Computer wholesaler gets out of town

With success on two fields -- slow-pitch softball and computer sales

-- Arbitech, LLC plans to leave its Laguna Beach facilities for a

larger Irvine Spectrum area location.

The expanding computer wholesaler, which started out in Laguna,

has been sprouting since its birth five years ago, and has simply

outgrown its space on the corner of Glenneyre and Thalia Streets.

“Our intention all along was to grow the company,” said Chief

Operating Officer Josh McCarter. “This is a pure business decision,

there are more efficiencies in the new location.”

Roughly half of the company’s 50 employees currently live in the

Laguna Beach area. While it is not clear if anyone in the company

will change residence in response to the move, it is believed by

McCarter to be a possibility.

“In the beginning, everyone in the company lived in Laguna Beach,”

said McCarter, “Laguna is great for recruiting people.” Local friends

and walks on the beach during breaks will be missed perks for a

company that prides itself on maintaining a small, family-like

environment.

With clients all over the country, as well as some international

exposure, the company’s success has earned several awards --

including the number one spot on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Hot 100.

Founders Torin Pavia and Will Poovey say they created their

business model after recognizing inefficiencies in the computer

wholesale market. The company has applied arbitrage principles to

distribute brand name products, according to its web site.

Arbitrate involves the purchase of goods on one market for

immediate resale on another market in order to profit from a price

discrepancy.

Arbitech will ditch its present 6,000-8,000 square foot space for

a 30,000 foot area. Further business growth is expected, with a

potential 10 to 15 employees to be added within the next year.

The company is also enjoying the success of its Laguna Beach

Community Services Dept. slow pitch softball team which is undefeated

this season. Despite the relocation, the team will continue to be a

part of the organization.

Arbitech intends to make their move in October, and will maintain

a connection to its Laguna Beach roots by having a mural of the city

painted for its new office.