Author Archives: Charlotte Piotrowski

Charlotte attended LSU, received her undergraduate degree from UNO and graduated from Loyola University School of Law. After litigating for ten years, she turned her attention to other pursuits. She is a freelance writer and editor and has published magazine articles and an award-winning book of inspiring quotations and commentary. She is happily married to the head Nerd, Darrin, with whom she enjoys cooking, traveling, cheering on the Saints, and raising their four cats.

Computer Network Management and Maintenance

| April 26, 2018

Rent-A-Nerd, Inc.’s co-owners, Charlotte and Darrin Piotrowski, published an article, “Don’t Wait Until It’s Broken,” in the September 2015 issue of Biz New Orleans (and also included in email blast and the Biz New Orleans online issue). In it, they discussed the many reasons why every business should have a computer network management and maintenance contract with a local IT firm, rather than simply calling their computer repair company every time something breaks or isn’t working properly. Here’s the link to the full article. Below is the top ten list of reasons, taken from the article, for contracting with Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. for your business’s computer network management and maintenance. Top 10 benefits of network/computer management and maintenance: 1 – You can truly think of your IT serviceRead Full Article

Prepare Your Business in Case of Disaster

| March 6, 2018

You probably have a plan for your home in the case of a disaster, but what about your business? According to the Insurance Information Institute, as many as 40% of businesses fail after a disaster. There are a number of things that you can do in order to prepare your business in case of disaster (man-made or natural). And, since we are in the midst of hurricane season, now is as good a time as any to do so! You should begin by assessing what types of disasters are most likely to occur to your specific business. This can include fire, flooding, a hurricane, and even criminal activity, depending upon your location, type of business, and other factors. You should select point people who are trained toRead Full Article

Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. Ribbon Cutting

| September 1, 2016

Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. is pleased to announce its upcoming ribbon cutting event to be held on Wednesday, October 5th at 10:00 a.m. at our new office, located at 2200 Tulane Avenue, Suite 302. We welcome local dignitaries, clients, media, friends, and the general public to attend, though ask that you R.s.v.p. to charlotte@dev.rent-a-nerd.net. We are absolutely thrilled to have moved close to downtown, although that comes with mixed emotions, since Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. was founded and located in Old Metairie since its inception in 1997. Click here to read Darrin’s brief story of founding Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. Following the brief ceremony, guests will enjoy light refreshments and tours of our office and the rooftop garden of our new home in the high-tech and environmentally-friendly Campus Federal building. TheRead Full Article

Computer Recycle in NOLA

| March 28, 2016

Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. has always been happy to accept our customers’ old computers–the picture above is of our former computer graveyard. After removing their memory, we’d send them off to be recycled, give them to students for projects, and recently we donated some to members of the Krewe du Who (they removed some really spectacular parts to use on their Dr. Who-themed contraptions). However, now that we’ve moved to our fabulous new space on the corner of Tulane Avenue and Galvez, we are no longer able to sustain this computer graveyard. Therefore, we have provided this list of computer recycle places in NOLA. The Department of Sanitation 2829 Elysian Fields Avenue New Orleans, LA 70122 Offers monthly recycling drop-off at the Recycling Drop-Off Center at 2829Read Full Article

Meet the Nerds: Chien Nguyen, Network Technician

| March 26, 2016

Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. is excited to introduce our newest Nerd, Chien Nguyen, to the team. Chien is a Network Technician, which means that he specializes in trouble shooting issues and setting up business networks. Of course he doesn’t always work, so we thought you’d like to get to know him a little better. After all, he may be at your office or home sometime in the near future! Here are Chien’s responses to our “fun facts” questions: What’s your favorite local restaurant:  I might be biased because the owner and I go way back; Kin on Washington Ave. is an AWESOME restaurant. Star Wars or Star Trek: Star Wars [Editor’s note: This is good since Darrin and Charlotte are Sith Lords.] What’s your favorite Mardi Gras Krewe: Krewe du Who of the Intergalactic KreweRead Full Article

CityBusiness Women of the Year Luncheon

| November 24, 2015

I was incredibly honored to be selected as one of the New Orleans CityBusiness Women of the Year for the Class of 2015, and I was in very good company. Others chosen for this honor included doctors, attorneys, business leaders, and philanthropists, as well as the Woman of the Year, Clem Goldberger, Senior Specialist for Development, Communications, and External Affairs for the National World War II Museum. Her acceptance speech at the November 12th luncheon was deeply moving and her list of accomplishments seemed unending. The luncheon was a celebration of the wonderful diversity of successful women working and volunteering in Greater New Orleans.  As each honoree was named, their stories seemed to grow increasingly impressive. At one point, I told Darrin (Rent-A-Nerd’s founder and CEO,Read Full Article

