reliable, expert help in an era when Apple’s support was less accessible. His legacy lies in pioneering the independent repair industry and proving the value of accessible tech support.
