Northern Illlinois Computer Exchange owner Glen Gratz has been selling new and used
computers since 1984. He opened Micro Resales in Urbana, IL in September 1984. He
moved that store to Champaign, IL in 1993. Many people in Champaign county or the
surrounding counties bought their first computer from Micro Resales. In 1994 he bought
the Computerland Franchise with the help of investor John Swanberg. When his wife
Mary Beth was transferred from the Airlines from Champaign to Chicago both business
were sold to John Oster. A computer store still resides at the former location of Micro
Resales on Neil Street in Champaign.

 

In April of 1995 Northern Illinois Computer Exchange was opened in Capron, IL
near Glen's hometown of Harvard, IL. This small operation still sells custom built
new computers and used computers. As customers migrate from an older system to a
newer one Northern Illinois Computer Exchange helps transfer data so that important
information is not lost. In 2001 shortly after 9/11 when most businesses were running
scared, Glen Gratz opened Stateline Computer Exchange in Beloit. In 2005 that business
was restructured with partner Steve Larson and is now operated at 420 E. Grand in
downtown Beloit. Similar services are provided by both stores.