CityBusiness Best Places to Work

| October 19, 2015

Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. is incredibly pleased to have been selected one of the 2015 CityBusiness Best Places to Work. Darrin, my husband and Rent-A-Nerd’s founder, and I are humbled by this honor and truly credit our talented and dedicated staff, as they represent our company with professionalism at all times. It is therefore a pleasure to create as congenial a work environment as possible. We are one of only fifteen small businesses to be honored this year. According to New Orleans CityBusiness, Honorees are chosen based on a questionnaire of benefits offered, including average salary, health care, paid time off and employee programs, coupled with an online survey of employees. Although we are a small, locally-owned business, we strive to provide our employees with the benefitsRead Full Article

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is AMAZING

| September 7, 2015

Disclaimer: I am not a techie and I don’t get overly excited when new devices come out. But I’m married to a techie and he does. We rotate through a lot of smartphones, tablets, and computers so that we can offer the best advice to our customers, and so I end up with hand-me-downs frequently. However, when Darrin told me about the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, well, I didn’t want to wait until he had moved on to the next great device; I wanted it as soon as possible! I won’t bore you with all of the specs, though they can be found on this link. For me, the most important qualities are these: It’s a Samsung, which means the screen is gorgeous, with brightRead Full Article

Business Tips to Start off the “School Year”

| August 20, 2015

Students are back in school, looking forward to a new year, fresh uniforms, probably a new lunchbox, even some nice new school supplies. Now is also a great time to give your office that sort of fresh start and we’re here to offer you some business tips so that you can do just that. Take a walk around your own personal work space and then venture out into your entire business’s space. As you’re looking around, make a list of those areas that are problematic and those that are working well. What are the differences between these two lists? It’s just as important to focus on what is working, since you can learn from success and apply the same concepts to your deficiencies. Below is a listRead Full Article

Survival Tips for Working with Your Spouse

| June 8, 2015

Do you own your own business? Does your spouse? Have you ever considered working with your spouse? I certainly hadn’t! Even before we were married, I would help my then-boyfriend (then fiance) Darrin Piotrowski, Founder and President of Rent-A-Nerd, Inc., a New Orleans-area full-service IT company, whenever he asked me to proof a proposal, listen to a pitch, or consider a new idea.  So I certainly continued to do so after we were married. When he was accepted to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, I knew that I would be involved with his “homework,” which ultimately included a growth plan (you can read about his experience here and here). It was during this time, when we both spent hours (he many, many more thanRead Full Article

Meet the Nerds: Tyler Braddick, Network Technician

| May 31, 2015

Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. is excited to introduce our newest Nerd, Tyler Braddick, to the team. Tyler is a Network Technician, so you’re likely to see him working with other Nerds to set up a business’s entire computer network, trouble shooting issues that users may be experiencing, and other nerdy stuff. But, since he doesn’t always work, we thought it would be fun to sit down with him and learn a little more about him. Here are Tyler’s responses to our “fun facts” questions: Favorite local restaurant: Old Rail Brewing Company [Editor’s Note: It gets good reviews and is just across the Causeway at 639 Girod Street in Mandeville.] Star Wars or Star Trek: Star Wars, it was the first (although Episodes 1-3 are not all that great) [Editor’sRead Full Article

Nerds Care: Second Harvest Food Bank

| November 10, 2014

The Nerds truly care about community outreach. In the past, we’ve collected toiletries for a homeless shelter, as well as sheets and towels for a local animal rescue organization. Right now we are collecting nonperishable food for Second Harvest Food Bank. The need is great, and any amount that you are able to give is absolutely appreciated. The Nerds are happy to pick up your donation during an upcoming service call, or you may drop off donations at our shop, located at 103 Focis Street, on the corner of Metairie Road.   Many of us know that Second Harvest distributes meals to those in need during the holiday season. What you may not know is that the organization provides those struggling with food insecurity year-round.Read Full Article

