Ian Nairn / July 3, 2025

[Webinar] The Era of Tariffs – June 19, 2025

Tariffs continue to impact the cost structure and profitability of businesses across both the U.S. and Canada. With the right strategies, you can reduce exposure, maintain competitiveness, and protect your bottom line.

Watch Schooley Mitchell’s free, value-packed webinar where we’ll break down:

  • The current tariff landscape and what’s likely ahead
  • How tariffs are affecting supply chains and pricing
  • Actionable steps to mitigate cost impacts
  • Tools and services available to help you navigate these challenges

Who Should Watch: Business owners, CFOs, operations managers, procurement professionals, and decision-makers concerned with cost management and global trade.

Terri Braun / November 18, 2021

SM Spotlight Jafferson Computers

When you walk into Jafferson Computers, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that it has been in the service business for almost 20 years.

Back in 2002, Mateen Jaffer was looking for an Engineering job. Due to the recession, it was hard to find a job, so he started doing repairs and service out of his home.

Eventually, he and his wife, Nabeela Jaffer partnered together and built up the business until they were able to move into their current location in 2004.

For Jaffers, it was an easy transition, as Mateen has a background in electrical engineering and telecommunications and Nabeela in computer science. Seventeen years
later, Jafferson Computers has a team of four staff, and they haven’t looked back.

Over time they added services, such as on-site help for businesses and residential customers, as well as remote and managed services.

Jafferson Computers stocks new and used laptops and a host of technological components.

“With our managed services, we get notified if [a customer’s PC] picks up malware or something and we can quickly mitigate the problem,” Jaffer said.

They can also remote into a customer’s computer and help with things like printer or email issues, as long as clients are connected to the internet.

“Our biggest advantage is the experience we have and that we have been in the market for so long,” Jaffer said.

Jafferson Computers also places a huge priority on the community and has developed personal relationships with its customers.

“People really like that the owner is personally there for services … they like that we are upfront [and] if something goes wrong we are there to help.”

Jafferson Computers takes the time to analyze and evaluate every unique situation, in order to give clients the best solution possible.

“When someone walks in with a VCR … we would not turn them away. We would listen. We would talk and find out what is so important for them that they want it fixed [then offer a customer-focused solution].”

For Jafferson Computers, it is all about technology – it doesn’t matter what kind of device it is. It is that level of service excellence that makes Jaffer’s business standout in the community.

Jafferson Computers also faces some big challenges, such as the perception that customers can walk in and buy a device at the same price as an online retailer.

“You just look online and you order it and then you’re on your own … here you’re coming in getting questions answered, making sure you get what you need, and if it’s not right, coming back and exchanging.”

With decreasing tech prices, fewer people are wanting to repair their devices, and find it easier to replace them, which is also challenging for Jafferson Computers.

“We’re not here for selling and we’re not here competing [with e-retailers] — we’re here to service,” Jaffer said.

Jafferson Computers doesn’t just place a high priority on high-quality products and  personal services, they are also advocates for online safety in their community.

Jaffer regularly hosts public classes at local libraries and senior centers in an effort to raise awareness about possible scams.

“Technology is…challenging for them. I would really love to see how we can help keep them safe … and bridge the tech gap that seniors have so they can stay connected with their loved ones.”

In the future, Jafferson Computers hopes to continue offering second-to-none services as a business, as well as a community member and advocate.

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Terri Braun / July 26, 2021

Recommendation Letter for the City of Mauston

To whom it may concern:

It is an absolute pleasure to write this letter today in recognition of The City of Mauston. Incorporated in 1887, the City of Mauston is a full-service municipality that maintains a small-town feel, with a population of 4,500.

The City of Mauston got its beginning based on the lumber industry of early Wisconsin and was originally known as “Maughs Town” after its founder Milton Maugh. Today, it is known for its beautiful wildlife and rich rural history. It offers many opportunities for outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking, or visiting the cranberry bogs, dairy farms and apple orchards in Amish country.

