Four Inane Questions with Akins PC Repair’s Cody Akins

Photo Courtesy of Cody Akins

Just when IT guru Cody Akins thinks he’s seen it all, along comes an even more insane computer issue to deal with. From cyber-hacking to waterlogged servers, Akins says no two days are even remotely similar at Akins PC Repair. “For some reason, computers have always come naturally to me,” he says. “When it comes to troubleshooting, very rarely is it ever the same issue over and over again.”

Akins—who recently won The Pitch’s coveted 2024 Best IT/Computer Services category—tells us he also enjoys the opportunity to learn about several different professions and how they operate. “This allows me to design different computer networks and support systems for multiple styles of businesses,” he says. “Also, technology is constantly evolving, so I get to avoid the typical punch-in punch-out.”

After ten years in business, Akins and his team are moving from Harrisonville to new digs in Belton on Main Street. “The new store puts us in a more centralized location to better serve our clients by spending less time on the road,” he says. “It’s also a lot closer to my home, so when an emergency pops up, I can zip over to the shop to help people.”

And, ironically, he jokes—”We also gain access to internet speeds that are not available at our current location. And we’re also bringing in some new services and products such as phone insurance plans and used mobile devices in the coming months.”

We caught up with the computer whiz in the midst of his move to ping him with our whackadoo questionnaire. He reminded us not to use Windex on our laptop screen. Bless.

Photo Courtesy of Cody Akins

The Pitch: As a computer repair guru, what one weird tool/piece of equipment can you not live without? 

Cody Akins: The handy-dandy screwdriver kit. And it must be a full kit. We get into some phones and computers that use five different screw head sizes. I get into a certain laptop screen replacement, and I have to use a Star 1.2, T4, T5, T8 security, and Phillips. I get different screw sizes, but please keep them all the same form factor.

In your humble opinion, what’s the number one way to get hacked? 

Just not paying attention.

Most hacks occur because someone thinks they are dealing with something legit, like a major computer company or a local marketplace seller. People give out way too much info too easily. What street did you grow up on? If you answered that, you just gave away a common security answer. Want to avoid your social media getting hacked? Never share any type of code with anyone on social media. Also, don’t make deposits with those instant transfer money apps without activating buyer protection.

The Chiefs are playing. What appetizer/snack are you bringing to the watch party? 

Honey BBQ wings because wings are freakin’ awesome!

Money is no object. What’s your dream car/truck? 

The Nissan GT-R. The car is just beautiful and powerful. It would just be loads of fun to cruise around in.

Bonus 5th Question: You can banish one pop singer to exile. Who are you choosing?       

Pre-Travis Kelce, I would’ve said Taylor Swift because so many of her songs were about her mistakes. We all have problems. Post them on social media and move on with your life like the rest of us, but she makes TK happy and she really gets into Chiefs games, so she is now tolerable. 

However, I have to say, if I would banish anyone, it has to be Ariana Grande. I can’t explain how or why, but something about her just annoys me.