ABWA New Orleans: Crescent City Connections EN Chartered

| November 6, 2014

October 9, 2014 was an exciting day. It was the day that the ABWA Crescent City Connections Express Network was officially chartered, marking the organization’s return to New Orleans following a nine year absence. You see, there had been six ABWA leagues in the Greater New Orleans area. However, after the storm that ripped apart our city, all six leagues disbanded. I’m please to say that ABWA is back in New Orleans, and growing quickly! I remember receiving an email via LinkedIn regarding the formation of a new ABWA league in New Orleans and was immediately interested. The nation-wide organization’s mission statement says it all: “The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together business women of diverse occupations and to provideRead Full Article

Meet the Nerds, Part VIII: Garren McKelvey

| August 21, 2014

It’s been a while since we’ve introduced a new Nerd, and so we’re extra excited to bring you this most recent edition of Meet the Nerds!  Garren McKelvey was recently hired in the role of Field Service Technician, so if you need onsite help, there’s a good change you’ll meet Garren (not to be confused with Darrin, our Chief Nerd).  With his love of travel, cats, and all things nerdy, he fits right in.  Here are his responses to our “fun facts” questionnaire: What’s your favorite local restaurant? Juans Flying Burrito (on Magazine)   Star Wars or Star Trek? Apples and Oranges.  But Star Trek.  It represents a human race that has put countries and bigotry aside to create one earth and one human race.Read Full Article

Nerds Care: Sheets and Towels for the Jefferson SPCA

| August 4, 2014

As part of our ongoing commitment to the community, Rent-A-Nerd is collecting sheets and towels for the Jefferson SPCA.  The Jefferson SPCA partners with the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter (both the East Bank and West Bank shelters) to provide adoption and other humane services.  In addition to helping the shelter, the Jefferson SPCA provides no-cost spay and neuter to area feral cats, and very low-cost spay and neuter services for the pets of area residents. You can support this nonprofit organization through monetary donations, hands-on volunteer efforts, and the donation of supplies.  You can also help by promoting the many benefits of adopting homeless animals.  Please consider donating your gently used sheets and towels. These items are always needed, but especially so during the busyRead Full Article

Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. Sponsors Gambit’s Emerging Chefs Challenge!

| July 29, 2014

Where can you go to sample fabulous dishes prepared by fifteen of the best up-and-coming chefs in all of New Orleans?  The answer is Gambit’s Emerging Chefs Challenge, which Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. is proudly sponsoring.  The event will be held on Wednesday, August 27th, starting at 6:00 (early admission, 6:30 general admission) at The Cannery, located at 3803 Toulouse Street in Midcity. The fifteen chefs competing in this year’s competition include: Chef Austin Kirzner, Executive Chef, Red Fish Grill;  Chef Brent Tranchina, Dinner Lab; Chef James Cullen, Treo; Chef Brandon Felder, Le Foret Restaurant; Chef Mark A. Majorie Jr., The Fountain Lounge; Chef Russell Pevey, Seithers Restaurant; Chef Travis Cheatum, Marigny Brasserie; Chef Christina Quackenbush, Milkfish; Chef Richard Bickford, Tujagues; Chef Michael Gulotta, MOPHO; Chef BrianRead Full Article

Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. Mourns the Passing of Thomas Reine

| June 10, 2014

Thomas Reine (Tommy) was a long-time Nerd, having joined Rent-A-Nerd, Inc. in February 2002.  We are very sorry to report that Tommy died on May 14, 2014, following a brief hospitalization for a heart condition.  He  was the son of Luke and Doris Reine, brother of Chris and Beth Reine, brother-in-law of Linda Reine, and uncle of Anna and Emily Reine. In addition to being a loyal Nerd, he was a cherished friend and Midcity neighbor.  Here’s a link to our Meet the Nerds interview with Tommy.  He will certainly be missed.  Here are some parting comments from his Nerd coworkers: “Through the years, Tommy worked his way up from the position of inside technician to field service tech.  He was a valuable resource to ourRead Full Article

Nerds Care: Jefferson SPCA

| June 5, 2014

Nerds believe strongly in community outreach.  This past Sunday, we dropped off a trunk-load of toiletries and other items to Ozanam Inn, a shelter for the homeless, located in the New Orleans CBD.  This donation capped off our most recent community outreach efforts, which began this past winter, when the need was exacerbated by the extreme temperatures.  We thank all of our friends and clients who generously donated items for this cause. Our next community outreach project will be to collect items for the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter, to be donated to the non-profit agency that handles its pet adoptions and other similar services, the Jefferson SPCA.  Rent-A-Nerd has also given in the past to the LA/SPCA, which provides similar services in Orleans Parish.  Recently,Read Full Article