The City of Mauston also has a variety of fun events and activities available year-round for residents and tourists alike. This includes free music at Riverside Park, the Mauston Pumpkin Bash, and the annual Waterfest on Castle Rock Lake.

Not only are there a myriad of things to see and do, but the people of Mauston truly set it apart from other cities in the area. Everyone is kind and friendly and a true pleasure to interact with. Whether you are new to the area or just visiting, you will feel welcomed by everyone you met.

I highly recommend The City of Mauston to anyone looking for a family friendly municipality. In the City of Mauston, there is always something fun to do and you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Sincerely yours,

Eric Gerdes
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell

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Pamila Kew / June 22, 2021

Check out the City of Mauston

Schooley-Mitchell-Michigan-cost-reduction-services-client-The-City-of-Mauston

If you’re looking for a family friendly municipality in Wisconsin, be sure to check out the City of Mauston! It offers many opportunities for outdoor activities like canoeing and hiking, as well as a variety of fun events and activities available year-round.

Pamila Kew / June 16, 2021

Recommendation Letter for London Township

To whom it may concern:

It is an absolute pleasure to write this letter in recognition of London Township. Established in 1833, London Township is a beautiful civil township in Monroe County, Michigan that offers a host of things to see and do.

London Township is conveniently located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but only approximately 30 minutes from downtown Ann Arbor. It is a great place for those of all ages, including growing families, to settle down and call home. There are plenty of activities to suit everyone and lots of outdoor adventures to be had.
Whether you’re new to the area, a lifelong resident or just passing through, the people of London Township are always warm and welcoming. They treat everyone like a neighbor and are happy to make recommendations of places to visit, dine or explore.

I highly recommend London Township to anyone looking for an escape from the busy city life. In London Township, you’ll be sure to find great ways to make fun memories!

Sincerely yours,

Eric Gerdes
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell

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Pamila Kew / May 14, 2021

Recommendation Letter for Farm Bureau Insurance — Saline

To whom it may concern:

It is an absolute pleasure to write this letter in recognition of a great local business, Farm Bureau Insurance — Saline. Since its founding in 1949, Farm Bureau Insurance — Saline has been committed to providing reliable insurance.

Farm Bureau Insurance — Saline offers a wide variety of quality insurance options to clients in Saline, Michigan, and the surrounding communities. This includes, but is not limited to, auto, business, farm, health, and home insurance.

In addition to having great insurance products, Farm Bureau Insurance — Saline also has a highly experienced team. They go above and beyond to find the best rates possible for their clients and always treat their needs as a top priority. This means ensuring they’re never left in the dark and answering any questions they may have.

I highly recommend Farm Bureau Insurance — Saline to anyone looking for quality insurance coverage. With Farm Bureau Insurance — Saline, you will always receive exceptional rates and service!

Sincerely yours,

Eric Gerdes
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell

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Pamila Kew / May 11, 2021

Check out London Township

Schooley-Mitchell-Michigan-cost-reduction-services-client-London-Township

If you’re looking for a place to settle down and call home, be sure to check out London Township! It is a charming township, away from the hustle and bustle but only about 30 minutes from downtown Ann Arbor.

Pamila Kew / May 11, 2021

Recommendation Letter for Daily Rain, Inc.

To whom it may concern:

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a fantastic local business, Daily Rain, Inc. Since 1996, Daily Rain, Inc. has been the premier provider of residential and commercial sprinkler services in southeast Michigan and surrounding Midwest areas.

Daily Rain, Inc. provides full and seasonal maintenance programs, as well as automatic underground sprinkler systems for commercial customers. However, it doesn’t just offer sprinkler systems, it also offers pest control, rust removal, and holiday and landscape lighting.

The team at Daily Rain, Inc. is made up of skilled technicians who are committed to providing excellent customer service. They are a pleasure to deal with it and always put their customers first. They are happy to answer any questions you may have to ensure you understand how your systems work.

I highly recommend Daily Rain, Inc. to anyone in need of sprinkler systems for their home or business. With Daily Rain, Inc., you will receive nothing less than quality systems and world-class service!

Sincerely yours,

Eric Gerdes
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell

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