DePauw students opening new business Thursday in Greencastle

The Greencastle Chamber of Commerce just recently enrolled its two newest members, a pair of undergraduate entrepreneurs who are bringing new computer and web solutions to the Greencastle and Greater Putnam County communities.

The firms' names are ITS For You and Refine Sites.

Richard Walsh (left) and George Velazquez, both DePauw University juniors, are Greencastle entrepreneurs as well, opening businesses in the local community.

ITS For You was founded by DPU junior George Velazquez of Chicago. ITS stands for Integrated Technology Services.

Refined Sites is the brainchild of DPU junior Richard Walsh of Chillicothe, Ohio, who started his business in Greencastle in January 2012 "to provide sustainable business solutions for a great affordable price."

This is the first time either company has had its very own physical offices in the city to serve clients directly, according to the two supercharged young businessmen from the DePauw student body.

The public grand opening for the two new businesses is set for Thursday, Sept. 12 at their joint offices at 107 E. Washington St., Suite B, adjacent to the law offices of John Zeiner.

The grand opening at 4 p.m. Thursday, Velazquez said, will be an opportunity for the greater community to meet the two owners and enjoy light refreshments as well.

ITS For You and Refined Sites "are striving to be the complete technology solution for Greencastle businesses and individuals needing these services," Velazquez pointed out.

To reach ITS For You, persons may call 773-234-8748. To reach Refines Sites, persons may call 1-877-949-9644.

"We plan on staying and providing our service for as long as we are needed. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a child to start my own company and help those in need," Walsh said.

"I was inspired to do so by my father who founded his own company in Chicago," he added.

Walsh emphasizes his company's effort will be to "advance business through innovation." Walsh, who is also a DePauw Bonner Scholar, began his career at DePauw developing websites for not-for-profit organizations.

ITS For You is said to have expanded its services to provide for all the needs of consumers, Velazquez noted. Such services include assistance with phone repair, computer repair, technical training, a mentor/intern program, consultation, home and office visits and constant support.

This is the 20-year-old Velazquez's second new business. He co-founded a company called 10 Second Labs Inc. in Chicago that develops Android applications and websites. Like many children, he also had a lemonade stand in addition to selling candy.

Velazquez spent the past summer in Greencastle working with local businesses on behalf of his employer.