Computer Repair Versus Network and Computer Maintenance

| June 4, 2014

The average small business spends 6.4% of its revenue on technology.  That may not surprise you, but did you know 80% of the cost comes after the initial purchase?  Clearly, acquiring new technology isn’t nearly as expensive as keeping it performing well.  Shouldn’t your IT systems be an investment for business growth, rather than a drag on profitability? Traditionally, business owners would call a computer repair technician only when there were problems; in other words, a computer–or the entire network of computers–breaks, a technician fixes it until something within the network breaks again.  We now know that it is much less expensive, for many reasons, to simply maintain computer networks on an ongoing basis.  The old way is often called the “break/fix” method, whereas modernRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: Brandi Bowen with New Orleans Regional AIDS Planning Council

| May 20, 2014

While not quite a native, Brandi Bowen has lived in New Orleans fourteen years.  Brandi is the Program Director for New Orleans Regional AIDS Planning Council, an important organization which provides medical and other care for those infected with HIV, and is located in Mid-City. As Brandi described, “NORAPC is the public planning body for Ryan White Part A HIV services in the New Orleans 8-parish area.  Duties include determining the most important service categories, establishing funding levels for priority services, developing Standards of Care for services to ensure delivery of quality services, comprehensive planning to improve the service system, and to act as a venue to convene community input.  NORAPC’s vision is to create a high quality comprehensive coordinated HIV care system to promoteRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: McKenzie Coco of FSC Interactive

| May 13, 2014

McKenzie Coco is the dynamic, energetic, enthusiastic, and all-around-fun  President of FSC Interactive, a web-based marketing company that she founded locally in 2007.  Although originally from Pensacola, Florida, McKenzie has called herself a New Orleanian since 1997. When asked to describe her business, McKenzie told us, “FSC Interactive is an agency specializing in search marketing strategy, social media management, paid search advertising, search engine optimization, web site audits and local SEO.”  In other words, she and her company can help your business get its website and social media noticed! Here are McKenzie’s responses to our “fun facts” survey: Why do you love owning a business in NOLA?  First – I love living in New Orleans.  And the New Orleans business community has been very goodRead Full Article

OpenTable App and Website Review

| May 8, 2014

If you are from New Orleans, currently live in New Orleans, or ever visit New Orleans, food is probably very important to you.  You take dining out seriously. So do we!  That’s why we are very avid users of OpenTable.  Both the website and the app (for both Android and iOS) allow you to locate restaurants, read reviews, make reservations, and write reviews for over 20,000 restaurants in the United States alone.  They also have restaurant listings for numerous European cities. True story: My husband, Chief Nerd Darrin, and I wanted to grab some food at a popular downtown restaurant prior to an evening Saints game.  When we approached the host station, we were told there was no availability.  Darrin walked outside, logged onto theRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: Christine Vinson of Vinson Guard Service

| April 29, 2014

Christine M. Vinson is the new face of Vinson Guard Service, a security company founded by her grandfather fifty-one years ago.  With its corporate office in New Orleans, Vinson Guard operates twenty offices located across multiple states.  Christine, however, is firmly rooted in New Orleans, having lived here her entire life (though she admits to “sleeping in Old Metry”). When asked about her family’s business, Christine told us, “Vinson Guard is one of the largest privately owned security organizations in the United States.  We strive to provide an exceptional level of service and care to our customers by building our team with individuals dedicated to the same goals.” Here are Christine’s answers to our “fun facts” questions: Why do you love owning a business inRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: Dr. Pamela Shaw

| April 22, 2014

Pamela Shaw, a beloved local children’s dentist, is originally from New York, but has lived in New Orleans since 1991.  She opened her practice–Pamela Shaw DDS Dentistry for Children–in 1993.  When asked to describe her practice, Dr. Shaw said, “We specialize in taking care of your children’s dental needs in a unique and comfortable space.  We strive to help children have a healthy smile for their lifetime.” Here are Dr. Shaw’s responses to our “fun facts” questions: Why do you love owning a business in NOLA? New Orleans has allowed me to have a quality practice while also allowing me to enjoy a city with an amazing diversity of culture! What’s your favorite NOLA neighborhood to live in? I love many neighborhoods, from Uptown to Mid City,Read Full Article

