Blog: The Man Behind One of Albany's Oldest Businesses

Back in the early 90s I worked at a Berkeley law firm. We had some computer problems and a cohort suggested I go to in Albany for the repair. I did and, in the process, met the owner, Danny Gan. 

A friendship developed, and I wound up buying a computer from him, and have since visited him often over the years. Whether it was an upgrade, a backup drive, another port, a mouse, or just a cable, Danny always has me covered. So here is the story of Danny, and how DJ Computers has become one of Albany’s longest running businesses, paying taxes and rent, and hitting home runs in the computer field for the past 21 years.

Danny hails from China and finished his education there by earning an engineering degree at the Southern Technology University in Canton. At that time he had a sister in the Bay Area who was the only member of his family here in the states. So in 1986, at age 24, with degree in hand, Danny decided to come here also, to look after his sis and seek employment opportunities. On a student visa he enrolled in ESL classes that year to learn English. In 1987 he was sponsored by a wholesale/retail computer company, got his green card and went to work.

But 1990 was the really big year for Danny. He had learned computers and the computer business to the point where he had the confidence to open the store you see him in today at 926 San Pablo Ave. in Albany. The second big event that year was his marriage to his wife Helen, born here and of Chinese decent. In 1993 he obtained his U.S. citizenship and his move to this country was complete.

How did Danny wind up in Albany? His first employment was in this area and he had local friends and customers who valued his expertise and the quality of his work.  He had always thought of Albany as a safe, quiet, and generally nice place to do business, so when the 926 San Pablo location became available, he knew he had found a home.

Since then, DJ Computers has grown to be a respected source for computers and computer repair. Danny builds desktop models from basic powerhouses at around $750, to models with advanced features ranging into four figures. His services also include networking and repair on all popular makes of computers. 

He is known for his excellent work, reasonable prices and, last but not least, his emphasis on quick turnaround.

As Danny says, “When a person’s computer goes down, they are in trouble. I understand this and make a special effort to have them back up and running quickly. Unless special parts have to be ordered, I can usually offer same-day service on repairs."  

In addition to his Albany customers, Danny serves individuals and small business customers in Berkeley, El Cerrito, Richmond, Kensington and Piedmont.

With a DJ computer, I sleep well at night knowing that, if I ever have a problem, in a few minutes I’m talking to the man who built it and has in-depth knowledge of every component in it. DJ Computers is one of the few long-time technical resource stores in town, and it’s good to know that you can “Shop Albany” to meet just about all of your computer needs.