Willie Brake and All About Technology address the Digital Divide in Detroit

A diverse, knowledgeable, resourceful, and social human being lives among us. Willie Brake, legend in the making, having uniquely made technology affordable, while reducing electronic waste at the same time. He is the owner of All About Technology, a computer store in Detroit. The Telegram Newspaper is focusing on businesses that support and advertise other Black businesses for Black History Month. Where to start, where to begin highlighting living advocate and businessman, Willie Brake, owner of All About Technology, home of the $200 computer, bridging the digital divide.

The Detroit Native is a Detroit Public School product. Graduating from Frank Cody High School, his education includes an Interdisciplinary Studies Bachelor's degree from Wayne State University, and a Business Administration Master's degree from University of Phoenix. "Since that time, it's been very important to me I've continue my education and taken executive education classes," says Brake, B.A., M.A., graduate. Brake's growing list of continuous learning and studies follows so far as, Kellogg's School of Management at Northwestern University, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, Harvard University and The Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. "I been doing all of that trying to stay ahead of the curve and continue to make our business grow," he said. Brake holds certifications with Computer Technical Industry Association, the A+ in computer repair; and he is a Microsoft Certified Professional. Obtaining such education came with making some difficult decisions, sacrifices, with bigger goals in mind.

"While getting my degree, I worked in the auto industry and there was a big thing about pay... do I get certified or get my degree. Ultimately, I decided to do the degree because that provided the most promise. Later on, I decided to go ahead and get my technical certification to demonstrate expertise in my field," Brake speaks.

All About Technology started just by doing in home service calls. This was in 2001. They would do about four calls a day. "I've always been interested in figuring out problems. Where problems generally puzzle most people, I was always into that root cause analyze," Brake explains. Brake was able to turn his knowledge into a profitable venture and that is how the beginning of All About Technology started. With his expertise and the customer demand, as well as being a trusted resource in the neighborhood, All About Technology would begin to bridge the digital divide, the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not. "We were able to create a profitable venture and address a social mission as well," says Brake.

Demand began to rise and All About Technology moved to 2727 Second Avenue, but it was not retail friendly. Their first dabble into retail was at The Russell Trade Center. Now after 20 years of business, All About Technology has a corporate office on Second Avenue and as of 2015, a gorgeous retail friendly store front on Michigan Ave, just a few blocks west of Livernois. All About Technology separated themselves from the competition by going to the customer and getting to know the customer base. "Some of those people, a lot of those people, more than half still support us today," says owner Brake.

A fun fact, Brake, use to ride the bus for fun and got familiar with all the streets. He shares what motivates him day after day and gives some worldly advice. Challenges motivate Brake, knowing that no two days are alike and meeting new people keep him going. He offers others looking to get into the technology field, or any field, to join that trade association. "Network! Network, network, network. It's not what you know, but who you know," he says. "You got to be around people who are progressive and doing things. "Brake is a member of the Southwest Detroit Business Association. The group gathers to support and express their business among each other. Just recently the group passed out over 1 million masks to residents, and Brake was the appointed person. Through his business success, Brake, a self-proclaimed tech junky, continuously provides service to his community.

All About Technology is always looking to help improve the lives of their customers and community as well. During the pandemic they only shut down for two days and proceeded to curbside. A certified Minority Business Enterprise, All About Technology has plans on being a minority supplier and looking to expand All About Technology to open a computer workspace and/or a computer training facility. Covid-19 put a hold on some things, but All About Technology has plans to move forward.

Brake also offers advice strictly for the Black community for Black History Month, "Continue to support our minority owned businesses, keep your dollars in your community and you can watch the difference that it makes.

"

All About Technology is located at 6450 Michigan Ave. Check out the website All About Technology and can be contacted by calling 313-218-4888.