Our Company

KBM Enterprises, Inc. was created by Kevin B. Merwin, founder and C.E.O., upon realizing that there was a need for equal IT solutions for small and medium sized businesses. While working as the Vice President of IT Systems Management for Vacationville International, he was in charge of managing networks in Idaho, Washington, Colorado and Canada. From this vantage point, it was clear to Merwin that larger companies had the advantage over small and mid-sized businesses, because they were the only ones who could afford to have their own IT staff. What would it take to provide “the little people” with this high level of service? Merwin started looking for ways in which KBM could provide resources that would help other businesses to compete on the same level as their largest competitors.

One of the largest obstacles KBM had to overcome was the fact that “network maintenance” was not only unheard of, but was also not budgeted for – yet! Businesses were used to waiting until their computers crashed or showed problems, then they would call the “computer guy” to fix the problem. As time passed, “the computer guy” wasn’t as available anymore; in fact, he would eventually have so many customers ahead of each “emergency” call that (once parts were obtained and labor was completed) one could easily be facing a week or more of downtime. Merwin and his team at KBM began to teach owners and managers about the increasing negative factors caused by choosing to wait for computer repair, proving how a maintained network is less expensive – and less headache! When a computer or network goes down, costs to bring the system back online often involve the loss of time, when employees cannot do their required tasks, loss of data, and technical labor and equipment for restoration. KBM needed to demonstrate to the business owners that they would have a greater ROI (return on investment) if KBM maintained their networks. Once the owners understood the projected loss of a network crashing, they were usually more than happy to agree that their company’s “Disaster Recovery Plan” left much to be desired.

This brought the KBM folks to the next part of their lesson plan: helping owners and managers to determine if “outsourcing” was the correct option for them. It is very expensive to staff a full- time (or even part-time) I.T. department. Outsourcing is a reasonable and less-costly option. By utilizing KBM Enterprises, Inc. as their IT department or technology provider, business owners do not have the high cost and burden of supporting their own I.T staff – which could save thousands of dollars per month! If a business does have the resources to hire one person to maintain the network, are they sure that the advice of only one person will be sufficient to keep up with the ever-changing requirements of today’s technology?

By hiring KBM Enterprises, Inc. businesses acquire a fully-qualified staff and certified technicians. KBM can provide complete sales, service and repair through our Sales department.

Our staff includes technicians with A+, Network +, and Microsoft certifications, allowing businesses to receive the best service possible, in the lowest amount of time. If our team of technicians does not know the answer to your problem, KBM is not afraid to inform the owner that further research of the problem is necessary. KBM Enterprises has also partnered with Microsoft, Intel, Dell and Apple to bring you the most advanced resources in information technology today!

KBM’s rapid growth has proven that they have the ability to provide outstanding service in this crucial area of technology partnering. KBM is committed to continue to uphold the standards that they began with, creating more job opportunities and thorough employee training to those who join the KBM team, which will add benefit to the communities they serve. While KBM is capable of handling the largest of companies, they are also available to small business and residential customers. Every computer user has basic needs that KBM can assist them with, and KBM is happy to help anyone with their questions or networking needs. Quality people, quality service… that’s what KBM is all about.

Our Mission

At KBM, our mission is to provide the best possible solutions to your technology needs. Our vision for the future is to be the customer’s first and best choice in the products and services we provide. We believe in building trusting relationships as we help in taking your company to the next level. Our success is built on a foundation of shared values – quality service and relationships, mutual trust, and integrity. You should be focused on your core business; let us take care of your technology!

Bios

Kevin B. Merwin, CEO

Kevin B. Merwin (born February 17, 1972) is a North Idaho businessman and is the CEO and founder of KBM Enterprises, Inc.

While working as VP of Information Technology (IT) Systems, for Vacationville International, Kevin B. Merwin realized that small companies generally do not have an IT staff, putting them at a disadvantage. He founded KBM to fill that void by providing equal IT solutions for small and medium sized businesses.

Kevin is also the drummer for the band, Broken Together. Kevin has been drumming for 30 years, with the last 10 being the most rewarding as he has had the privilege of drumming for Christ.

Kevin’s favorite verse, Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.”

Kevin and Michelle, his wife of 15 years, have 6 wonderful children and enjoy spending time with family.

