A recent graduate of Barton Community College has started his career in technology at Office Products Inc. in Great Bend. Michael Doyle is the new copier technician at the downtown business.

Doyle earned his associate’s degree in applied science with an emphasis in computer networking. He is now studying for his bachelor’s degree in computer networking and security.

"It may sound confusing to have a computer background and work as a copier technician," Doyle said. "But copiers today are highly advanced and function like a computer in many ways. There are a lot of networking capabilities in a copier too."

Doyle maintains and services copiers at a customer’s business or at OPI, depending on the situation. OPI, which is a Canon dealer, also services many other types of office equipment.

The new technician said he wanted to begin his career at OPI "because it is a professional organization and they will give me every opportunity to succeed."

All OPI copier technicians begin their special training with a two-week course in Dallas and Doyle will take advantage of this opportunity in September. Upon completion of the applied technologies course, Doyle will be factory trained and certified on the mid-speed business class of Canon copiers. All OPI technicians are factory trained on the Canon models they service, and obtain multiple certifications to keep current with new technology and models.

Doyle is from Kansas City, Kan., and went to BCC on a tennis scholarship. He has family in Pratt.

Willie Spires, OPI service manager, said Doyle’s educational background and spirit of teamwork were the reasons he was hired. "Michael and his skills will serve our customers well," Spires said. "He is a great fit for OPI."

OPI is located at 1204 Main in Great Bend, 516 Broadway in Larned and 724 N. Main in Russell.