Client Spotlight: Rory Picou of Premier Fitness

| April 14, 2014

New Orleans native Rory Picou founded Premier Fitness ten years ago.  In that time, Premier Fitness, centrally located on Airline Highway, has grown into a world-class exercise facility, accommodating everyone from serious athletes to the casually-fit.  When asked about his popular health club, Rory had this to say: “Premier has defied tradition and has given new meaning to the word fitness. We’ve packed over 25 years of industry insight, management expertise and member feedback into the finest fitness facility ever established in the New Orleans area. The result is an uncommon blend of aesthetic sensibility with uncompromising service, specifically designed to bridge the gap between intimidation and confidence. At Premier Fitness we will do as much for your individuality as for your body.” Here areRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: Wendy Dolan with Get Online NOLA

| April 9, 2014

You have probably seen Wendy Dolan’s work–in fact, she designed Rent-A-Nerd’s new custom website (which we think is great!).  Born and raised in Houma, Wendy lived in as many places as possible before settling down in New Orleans in 2011.  Here she founded Get Online NOLA, a locally-minded offspring of her world-wide website design company, Faudo (which she and her husband founded in 2008 and which is now also based in New Orleans). Although Faudo’s clients extend from Los Angeles to New York, London, and beyond, Get Online NOLA was developed specifically for local small and mid-sized businesses that desperately need a website, but may not have the resources to build or maintain a custom site.  Through Get Online Nola, Wendy is providing local businessRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: Glen Hogh with Vega Tapas Cafe

| April 1, 2014

If you’ve ever been to Vega Tapas Cafe, on Metairie Road, you probably know (or met) its vivacious owner, Glen Hogh.  Glen was born and raised in Metairie, and says he’s here “for life!”  That’s a bold statement from someone who has traveled the world searching for cooking inspiration for his popular restaurant and catering company, which he’s owned for almost eighteen years! Glen describes Vega Tapas as “the first to introduce small plates to the New Orleans area.  We have a casual, chic atmosphere with an extensive wine list, serving original, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.”  He loves owing a business here because of “the enthusiasm of the spirit of NOLA diners!”  Here are his responses to our fun facts questions: Favorite NOLA neighborhood to live in:Read Full Article

Client Spotlight: Michelle with Swap Boutique

| March 25, 2014

Michelle Reinhardt, a New Orleans native, opened Swap Boutique just over five years ago.  It has grown from one shop to four locations, including Metairie Road, Maple Street, Magazine Street, and Perkins Road in Baton Rouge. In her own words, Michelle describes Swap as follows: “Swap Boutique is a fresh, contemporary designer consignment shop, a haven for fashionable and budget conscious women. Each dress, shoe, and handbag is chosen deliberately for the discerning eye of our customers. We cater to the fashion-minded shopper who appreciates current trends and loves to get a deal.” Here are Michelle’s response to our “fun facts” questions (yep, just like we did for the Nerds): Why do you love owning a business in NOLA?  The people. The community. The culture.Read Full Article

Meet the Nerds, Part VII: Charlotte Piotrowski

| March 18, 2014

I am the final Nerd in our “Meet the Nerds” series, and it is really hard to interview myself!  I’m happily and proudly married to the chief Nerd, Darrin, and joined Rent-A-Nerd on a part-time basis in the fall of 2013, when we realized I had a lot of ideas that we wanted to implement.  I focus on our online presence and business development.  Be sure to read my article about working with your spouse here! So, here are my responses to the “fun facts” questions: What’s your Favorite local restaurant:  It depends on my mood, though I am always in the mood to go to Martinique and Ralph’s on the Park.  For special occasions, I love Clancy’s and Patois.  I think a casual breakfastRead Full Article

Out of Milk App Review

| March 13, 2014

Don’t you hate it when you get to the store and can’t remember everything you’re supposed to pick up (especially when it was only three or four items!)?  Wouldn’t you like to be able to easily send your spouse your list of items when he’s swinging by the store on the way home?  How about create a shared to-do list? I recently discovered the Out of Milk app, and it does all of the above, plus more!  This little app allows you to keep and share grocery lists and to-do lists, easily with other people.  And, it’s really easy to add items onto the grocery list–there’s even a quick scan option: just hold your phone above the bar code and press the scan button.  ThatRead Full Article