Michelle Merwin, VP

Michelle is Vice President at KBM Enterprises, Inc. and is responsible for purchasing, hiring, training, quality control, and day-to-day supervisory duties. Michelle began KBM Enterprises, Inc. in 2000 with President/CEO and husband Kevin B. Merwin where she has been an intricate part of KBM’s success over the last decade. Outside of KBM, Michelle is the mother of 6 beautiful girls. Michelle’s hobbies include baking, gardening, crafts and quilting. Michelle loves her family and her friends and always strives to help others.

Samantha Jeffres, Chief Operating Officer

Samantha has always had a passion for working with people. Aside from being the COO for KBM Enterprises, Samantha plays a very important role in interacting with our customers, vendors, representatives, and members of our community. Samantha has always enjoyed working with computers and has taken on the role of “computer geek” with many of her past places of employment. As well as daily operations, Samantha also assists with our day to day bookkeeping, clerical duties, and public relations. When not working, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and event coordinating.

Ken E. Merwin, Executive Director

For the last 29 years Ken has been involved with the business management operations involving private and governmental organizations. After completing accounting/business management courses in college and graduating in 1982, Ken began work as a bookkeeper and eventually became office manager. After completing more education he began his career in appraisal and by 1987 became industrial/personal property supervisor in Sandpoint, Idaho. Ken spent the next 26 years in that field where he accumulated over 1080 hours of continuing education in accounting, business management, industrial/real estate appraisal, supervisory skills, office and personnel management. He has many hours involved in statistical/ratio analysis and has been able to use his skills in dealing with clients. Ken spends his off hours spending time with his wife of 46 years, reading, yard work, camping and enjoying time with family and all the grandchildren.

Henry Valdez, Chief Information Officer
Henry has been in the computer industry since 1994 in various capacities. Starting in Novel networks with DOS/Windows 3.11 clients and now working with Windows Data Center Servers and Windows 7 Enterprise workstations. He has provided clients with network designs encompassing single office installations as well as multi-server multi-site wide area networks. He has been a network administrator for several companies and now is working on a major SharePoint 2010 installation. No job is too big or too small.

Don R. Douglas, Senior Technician

Don has been involved with computers and software since the late 1980’s. From the world of DOS to the latest Windows 7 OS, from early 8086 to the latest Intel i7 Hexa Core platforms, from desktop to laptops, he has sold, fixed, built, tested, repaired and provided optimum customer service in the Computer Value Added Reseller business environment. He picked up his computer experience during a 22 year military career, taking the early NRI Micro Computer Electronics Course and building his own systems, had additional courses while getting his Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, then his MSA from Central Michigan, and CompTIA certification.. He gained further knowledge as Systems Administrator for DynCorp in Brussels Belgium with multiple peer-to-peer networks, worked extensively with productivity software with Skyline RV, and for the last 14 years with KBM Enterprises, Inc., and Dataday Technologies (formerly Dataday Computer Solutions) and has been prominent in Sales, Service, and meeting the information technology needs of individual and business clients.

Steve Sanchez, Network Administrator

Steve started his IT career as a Student Information Technology Assistant while supporting himself in college. Working in an educational environment allowed Steve to gain knowledge in a mixed Windows PC and Apple Macintosh environment while performing repairs on all computer hardware for faculty, staff, and students. Steve also worked in an internship with a major petroleum company, allowing him the insight into a large corporate multi-server, multi-location business network.

After graduating with a double Bachelors in Science degree in Mathematics-Statistical Analysis, and Computer Science-Management Information Systems, Steve worked for a small radiology clinic, allowing him to gain experience in installing, upgrading, and maintaining General Electric MRIs, CAT scans, X-Rays, and Mammography equipment while also being the System Administrator and support person for all of the desktop, radiology, and server systems.

Before coming to KBM Enterprises, Inc. in December of 2010, Steve worked in a large, multi-site corporation repairing Apple Macintosh and Windows PCs as well as providing remote and on-site support for Audio/Video Presentations, Printers, Copiers, Scanners, Fax Machines, Smart Phones, and peripherals.
In Steve’s spare time, he enjoys riding his mountain and road bikes, training and racing in triathlons, half-marathons, the Long-Bridge Swim, snowshoeing and downhill skiing in the winter, as well as enjoying spending time with his wife and one-year-old daughter.