You Can Be Confident, Capable, and Secure in All Your Tech

We are Fundamentally Reforming the Way People Experience Tech Support
Because Everyone is Worthy of Being
Confident, Capable, and Secure in ALL Their Technology.

Why Computer Samurai?

Technology Support Should Feel Personal, Proactive, and Trustworthy.

Computer Samurai exists to help people become confident, capable, and secure in all their technology. Not by overwhelming them with jargon, but by building an ongoing relationship around education, protection, support, and clear guidance.

Start With a Free ConsultationExplore Memberships
Members of every age who are confident, capable, and secure with their technology
Since 2009Helping people and small businesses navigate technology.
Plain-English GuidanceWe explain technology without talking down to you.
Proactive ProtectionSecurity, monitoring, maintenance, and education before emergencies.
Relationship FirstA familiar team that gets to know you and your technology.
Meet your guides

Real People. Familiar Faces.

One of the biggest differences between Computer Samurai and a traditional help desk is that you are not starting over with a stranger every time you need help. Our team gets to know the people we serve, the technology they use, and the way they prefer to learn.

Erik Haapala, Computer Samurai

Erik Haapala

Founder & Co-Owner

I’m the founder and co-owner of Computer Samurai, which I started with my wife, Kathy, in 2009. I’ve been a technology enthusiast all my life, and my entrepreneurial journey began when I started my first business at age nine. I earned my degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of St. Thomas and have called Dassel home since 1999.

I’m passionate about technology and love helping people use it more capably and securely. Outside the office, I enjoy reading, motorcycling, and flower gardening. I especially love spending time with our five grandchildren, who range in age from three to fourteen.

Kathy Haapala, Computer Samurai

Kathy Haapala

Co-Founder & Co-Owner

One of the greatest joys of my job is interacting with members. I love meeting new people and reconnecting with current or former members, who have also become friends. I truly enjoy visiting and connecting.

I work with an amazing team, and whenever I have an issue and need help, they are all by my side ready to help. I know I can always depend on them. We are blessed!

Erin Adams, Computer Samurai

Erin Adams

Team Integrator & Marketing Manager

I believe great things happen when people are connected and working toward a common goal. As Team Integrator and Marketing Manager, I enjoy fostering collaboration and leveraging technology to make communication and teamwork easier for everyone.

That’s why I’m so passionate about Computer Samurai’s mission: everyone deserves to be confident, capable, and secure in their technology and connected with their family.

Travis Paehlke, Computer Samurai

Travis Paehlke

Special Projects Engineer

I’ve been with Computer Samurai for nearly five years, and I enjoy being the person people turn to when a technical problem gets tricky. I like tackling challenging issues, figuring out how things work, and finding solutions that make life easier for our clients. Whether I’m setting up new systems, working on a project, or chasing down an issue that just doesn’t make sense, I’m always up for a challenge.

Outside of work, I’m a loyal Vikings fan, enjoy spending time on the golf course, and help coach 12U soccer. I’ve also collected my fair share of cornhole trophies over the years, so you could say I enjoy a little friendly competition.

Scott Cox, Computer Samurai

Scott Cox

Member Relations Manager

I enjoy helping our members with their technology and making sure they feel confident and capable using it. Whether it’s answering questions, troubleshooting problems, or showing them how to use different devices and applications, I’m always happy to help.

I believe technology should make life easier, not more stressful, so I strive to be patient, understanding, and supportive when assisting our members. It brings me joy to know that I can make a positive difference by helping them learn something new, solve a problem, or feel more confident with their technology.

Emma Bradley, Computer Samurai

Emma Bradley

Operations Manager

As the Operations Manager at Computer Samurai, I enjoy finding creative ways to improve processes, stay organized, and make both our team’s and our members’ experiences better. I love learning new things, solving problems, and finding opportunities to put my creativity to work.

Outside of the office, I’m a certified Pilates and Lagree instructor with a lifelong passion for movement and teaching. I’m also an avid reader and currently working on writing my first novel. Whether I’m teaching a class, getting lost in a good book, or tackling a new project, I’m happiest when I’m learning, creating, and challenging myself!

