Control Technologies Inc.*

Still Fun, Successful and Growing with the Technology

Craig Pair is a walking advertisement for vocational education in general and Westark Community College in particular. In 1986, while recovering from a knee injured on an Oklahoma oilfield job, Pair enrolled at the Fort Smith school to master the field of computer repair, which at that time was obscure.

He’s still at it, running Control Technologies, a small, profitable company serving the Fort Smith area.

Control Technologies specializes in the custom design, installation and maintenance of process control and data acquisition systems for business and industry. The company develops custom, adaptable software that is easily modified and upgraded. Control Technologies’ services include production machine control, production scheduling, and tracing hardware and software. In addition, the company offers high-tech troubleshooting and maintenance.

President of the local school board, Pair is a regular career-day speaker at local schools. He participates in the technology committee at his children’s school, raising funds and helping install a 30-station computer laboratory.

“Even with the ups and downs of small-business ownership, this is still a great job,” Pair said. “The fact that I have a direct hand in shaping my future and providing a positive influence in my community is something that I would like to pass on to my children.”

Rather than bemoan the shortage of skilled technology workers, Pair said, Control Technologies takes advantage of the opportunity to train workers.

“I work with outstanding people and serve wonderful customers that have given me ample opportunities and challenges that keep work exciting,” Pair said.

“The ability to envision a better future, coupled with the hope and determination that must reside in the heart of every small- business owner, is the biggest contribution that I think I could make to my community.”