Austin Hedlund, Computer Samurai

Austin Hedlund

Member Support Specialist

I love technology and am always excited to learn new things and explore how technology continues to evolve. During my time at Computer Samurai, I’ve enjoyed expanding my knowledge through training courses, hands-on experience, and personal projects. Recently, I’ve been exploring artificial intelligence through a project I’m working on with a friend, which has been a great opportunity to learn more about AI and its real-world applications.

I’m passionate about finding new ways to use technology to solve problems, improve efficiency, and make everyday tasks easier. There’s always something new to learn in the tech world, and that’s what keeps me excited about what I do!

Nicholas Stroud, Computer Samurai

Nicholas Stroud

Member Support Manager

I’ve always had a passion for technology, problem-solving, and figuring out how things work. Whether I’m troubleshooting a complicated technical issue, improving our processes, exploring new technologies, or taking on a project I’ve never attempted before, I’m always up for a challenge. I believe there’s always something new to learn, and I’m not afraid to dive into unfamiliar territory to figure things out.

I enjoy sharing my knowledge, helping others, and finding creative solutions to everyday problems. Both at work and in my personal life, my curiosity keeps me busy with new projects, hobbies, and skills. If there’s something I don’t know how to do, chances are I’ll find a way to learn!

Curtis Davidson, Computer Samurai

Curtis Davidson

Member Engagement Specialist

Growing up I was always fascinated with technology. It was the only outlet that allowed me to be logical and creative at the same time. It was a world with new possibilities everywhere I looked.

I chased that fascination out of state, where I attended and graduated from the University of North Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in IT. Being out of state was a fun adventure, but I knew my home was where I grew up, in small town, Minnesota.

I’m thankful to Computer Samurai for the opportunity to work with technology while also helping the community I love so much. Although I am new to the company, I am eager to see what the future has in store for me here.

A different kind of tech support

We Don’t Just Fix Technology. We Help You Feel Better About Using It.

Traditional tech support is usually reactive: wait until something breaks, find someone available, explain everything from the beginning, and hope the fix lasts. Computer Samurai is built around a longer relationship. We help keep systems updated, monitored, protected, and supported while also teaching people how to use technology more safely and confidently.

Use technology effectively.

Setup, maintenance, updates, repairs, replacements, passwords, encryption, MFA, and practical recommendations.

Use technology safely.

Better situational awareness, scam recognition, monitoring, malware protection, safer account practices, and ongoing education.

Use technology to enhance life.

Work from home, communication, entertainment, mobile devices, Wi-Fi, media, data, and the connected technology around you.

The principles behind the service

Three Things Good Technology Support Should Do

01

Reduce Uncertainty

You should know who to call, what the next step is, and why a recommendation makes sense.

02

Prevent Problems

Monitoring, updates, security, backups, safer habits, and education should happen before a crisis whenever possible.

03

Build Confidence

The goal is not dependence on a technician. It is helping you feel more capable while knowing expert support is nearby.

Our story

It Started With Helping Friends and Family.

Computer Samurai was founded in September 2009 by Erik and Kathy Haapala. Erik had long been the person friends and family called when technology became confusing, frustrating, or unreliable.

What began naturally (sharing knowledge, troubleshooting problems, and helping people feel comfortable with technology) grew into a company built around that same human approach.

From “the person you call” to a complete support relationship.

Today, the Computer Samurai team combines personal help with services that individuals and very small businesses often cannot get from traditional consumer tech support.

  • Unlimited and ongoing support options
  • Monitoring, maintenance, and cybersecurity
  • Educational experiences and anti-scam guidance
  • New Computer Experiences
  • Small-business technology services
Samurai vs. standard

You Shouldn’t Have to Start Over With a Stranger Every Time Technology Breaks.

Large companies depend on ongoing professional IT relationships. Individuals, families, solopreneurs, and very small businesses deserve access to that same idea: people who know the environment, maintain it, protect it, and help make good decisions over time. That is the gap Computer Samurai was created to fill.

Not a crowded counter. Not an anonymous help desk. A technology relationship.

Compare Samurai vs. Standard
Confident. Capable. Secure.

Want to See If We’re the Right Fit?

Start with a simple conversation. We’ll listen first, answer your questions clearly, and help you decide what makes sense.

Schedule a Free ConsultationCall 320-334-2877